My husband had triple bypass surgery 7/7. He is completely recovered! I should’ve kept better notes on this, but here are some tips.
The first couple of weeks home, he will want to sleep upright. Try to rent or buy an inexpensive recliner. It will save you! Even a month later, my husband still needed two extra pillow plus his “heart” pillow. Actually he needed these extra pillows and could only sleep on his back for nearly three months.
When he’s ready to be left alone, make sure that anything he might need is at waist level, including fridge food.
Although he’ll be getting a special diet, the first 2 weeks or so, it’s more important THAT he eats, not WHAT he eats. My husband practically lived on ice cream because that’s all he was hungry for!
If you’re the sole caregiver, I warn you that you will be stressed. People will want to call and visit, and you will have to play the Bad Cop. He literally will not have the energy to talk or visit much.
Have people do errands for you. Believe me, they will be so happy that they are able to do something for you. Items you will probably need: Metamucil, stool softener, thermometer, Mrs. Dash, food tray, lots of ice cream/sherbet, Kleenex and trash can (he will be hacking up and spitting a lot!), lots of mini pillows, which you will be adjusting a lot to make him comfortable.
You know what, this is getting too unorganized and confusing. If you’d like to ask some specific questions, e-mail me or send a private message. I’ve been through this so recently that I feel I could probably help you through this pretty well and I’d be happy to!