DH had open heart surgery yesterday
He's done pretty well. Got off the ventilator this morning, which is quite an accomplishment itself since his lungs are so bad. The heart is getting stronger. DH is eating a very little bit and drinki...
Forum Discussion
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."
