Tracy Butler-Holdaway When Things Unravel Tracy Butler-Holdaway Waikato Hospital
Recovery after an Aortic Dissection can be a challenge physically, however …… The Psychological distress can remain
I wake up just to check he is still breathing Effects… I wake up just to check he is still breathing Family Friends Work He’s never sick But you’re so fit
The Day…. An ordinary day Is it a heart attack?
Am I understanding everything? I know I’m in hospital
The Diagnosis…. Aortic Dissection?
Is this going to define me? Once Home…. Feeling Overwhelmed Is this going to define me? Who am I now?
Relationships…..
What limitations do I have on my life now? Can I still play sport? Has my life expectancy been reduced because of this? Will hard physical work put me at further risk or damage my repair? What limitations do I have on my life now? How long do I have?
Thoughts and Feelings…. Anxiety Guilt Fatigue Insomnia Isolation The range of emotions are quite normal
How things change… Change of roles Spouse to carer
Recuperation and Recovery Strong Surgical strategy Do we need a stronger patient focused follow up and support?