Open-Heart Surgery: The Road To Recovery

Antibiotic And Antiseptic Treatments

Treatments vary although a course of oral antibiotics is usually the first step in addition cleansing of infected incisions with regular wipes of iodine usually four times a day. You will also be expected to visit your doctor or surgeon with greater frequency and to call if there are any adverse changes.

Intravenous Solutions

In extreme cases intravenous antibiotics are administered in addition to possible direct injections into a localized site such as an incision. You will also be given regular blood tests while treating the infection to assess the course of the infection and the progress of the treatment.  

Going Home

Someone will give you a long list of instructions. Follow them carefully. You'll also be given a list of prescription pain medications. Have someone pick them up as soon as possible. You'll be wheeled out to the curb in a wheelchair and probably be a bit shaky in the legs.  When you get home, take your time and move slowly and carefully. A bad fall will have you back in the hospital.  You should have an area setup where you can sleep, rest and eat comfortably. The closer to a washroom the better if you're on a diuretic or laxative. 

Help At Home

It's wise to have friends and family members present during your first week at home.  They can assist you with basic tasks and help in the event of an emergency. 

Danger signs once you're home include:

• Pain in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in your legs
• Oozing or redness around incisions
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Fever
• Blisters around incisions
• Heavy wheezing or coughing

Most people are generally mobile at home 2 weeks after surgery, many can drive and do routine activities after 4 weeks. Some can return to work after 6 weeks, but the total time for a return to normalcy is about three months. Cardiac Rehab helps.

Cardiac Rehab

Your cardiologist will probably recommend cardiac rehab. It's a six to 12 week course of supervised and monitored exercise designed to help you rehabilitate fundamental muscle groups. It's a good idea and they manage you carefully. You can usually begin this after four to six weeks following your surgery.

Follow-Up Tests And Appointments

You will have numerous follow-up tests and appointments with your surgeon, your cardiologist and your doctor or general practitioner.  You will also have tests such as CT scans or MRI's to evaluate the success of the surgery and your progress. The frequency of these tests and appointments will diminish after about three months following surgery, but you will probably be asked to do annual follow-ups. 

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Going back to your normal routine will take time. However, most people are enthusiastic and surprised at how much better they feel once they can return to a normal routine. Any heart condition affects both physical and emotional well-being and a successful surgery and recovery will leave you feeling better than before.