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So a 42-year-old relative of mine goes in for her six to eight hour Ventricular Tachycardia surgery today. While she is hardly a shrinking violet, this is a pretty complicated heart condition and am looking for tips to aid in her recovery. While she realizes that 'heart surgery' will become a way of life, we're all trying to find ways to help her heal faster. Has anyone undergone VT surgery before? What tips do you have to make the transition easier?
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Hi Tina
I haven't personally been through this surgery but I've had many patients after open heart surgeries. The main things are to get up and moving as soon as possible, go through the physical therapy to increase stamina and feel like you are able to function well again, and be really vigilant for depression. Many, many people suffer from a big depression after heart surgery, and some studies have shown that it is triggered physiologically. Untreated depression can really set recovery back, and because they are recovering from surgery, people don't always recognize it as depression. They often think it is just another part of recovery.
So if you notice signs of depression, be sure and address it. That way it won't impede recovery. Just the fact that you are ready and willing to help in recovery will mean more than anything else.
Good luck.
April 7, 2010 - 6:18amThis Comment