February 20, 2025
Ease the stress of recovery after heart surgery with these expert tips.
Every day, thousands of individuals across the U.S. undergo heart surgeries, ranging from open-heart procedures to valve repairs. These life-saving operations aim to restore health and improve quality of life, allowing patients to continue enjoying their favorite activities. However, recovery after heart surgery, especially during the transition from the hospital to home, can feel daunting, particularly without the constant oversight of medical staff.
Returning home after heart surgery though, brings its own set of healing benefits. There’s comfort in sleeping in your own bed, savoring home-cooked meals, relaxing in familiar surroundings, and stepping outside for fresh air when you’re ready. Home recovery also allows for better rest, free from the interruptions of hospital routines.
If you or a loved one is recovering from heart surgery, following your doctor’s post-op instructions is essential for a smooth recovery. In addition to those guidelines, these heart surgery recovery tips can help promote healing and prevent complications:
Proper Incision Care
Caring for your surgical incision is crucial to preventing infection and ensuring proper healing. Keep these tips in mind:
- Gently clean the incision daily using soap and water, but avoid scrubbing the area.
- Avoid applying creams, lotions, or powders to the incision until it is fully healed.
- Keep the incision dry and covered if your doctor recommends it.
Managing Pain Effectively
It’s normal to experience discomfort after heart surgery. Here’s how to handle it:
- Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to use as needed. Follow the prescribed dosage carefully.
- Itching, tightness, or numbness around the incision is common and typically subsides as you heal.
- Don’t hesitate to communicate with your healthcare provider if your pain feels unmanageable or unusual.
Diet and Sleep Considerations
Recovery often comes with changes to your eating and sleeping patterns. Here’s what to expect:
- Follow any dietary recommendations provided by your doctor, especially if heart-healthy eating is part of your long-term care plan.
- You may find your appetite reduced initially, but it should return within a few weeks.
- Difficulty sleeping is common after heart surgery, but most patients notice improvements in their sleep within a few months. Creating a calm and relaxing bedtime routine can help.
Managing Swelling
Swelling is a typical post-surgical symptom but can be minimized with these steps:
- Elevate your feet above heart level three times a day. Avoid using recliners, as they don’t provide adequate elevation.
- When lying down or sitting, avoid crossing your legs, as this can impede circulation.
Staying Active
Regaining strength after heart surgery involves a careful balance of rest and activity:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects (anything over 20 pounds) during your recovery.
- Walking is one of the best ways to rebuild strength and support cardiovascular health. Follow your doctor’s or cardiac rehabilitation specialist’s recommendations for walking and other exercises.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Heart surgery impacts not only the body but also the mind:
- It’s normal to experience temporary cognitive changes, such as memory lapses or difficulty concentrating. These typically resolve with time.
- Protect your emotional health by steering clear of stressful situations, tense conversations, or conflicts. Emotional distress can strain your heart during the recovery process.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Be vigilant about any warning signs that could signal complications. Contact your physician immediately if you notice:
- A fever of over 101°F for more than one day or persistent chills.
- Redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge at the incision site.
- Significant fatigue, shortness of breath, or abnormal pain.
- A popping or cracking sensation in the sternum, or the feeling that it’s shifting.
Support for Recovery at Home
Recovering from heart surgery is a journey that’s best undertaken with support. Continuum is here to provide the expert care you need to heal in the comfort of home. From medication reminders and incision care to helping with daily tasks, our team ensures your recovery is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We proudly serve Clayton, Ladue, Chesterfield, and throughout St. Louis and St. Charles counties, offering personalized services to meet your unique needs. Call us at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 to learn more about how we can help your loved one recover comfortably and confidently at home.