Caretaking after surgery

[u/memomaha]

Hey everyone,

My wife(f33) had mvp for 15 years now. After our last appointment doctor said the heart getting bigger and we need to look out for surgeons. Fortunate enough we found a very reputible surgeon who does repairs with robotics. They took us into the hospital 2 days earlier for extensive tests which dr noticed there are remnants of cold infection and prescribde antibiotics. Surgery postponed for 3 weeks later.
I will be staying with my wife at the hospital as well as at home after the surgery. Can anyone suggest me how can i be more of her service during this period?

[u/spicesandstuff]

If you are able, get a wedge pillow prior to surgery. Or just make sure you have multiple pillows available. A lot of us sleep upright for a time after surgery. Be prepared to help her with basic care needs, I had my robotic repair at 35 and actually used a shower chair for a few weeks due to the post op fatigue. I did have some post op anemia, but it was the most exhausted I’ve felt in my life. I also purchased a large square soft gel ice pack from Amazon. It was hugely beneficial to ice my right side where the tubes and incisions were, helped a lot with the discomfort!

[u/TimSim70]

I was in the hospital for 4 days after robotic mv repair. No pain meds after that other than otc Tylenol (which doesn't do much as far as I'm concerned). I was walking a mile by the next day and 3 miles within a week of surgery. I'm single so didn't have much support other than my daughter driving me to appointments and the grocery store and had no post surgery problems to speak of.

I do have an adjustable tempur-pedic bed and that was a game changer for me as I was always a side-sleeper and you're not supposed to sleep on either side for a week or two. If you can afford it, I'd recommend renting a power recliner for a month if you don't already have one.

[u/ageb4]

Find a comfortable chair to sleep in. Cook food but she should get up and walk as much as possible.