Hi Kevin,
Congratulations on getting your OHS done! It's nice your hospital gave you a heart pillow; my hospital did the same. In addition to supporting my chest while I coughed, I carried my pillow around the house to help me remember to not use my arms while sitting or standing. Eventually, I stopped carrying my pillow but continued to walk around the house with my arms crossed over my chest at the wrists to remind me to not use my arms.
Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting out of bed. I did too. The ICU nurses taught me to swing one leg over the edge of the mattress and hook my leg under the mattress to help me sit up without using my arms. Unfortunately, our bed at home was too tall for me to hook my leg so I had to have someone hold my legs down while I used my stomach muscles to sit up.
Did someone teach you to hook a leg under the side of the bed while you were in the hospital? Or can a nurse visit your house and show you how to do it? Alternately, is there someone else at home that can help hold your legs down so you can sit up yourself? You may need to remind them that they should not pull your arms or shoulders to assist you.
Like Lesa, I was not allowed to sleep on my side for several months and I also tried sleeping on a wedge for the first couple of weeks. It made it a little easier to sit up but my back got sore so I switched to sleeping flat. I needed a little help to gently lay back flat so someone placed a hand on my back and gave me the slightest bit of help so I wouldn't flop back and jar my sternum.
Healing takes time and the more you can protect your sternum, the better. Button front shirts (so you're not raising your arms to struggle into a pullover) and elastic waist shorts or pants (so you're not tempted to pull up and fasten jeans or trousers) will help. Also, consider anything above your head or below your knees out of bounds for the time being. Your ribcage with thank you in the long run!
Most of all, get lot of rest. You've been through a big ordeal and your body is busy healing. When the time comes and your doctor approves you for cardio rehab, DEFINITELY take advantage of it. I went to every single one of my classes and can't begin to tell you how much it increased my stamina and restored my confidence in my health.
In the meantime, I hope you had a good day and are ready to continue your healing tomorrow,
Scott
------------------------------
Scott Kane
Chico, CA
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2024 21:34
From: Kevin English
Subject: Recovery After CABG3
I have a few questions, after open heart surgery CABG3 they gave me a heart pillow to hold constantly, anyone had sleeping issues, walking and holding this pillow? Anyone had issues with not using their hands? How did you overcome the limitations? How did you handle getting in and out of bed? Any improvement or suggestions for a quicker recovery? Let me know.
Thanks
------------------------------
Kevin English
Plantation FL
------------------------------