Aortic aneurysm surgery aftercare

What do we need to do to prepare for my husband's care at home after aortic aneurysm surgery? We just found and are still in a bit of shock about it. Surgery in a couple of weeks. Thank you.

There is a certain amount of “it depends” in any answers. Is it an ascending aortic aneurysm or an abdominal aortic aneurysm? What the surgeon would do would be different for those. And to some extent what you might need would be slightly different.

I had time to prepare for my surgery which was going to require open heart surgery. I did a lot of chair sit and stands to strengthen my legs since I could not push off with my arms for a while. Where you have less time consider how your husband will stand up, sit down, get in or out of bed and do regular person functions.

Tell us a little more so we can be more specific to help you out. Lots of us have been through this!

Hi @dixiedoodle

I'd like to invite @lsrchevy68, @frisco07, @martinkennot, @rlhix, and @richardhadley who all shared their experience or the experience of a loved one after their aorta procedure. They may be able to share some pointers on how to best prepare your home for after surgery.

@dixiedoodle, you mentioned you are in a bit of shock. I can imagine the news of needing aortic surgery was a bit overwhelming, how are you and your husband processing the news?

Hi @dixiedoodle
In my early days of joining this group I posted a huge list of everything i learned i needed but I never had. You see i had 5 minutes between learning i needed emergency surgery and when I had it. So really no time at all to prepare.
I will try to find that list.
But for now here we go...
First and it's a touchy subject, get your affairs in order. Tell family and friends if you prefer that you are going to have your surgery. And not being negative tell them things should go well but if not...
Next contact these people and get them on board for your support. "I am having a surgery and right after it I am going to need your help". Rally the troops.
Next think about what you need in the hospital after surgery and then after your discharge. Clothes and toiletries. You are going to have a sore and weak chest. You cannot move your arms. And likely you will have to sleep on your back. Get used to it now. I didn't have that chance of course but after hospital it took me six weeks until back sleeping was okay.
Learn to not use your arms for anything. Practice now. Stop using your arms for even the smallest thing. Sitting up sitting down. Turning. Looking up. Taking things from a shelf. Bending over.
Think about shirts and shorts. Pyjamas should be uncomplicated.
Shoes slip on. Get a chair for putting on shoes. Get a chair for the shower. Learn to wash in the bath or shower without using your arms. You won't be able to wash everywhere and will need some help.
The hospital will tell you to get out of bed. Bed is for sleeping. Get a comfortable chair for reading or TV. And rest a lot.
Recover. Concentrate on your recovery. Eat good food that is ready or quick to prepare. Or get assistance or deliveries of proper nutritious food. Feed your heart and body. Treat it well and it will serve you equally.
Get your toileting sorted. How do you go #1 or 2 ? No shame here. Think about it. You will recover in the hospital but it might be different there at home.
Do you need assistance walking?
Eg i couldnt walk after the ICU but then i could. Your experience may differ. Think about hiring a walker. Forget crutches or sticks. You can't move your arms.
Try to make things as simple as possible. Things you may not have ever thought about.
Get your entertainment sorted. You should have a phone in hospital to make calls or watch videos. Takes the boredom away. After your release you will need simple and comfortable surroundings.
Some people get a heart pillow. Something to hold on your chest to brace yourself when attempting to move. Brace and sit up. Brace and get out of the chair.
I never had a pillow. No time to even think about it. But I wish I did.
Button up shirts and pyjamas. Slip on pants. Avoid wrestling with underwear. Be a slob for a bit. You earned it.
Talk to your neighbours. Tell them about what is going to happen. And ask for their help. They will. Tell them the surgery war stories and make it fun. People are compassionate.
Forget about driving a car. Sort out transport that you might need at your six week review. I was allowed to drive at 12 weeks. But i preferred not to.
Your sternum will be tender and your chest sore. The nerves and muscles will have forgotten how to work. Take it easy and relearn.
Get used to walking. Walking is your best exercise. At first you will be slow and cautious. Soon you will be tearing up the sidewalk. Get your best muscles engaged and your heart back on track. DO NOT STRESS YOUR BODY. If it hurts then stop. If it gets sore then rest. But don't push past your limits.
Tell people where you are and where you are going. Keep in touch. Keep numbers handy. 911 home neighbours and friends.
Keep your mind active. You will think deeply about your place in the universe and why things had to happen. We all do that. Then think about everyone here and how we all went through it ahead of you. I can't promise how you will think about things but I can promise you that things will be fine and from there things will be better.
There are people here with incredible stories and I want to hear yours when you're ready.
Lastly but most of all... tell your wife you love her. ❤️

Hi! Everyone I am 9 days out from surgery and still have a lot of pain. 9 days ago my surgeon preformed Ascending Aortic Aneurysm surgery I was sent home with no additional medication other than Plavix 75mg once a day. I was not told of any other rehabilitation. So I’m kind of lost until I see the doctor on July 8th any one have any suggestions. They went through the femoral arteries and prepped the arteries on my wrist.

I got a lot of good ideas before my aneurysm surgery knowing that I would have open heart surgery. The site I found most helpful on recovery was the University of Alberta. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/heart-surgery/recovering-at-home

Of course not everything you see will be what you go through. But it gives you a good idea.

@martinkennot Good listing! Thank you, @martinkennot . From my experience as a nurse, many of the things you mentioned will be taught to you by physical therapy. Or you could hire a physical therapist who will come to your house. That is what I did when I realized that I needed better training. Not cheap, but well worth every penny!

@becsbuddy You are very correct. I was taught to walk again right after ICU. A physiotherapist taught me to walk again. At first I said "Really? Of course I can walk." But after only five days in ICU I felt like my body had completely forgotten. My legs just did not move - and I think this was the rewiring that my brain had during heart bypass.
I was assessed by a social worker prior to release who determined my needs. It was at that point I realised that some people might require more than others. But I had no idea what I would need because I had no time to prepare myself for a surgery, a hospital stay, or life after returning home.