Day: four Evening I am home! After the usual bumpy ride on the hospital bureaucracy to get everything signed and signed off and retested and approved ...Read more
Day: four Evening I am home! After the usual bumpy ride on the hospital bureaucracy to get everything signed and signed off and retested and approved the retest:I’m home!!
The simple swaying of the car on the ride home was a surprising challenge that I didn’t expect. But relatively minor all in all. Well, we have many things set up, there are still things to figure out what works, and where it should be, and then what room. We’ll get there, just have to keep remembering it’s one day at a time.
Robert Miller Congrats for being back home. Yes, one day at a time. There will be some challenges but it seems you ... Read more
Robert Miller Congrats for being back home. Yes, one day at a time. There will be some challenges but it seems you are well prepared and you have some help.
Kevin McCarthy My wife and community are being a big help
How hard do you need to hug your cough pillow for it to help? I still have EKG lines in so pushing the pillow against me isn’t particularly pleasant yet.
TRACIE H Hi Kevi I still have the lines too. I try to hug strong enough so doesn't hurt my chest. Stran ... Read more
TRACIE H Hi Kevi I still have the lines too. I try to hug strong enough so doesn't hurt my chest. Strange thing happened while I was sleep..woke up coughing then all of a sudden led to vomiting.not very pleasant. Now they are doing some other test. Like everyone says it's not linear
Kevin McCarthy Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Hope you are done with that
Rita Savelis Cough pillows are not very pleasant. Surgery is hard on your lungs and there will be discomfort at fi ... Read more
Rita Savelis Cough pillows are not very pleasant. Surgery is hard on your lungs and there will be discomfort at first. It's hard to avoid. Heavy sigh. It will get better. Maybe not today, but tomorrow or in a few days.
Yumiko Ishida I think it’s more about holding the position, less about how hard you hold it. Whether it’s cough ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida I think it’s more about holding the position, less about how hard you hold it. Whether it’s coughing, sneezing, or just riding in a car, sudden movements can jostle your bones, and you are going to feel it at your weakest point. By holding onto the pillow, you are distributing the impact. You are right, Tracie, recovery is not linear. Hope you are both experiencing more forward steps and fewer backward one!
Kevin McCarthy Yes, I just came home and the car ride was a little challenging, just for the swaying side to side
Day: four Early morning. Woke up much more with it today. Got bigger chunks of sleep like three or four hours instead of two. I can still hear my digestive ...Read more
Day: four Early morning. Woke up much more with it today. Got bigger chunks of sleep like three or four hours instead of two. I can still hear my digestive system gurgling away but it’s been quiet overnight. I have to snag the PT and get signed off on stairs so I can go home.
A bit nervous about going home psychologically physically everything seems OK but now I won’t have experts to ask what’s happening. The hospital experience has been kind of strange. It does feel like everyone is 25 but everyone here has been very positive and upbeat, even in preop and elsewhere , I might post later if I get home.
Jim Rizzo Kevin- Glad you're sleeping better. It was nice last night for me to sleep in my own bed, not interru ... Read more
Jim Rizzo Kevin- Glad you're sleeping better. It was nice last night for me to sleep in my own bed, not interrupted every 2 hours for vitals, etc.
Kevin McCarthy Yeah, the morning wake up blood draw is no big thrill either
Jim Rizzo I was discharged on Friday following a Monday surgery. I was ready to go. I hope you will be fine. G ... Read more
Jim Rizzo I was discharged on Friday following a Monday surgery. I was ready to go. I hope you will be fine. Getting to the familiar confines of home is therapeutic. At least it was.for me. Try to stay positive. I'll be thinking of you.
Rita Savelis Going home can be/is scary. Suddenly you have no one to ask questions of. I saw my general practition ... Read more
Rita Savelis Going home can be/is scary. Suddenly you have no one to ask questions of. I saw my general practitioner several times just to have someone to talk to. I also spoke with my pharmacist. Anyone with medical knowledge. I've been hospitalised so many times in my life so I know that once you leave, you are out of their hands. The transition can be odd. Of course most are glad to get home, but then suddenly you are faced with life and all your standard chores. I appreciate the way you write, Kevin, with basic honesty about things many feel. Good luck on the stairs!
Jennifer Fuller I was approved by my insurance company to have at-home visits from an RN, a PT, and an OT. I didn’t ... Read more
Jennifer Fuller I was approved by my insurance company to have at-home visits from an RN, a PT, and an OT. I didn’t think it would be necessary, and almost declined, but I really was glad to have expert eyes on me a few days a week.
slept better last night, despite diarrhea every 3 hours. But that is my system’s specialty: going too fast.
still little interest in food, but eating hasn’t felt disgusting. I think I got ten grapes in me. Have done a lap of the ward three different times. They are talking of sending me home, but that won’t happen until I can do a flight of stairs
i feel crummy in ways I hadn’t expected. But today does feel better than yesterday, by a little tiny bit. I take comfort in all of your stories of your slow but steady as advances
Robert Miller From what I recall, my appetite didn't come back until I got back home and even then I ate a lot less ... Read more
Robert Miller From what I recall, my appetite didn't come back until I got back home and even then I ate a lot less than I did before.
As for the stairs, they might also check your oxygen. But if you do a few laps per session with a few sessions per day you will be fine. It's a routine thing, a thing on the checklist they need to do. I had to do it despite doing some fast 10 laps or so multiple times a day with the stand in hand for the bag, pace maker, etc.
I know many people have ups and downs after surgery but look at the trajectory. It's all up...
DeWayne Adamson I really enjoyed the strawberry protein shakes.
Suelynn Hanegraaf Sending you encouraging thoughts and prayers that each day will get a bit better and that you’ll se ... Read more
Suelynn Hanegraaf Sending you encouraging thoughts and prayers that each day will get a bit better and that you’ll see the fruition of this life-saving surgery. 🙏🏻💕
Rita Savelis Thanks for your honesty Kevin. Crummy is a good word to describe how one might feel after surgery. I ... Read more
Rita Savelis Thanks for your honesty Kevin. Crummy is a good word to describe how one might feel after surgery. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. Take it slow. Take care.
Day: two Slept very badly last night sort of two hours stretches even though it was from 6 PM to 5 AM. Had the catheter wires and drainage tubes removed ...Read more
Day: two Slept very badly last night sort of two hours stretches even though it was from 6 PM to 5 AM. Had the catheter wires and drainage tubes removed this morning, which makes it a lot easier to get around. No interest in food. It just doesn’t seem appealing. I’m not really nauseous. Meetings with PT and OT. I don’t know how much of any of that. I’m going to remember, but I think they will repeat all later.
Robert Miller I didn't have much appetite for a few days, either, both time. I think it's normal. It's probably a g ... Read more
Robert Miller I didn't have much appetite for a few days, either, both time. I think it's normal. It's probably a good thing because going to the bathroom with all those tubes and wires is inconvenient. I felt so much better after removing the catheter and drainage tube. The one in the neck was quite convenient so they can draw blood early morning, etc. without poking you. It's all uphill from here...
Rose Madura Everything is in an uproar now. Each day will get a little better. Getting tube out sure helps. Han ... Read more
Rose Madura Everything is in an uproar now. Each day will get a little better. Getting tube out sure helps. Hand in there.
Jennifer Fuller The sleeping and the eating will slowly return to normal. It all just takes time.
Susan Dunne Sleeping was difficult for me too. I didn't get a really good nights sleep until I returned home. D ... Read more
Susan Dunne Sleeping was difficult for me too. I didn't get a really good nights sleep until I returned home. Don't be concerned about not wanting to eat. I lost my appetite for about three weeks. I ate only what I had to. Drank lots of of protein shakes. As a consequence I lost 12 pounds. Now at 14 weeks post op. appetite is back I am still maintaining lower weight and am doing fine. Keep the good work up. You are doing great. PT and OT will be a great help.
TRACIE H Sounds as though you're doing well despite everything. They took my chest tubes out today. Tomorrow t ... Read more
TRACIE H Sounds as though you're doing well despite everything. They took my chest tubes out today. Tomorrow the wires. Haven't done much walking because nausea. Everything takes time I guess. Take care 💜
Day: one everything went fine a little long in the anesthesia, but I tend to that anyway I couldn’t post earlier because my wife accidentally took my phone ...Read more
Day: one everything went fine a little long in the anesthesia, but I tend to that anyway I couldn’t post earlier because my wife accidentally took my phone home. Surgeon says I’m doing good. I am moving to out of the ICU today. I’m still learning to use the spirometer. And well, my chest is sore. I only really hurts when I try to do things like move to a chair.
Leigh Waggoner Great to hear. You are on the road to recovery. God's speed.
Ana Brusso Welcome to recovery Kevin, congratulations! 🎉🎈🎊
Valerie Allen Yay Kevin! You sound great! Congrats 🎈
Robert Miller Sounds like you did great! And once you have all the tubes and wires out you will feel so much better ... Read more
Robert Miller Sounds like you did great! And once you have all the tubes and wires out you will feel so much better...
Daneen Douglas Yay! Great job Kevin! It gets better each day.
Susan Lynn You did it! On to recovery, Kevin! Take it easy and walk when you can. You'll see progress with ... Read more
Susan Lynn You did it! On to recovery, Kevin! Take it easy and walk when you can. You'll see progress with each passing week.
Hard to picture that 24 hours from now I will be in an alternate reality, in the OR. Did a little last minute grocery shopping, so we don't have ...Read more
Day: -1
Hard to picture that 24 hours from now I will be in an alternate reality, in the OR. Did a little last minute grocery shopping, so we don't have to hit the store again for the big stuff too soon.
What I am planning to take:
phone, charger, long cord, bluetooth headphones, corded earbuds(in case bluetooth is a mess with all the machines), note book (for doodling and notes), pen
eye mask, some ear plugs, electric razor, toothbrush, extra pair socks, extra underwear, case for glasses
I'll be wearing: sweat pants (expandable enough to handle being full of fluid on the way home), front opening shirt, thin front opening fleece, crocs (easy on/off)
phone has music, podcasts, audio book
I expect it will be hard to get much sleep tonight, but then I'll be out for much of the day tomorrow.
Tom Everson Sounds like you are ready Hard part ( waiting) is almost over. One more thing for your list to take ... Read more
Tom Everson Sounds like you are ready Hard part ( waiting) is almost over. One more thing for your list to take . YOUR POSITIVE ATTITUDE .
Kevin McCarthy I was gonna hang that on a chain around my neck...
Valerie Allen Best wishes Kevin! You are ready! You’ll do great!
Daneen Douglas You’ve got this, Kevin! You are prepared!
Brian Ruff Go with God, Kevin. Lean on your people, and take things hour by hour. Remember this happens tens of ... Read more
Brian Ruff Go with God, Kevin. Lean on your people, and take things hour by hour. Remember this happens tens of thousands of times per year: it isn't routine to us, but it is to your team. The only thing I'd add to your list: your favorite pillow from home. I missed mine desperately in the hospital.
Dan Fouratt Kevin, Not sure if this happened to others and I wish I was mentally prepared for it but I refer to i ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Kevin, Not sure if this happened to others and I wish I was mentally prepared for it but I refer to it as the shave. This could be a Duke thing but I believe it happen to others. I was in the hospital the day before my surgery and around 11:00 pm a person came in to shave me. They removed all hair from my chin to the top of my knees. I was not expecting this and was a little put off. I was informed that they do this so if they need to come in a different way it was already prepped. Then they wiped me down with the anti bacteria junk. Good Luck tomorrow.
Susan Lynn Kevin - That's definitely a comprehensive list! You'll have everything you'll need to be comfortab... Read more
Susan Lynn Kevin - That's definitely a comprehensive list! You'll have everything you'll need to be comfortable. Enjoy the quick nap tomorrow - it'll all be behind you in a moment! We'll be waiting to welcome you to recovery!
Nancy Bukowski Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Kevin! You got this👍.
Still in denial ... I mean staying in the present moment. Baked some bread today, continue to not be freaking out.
The Hibiclens (anti-bacterial skin wash) is weird stuff. It looks like light machine oil, or maybe Campari. Feels very odd to use as soap. And it is so light and runny, it keeps flying around. I have managed to use most of it, and not just decorate the walls.
Someone suggested I get some silicone scar tape, supposed to keep the scar from getting too pronounced. Has anyone used that?
TRACIE H Hi Kevin I'm also in a bit of denial. Feel fine so it's hard to see the why's. Praying we both hav ... Read more
TRACIE H Hi Kevin I'm also in a bit of denial. Feel fine so it's hard to see the why's. Praying we both have a great outcome. Take care
Sue Maize I look forward to both of your updates! ❤️🩹🙏🏻
Donna Casaletto Yes, the scar strips are great at shrinking, fading, and flattening the incision areas. As soon as yo ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Yes, the scar strips are great at shrinking, fading, and flattening the incision areas. As soon as you get the okay to use them stock up! Looking forward to hearing about your recovery updates ☺️
Woke up borrowing trouble. Why did I agree to get in this car crash? Oh, that's right, it's better than not. Once I got up and moving that all ...Read more
Day: -3
Woke up borrowing trouble. Why did I agree to get in this car crash? Oh, that's right, it's better than not. Once I got up and moving that all faded. My pseudo-aneurysm (which has been fixed) from the cardiac catheterization is gradually bugging me less. It's on my right wrist, so doing things with that arm "felt" wrong for much of the last month. But now more minor, which is a good thing since I'm trying to get some things done this weekend.
I realized I need to check with the hospital on how to get in at 5:30am. I don't think the parking garage connects to the ER directly (the ER was what I was told was the way in at that hour). Well, that's what Monday is for. Relatively small thing to worry about, but better that than the big stuff.
Sue Maize Goodness Kevin, I literally thought you were in a car crash! I’m so glad it was a metaphor! 😅 Read more
Sue Maize Goodness Kevin, I literally thought you were in a car crash! I’m so glad it was a metaphor! 😅 I can only imagine how much goes through one’s mind pre-surgery—all the checking and doing and ticking of boxes, never mind the emotional roller coaster that comes. Do you have a support system to help you? I’ll be where you are in a few weeks. You have lots of support here and people who will be praying for you and your team, including me. Keep reaching out whenever you need to! ❤️🩹🙏🏻
Kevin McCarthy oh, sorry! I just think of the surgery (sternotomy) like getting in a car crash in terms of all you ... Read more
Kevin McCarthy oh, sorry! I just think of the surgery (sternotomy) like getting in a car crash in terms of all you have to go through. I think if my current symptoms were severe or unmanageable I'd be in a different place. "avoiding an enlarged heart" is good, but abstract
Marie Myers My analogy was “getting hit by a truck”… Apparently, one of the things i said when i was waking ... Read more
Marie Myers My analogy was “getting hit by a truck”… Apparently, one of the things i said when i was waking up was “ What was I thinking to do this”? I laugh about it now!!
Last day of work. Spent some time dealing with the bureaucracy of short term disability leave - I'll keep my fingers crossed that is sorted out.
I'm going to spend this weekend doing some things that won't be possible for the next 6 weeks - some gardening, get some plants on the deck. Oh, and cut my hair extra short so it is one less thing to deal with.
Still in a good mood, avoiding borrowing trouble about Tuesday.
Ana Brusso Kevin, you will be ready and you will do well. Hopefully short disability will kick in on time. You w ... Read more
Ana Brusso Kevin, you will be ready and you will do well. Hopefully short disability will kick in on time. You will be in my prayers for your successful surgery and recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️❤️🩹
Rose Madura Kevin, I love your attitude! "avoid borrowing trouble". It will serve you well. Best wishes on your ... Read more
Rose Madura Kevin, I love your attitude! "avoid borrowing trouble". It will serve you well. Best wishes on your surgery and recovery.
Surgery scheduled for next Tuesday. I am finding myself much more calm about this than I was a month or two ago. I think having everything set ...Read more
Day: -5
Surgery scheduled for next Tuesday. I am finding myself much more calm about this than I was a month or two ago. I think having everything set and in motion, there aren't decisions to fret over. Still somewhat incomprehensible to be choosing to go for a lot of hurt, even if it makes rational sense. I have very minor symptoms, but an enlarging heart.
Surgeon says I have a long torso, so he will be able to cut only the bottom 2/3 of the sternum, not the whole thing. So that's a plus. In addition to the mitral repair, they will also be doing a MAZE, so that adds 20 or 30 minutes. I'm not much worried about what is going on when I will be under, it is the before and after.
Had a good pre-op chat with the Physicians Assistant yesterday, all my questions answered, at least as best they can be. Off to do the anti-bacterial nose swab, which I have to do twice a day from now on.
TRACIE H Hi Kevin My surgery is Monday. I'm also trying to rationalize the why's. I don't have any symptoms ... Read more
TRACIE H Hi Kevin My surgery is Monday. I'm also trying to rationalize the why's. I don't have any symptoms either. Just have to put faith in the surgical team. I wish you well and smooth recovery 💜
Christine Maiorano Hi Kevin I’m like you and Tracie, I had no symptoms before my surgery. It was difficult for me to ... Read more
Christine Maiorano Hi Kevin I’m like you and Tracie, I had no symptoms before my surgery. It was difficult for me to actually go through with my mitral and tricuspid valve repair! BUT I’m so happy I did and the surgery is behind me. I’m 4 weeks post op and feeling better each day. I just finished a 1.5 mile walk. Wishing you both a smooth surgery and trouble free recovery 😊
I've seen several people strongly recommend a recliner at home, and it makes sense - I'll just have to find room for it. Any people not using recliners? how ...Read more
I've seen several people strongly recommend a recliner at home, and it makes sense - I'll just have to find room for it. Any people not using recliners? how is that going?
Richard Munson I never used one and i was 79. Maybe should have in hindsight. I rigged a hoist by hitching 2 belts t ... Read more
Richard Munson I never used one and i was 79. Maybe should have in hindsight. I rigged a hoist by hitching 2 belts together attached to the end of the bed to assist me. Crude yes, but it worked. Slept mostly on my back the first couple of weeks. I never went to rehab during covid. Used my in house treadmill. Perfect no, but did it work, yes.
Richard Munson To keep me on my back during sleeping i used some pillows and a 120 pound malamute next to me. When i ... Read more
Richard Munson To keep me on my back during sleeping i used some pillows and a 120 pound malamute next to me. When i suggested the dog on the bed at night my wife said no, i said yes, she said no. I won that battle but i usually lose. I had minimally invasive and side sleeping was painful. I can’t tell you how therapeutic that dog was for me. Bedroom second floor, treadmill first floor. She would accompany me down the stairs for support along with a railing.
Richard Munson Actually it was cassie before shadow arrived on the scene. He is my new heart surgery boy. She died a ... Read more
Richard Munson Actually it was cassie before shadow arrived on the scene. He is my new heart surgery boy. She died a year later and will remain in my heart forever. If you notice she is in my heart valve picture on my bed the day i came home from heart surgery. She knew what i needed and provided it.
Richard Munson You might think i am kidding but we all know about the first cough after surgery and how the pillow h ... Read more
Richard Munson You might think i am kidding but we all know about the first cough after surgery and how the pillow helps ease the pain. Cassie would add the weight of her head to the pillow during a cough. How she knew is anyones guess.
Grace Mason I was ready to buy a new mattress so invested in an adjustable bed. Worked great! Still very useful. ... Read more
Grace Mason I was ready to buy a new mattress so invested in an adjustable bed. Worked great! Still very useful. Many people use recliners, or wedge pillows or just lots of pillows (a pillow fort) to prop themselves up.
Susan Lynn I used a recliner for one night, but it wasn't comfortable for me.
Sue Maize Awww, Richard—animals are amazing! Especially dogs…my cats are super snuggly but I’m not sure t ... Read more
Sue Maize Awww, Richard—animals are amazing! Especially dogs…my cats are super snuggly but I’m not sure they have those same kind of instincts to help in an emergency. 😬
Sue Maize That makes so much sense Grace and I wonder about how I’ll do with my new recliner…nice and comfy ... Read more
Sue Maize That makes so much sense Grace and I wonder about how I’ll do with my new recliner…nice and comfy for a couple of hours watching a movie, but not sure I’m going to enjoy it as much as a substitute for my bed, like you Susan. 🤔
Grace Mason That was my feeling Sue. I knew sleeping in a recliner was not going to cut it for me. I couldn't sle ... Read more
Grace Mason That was my feeling Sue. I knew sleeping in a recliner was not going to cut it for me. I couldn't sleep in a recliner before surgery, so I knew that was not going to be my first choice for after surgery. I did the pillow fort at the hotel, after discharge, until I was cleared to fly home, and that was ok, too. Kevin you could check out Deena Elani's pillow fort pic in her journal if you want to.
Sue Maize Well I will for sure, just because it’s become kind of famous! 😁
Yumiko Ishida Kevin, I think it depends on how you prefer to sleep and how strong your core is. I bought mine when ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida Kevin, I think it depends on how you prefer to sleep and how strong your core is. I bought mine when I had knee issues several year ago and couldn’t get to my bedroom on the third floor. It was more critical then than it was after heart surgery, but in the early weeks post OHS I definitely preferred the recliner over my bed. I tried to work out before the surgery, but my core muscles have never been strong, so I found it is much easier on the power assisted recliner. I bought a wedge pillow to try on my bed for a couple of nights, but kept sliding down and it bothered my lower back. Someone on this site mentioned being a side sleeper and able to sleep better on a bed despite the pain, but I think he is a minority. I am a side sleeper, too, but was afraid to even try to sleep on my side for several weeks. It is my understanding that you can rent a recliner, so if you’re not sure or don’t have the space for it as a permanent fixture in your home, you may want to rent one.
Robert Miller I slept outside on our couch with motorize reclining quite a bit after both surgeries. So that's one ... Read more
Robert Miller I slept outside on our couch with motorize reclining quite a bit after both surgeries. So that's one option. Another option would be to change the bed to one that has a motorized "prop up" function. Both of those would not add space and just replace what you already have. Obviously, there is cost involved with that. I also used one of those triangle wedges to sleep in our bed. It made it easier to get out of the bed but sleeping was uncomfortable. In either case, pillows are your friend. I used them on our couch and our bed.
Kevin McCarthy I appreciate all the tips. Not sure I'm going to get a malamute at this late date...
Had a call with Tufts Medical Center today, setting the dates for the surgery as well as the pre-op. They have no one prepared to talk about recovery, saying ...Read more
Had a call with Tufts Medical Center today, setting the dates for the surgery as well as the pre-op. They have no one prepared to talk about recovery, saying the physician's asst will cover that in pre-op. Which I doubt. And that is less than a week before the surgery, so leaves little time to go buy anything useful.
Will I need a larger size of pants just to get home?
J Alexander Lassally To chime in for you, I'd heavily advise to have a recliner in position @ home for sleep when you get ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally To chime in for you, I'd heavily advise to have a recliner in position @ home for sleep when you get home. I'm passing along this excellent insight I learned here on HVS. It was an essential part of my recovery. You can rent one at a med supply store for a month. Or buy. Make sure it is power and adjustable... You won't be able to use the traditional crank at first... Good luck !
Grace Mason Kevin, I would take either athletic or elastic pants that are comfortablely roomy. Fluid retention is ... Read more
Grace Mason Kevin, I would take either athletic or elastic pants that are comfortablely roomy. Fluid retention is common post surgery. Button front or zip front shirt is easier post surgery to put on then over the head. The hospital will probably provide most things you need but ear buds are nice because it can be noisy. Comfort items are nice too. Your own blanket or pillow. Slip on shoes and an extra long charging cord are also good ideas. Wishing you well ❤️🩹
Dan Fouratt Kevin, I invested in two sets of sweets (cheapest at Marshalls) and three short sleeve button shirts ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Kevin, I invested in two sets of sweets (cheapest at Marshalls) and three short sleeve button shirts (same place). the sweets made it a way to get on pants with no belt,, no zipper and a flexibility in the waist for weight changes. the shirts were easy to get on without raising and arm to get in a tee shirt. Started wearing in the hospital and continued for the first several weeks at home. I could walk in them, sleep in them, and they did not need changing everyday. I went comfortable, no fashion statement. Wore it as late as last week.
Yumiko Ishida I pretty much learned everything about recovery here. Cardiologist and surgeon just told me 6 to 10 w ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida I pretty much learned everything about recovery here. Cardiologist and surgeon just told me 6 to 10 weeks. Very little info from my hospital. If you search online, some hospitals have detailed guides posted and you can download them regardless of your affiliation. I second what everyone has mention above - recliner, etc. Daneen, whose surgery was today, put together a helpful checklist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oj-hqPjPRF7rhZEl9HE7Aa7xI9x3pz1PWCj_Lz2leuE/edit#heading=h.x4g62sxavx9g
Kevin McCarthy Thank you all for the tips!! I guess I should have started reading this site a month ago...
Robert Miller No need for bigger pants. Just get some lose sweat pants. Don't bring a tight t-shirt. Either a lose ... Read more
Robert Miller No need for bigger pants. Just get some lose sweat pants. Don't bring a tight t-shirt. Either a lose t-shirt or just a casual bottom-up shirt because it will be harder to lift your arms up to get into a tight t-shirt. But that is really the least of your worries. You have to be prepared from home. You can't sleep on your side or your stomach. And it's harder to get out of the bed. So you need pillows to support you. If you have or can get a recliner or a bed that can prop up, that is great. And you can't lift much. There isn't much you can do about it. So if you don't have a significant other, see if someone else can help you.
Evening
I am home! After the usual bumpy ride on the hospital bureaucracy to get everything signed and signed off and retested and approved ...Read more
Evening
I am home! After the usual bumpy ride on the hospital bureaucracy to get everything signed and signed off and retested and approved the retest:I’m home!!
The simple swaying of the car on the ride home was a surprising challenge that I didn’t expect. But relatively minor all in all. Well, we have many things set up, there are still things to figure out what works, and where it should be, and then what room.
We’ll get there, just have to keep remembering it’s one day at a time.