DH had open heart surgery yesterday

Yogi & Boo wrote:
Chock said: I don't know how people do it when they don't have family and friends to support them.

++++++++++++++
I can tell you how I do it Chock...you just do it. One foot in front of the other, deal with each day as it comes. The Serenity Prayer is best when I remember to ask for the acceptance of the things I cannot change.

*nods* I love a quote by Winston Churchill: If you're going through hell, keep on going. Words to live by...

Chock said: I don't know how people do it when they don't have family and friends to support them.

++++++++++++++
I can tell you how I do it Chock...you just do it. One foot in front of the other, deal with each day as it comes. The Serenity Prayer is best when I remember to ask for the acceptance of the things I cannot change.

ol' yeller wrote:
Been there Chock. My doctors and family called me a Miracle Man too. Now 4 years post heart attack, heart rupture, bypass, I still have issues but I am miles ahead of where I was 2-3 months post op.

I understand his frustration as I go there often but I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to do the stuff I can do. I can still hug my grandkids, I can tell my family how much I appreciate what they do for me. I celebrate every triumph no matter how small rather than mourn what I have lost. I had some significant damage to my heart due to the rupture but I have recovered an amazing amount of functionality since. At my last appointment with my Cardiologist last month, he told me that I was entering a new period of stability, a big win!

I'm sure you are doing this but he needs a cheerleader and that is you. I don't think I could have gotten to where I am with out the support of my wife and family. Right now is the hard part but I guarantee every day it will get better if he works at it. That means following dietary restrictions and find new habits to replace the old bad ones. I viewed my rehab as my new job. I arranged to exercise every day at the same time and took it as a point of honor when I had to push to do it. He can recover and recover well, especially if he doesn't have the damage I had from the heart attack. You seem to be the perfect spouse to help him reach his goals.

I am also a cheerleader for him as well. Tell him I am pulling for him to out do me in my recovery. He has a long road ahead of him but that is a lot better than having a short road ahead!

Oh, my! You have really been through it! I'm glad you have a great support system. I don't know how people do it when they don't have family and friends to support them.

Occasionally, DH has a "moment" of discouragement and he'll ask me if I just want to leave. I tell him I'm in this for the long haul. He has been there for me when I have gone through surgeries and chronic depression; of course I will be there for him! My wedding vows said "in sickness and in health", not "until things get difficult and you don't want to deal with it anymore."

emzee wrote:
Oh Chock, thank GOD for his blessings and your strength.

Oh, believe me, we do. We have been blessed to have strong family & friends prayer support all through this. And I figured out about 4 days into this that I needed to take care of myself. What do they say on the plane? "Parents, put your oxygen mask on first." I realized that I wasn't going to have any nursing support at home, so I started doing things to take care of myself. I take daily soaks in the tub, I make sure my hair looks nice and my clothes fit. About a week ago I allowed myself to go to the nail salon for a mani/pedi while DS27 came over to sit with his dad. I think I'm going to try to get a massage this week--my neck and upper back are very tight. I guess I've been carrying the world on my shoulders, LOL

Been there Chock. My doctors and family called me a Miracle Man too. Now 4 years post heart attack, heart rupture, bypass, I still have issues but I am miles ahead of where I was 2-3 months post op.

I understand his frustration as I go there often but I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to do the stuff I can do. I can still hug my grandkids, I can tell my family how much I appreciate what they do for me. I celebrate every triumph no matter how small rather than mourn what I have lost. I had some significant damage to my heart due to the rupture but I have recovered an amazing amount of functionality since. At my last appointment with my Cardiologist last month, he told me that I was entering a new period of stability, a big win!

I'm sure you are doing this but he needs a cheerleader and that is you. I don't think I could have gotten to where I am with out the support of my wife and family. Right now is the hard part but I guarantee every day it will get better if he works at it. That means following dietary restrictions and find new habits to replace the old bad ones. I viewed my rehab as my new job. I arranged to exercise every day at the same time and took it as a point of honor when I had to push to do it. He can recover and recover well, especially if he doesn't have the damage I had from the heart attack. You seem to be the perfect spouse to help him reach his goals.

I am also a cheerleader for him as well. Tell him I am pulling for him to out do me in my recovery. He has a long road ahead of him but that is a lot better than having a short road ahead!

Just saw this thread. Am so glad your hubby is finally feeling better, though sorry he had such a bad set back. Wishing both of you some much better days ahead!

Oh Chock, thank GOD for his blessings and your strength. I think you have a lot to do with his healing. Hang in there, I am always thinking of you guys and how it's coming along. So happy to hear things are going well, finally.

DH is exactly 1 month post-op and he's doing pretty good, all things considered. He had an unfortunate relapse about 4 days after he got home from the hospital. Went into some kidney failure and got really, really sick. We spent the whole week of July 4 in the hospital. Thankfully, they were able to get that turned around within about 4 days. He also had a seizure while he was there; apparently, someone didn't write down his seizure meds correctly so he was only getting half the usual amount. Yep, that'd do it.

DH has been home for the second time about 10 days now. He doesn't have a lot of stamina; even getting a shower this morning just left him winded and weak. The doctor called in home health PT and they are working with DH 3 days a week here at home, to build up some of the lost muscle mass from being so debilitated for so long (2-3 months now.)

But I have to say, DH has a good attitude. He gets aggravated because he can't do stuff. He's still got lifting restrictions (no lifting, pulling, or pushing more than 5-lbs.) But his chest is not longer hurting so much, just kinda sore. Nothing a little Tylenol won't fix.

I really appreciate everyone's positive thoughts and prayers. This has gone soooo much better than any of the doctors predicted.

lol - his mind is making promises his body can't keep!

I've been following your threads Chock and sending healing thoughts. This outcome is so much better than anyone expected. Hoping he has a fast healing now.

Well Chock you sure sound more light hearted about things today. Keeping you both in my prayers. He's got a great nurse!!!