Recovering from heart surgery can be a long and trying process. This is not a recovery that can be rushed. This article will provide you with a guide to recovering from heart surgery. It is not meant to constitute or replace medical advice.
The first phrase of heart surgery recovery can last from six to eight weeks. You will be given a set of patient care instructions. It is important that you follow these directions carefully during your recovery, and call your doctor immediately if you have any questions or concerns.
Care of the incision. It is important to keep the incision from your heart surgery clean and dry. Only soap and water should be used to clean your incision, unless your doctor directs you otherwise (don’t use perfumed soaps or body wash). Don’t scrub your incision. Do not put any ointments, oils, or other creams on your incision unless directed to do so by your doctor. Eat a healthy diet to help your body heal. If any signs of infection appear, call your doctor. These sign include increased oozing from the wound, an opening of the incision line, redness or warmth around the incision, or a fever greater than 100.4 degrees. Also, if you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels begin to vary more than usual after your heart surgery, this can be a sign of infection, so call your doctor.
Pain relief. Discomfort, itching, tightness, and / or numbness along the incision is normal. You will probably be given a prescription for pain relief medication after your heart surgery. Do not take over the counter medication or herbal supplements in addition to your prescription pain relief without checking with your doctor. If you begin to feel pain similar to what you experienced before your surgery, call your doctor. If you had bypass surgery, you may have more pain in your legs than your chest. Call the doctor immediately if you feel like your sternum has moved or cracked.
Swelling. Your legs and feet may swell after heart surgery. Put your feet up higher than your heart level when you are resting while recovering. Don’t cross your legs. Your daily walk will help swelling, and your doctor may recommend support hose.
Bathing. If your incision is healing well, quick showers will probably be allowed after your heart surgery. Stand with your back to the shower spray so it doesn’t beat on your incision. A quick bath (10 minutes or less) may also be allowed, but check with your doctor before doing either (your discharge instructions should give you guidance on this.)
Driving. You probably won’t be able to drive for six to eight weeks after your heart surgery. Talk to your doctor about your driving restrictions during your recovery.
Activity. You should gradually increase your activity level after your heart surgery, following your doctors instruction. Don’t do the following:
• Don’t stand in one place longer than fifteen minutes.
• Don’t lift anything heavier than ten pounds.
• Don’t push or pull anything heavy.
• Don’t climb up and down the stairs several times a day
You will probably be encouraged to take a walk every day.
Diet. A healthy diet is imperative after heart surgery. You may even be given a special diet. If your appetite is poor, try eating small, more frequent meals. If your appetite does not return within the first few weeks, let your doctor know.
Emotions. You may feel sad or down the first few weeks of your recovery. This is normal after heart surgery. Try the following to help get over these feelings and get back to feeling like yourself again:
• Join a support group. Mended Hearts is a national volunteer support group for heart patients and their loved ones. Contact them at http://www.mendedhearts.org.
