Aortic repair

I collapsed with an extensive aortic dissection in 2022 and only survived as I was in a cab at the time who called an ambulance.
My children were told I probably wouldn't make the open heart surgery and I've since been told they only repaired the part that would have killed me - but I am still here and fit enough to enjoy life (73 now).
There is an excellent guide and website, aortic dissection awareness.org
And also a very supportive facebook group - Aortic Dissection Buddies UK & Ireland

My Mum had this, she was very nervous at first of overdoing things. A physio visited her at home and got her up and running ( well, walking) again until she got her confidence back

I had a thoracic aortic repair due to it dissecting
They always give you the impression that you will be up and running in no time at all
When it takes longer which it usually does there can be a tendency to feel you are a failure and depression can set in
My recovery was complicated by being on steroids and two new hips
BUT. Check with the vascular team and if all OK give it time
In my ignorance for abdominal repair does patient go on bypass
If so some literature reckon it can take up to 12 months for full recovery
Here’s hoping things improve

A friend had the operation about 10 yrs ago and recovered but was younger, now at 78 he gets breathless and is limited in what he can do.

My brother in law is 91 and due to an aortic aneurism had a stent fitted in October of last year. He appeared to have very little in the way of after effects and was soon like a 'new man'

It will be at least 3 months before he will start to recover from such major surgery so try not to worry. Sleeping better at night is good - so long as you don’t keep looking to see if he is still alive. Gentle exercise is good if he can but don’t rush things. GP should be able to advise.

An aortic repair is a massive operation. My father died from a ruptured aortic aneurysm, this was many years ago and surgery was not possible. I wish your DH well , it will take time for a full recovery . He is a lucky man .

An afterthought. We found a GP very supportive, our surgery is helpful for serious things. She checked Mr C over, reassured us (me!) and arranged two follow up appointments with her over a 3 month period as well as chasing the hospital for a scan. I would hope your surgery would be as supportive but know that isn’t always the case. Otherwise yes, contact the hospital clinic if you’re worried.

Thanks so much for those replies .
Very reassuring.
Tremendous resource Gransnet.
Happy New Year.

A family member, 40 years younger than your husband, had an aortic repair and a new heart valve in October. Still very tired and generally unable to be as active as before, pain just subsiding. Appetite returned after a couple of months. It’s early days for your husband loopy, gently does it for now. Not the same I know but Mr C had a valve repair at the end of July, he’s still struggling with energy, same age as your husband. Us mature folk don’t mend as quickly and need patience. He’ll get there I’m sure.

Recovery from an aneurysm repair can vary from person to person, especially considering his age.

My husbands aortic aneurysm ruptured while waiting for his repair he was very lucky to survive. He was 65 so much younger than your husband he recovered well. Your husband has been through a very major surgery and it takes time to recover.
As suggested speak to his hospital team. Lots of rest and small but tasty meals might help or your GP could prescribe energy drinks till his appetite improves. I hope he feels better soon.

Contact your husbands team at his hospital, they can set your mind at rest or at least have a chat with you so that you can express your concerns.
Hope he feels better soon.