I am recovering from heart valve replacement surgery

Any other heart valve replacement surgery or heart surgery survivors here ? How have you managed the long recovery, the pain, the emotional hit, etc, etc ? Regards

 

My Mum had valve surgery and survived some very difficult medical issues surrounding it, at 80. Mum had a challenging personality, and her medical team would have her go to residential rehab for a few months to get the care she required (demanded ) and then she went to a Sr. facility for a few months until she could manage more on her own. Being surrounded by others was necessary to keep her from depression and self-isolation. Mum had hobbies and needed to feel useful so she’s knit and crochet for her care team folks and their kids, for premies.. we set her up with puzzles, the ability to email with friends.. she watched a lot of TV .. and rested. Although she could get negative and down, Mum worked hard to remind herself that she was getting better, had a second (third and fourth in Mum’s case!) chance, that rest is needed for the body to heal, and that she couldn’t not control things and needed to trust the professionals.
Despite the odds, Mum went back to living on her own for as long as she chose too, with some support. She learned to say “yes” to help. Take advice and make lifestyle changes if needed.
Get all the help you need, rest, and trust your medical team and your body.
Best wishes for good health!