Heart Surgery

Summary

This program reviews key concepts that heart surgery patients should receive before leaving the hospital in an easily understood format. It offers a summary of discharge instructions and highlights information patients need during their recovery at home, including temporary restrictions, balancing activity with rest, and developing a basic routine.

Note: Another version of this program, "Heart Surgery: Preparing for Discharge," is also available. This program discusses discharge instructions and information patients need during their recovery at home in greater detail. It also includes information on long-term risk factor reduction.

Details

Now that you are getting ready to leave the hospital, there is a lot of information that you need to know.

• It may help to have a family member or friend with you during your discharge meeting.
• You will be given a written discharge plan specifically for you. It may include guidelines about:
  • Incision care
  • Diet and nutrition
  • Physical activity
  • Medications
  • The date for your follow-up appointment, which is normally scheduled for a few weeks after you return home
• Your healthcare team will talk about:
  • What you can and can't do over the next few weeks
  • When you can resume your normal activities and return to work
  • Your medications:
    • New prescriptions
    • Changes to ones you have been taking
    • If you are taking the medication Coumadin, your blood will be tested to make sure your dosage is at a safe level before leaving the hospital.
• The day of discharge, try to relax and rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
• You will not be allowed to drive for a few weeks, so someone should pick you up and drive you home.
  • When placing the safety belt across your chest, splint your incision with a pillow or other soft object.
  • If the passenger side has an airbag, sit in the back seat.

• Temporary Restrictions:
  • You should not take tub baths.
  • Avoid activities that place pressure on your sternum or breastbone.
  • Avoid activities that could cause you to strain and open up your incision site.
  • Avoid lifting anything heavier then five pounds, including: children, groceries, pets, and laundry.
  • Avoid heavy housekeeping, gardening, lawn work, and certain sports.
  • Do not raise your arms above your head, or open windows or car doors.
• Safe Activities:
  • Taking short walks
  • Minor household chores or repairs
  • Light computer work
  • Non-strenuous golf putting
  • Riding in a car for short distances
• Balance your activities with rest.
• Other Activities:
  • Naps are fine, but too much napping may interrupt your night time sleep routine.
  • You may resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable, generally this is a few weeks after you've been discharged.
  • Consult your physician before resuming any activity you feel uncertain about.
  • Continue your controlled coughing and spirometry exercises for several weeks:
    • They help reduce the risk of lung infections.
    • Use a pillow or rolled up blanket to splint your incision when you cough.
  • Weigh yourself every morning before breakfast:
    • Try to wear the same amount of clothing in order to receive accurate readings.
    • If you gain two to five pounds within 2-3 days, call your doctor.
  • You may also be asked to take your temperature once or twice a day:
    • Record your results.
    • If your temperature rises above 100 degrees, contact your healthcare team.
• Warning Signs:
  • Chest pain or burning, which may spread to your jaw, neck, or arms
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Excessive nausea
  • Excessive sweating
  • A return of your pre-surgery heart symptoms
  • Never be afraid to contact your healthcare team, dial911 or go to the hospital

• Clean your incisions with warm water and antibacterial soap:
  • Your doctor will let you know how and whenyou can wet and remove strips of tape.
  • Do not apply any lotions or powders until your incisions are completely healed.
• Do not be alarmed if you notice:
  • Minor redness
  • Bruising
  • Numbness, soreness or itching
  • A lump at the top of your chest incision
• Signs that there is an infection:
  • Increased swelling around the incision area
  • Tenderness
  • Soreness
  • Increased drainage
• Remember, if you feel you are developing an infection, or your incisions are not healing as they should, call your healthcare team.
• Leg incisions:
  • Often the most uncomfortable.
  • Try to keep your legs elevated to keep the swelling down.
  • Place a pillow under your legs when you are sitting in a chair, or lying in bed.

• A Basic Routine:
  • It may be helpful if you write down what your basic schedule or routineis, including:
    • Taking medications
    • Meals
    • Spirometry and controlled coughing
    • Taking you temperature and weighing yourself
    • Physical activity and rest
    • Looking for warning signs
  • Keeping careful records of your activities will help you track your progress as you heal.
• Friends are an important source of support, but limit the number of visitors during the first few days until your strength increases.
• You may become moody, feel depressed or sad after surgery:
  • Common emotions after surgery:
    • Irritability
    • Anxiety
    • Memory loss
    • Lack of concentration
    • Unusual dreams
    • You may even feel like crying for no apparent reason
  • These feelings should go away. If the feelings continue, contact your health care team.
  • Talk with your spouse about your feelings:
    • Your spouse or loved ones may experience feelings of depression as well.
    • They may be overprotective, which may be a reaction to their own fear and anxiety.

Your surgery is over. Now, you are going home. The coming weeks will be a time of slowly getting back to your old self. Give yourself time to heal and adjust to your new routine and the new you.