Seeking advice: upcoming heart surgery in Denver

[sellersm]

So the cardiologists here in Montrose have referred me to Denver for heart surgery. They say it'll be open heart surgery: triple bypass and mitral valve replacement/repair. To be done at Anschutz campus (Vascular & heart center) of UCHealth hospital in Aurora.

So, polling the collective wisdom of this fine group to provide any wisdom/answers to the following:

Any recommendations of *safe* places to stay for my wife & daughter (and her little lap dog) for a few weeks while I'm in the hospital and recovering afterwards? I won't be able to travel back here to Montrose for a little while, so the plan is to stay somewhere until I can.

Anyone had this type of surgery? Any pointers, helpful tips on recovery, etc to make it more bearable? Do's? Don'ts?

When we do travel back here to Montrose, we may have to stay somewhere halfway, or so. Any recommendations of good places off I-70?

Anyone know of any medical rental places in Denver/Aurora area that rent 'medical' recliners? I've heard that's helpful for sleeping for a while after surgery.

Thanks!

[funkymonkey1111]

There are several new hotels right across the street from the hospital. don't go south or west of them on foot. to and from the hospital only.

[earplug]

Check out airbnb for a place to stay. Ask about parking off street. Being able to cook your own meals and do laundry will help with costs.
Check Craigslist for medical stuff that your insurance won't cover. I found it cheaper to buy a medical bed then renting. Much depends on length of need.

[MrPrena]

As people said,. I would try to stay within < 1.5mi radius of Anschutz.

North to Anschutz is more of a industrial and warehouse.
West and East to Anschutz will have some inner city vibe.

[funkymonkey1111]

89451

[funkymonkey1111]

Also, there is a very decent food bar at the hospital between the outpatient and inpatient pavilions. Also, there are restaurants on the medical school side (Subway and a few others)

[MrPrena]

oh BTW. UC Health Anschutz has a good and inexpensive cafeteria (the larger one).
Their hospital foods they deliver to your room is not too bad either.


ETA: funkymoneky1111 beat me to it on cafeteria. :D

[Great-Kazoo]

Great Kazoo should be able to answer a bunch of the cardiology questions. Not the Aurora specific ones. Im sure he will respond here, or message him. He just had his overhaul this past year.

You call dum-dum ;)



ANYWAY

1st item is when you do physical therapy. You really need to have your spouse attend. They use a belt wrapped around your waist to hold you up, in case you start falling.

2nd : Be ready to eat bland (as in cardboard) tasting food. IF like me, you cook red meat on the rarer side. GFL the cardio diet at the hospital is WELL DONE [panic] NO salt, NO eggs, blah, blah, blah.

3rd : better install handholds in the shower. Along with (see 1st item) being able to lift you in and out of the shower.

4th: same goes for using the bathroom. There is ZERO use of hands, putting ANY pressure on them and the arms to lift yourself up. IF you forget and OOPS do something to open the sternum. Well it's 2-4 months on machines while they try getting the sternum, back together.

5: The up side for you is, you have 2 legs, where i have just the one. So anything i already posted may be a moot point. Having 1 leg, i was giving tutorials in both the hospital (cardiac ward) and rehab center. To OT & PT's since they never dealt with a full (AKA) above knee amputee. You'd be surprised how many "qualified" therapist were intrigued with the entire putting on, taking off a prosthetic, that weighed more then the allotted 10 lb limit.

6: all i can say is your best friend, as always will be your spouse , family and any other close friends that can assist you


NUMBER 7 and this is one you must think about. When you wake up you'll get a heart shaped pillow, that pillow is, and will be, your friend and lifesaver. You'll be holding it across your chest, arms crossed to get up, sit down, cough, sneeze. AND................... sit on the throne. Trust me, you'll be hugging that pillow like a first date.

The major concern is to NOT do anything that may cause you to tear the sutures open, and tear your sternum.

[def90]

My dad had similar surgery at the age of 72, he was up and about a couple days later. These things are pretty routine these days and recovery times are fairly quick if you are in otherwise good health.

[Great-Kazoo]

My dad had similar surgery at the age of 72, he was up and about a couple days later. These things are pretty routine these days and recovery times are fairly quick if you are in otherwise good health.

Key words Good Health.

My experience while outside the norm, was a tough go from the time i woke up. Had i still had 2 legs, i'm sure it would have went much more smoothly.

The hospital and rehab were impressed how well i was moving along, considering the limitations i have. Even in good health some are up and running the next day, while others have a more difficult time.

Either way, being prepared for potential for issues, yet having the ability to move on faster never hurts.

You'd be surprised how limited one can be, when they cannot apply too much pressure, or lift more than 10 lbs, for x time frame.

[Doc45]

You've gotten some excellent advice so far and the only thing I can add is to find out about contacting a patient advocate at the hospital. They hopefully can give you and your wife some good info about accommodations nearby. Good luck to you, sending good vibes your way.

[UncleDave]

You've gotten some excellent advice so far and the only thing I can add is to find out about contacting a patient advocate at the hospital. They hopefully can give you and your wife some good info about accommodations nearby. Good luck to you, sending good vibes your way.

This ^. There are also charities associated with most hospitals that can help with lodging for family members. They are invaluable in giving support, so don't be afraid to use them.

[10x]

Great-Kazoo gave some VG advice. I went thru this 11 years ago and will confirm that
You will be incredibly weak. You will need help for 2-4 weeks getting in and out of bed and sitting in or getting out of a chair.
PT will teach you how to get in and out not using your arms. The before mentioned pillow will be hugged to your chest with both arms for coughing, sneezing, getting in and out of chairs and beds, when you feel like going to a restaurant take it with you, you will need it.
You will probably be given a dozen different drugs when released from the hospital. We set up and excel sheet to keep the drugs and times taken straight. I was quickly taken off some and continue on some to this day.
Walking is very important to build up strength, but you won't be able to do much to begin with. Have someone with you for physical support. It took months to feel mostly back to normal. You will have set back some days.
Other days will be noticeable progress.
My endurance has been permanently reduced. chest muscle strength has never fully come back. I feel it when I lift too much.
Having the surgery is sure better that the alternative. You will get thru this, it just won't be an instant fix.
I wish you the best of luck and pray for the skilled hands of the doctors.

[Hummer]

Like me, most of you probably thought you were tough guys at age 25, 29 or 32. But in seniorhood is when the real challenges happen. We're still tough, brave and resilient no matter how freaking scary it is. Don't forget it.

Best wishes, Sellersm. May you have calm winds and easy seas.