Hi all- I have been lurking around for the last week or so as I await my 79 year old fathers Mitral Valve replacement surgery (July 13). I am sure all the other friends and family out there understand my anxiety and concern, and reading your stories has really been helpful to me in working through this and not feeling like I am the only one who is going through this. Sometimes I think my father is more calm than me about it all.
Anyway, your stories have helped tremendously- and I'll ask for some more now. Doc said he should expect maybe 2 days in ICU and something like 5-7 in hospital afterwords. What should I be expecting for when he comes home in terms of what help he will need most? He's a tough old coot and will try to shoo us away but I want to be there for him and have the right help lined up. What kinds of things did you find your loved ones needing the most help with for the first couple weeks home?
Anyway, your stories have helped tremendously- and I'll ask for some more now. Doc said he should expect maybe 2 days in ICU and something like 5-7 in hospital afterwords. What should I be expecting for when he comes home in terms of what help he will need most? He's a tough old coot and will try to shoo us away but I want to be there for him and have the right help lined up. What kinds of things did you find your loved ones needing the most help with for the first couple weeks home?