Post Operative Care

[chongalolo]

Can anyone give me some advice on care for my sister (62) at her home after major thorasic surgery? What should I give in the way of pain relief, food and drink, bathing etc. This will be in the USA in two weeks time, I don't know if they get home visits from nurses. I would be so grateful if someone with knowledge or experience could give me tips or advise me.

[lizwizz]

The most important thing is to not mollycoddle your sister. Hard as it may sound she needs to be encouraged to do as much as she can for herself. I would have thought the hospital should provide some pain-killers for her and she should take these regularly to begin with, ie at least the first week at home, even if she doesn't feel she needs them.
As regards eating and drinking, she may not have much of an appetite, so give her what she fancies, but encourage lots of fresh fruit and veg. (Some painkillers can cause constipation, so this will also help).
She should drink as much water as possible, always have a fresh glass to hand. She will probably worry about having to get up for the toilet, but drinking is important too. Its not good to sit around too long.
Bathing depends on her mobility and what facilities she has at home, also whether or not she has an open wound.If she can sit under the shower, that would be ok as long as she has not been advised against getting her wound wet.
Re excercise, I would hope she has had some advice, but she should try and do a little more each day, just pottering round the house or a short walk if she's up to it. Its also normal to get very tired, so an afternoon nap wouldn't be a bad thing.
The most important thing is to remember that there must be somewhere over there that can advise you, so if you are at all concerned, get on the phone.
Sorry this is a bit long winded, but I hope it helps!