Client with major cardiac repair

[Frances]

Greetings all,
I have a long term client who has just returned home after 40 days and nights in the hospital. He had an aortic dissection (aortic tear) about 5 years ago. He had developed an bulge and has had three procedures;
1. CABAG
2. Aortic repair
3. Repair for internal bleeding.
Apparently his left lung collapsed and he's now on Coumadin and has DVT in one arm. His doc has cleared him for massage and I'm going to see him Thursday.
I'll work on him in the massage chair as he's very weak and can't get on the table. His wife tells me that his incision is from his back to his abdomen.
Has anyone worked with someone who's had such major work? Any thoughts or suggestions?
Cheers,
rubmyster

 

[cr4zyrunn3r]

My first thought is to ask permission to speak with the doctor and get very specific instructions.

Is it possible to have him in a recliner or other easy chair? I wouldn't want to try to get him back off the massage chair. That seems to be incredibly difficult for a lot of medically fragile clients.

The massage will be relaxing and comforting up to a point, then it will suddenly become more tiring. Watch him closely and let him know that he may end it at any point, and that you may at some point feel that it is "enough". I would suggest scheduling a very short massage to start with, to evaluate how he is doing. As he gets stronger, the time can increase again.

Obviously stay away from that arm. I *would* touch it, briefly and lightly but in a few places, so that it doesn't end up feeling cold and make the massage feel like it was missing something. Hold that hand a few seconds, at least, too - just don't increase the circulation there. The skin and muscles surrounding the incision will be very tender, too. Let him lead you in how close you get to the area, and work slowly and gently in response to his leading.

I am glad the doctor agreed to his having massage. It can be incredibly healing. Since he is a long-term client, it will help him feel like he will be normal again - a huge emotional step towards physical and emotional healing. He NEEDS to see you. I am glad you can be there for him.