First post after bypass surgery(My Mother ...
In a message dated 9/6/03 7:13:08 AM Central Daylight Time, corameye@... writes: << They didn't have to do the valve replacement but at the same time he mentioned that do to her taking pressure medicine for a long period of time the her heart became thick. This happens often with patients who have valve disease. The cardiologists like to postpone surgery as long as possible, using blood pressure meds, but the down side is that the heart muscle thickens. The (valve replacement) surgeons like to operate before this thickening happens. Having been down this road, I now think the surgeons have the right idea. I'm surprised he did not replace the valve since that is the common cause of thickening. Did he say if her Coronary Artery Disease was the cause instead? Did she have an Echocardiogram before surgery? or a TEE (TransEsophageal Echo) ? The TEE give a more definitive picture of valve operation than the standard echo. After they remove the ventilator, it is VERY IMPORTANT for her to do the breathing exercises with the Incentive Spirometer. This will help reinflate the lungs and drive out fluids. Insufficient lung recovery can lead to pneumonia. She does NOT want to go there (voice of experience). After my second surgery (for a valve job) I was told to do the breathing exercises for 10 minutes every 2 hours, which is more than the standard recommendation. This was good advice. 'AL' (Bypass and Valve Replacement survivor)
In a message dated 9/6/03 7:13:08 AM Central Daylight Time, corameye@... writes: << my mohter inlaw developed irregular heart beat and they had to get her heart stabblize her berfore they continue. Irregular heart beats following surgery are VERY common. In most cases, the heart doc's are pretty ho-hum about these and they resolve as the heart heals. They can be a bit 'alarming' to the patient and family until they become used to how they feel and what to expect. 'MOST' of them are not life threatening. There is one type that is. If that happens, it's all over in a very short time (seconds). There is a LOT of information on Atrial Fibrilation in the archives on ValveReplacement.com which can be found through the Search feature. Sleep typically comes in short periods (2 to 3 hours at a time) for several weeks. A recliner may be more comfortable for the first few weeks until the sternum heals. The BEST way to restore mobility and stamina is to WALK, every day, for a few minutes until the body says it needs to rest. Generally speaking, every day she will be able to do a little more than the day before. There may be some small setbacks, but on a week by week basis the trend should show an increase. Improvement will continue for 6 months to a year. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a GREAT help in recovery if insurance will cover it. If not, at least visit a rehab class, watch what the patients do and ask the nurses for copies of their recommended exercises. The VR.com mantra is: Walk, Walk, Walk, Breathe, Breathe, Breathe, NAP, NAP, NAP (NAPS are GREAT ! ) Best wishes for a good recovery, 'AL'