Heart-Healthy Family and Friends Needed

The American Heart Association recommends exercise for people recovering from a heart attack. Statistics show that patients who exercise are 26 per cent less likely to die from cardiac arrest than those who avoid an exercise-based rehabilitation program. That is a very good reason to listen to the cardiologist when he prescribes a rehab program. If it is not incentive enough, consider these other facts: fewer heart attacks occur later, and the need for bypass surgery in the future is reduced.

How does exercise help? It strengthens the heart. Blood flow is increased; blood clots are reduced. Breathing is improved and the patient feels invigorated. Muscles are toned and healthy weight loss is often a result.

When my husband had bypass surgery, he was almost as frightened as I was. No matter how common the procedure is, one has to depend on the surgeon and the patient's recovery prognosis. We were fortunate: the surgeon was one of the best on the West Coast, my husband had a healthy heart, and all three of us wanted him to live. Some advice I received prior to his appointment for surgery was to give him a reason to wake up and come home. I found a fantastic panel of cloth with a trout on it. I made a sofa pillow out of it and explained it was his, so he had to come home and enjoy my hard work.

The day of surgery arrived. My sister flew in to be with me. My daughter got off work early and joined us. The surgeon came out with a big grin. "It was a pleasure," he said, "to work with a healthy heart. The prognosis for recovery is excellent, but now it is up to you. He has to be on his feet and walking as soon as possible." We hit speed dials and called everyone to let them know the good news. Then we went into the recovery room. He was not expected to wake up for several hours, but he never listens to how it is supposed to be. When he heard my sister talking, he opened those big green eyes and tried to sit up. Quickly we told him he had all kinds of tubes and stay still. Poor man, he had four women talking, counting the Intensive Care Nurse, and no ability to say a thing. The nurse told him her name, that the tubes would come out shortly, and that he was way ahead of the game. I was given flyers to read that evening. Once he was settled in and asleep, my sister and I went back to get some sleep.

The flyers reviewed the procedure he had been through, and stressed the importance of walking and eating properly. They suggested I become part of the program with him, and share the same meals he was encouraged to eat. The most important part of that plan was to encourage the patient to walk, and not to feel badly because others were getting the "good stuff" to eat. I am so glad neither one of us smoked. For two people to be grouchy while trying to give up a bad habit would have been hard on day-by-day communication. On the other hand, if you are in this situation, consider it worthwhile. There are great "stop-smoking" programs, and if someone has gone through heart surgery to live, make the operation worthwhile by kicking one of the most life-threatening habits in the world.

Above all, remind your friend or loved one how happy you are for his or her choice to live. Do special little things, like giving a flower in a vase or sharing a picture of a rainbow. The lady who owned the house by where we parked when we were going to visit had lovely camellias. She gave us a branch with two open pink camellias and one bud, and a small vase for them. Friends came from many locations to visit. Others called to remind him how special he was, and to make plans for fishing trips or vacations when he was able to travel.

Of course, he was ready to go home the next morning. I had to break the news to him that he was not going to leave until he could do a lap around the ward. He had to use the little walker with the chair, since no one wanted a patient falling. The first day, he did not make it around. The next day, he called me at 6 a.m. to tell me it was time for him to go home. He had walked the night before and knew he could make it now. We went over to see him, and darned if he did not make it the whole distance. He got the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and home we went.

I will share the home recovery story at a later date. I hope these pre-surgery and recovery tips will help you or someone you care for.

Sources:

American Heart Association

Personal Experience