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Advice on recovery from AAA surgery

Posted by wtamminen @wtamminen, Mar 23 12:00pm

I have an ascending aortic aneurysm that I have been living with for over 10 years. It has grown to 5.2 cm. My doctors have told me it is now time for surgery. My surgery is scheduled for April 9th. I am 72 and in reasonably good health for my age. My question is for those of you who have been through the surgery. Do you have any advice or suggestions for me and my wife on to expect going through recovery and what type plans and preparations to make? My surgeon has told me that I will be in the hospital for a week and full recovery will take 6 to 8 weeks.

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houston13 | @houston13 | Mar 23 12:46pm

Everyone is different but being in good shape makes a big difference, I had mine 5 years ago and was back to work in 3 weeks. The first week of course is the hardest, the pain in your sternum, especially when you sneeze, cough, laugh, etc they will give you a pillow to embrace and hold your chest, and it will become your best friend the first couple of weeks. I also installed a toilet bidet seat, following someone’s recommendation, reaching back with your arm may be painful and the bidet helps. I found a comfy chair where I would rest, tried to walk as much as I could (they advise you to walk from the moment you are in ICU) . Remember that the surgeon will manhandle organs that are not meant to be touched and the body will take time to adjust to that trauma, I felt really bad at times but those moments would not last long. It will all be over before you know it, having taken care of your body will pay dividends now!!! Find a good cardiologist to follow up with, one that is an expert in aortic diseases, it makes a big difference. Wish you all the best on your surgery and recovery!!!!

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wtamminen | @wtamminen | Mar 23 10:27pm
In reply to @houston13 "Everyone is different but being in good shape makes a big difference, I had mine 5..." + (show)
@houston13

Everyone is different but being in good shape makes a big difference, I had mine 5 years ago and was back to work in 3 weeks. The first week of course is the hardest, the pain in your sternum, especially when you sneeze, cough, laugh, etc they will give you a pillow to embrace and hold your chest, and it will become your best friend the first couple of weeks. I also installed a toilet bidet seat, following someone’s recommendation, reaching back with your arm may be painful and the bidet helps. I found a comfy chair where I would rest, tried to walk as much as I could (they advise you to walk from the moment you are in ICU) . Remember that the surgeon will manhandle organs that are not meant to be touched and the body will take time to adjust to that trauma, I felt really bad at times but those moments would not last long. It will all be over before you know it, having taken care of your body will pay dividends now!!! Find a good cardiologist to follow up with, one that is an expert in aortic diseases, it makes a big difference. Wish you all the best on your surgery and recovery!!!!

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Thanks for the helpful information.

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