Heart Surgery: Activity Guidelines for the First Few Weeks
Heart Surgery: Activity Guidelines for the First Few WeeksAfter SurgeryWhen you first arrive home, you may be anxious to return to your old pre-surgery routine right away. But aspart of your recovering from heart surgery, you need to develop a new daily routine to help your body heal. Bepatient. It may take some time to adjust to this new routine. Don’t overdo it. Take some time to relax.Remember, your body is still healing.Friends and family are an important source of support and will be anxious to see you but keep visits shortduring the first few days. You need your rest. And if someone has a cold or the flu, ask them to wait until theyfeel better to visit. As you recover, some activities may be restricted for the first couple of weeks, so yoursternal wound can properly heal. The incision made during heart surgery is called a Sternal Wound because itruns down the middle of your Chest bone or Sternum.Do not take a tub bath; Showers are ok, but you may need help during this time.Do not lift anything heavier than 5 to 10 pounds or as directed, like groceries, laundry, or small children; Do notdo any activity that causes pressure on your healing breastbone like heavy household chores, lawn work orgardening; Do not open windows, car doors and sliding glass doors; And you may need help walking upstairs.Some of these activities may be restricted for only a week or two. Others may be restricted until you return foryour follow-up appointment.“It’s a lot more comfortable being at home. But obviously I couldn't do anything for the first threeweeks. So, I just rested a lot, you know, took-- you know, I just watched my son play.”“I’m starting to feel useful again. I- I’ve- I have a- a purpose to my life, and every week, I feel stronger, Ifeel better.”As you get stronger, gradually increase the amount of activity you do. Take short walks, do minor householdchores or repairs and light computer work. Ride in a car for short distances. And when you feel comfortable,resume sexual activity; typically, a few weeks after discharge.Whatever you choose to do, make sure you balance any activity with rest. If you get tired, stop what you aredoing and take a break. Napping is fine; just make sure you are still getting a good night’s sleep.You know “I’d like to go wash my car, I’d like to go play golf, I’d like to go you know do this or do that and that’sone of the hardest parts.”If there are any activities you want to do, but aren’t sure whether they are safe or not, talk to your healthcareprovider. It is better to be confident you are doing activities that will help your recovery.“I’m very grateful to have this second chance at life and that’s how I got through my every day, one dayat a time. I’m feeling better, I’m recovering; things are great.”The first weeks of your recovery at home can be challenging but follow your activity guidelines. Each and everyday you will notice you can do more and feel better.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10182B EN HeartSurgeryActivityGuidelinesForTheFirstFewWeeksAfterSurgery.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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