Hand hold- Dad open heart surgery tomorrow

[HunkieDorie]

Just a hand hold really.

My dad is going in tomorrow for aortic aneurysm surgery. He is 68. He has had tests and the doctors wouldn’t operate unless they were sure he would be ok, it’s more the aftercare and if there are any complications I am so worried about during the procedure as it is so serious.

My dad is generally healthy, but he drinks a lot during the evening so unsure how exactly he’s going to cope in hospital and also how the operation will go in general due to this....

Any advice or reassuring words would be so reassuring.

When you say he drinks a lot, how much? And do you know if he's been honest with his medical team about that as it is really important if he drinks to excess every day and then suddenly stops

Sending a handhold. My Dad had bypass surgery and it was super successful, he's had a great recovery and a new lease of life. Surgery was a trigger for better more healthy habits though these are slipping a little a few years on! Sending all best wishes for a fantastic recovery for your Dad too.

@CMOTDibbler mainly beer in the evenings. He has told hospital as far as we know, however I am not sure how truthful he was

Thank you so much @BigGreen glad it has gone well for your dad. It is such a worry.

Hi @HunkieDorie my MIL had a heartache which followed with surgery, she was not in a good way at all, sorry not sure specifically what type of surgery it was. She's recovered really well and was referred to a dietician and was given some exercises to do daily.
Sending you strength and positive vibes to get you through this time xx

Thanks @Summer2424 doesn't sound like the one my dad is having- isn't having heartache, actually no pain at all. He has an abnormal aneurysm leading to his head which has drastically grown in size. It's worrying for us all as it's so serious but I just hope he is strong enough to get through the procedure and recovery.

Glad MIL is doing well! @Summer2424

Bless you OP. My dad had triple heart bypass 17 years ago…he is fit as a fiddle and still winding us all up! Cheeky git! 😁

Great news @Wibbly1008 ! Is that surgery the same as what my dad is having?

@HunkieDorie 🙏❤ xx

Aortic aneurysm repair is fairly risky I believe. I'm not a surgeon but have nursed patients post opin critical care. The surgical team will have discussed in detail what the surgery will entail and the risks with him when he consented to have the procedure. The fact that the surgery is elective (planned) rather than an emergency procedure is a positive thing !
He'll probably be nursed in crit care immediately after so constantly monitored and nursed one to one. He may be intubated and ventilated for a short while after. Things like his kidney/liver function will be monitored daily. It can be intimidating for patient and relatives but he'll be in the right place and problems can be identified quickly and treated.
As regards his alcohol intake it depends how much he drinks if he has withdrawal symptoms. Patients can often present in a certain way and staff are well accustomed to dealing with it.

Thank you so much @Hanschenklein for your message, how do the staff deal with a patient that is having withdrawal symptoms?