Comfort Questions for Upcoming Septal Myectomy

There are many contributions to several discussions about septal myectomy recovery, one of the primary takes on it is that everyone is different. What may help your son's comfort will be unique for him. One of the many questions to ask your medical team is the optimum amount of activity they want him to do during recovery. You asked about recommendations from personal experience. I found that sleeping in a recliner for a few weeks was essential for me (I tend to turn over onto my side or stomach when sleeping, avoided that while incision healed). Moving around (consult with the medical team), was very necessary and that started the day after surgery. Sitting normally at a table or on a couch or holding my tablet on my lap as I normally do were not a problem at all. Hopefully, with an OK, he will find that he may be able to do just about all of his moving nonstrenuous activities at a slower pace - quickly. Do ask about Cardio Rehab.

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect @hcmhope.
It's wonderful that you are thinking ahead to find out what you can do that will help your son's recovery from this surgery.
@walkinggirl mentions what I would echo...we are all different and heal different and have different experiences after this big surgery.
That being said your questions are great and it shows you want him to be as comfortable as possible.
Just like a mom!
In my opinion the rolling table (picture the hospital side table that you eat from) would not be all that helpful after he is home.
Yes, for certain the first few days after surgery while you are in the hospital...but when you come home, it's good to try and get back to your normal life.
Same with the wedge pillow.
I stayed in a recliner equipped with a remote control during the day for the first few weeks, slept with two pillows at my head, a pillow on each side to prop my arms up, and one to hug in the front. For some weird reason, I didn't like my arms down at my side. So the pillows were part of the routine I went through each night.
I had a lot of pillows in bed with me! This prevented me from trying to sleep on my side. You cannot sleep on your side for a while. Took me several months to roll over on my side without discomfort.

He will hopefully be able to increase his activity each day, and there are lifting instructions that are very important. No heavy lifting for a month. The sternum needs to be quiet and still in order to heal properly.

Diet is an important part of the healing journey too. Whole foods, lots of protein. Your taster is off for awhile after surgery. They say this is due to anesthesia.

Unless your son is physically unable to do daily living activities, he should not need special equipment.
You didn't mention his age or overall health. Is your son healthy and physically active now?

Thanks @walkinggirl, @karukgirl. This is incredibly helpful. I have also been reading this forum for learning everything I can, and it is comforting to know seeing so much support and firsthand info.

He is 26 and otherwise healthy. He has autism, and has a mild sleep apnea for which he has not taken up a CPAP so far (too uncomfortable, especially due to higher sensitivities due to his autism). I read that sleep apnea gets worse after septal myectomy, so I already started communication with his doctor to see if we can leave the hospital with a CPAP, in case it becomes necessary.

Thanks again for your info on this and all other posts!

You are so welcome!
It's good to know you are so involved in his care. OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) can cause increased care post-op, and once again...you are on it!
I'm so grateful that you found Mayo Clinic Connect and were able to gain some helpful information for your son.
It must be stressful going through this with him and his autism. Be sure to take care of yourself too. Do you have a support system in place to lean on? Friends, family, neighbor, church, or an autism support group?

I am 5 weeks postop septal myectomy , mitral valve repair and Aortic valve replacement. I’m just now moving from the chair into my bed to sleep . The sternum is still sore and of course cannot sleep on my side or belly. But, I am feeling better in general!!

Thanks @karukgirl. Yes, I have very good support from all the way around, so that is a blessing.

I will keep reading ...

I'm having a Septal Myectomy too! On the 8th September in Liverpool England.
I'm dreading it!
Tell your son we've got this and things are gonna get a whole lot better!
Sending lots of love from my big fat heart! Jill xx

Hello there @jillywilly123, and a warm welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
I like your online name...it sounds happy 🙂

September 8 is right around the corner...no wonder you are anxious and dreading it!!!
I was too, and remember oh so well the feelings of dread, doom, and despair.
Like a condemned prison going to the gallows! Getting my "affairs in order" was a real eye opener.

Much to my surprise, yes, it was rough, and yes, it was tough, but it was much less painful and horrible than my imagination had conjured up.
Our minds are very powerful and our thoughts can be used to help us, instead of hurt us.
Chose positive thoughts.

I hope you have had a chance to read the numerous posts here on Connect about open heart surgery/septal myectomy.
Knowing what lies ahead can be beneficial to some, and others chose to go in like a blank slate.
We each are so different.
I wanted to know everything I could about what was going to happen. I even watched numerous times, a YouTube video of a septal myectomy.
I have worked in hospitals for decades, so I was not put off by watching.
It's rather fascinating!

Have you made a list of things to ask?
Do you have any questions of your fellow HOCM members who have had this surgery?
Will you have support after surgery to help you?

Well hello there @jsl4801,
Welcome to our support group here on Mayo Clinic Connect.
5 weeks? That's pretty fresh
Sounds like you are doing pretty well. I'm glad you are feeling better overall.
It's really true about not being able to sleep on your side. You don't think about that until you have something like this surgery!
It takes time for the sternum to heal. I used five pillows at night during the first several weeks. Two at my head, two on each side to prop my arms, and one to hug. It was like a feather pillow cocoon.
It's important to protect your sternum for the necessary time. Usually six to eight weeks. You're still in the healing phase.
Where did you have your surgery done?
When is your next post-op check up?

I was operated on at Jefferson in Philadelphia by the team that used to be at Penn. I see them in early November