Dos and Don ’ts Of Recovering From Open Heart Surgery

What should you do to recover from heart surgery? (and what shouldn’t you do) A full recovery from open heart surgery will take up to 3 month, and most of the recovery time will be at home. Understanding what you can and cannot do is important to recovering well.  Keep in mind these dos and don’ts for a speedy and full recovery. Do Establish A Routine Ward off depression and allow your body to adjust to being home by creating a daily routine. Wake at the same time each day, have regular meal times, schedule exercise, visits, and entertainment during the day, and go to bed at a regular time. Don’t Over Do It You will be limited in the number of stairs you can climb and the amount you can lift. Don’t cheat.  The limits are set to allow your sternum to heal properly and to keep your heart from overworking before it has recovered. Do Attend Cardiac Rehabilitation As you recover your heart will need to be strengthened.  During cardiac rehabilitation your heart is constantly monitored while you exercise.  You will regain strength and endurance, but also will gain confidence in your repaired heart. Don’t Doze All Day Take a short nap in the afternoon if you are very tired, but otherwise try to avoid sleeping during the day to allow your body to readjust to a normal schedule. Do Wear A Seatbelt Until your sternum is completely healed, you will not be able to drive. If you ride in a car, do wear your seatbelt. The seatbelt may be uncomfortable aga...
Source: Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: blogs