Rehabilitation
Recovery From Heart Surgery
Recovery from heart surgery lasts approximately six weeks. Sometimes self-care instructions are given directly to the patient.
Care of the Incision After Heart Surgery
In order to take proper care of the incision after heart surgery, it is important to:
-Keep the incision clean and dry.
-Use only soap and water to cleanse the area.
-Call the doctor if signs of infection appear. These signs include:
Increased drainage or oozing from incision.
Opening of the incision line.
Redness or warmth around the incision.
Increased body temperature (greater than 100.4°F or 38°C).
You should also call the doctor if the breast bone feels like it moves, or clicks.
Pain Relief After Heart Surgery
After heart surgery, some muscle or incision discomfort, itching, tightness, and/or numbness along the incision are normal. However, the pain should not be similar to what was experienced before surgery. Your loved one will be given a prescription for a pain medication before they leave the hospital.
For bypass surgery, there may be more pain in the legs than around the chest incision if leg veins were used as grafts. Walking, daily activities, and time will help to lessen leg discomfort and stiffness.
Driving After Heart Surgery
Driving after heart surgery usually occurs 6 weeks after surgery.
Activity After Heart Surgery
For the first 6-8 weeks, the following guidelines are generally recommended for patients recovering from heart surgery.
Gradually increase activity. Household tasks can be done, but standing in one place longer than 15 minutes is not recommended.
No lifting objects more than 10 pounds.
No pushing or pulling heavy objects.
Unless restricted by doctor's orders, climbing stairs is allowed; however, climbing up and down stairs several times during the day, especially when the patient first arrives home, is not recommended. When planning activities, try to arrange them so the patient goes downstairs in the morning and back upstairs when it is time for bed.
Walk daily is rcommended