Advice/support OHS mitral valve replacement
Hi, my mom who is 71, will be getting ohs for a mitral valve replacement with bovine tissue on July 7th. We thought up until yesterday she was getting the robotic surgery, but her tests showed her veins in groin area are too small and she has some lung scar tissue from pneumonia. It was a bit of a shock to us about ohs. She’s diabetic, a smoker, 2 time cancer survivor, and prone to pneumonia. I’m just super anxious about it all and looking for help from those that have been through it. Questions: -Has anyone had titanium plates instead of wires for their sternum? -What help from your caregivers was most helpful and what types of things were good to have on hand for recovery? -How was your eating/appetite for the first week or so? -For older adults, did you or your caregivers notice cognitive changes post surgery? -Pain level for first week or two? -Sleeping comfortably suggestions? -Ideas for extremely impatient patients when it comes to getting out of the hospital?
Any other ideas, thoughts or support for this nervous daughter is much appreciated!! I just want to be there for her as best I can. It’s been a really hard year for us and I know I gotta take good care of myself, too. Thanks 😊