Hi - I'm a female who had double bypass surgery at WHC at age 44 (90 pct blockage in 2 arteries). To begin, WHC was a wonderful experience. Everyone there was extremely caring and competent from beginning to end. At that time, a private room cost me an extra $10 - go that route if you can. I can honestly say I don't have one single complaint about WHC - other than the drive there and back.
Although your mom's older than I was when I had my bypass, I can tell you they're very aggressive about getting patients up and around quickly. I was operated on on a Thursday afternoon (late) and they were ready to discharge me on Sunday. I asked to stay another day, as I wanted a full night without oxygen so I'd know how I felt and wouldn't freak out once I was at home, wondering if everything was the way it was supposed to be. I was the youngest person on the ward, but all the seniors were also up walking around as soon as they got the tube out of their chest, too. The drive home was horrific. I'd recommend making sure she's fresh on pain meds when you leave WHC and if you can avoid rush hour, do that. Take along a pillow or two for her in the car as well.
Once home - I can only tell you from my own experience - I slept in spurts. The recliner is a Godsend. I didn't sleep in a bed for what seemed like a long time. I also didn't sleep well - the doctor gave me Ambien for about a week, but other bypass vets have told me they had the same trouble sleeping. I don't think they give the hug pillow anymore - there's a little vest with handles in the front that you squeeze. You walk around looking like a parachutist.
From my own experience, there was NO depression, at any point. I was so FRACKING happy to be alive and, despite the pain of surgery, I felt better than I had in months. I was fortunate that they didn't have to use an artery from my leg, but used a mammory(?) artery instead. Most bypass vets I know say that the worst pain they have from the entire experience is in their leg where they farmed the artery used in the bypass. I did feel a little numbness on the left side of my chest from time to time for months afterwards, but nothing to complain about at all.
As someone else said here, walk, walk, walk. It's so important to recovery to get up and get around. Do the breathing exercises. And walk some more. It may help her sleep better at night, too, if she's getting a lot of walking in.
The weird stuff was the creaking and clicking I'd hear in my chest as it healed. Your mom will be given instructions not to ride in the front seat of a car for about 4 or 6 weeks (the airbag would kill her if it deployed). And I couldn't drive for 6 weeks (the surgeon upped it from 4 because he found out I had a miata). I can still tell if there's a storm front about to come through, my breastbone will ache. So your mom may be useful as accuweather
My insurance provided a nurse who called me occasionally to see how things were going once I got home. She was very helpful in telling me what was normal, making suggestions, and just making me feel like everything was going to be good again. I hope that this is provided for your mom, and if it is, please have her take advantage of the good advice and professional ear that this sort of person lends.
Recovery is slow, but a positive attitude really helps. I was back to work at 6 weeks, not 100 percent, but work was very understanding and I needed to be out of the house at that point. Having a grandchild around to keep her mind off all she's been through should help (but be sure your mom gets some quiet time, too). My bypass was totally unexpected (emergency as soon as they could find a surgeon/OR) and I felt like the whole world had changed for me. The only way I can describe it, it was the same "omg" feeling as we all got when we looked back on the buildings crumbling after 911. Knew it happened, hard to wrap your head around the idea. Hope that makes sense.
Please let us know how your mom is doing, I'll keep her in my thoughts as she goes in for surgery. Let her know that she's going to feel so much better, and that she's in very good hands at WHC. You're a good daughter, to try to get prepared for your mom's recovery.
