just checking

[heater]

Hello - my husband is 7 days post surgery for atrial stenosis/bentall procedure/sda and aaa repair. He complains of not being able to control his body temperature (first hot/ then cold), inability to sleep, pounding of his heart, metallic taste no matter what he eats or drinks, feeling like he has the flu, no energy. I realize that he has had major surgery and on the plus side, his temp. is fine, weight seems to be OK, and his appetite is OK. I just wanted to check in with you folks to see if his complaints are to be expected and how long they typically last. He has always been very active and is 57 years old.

Our daughter (34) had this same surgery in August of this year and she did not have any of these complaints. Her recovery was remarkable and she is now back to work and doing extremely well.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Kate]

Dear Heater,
None of your husband's symptoms are unusual. I'm 38, had the same surgery in September (Aortic replacement and AAA repair) and experienced many of them myself and have heard others mention all of them - poor sleeping, lack of energy and strange taste are especially common. I'm glad to hear your daughter didn't have any of these, but I think she's more the exception than your husband! He's only a few days out from a very major surgery and will likely not feel like himself for at least a couple more weeks. It must be difficult for you both that he's not feeling well, but all you can really do at this point is try to get him to eat whatever tastes good, walk some (this really will reduce the pain), rest and use the incentive spirometer. This too shall pass! Take care, Kate

[Ross]

Heater all of that is 100% normal and right on cue during recovery.

The hot/cold thing will probably last around 2 months, the metallic taste in foods should leave in the next 7 days or less, the sleeplessness may last a very long time, keep an eye on that heart pounding issue as he may have gone into afib and doesn't realize it. Check that one out with the doctor asap. He's going to feel lousy for about 6 weeks. Major surgery is just that, MAJOR. He should expect no quick recovery, it's going to take time and baby steps.

I'm changing your screen name to simply Heater. Having your entire email address posted is not safe as it's available to anyone on the internet. ;)

[Granbonny]

I know it must be really cold in Boston..:eek: he should really be walking as much as possible in the house...Helps get the nasty drugs out of him..Have him try some nice cold juices..( My favorite was in the carton over by the butter, cheese, ect)In the next few weeks, maybe he can go to a mall and walk...remind him, take 1 day at time....He should begin to feel better next week.Bonnie

[heater]

Folks - thanks to you all for your great advice and words of comfort. I appreciate the change from my email address as well to just Heater.

Best regards

[hensylee]

each person is different and he might not have the same reactions as your daughter. But he sounds like he's right on target. You know that if you have any questions that are a concern, you can always check in with the doctor, too, just to make sure it's one of the 'expected after surgery' things.