Plastic Surgery Circulatory Surgery Digestive Surgery Muscular Surgery Reproductive Surgery |
Description - Video - After Surgery Open-heart surgery generally means an operation in which the heart-lung machine is used to support the patient’s circulation while the surgeon opens the chest and makes changes to the heart or the arteries on the surface of the heart. This surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations in the United States, with a high overall survival rate. There are a variety of types of open-heart surgeries, depending on the condition being treated and the overall health of the patient. In general, patients undergoing open-heart surgery can expect a hospital stay of at least three to four days after the surgery. They will not be allowed to smoke for two weeks before the procedure, or to eat or drink for eight hours beforehand. They will usually be admitted on the morning of the procedure. The procedure itself takes an average of about five hours. Afterward, the patient will be very carefully monitored, first in the cardiac intensive care unit and then on the general floor. Most open-heart surgeries will not need to be repeated. Stop any activity immediately if you feel short of breath, notice irregular heart beats, feel faint or dizzy, or you have chest pain. Rest until the symptoms subside. If they do not subside within 20 minutes, notify your doctor. Showers: You can take showers after your pacing wires and staples are out. Avoid soaking in baths until your incisions are healed. Avoid extremely hot water. Dress: Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that do not put undue pressure on your incisions. Rest: You need a balance of rest and exercise for your recovery. Plan to rest between activities and to take short naps as necessary. Resting also includes sitting quietly for 20-30 minutes. Rest 30 minutes after meals before exercising. Walking: This is one of the best forms of exercise because it increases circulation throughout the body and to the heart muscle. It is important to increase your activity gradually. Walk at your own pace. Stop and rest if you get tired. Each person progresses at a different rate after heart surgery. Physical therapists will provide you with an individual plan for exercise before your discharge. It is important to pace your activities throughout the day. Do not try to do too many things at one time. In poor weather lower than 40 degrees or above 80 degrees, you can walk in indoor shopping malls. In cold weather, wear a scarf or mask around your mouth and nose. Stairs: Unless your doctor tells you differently, you can climb stairs. Take them at a slow pace. Stop and rest if you tire. When using the handrail, do not pull yourself up with your arms. Use your legs. Sexual: You can resume sexual relations when you feel comfortable. For many people this is about 2 to 4 weeks after discharge, unless instructed differently by your doctor. Please ask your nurse for more detailed information, if needed. Driving: You can ride as a passenger in a car at any time. Avoid driving, outdoor bicycling, or motorcycle riding for 6 weeks after surgery. This time period is recommended to allow your breastbone (sternum) to heal. Also your movements might be limited and slow before the 6 weeks are up. When traveling, be sure to get out of the car every 2 hours and walk around for a few minutes. Lifting: You should not put too much strain on your sternum while it is healing. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks after surgery. This includes carrying children, groceries, suitcases, mowing the grass, vacuuming, and moving furniture. Don't hold your breath during any activity, especially when lifting anything or when using the rest room. Work: Check with your surgeon before returning to work, but most patients will begin to feel like returning to light work 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
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