7 Important Tips to Remember Post your Open Heart Surgery

Heart surgeries are performed to treat heart problems, and “open heart surgery” is one of the techniques through which surgeons can reach the heart. This is one of the reliable ways, where surgeons cut through the sternum (aka breastbone) to get easy access to the heart and is recommended only if the patient is strong enough to brace it.

A patient may require surgery if diagnosed with any one of the following conditions: Congenital heart defects, heart failure, or coronary artery disease etc., It is also common for patients to experience insomnia, depression, muscle pain, and minor swelling near the bruising site. Depending on the intensity and rate of recovery, discharge will proceed, but with loads of directives and advice for care and recovery.

In this article, we are providing you with an insight into what steps and measures are to be followed, post – open heart surgery for a better recovery.

1) Care of incisions

• Even after 7-10 days, post-surgery, there may be numbness, swelling, redness, and itching in the incision area, which will stop with time. The incision area may become too sore when sleeping in one position for too long and when exposed to weather changes.
• It’s recommended not to rub the incision, wash with mild soap and pat dry. If the incisions are puffy, reddish, and oozing out, over time, it’s better to seek medical assistance at the earliest. If needed, for discomfort and soreness, the patient may take analgesics as prescribed by the doctor and use a heating pad with low settings for about 20 minutes (4-5 times/day) as instructed by the doctor.

2) Returning to normalcy

• Habituating to normalcy, even after returning home might be a time-consuming process as our body system would have been changed owing to the major surgery and medications and less physical activity. The recovery period is mostly a mix of both good and bad days, as the patient may not simply feel like themselves, mixed emotions, anxiety, tiredness, irritability, and depression sometimes, and all of this may last for a few weeks to a month or two.
• One should not be worried because of their different behavior or the mood swings that they go through, as a tremendous amount of psychological energy will be used up in coping with fears and demands post-surgery. Talking with family and friends can greatly benefit the patient in dealing with the emotional roller-coaster and returning to normality.

3) Rest and Sound Sleep

• Some patients may experience insomnia (inability to fall asleep), post-operation, which may be due to the following reasons: Stress from personal concern, changes in daily routine, discomfort in healing etc., and the normal sleep cycle may typically set in 2-3 weeks.

Tips to restore the sleep cycle:

• Avoiding caffeine content foods (chocolates, coffee, and colas) during the evening.
• Taking pain medications at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Choosing a comfortable bedding, pillows, and sleeping position that will not cause discomfort or pain to the incision area.
• Talking to close ones regarding anxiety or nervousness and getting the troubles out of your mind.
• Taking a power nap or breaks between normal activities during the daytime.
• Keeping yourself relaxed by listening to music or reading a book etc.,

4) Physical Activity

• Resuming physical activity varies from person to person, but it is commonly counseled not to resume physical until the completion of 6-8 weeks post-surgery. To start off with, one can resume physical activity by doing something that they like doing the most but is also simple and doesn’t require extra effort, like watering the plants using a hose, cooking, or dusting up etc., After 8 weeks, one can also involve in weeding, digging soil and trimming the hedges.
• Driving a car – Until consulting with a doctor, one should not drive. This is practiced to evade re-injuring of the sternum during the healing process.
• It is also advised not to carry, lift, push, or pull heavy objects i.e., usually weighing around 5-10 pounds or more.
• Strenuous exercise such as bowling, tennis, swimming, jogging, and biking is recommended only after 3 months post-surgical treatment.

5) Pain and relief

• Pain medication is usually prescribed by the doctor, and will be continued even during a recovery phase.
• One can benefit from the medication only when one sticks to a treatment regimen without fail, even when at home.
• Uneasiness surrounding the incision is common but shouldn’t be hurting it does during the initial few days of surgery. This is expected to fade with time, and if not, it is advised to bring it to the attention of the doctor, at the earliest.

6) Sexual Activity

Many patients present with concern about their sexual life when they undergo such a major surgery. Well, it mostly depends on how far they’ve come in the recovery road, both physically and mentally. As per advice, post-surgery, when the patient is fit enough to take two flights of stairs – without falling short of breath or getting too tired, then they’re given the green signal.

7) Diet

Focusing on eating “healthy foods” is a must, post-operation as this majorly contributes to healing, recovering, and reducing the risk of any other complications. One may also experience changes in taste and smell, owing to the medicines that are being taken. It is also prescribed by the nutrition to consume food in smaller portions, but frequently, and it can contain the following:

• Meat, egg, tofu, nuts and healthy fats
• Fish – as they are abundant in omega-3 fats
• Low-fat dairy products
• Quinoa, rye, rolled oats and other whole grains
• Water, tender coconut water. Fresh juices
• Reducing consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages, salt, and junk.

Follow-up appointments and doctor consults are very important and are not to be missed at any cost. The road to recovery may seem like a long tiring one, but one should also remember that they are not alone in this. Family, friends, and rehabilitation groups are available for constant support for “you”- to lead a fulfilling, healthy, and active life in the coming years!!