1. Tracy Butler-Holdaway
When Things Unravel
Tracy Butler-Holdaway
Waikato Hospital

2. Recovery after an Aortic Dissection can be a challenge physically, however …… The Psychological distress can remain

3. 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

4. The Day….
An ordinary day
Is it a heart attack?

5. Am I understanding everything?
I know I’m in hospital

6. The Diagnosis….
Aortic Dissection?

7. Is this going to define me?
Once Home….
Feeling Overwhelmed
Is this going to define me?
Who am I now?

8. Relationships…..

9. 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?

10. Thoughts and Feelings….
Anxiety
Guilt
Fatigue
Insomnia
Isolation
The range of emotions are quite normal

11. How things change…
Change of roles
Spouse to carer

12. Recuperation and Recovery
Strong Surgical strategy
Do we need a stronger patient focused follow up and support?