Recovering From Cardiac Surgery: Regaining Function

Heart surgery is a big step and, as far as surgeries go, it is a pretty major one. While recovery from heart surgery can be a long process, once you do heal, you will be amazed at your ability to do things that your heart may have kept you from doing in the past.

 

Remember that heart surgery recovery is a gradual process—do not try to do too much right away. While your heart may perform better than it has in years, your surgical wound needs to heal properly. If you have open heart surgery, then your sternum is cut in order to gain access to the heart. The sternum is the vertical bone right in the center of your chest and it needs plenty of time to heal. The surgical incision areas will need time to heal as well. If a vein in your leg was taken for a coronary bypass graft, then that area will need to heal, too. Each surgical wound should be kept clean and dry and checked for signs of bleeding and infection. Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about proper caring for your incisions.

 

 

Your activity may be limited for the first six to eight weeks after surgery. You should be able to do light household chores within a week of the surgery, but take it easy. Do not lift objects that are 15 to 20 pounds (even less if they are above your head). Pushing and pulling objects, like a vacuum cleaner, should be done in moderation and slowly. If you have more than one story in your home, check with your doctor to determine if going up and down stairs is restricted. Some people move their bed to the main level of their home during heart surgery recovery.

 

People recovering from heart surgery tend to want to save up their energy and do several activities at once—perhaps to get them over with quickly. This is not a good idea. It is much better to spread different tasks throughout the day. Remember to go slowly and rest often. Your body will tell you when you can do more, but it will really scream at you if you have done too much. Avoid overexertion.

Many surgical centers offer a cardiac rehabilitation program as part of their heart surgery recovery services. If possible, you should take full advantage of this. Cardiac rehabilitation is more than just helping you return to full function (which it does) but it also provides education about your specific surgery and techniques for preventing the disease that made heart surgery necessary in the first place. While your doctor or surgeon will likely have information, you can also visit the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation website (www.aacvpr.org) for services near you. Many programs are covered by insurance.

 

As a final note, many people want to know but are too embarrassed to ask about sex during heart surgery recovery. You should feel free to ask a trusted health care professional about this aspect of your life and recovery. In general, sexual intercourse involves about the same amount of physical exertion that is expending when briskly walking about one half of a mile. If you cannot do this comfortably, you may want to refrain from intercourse until you can. Remember that there are many different aspects to intimate, romantic relationships and an open dialogue between you and your partner is critical during heart surgery recovery.