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Weakness and hoarseness in your voice may be present because of the breathing tube that was in place during and after surgery. Keeping your legs up above heart level when sitting and sleeping will help this problem. Slight swelling in your legs, which lasts four months or more. This may be due to the way your arm was placed during surgery. Tingling or numbness in your elbow or fingers.

This may last for many weeks and lessen with time. This often goes away in six to eight weeks.Īches between your shoulder blades, over the ribs, in the back of the neck, chest or leg incision. Swelling or knot-like lump at the top of your chest incision. After you have completely healed (about three months) this often stops. If needed, take pain medication prescribed by your doctor.Īfter heart surgery, many people often have symptoms that will improve with time, such as:Ĭlicking or rubbing of the breastbone with movement or breathing. Apply it four or five times per day on the low setting for about 20 minutes each time. If the bra bothers you, you may put a small piece of gauze under the bra for added comfort.įor discomfort or soreness, you may use a heating pad. A good support bra will reduce the tension placed on the incision. If your incisions are puffy, have areas of redness, are oozing, or begin to open slightly, call your surgeon. If the strips come off on their own, you may leave them off. If you have small pieces of white tape over your incision, you must remove them after you have been home for seven days. Wash gently with mild soap during your daily shower. You may also feel numbness or itching or see redness or swelling, which will also stop with time. Changes in the weather, too much or too little activity and sleeping in one position too long may cause increased soreness. These chores will strain your chest and upper arms and will affect proper healing of the breastbone.ĭo not return to work until having a discussion with your doctor at your follow-up visit.Īs you heal, your incision will look better and the soreness will go away.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, such as swimming, jogging, biking, bowling, tennis and golf for three months after surgery.ĭo not do heavy house and yard work such as running a vacuum, mopping or scrubbing floors, mowing the lawn, raking, digging or chopping wood. You may ride in a car with your seatbelt on.ĭo not lift, carry, push or pull items weighing more than five to ten pounds, such as a heavy shopping bag, suitcase or small child. Your reaction time will be slowed and you must avoid danger of re-injuring the breastbone while it is healing. Those restrictions may include:ĭo not drive a car until cleared by your doctor. You will also have restrictions on your activities until after your return visit to your surgeon.

It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the nurse practitioner, staff nurses and/or cardiac rehabilitation nurses. Talking with your family and friends can help with the normal emotional ups and downs after surgery.Ī slow increase in your activity will help promote healing and rebuild your body tone and strength. A lot of psychological energy is used in coping with the fears and demands after surgery. Don't be worried if you express your moods and feelings more than before. You can expect to have good and bad days during this time and you may feel tired, irritable, anxious, depressed or simply not quite yourself for a few weeks.

Healing time will take at least two to three months. Once you return home after heart surgery, getting back to a normal routine will take time because your body systems have slowed as result of surgery, medications and less activity.