Post open heart surgery question

lilybrooke14

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Nov 14, 2007
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My mother is having open heart surgery right now. She's having a triple bypass and a valve replacement. We're going down in a few days to help with the family farm, and I want to take her a basket of things to make her stay in the hospital a little nicer. She's going to be there for about 10 days. She'll have a laptop with her, but she can't get on the internet. I've picked up two seasons of a tv show for her to watch, and a book for her to read. I also got a package of raw almonds and a package of craisins to put in there. I have no idea what she's going to be able to do physically (can she even hold a book?) and I also have no idea what she's going to be allowed to eat. Does anyone have any suggestions of other things to add? I was thinking some kind of scented bath wipes or something so that she can freshen up. I doubt she'll be able to shower for a while. Anyway, any suggestions?
 
My daddy had open heart surgery 1 1/2 years ago. While he was in CCU, I would take Witch Hazel doused cloths to wipe his face with as he was so sweaty and felt awful. Their bodies are so hot afterwards. He always said that felt good. Get the nurses to get her those toothbrushes to swab the mouth with too.

As far as afterwards, usually they are so busy breathing into their little lung thing, getting up and walking, nurses and doctors in and out, and visiting, there is not much time for anything else except for resting and/or sleeping.

Good luck to your mom! I know things will go well!
 
As a nurse who used to work on a post open heart floor....

No lotions or soaps...they tend to have to use the hospital kind (anything with fragrence will irritate the incisions)

DVDs might be nice, but don't be too hurt if she isn't up to watching them. She may be too pooped to do much of anything (than again she may be runnign the halls...everyone is different).

I know that she will need to stay away from salty foods, so start reading labels and check Sodium content of things. Ask her nurses what her restriction is so you know how much she may have in a day. Mrs Dash is a great substitute, well as great as one could be. DO NOT get her artifical salt as it is made with Potassium which can be dangerous if her level is too high.


She will probale eat her meals out of bed, then might want to rest a bit then go for a walk. things like showering, walking and eating are tiresome after open heart.


Wish her all the best!
 
My Dad had a quadruple bypass 1 1/2 ago. He could lift much of anything and spent most of his time resting. Starann described it perfectly! Dad spent a lot of time just resting. He really didn't want to watch tv and frankly I think he was just depressed afterwards. Everyone is different so I'd suggest just playing it by ear. She may be up dancing in a day or two :goodvibes

Wishing her a speedy recovery!:flower3:
 

It's been a few years since my dad had his open heart surgery, but one thing that I would suggest getting is a pillow for her. When he would cough it really helped to hold the pillow to his chest while he was coughing. We had found a pillow in a heart shape and drew the lines that were replaced on it. We also signed it for him.

I really remember him being so tired, so not sure that she will be up to much for awhile. Her diet is definately going to be restricted, so it's hard to say what she can have. Another thing was his taste buds where shot for the longest time. Nothing really tasted great to him, so don't be surprised if she doesn't eat much either.

I hope she has a speedy recovery and will keep her in my thoughts.
 












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