Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  AAA open repair recovery - how can I help my mom?

    Posted 05-06-2021 11:49
    My 77 year old mother has an aortic aneurysm that has grown enough to need open repair surgery, and I'll be caring for her when she gets out of the hospital. I know that recovery looks pretty different depending on a ton of factors, but does anyone here have general advice from firsthand experience about what to expect and how I can help?

    I'm trying to get in touch with her doctors, and I'm reading everything I can find online, of course. I'm hoping that some folks who have gone through it might have advice that I'm missing from these pamphlets and web pages.

    --
    Jessie Young
    Illustrator (Jessie Young - Art Geek)
    Boston, MA

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    Jessie Young
    illustrator
    MA
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  • 2.  RE: AAA open repair recovery - how can I help my mom?

    Posted 05-07-2021 11:43
    Jessie, I'm and experienced  O H patient and a M H visitor-14 year.. No medical comments but actual on the job training.  MUSIC  MUSIC  MUSIC. 
    I have found that it reduces stress and puts your thinking in a much better place. Subject to her condition in the ICU but once in step down ,
    plug her in any way she feels comfortable. I had a CABG X 4, WAY BACK (1996) at 58 and a second 8 years later
    . What ever she likes that puts a smile on her face.
    NOW the medical people have actually stated--"MUSIC reduces stress and helps the body heal".
    It blocks out the beeping hospital sounds that made me nuts.
    She will enjoy those moments and her head will leave the hospital.. 
    Best of luck,
    David Rosen

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    David Rosen
    Lake Worth FL
    (561) 969-7010
    DavidRosenLake WorthFL
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  • 3.  RE: AAA open repair recovery - how can I help my mom?

    Posted 05-08-2021 19:55

    Dear Jessie, 
    My name is Andrea (Andie), and I had an AAA
    in January, 2019. There are not a lot of people with this, as with other heart and valve conditions.
    It was shocking to find out that the solution was open heart surgery. 
    Everyone is different, and finds joy and peace in different things. Open Heart Surgery left me feeling weak and helpless, so it made me feel better to see you very little bit of progress, like being able to wash my own hair again.
    My husband borrowed a shower chair and that was a big help. Wearing button down shirts for several weeks helped, and I wore one to the hospital; you can't lift your hands above your head easily for a little while. 
    I made sure I followed the directions for the spirometer (little plastic breathing gizmo), and walked on a regular schedule. 
    Medications!!!!I kept a written schedule and list close by for her and have her check them off.
    Visits from friends were good spirit builders, but only short ones.
    I used a meditation for healing after surgery cd/ on my phone. It helped me to let go of worry and anxiety. It is by Belleruth Naparstek. She also has one that I listened to prior to surgery, and it was so helpful for me. I was prepared emotionally.
    Accept meals and help, and don't run yourself ragged. It is not good for you or your Mom.
    My love and prayers for a successful surgery for your Mom




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    Andrea Broding
    School Psychologist Retired
    Santee CA
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  • 4.  RE: AAA open repair recovery - how can I help my mom?

    Posted 05-10-2021 11:27
    Jessie, have you gotten a second, or even a third opinion? If this is an abdominal aneurysm, as your title suggests, the minimally invasive stenting has advanced enormously in recent years. There are many different options and many institutions that are specialized in them. I would look around. I have nursed family members after both open and minimally invasive AAA repairs and I can tell you that the difference in the recovery process is night and day. I am not saying that the open procedure might not turn out to be best for your mom, just that you should check it out carefully before proceeding.






  • 5.  RE: AAA open repair recovery - how can I help my mom?

    Posted 05-10-2021 11:42
    Sadly it's not up to me. I've asked, and she's happy with the doctors and the treatment she's getting, so she's planning on going through with it as is on 5/18.

    --
    Jessie Young
    Illustrator (Jessie Young - Art Geek)
    Boston, MA


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    Jessie Young
    illustrator
    MA
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