{"id":17447,"date":"2013-09-03T18:37:25","date_gmt":"2013-09-03T23:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/?p=17447"},"modified":"2025-05-09T19:22:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T00:22:59","slug":"recovery-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/2013\/09\/03\/recovery-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips To Prepare You For Heart Surgery Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"

After heart surgery, you\u2019ll likely go home with a list of dos and don\u2019ts from your physician. Preparing for surgery beforehand will also help the recovery process go more smoothly and comfortably.<\/p>\n

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\"PatientCindy Wilson, Heart Valve Patient, Begins Her Recovery<\/p>\n

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More than 85,000 aortic valve replacements are performed<\/a> on average in the United States each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It’s a life changer, and prepping for the recovery process minimizes risks of short-term and long-term complications.<\/p>\n

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1. Incision Care<\/h2>\n

Keeping the incision infection-free is a top priority during the first weeks of recovery. Before surgery, ask a loved one to meet with your doctor to discuss how to care for the incision so you don’t have to do it yourself. Only soap and water should be used to cleanse the incision site. After washing, it should be gently patted dry to remove excess moisture. Johns Hopkins Medical Center notes the most common signs of infection<\/a> as being redness, warmth, reopening of the incision, oozing pus, or fever.<\/p>\n

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2. Rest<\/h2>\n

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons explains that patients\u2019 primary complaints after heart valve surgery is difficulty sleeping. Establish a bedtime routine before surgery to train your body to relax and prepare for sleep. Listen to calming music, read a book, or drink non-caffeinated tea 30 minutes before bed to unwind. The Mayo Clinic also mentions how a comfortable mattress contributes to better sleep. Latex (solid foam) or memory foam mattresses from Macy\u2019s are\u00a0 recommended to alleviate pain. Before surgery, test out your new mattress in the store. Keep in mind that you\u2019ll have to sleep on your back because of the incision.<\/p>\n

In addition, some patients choose to use recliners after cardiac surgery<\/a> to aid in the recovery.<\/p>\n

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3. Physical Activity<\/h2>\n

Activity during recovery is recommended, but pace yourself. Before surgery, take care of any household chores, such as reorganization or major cleaning that you will be unable to perform afterward. Start slowly after surgery. Walk around the house for a minute or two at the time. As physical activity increases, ask a loved one to move around with you to help ensure you do not fall or injure yourself. Consult your doctor before returning to more intensive activity, such as jogging, swimming, or lifting weights.<\/p>\n

During my recovery, I would walk all over my neighborhood. The longer I walked — with friends and family — the better I felt.<\/p>\n

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4. Transportation<\/h2>\n

Most doctors recommend that patients avoid driving for 3 to 8 weeks after surgery. Before you head to the hospital, set up a car pool plan with friends or loved ones. Determine who will drive you to scheduled post-op appointments or assist with grocery shopping or making trips to the pharmacy. If you don\u2019t have family who can help during your recovery, ask senior centers, your church, or a social worker at the hospital about transportation services in your area.<\/p>\n

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5. Emotional Changes<\/h2>\n

Cleveland Clinic reports that cardiac depression<\/a> after heart surgery is a common side-effect that typically resolves itself within several months. Ask a loved one to be aware of signs of depression \u2014 lower mood, apathy, increased sleep, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in everyday activities, or suicidal thoughts. These feelings are normal effects of heart surgery, but ask your loved one to contact your doctor if symptoms significantly persist for more than three weeks post-surgery.<\/p>\n

Here’s a video I filmed with Dr. Marc Gillinov about cardiac depression after heart surgery.<\/p>\n

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