Is There Life After Heart Surgery?

If you're facing heart surgery, have you wondered what life will be like afterwards

? Will it be like it was before, or will you have to adjust to a new normal? These are common questions that everyone asks when faced with this life-changing situation.

Following your operation, there are many crucial instructions your doctor will give you before you even leave the hospital. Adhering to them could take up to eight weeks.

Incision care

Eating a healthy diet as well as keeping your incision dry and clean are a few of the typical instructions. Don't apply any kind of ointment unless specifically told to do so by your doctor.

Bathing

Once your incision is healing and looks dry, a 10-minute warm shower is generally allowed. Try to keep your incision from getting wet. Don't soak in a tub for too long.

Cleansing the incision

Use unscented soap that you've used previously. Be gentle and don't rub. Call the doctor if you notice any signs of redness, drainage, or opening.

Pain relief

Initially, you may experience some discomfort in your muscles or incision. If it seems tight, numb, or itchy, don't panic. All are normal. Your doctor will most likely prescribe pain medication.

Medications

Your doctor will also prescribe any temporary or long-term medications. Only take prescribed medicines and talk to your doctor about the ones you were previously taking before heart surgery. This includes nutritional supplements and any over-the-counter drugs.

Driving

Wait until your doctor gives you permission to resume driving. This is vital because your sternum and reflexes will be weak and need to recover.

Returning to work

Again, this may take up to eight weeks. Listen to your doctor and don't go back to work until he or she says you can. Even afterwards, it's a benefit if you can ease slowly back into a full day's work routine.

Activities

Eight weeks seems to be the magic number here when it comes to gradually easing into normal activities. Doing light household chores, lifting light things and pushing and pulling items should be gradually increased.

Just be sure to listen to all of your doctor's instructions and adhere to the list as best as you can and you'll be alright. After heart surgery, less is more for a while where activities are concerned.

Activities such as walking and getting a good night's sleep following heart surgery are also very beneficial. Spread your activities throughout the day and rest if you feel you need it. Eventually, you'll be able to rebuild your stamina level.

Keep in mind your emotions will play a big part in your recovery from heart surgery. At first, you may experience sadness or depression. Keep telling yourself this too shall pass, and before long you'll be feeling more like yourself again and ready to get back into a healthy lifestyle once more.

by: Andrew Stratton

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