The primary recovery period after having an open heart surgery lasts approximately 30-45 days. During this time, it is necessary to gradually return to your usual activities. The pace and characteristics of the recovery period are individual for each person.
There may be periods of improvement and deterioration during the healing process that are expected and should not be alarming. Here are some tips from the experts to help your open heart patient feel more comfortable and confident.
Postoperative stitches
In most cases, the patient is discharged after the stitches have been removed. Feelings of loss of sensitivity, itching and pain at the site of surgery may occur over time. Read More: In What Conditions Does A Heart Surgery Is Needed?
Emotional sensations
In some patients, in the postoperative period, changes occur in the emotional sphere, which are expressed in the following:
- Low mood background,
- Increased emotionality,
- Lack of appetite,
- Unwillingness to do anything,
- Anger at others.
These manifestations are acceptable, common, and disappear over time.
Pain
Possible pain in the area of surgical intervention, in the chest with irradiation to the arms. These pains can continue for several months after surgery.
This is common and should not be alarming. It is advisable to take painkillers as prescribed by a doctor. Massage and relaxation exercises are also helpful.
Medicines
After the operation, the patient needs to take various medications. Some of them are taken for a limited time, and some – constantly. An indication to take medication or to cancel it is given only by the best heart hospital in Uttar Pradesh!
If you, for any reason, did not take the medicine on time, you must not take a double dose during the next dose!
Food
In the recovery period, a balanced diet is important. It is advisable to avoid eating fried, fatty foods, and also reduce the consumption of salty, sweet and offal.
The body weight must match the height! (Being overweight is one of the risk factors for heart disease.) Meal hours should be constant. Excessive food intake should be avoided. In the diet, the use of legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, chicken and fish is recommended.
Travel abroad
Before you plan a flight or trip abroad, it is worth consulting with your doctor.
Sport
Any sports activity, with the exception of walking, can be allowed only after consultation with a cardiologist or family doctor. Physical activity should be increased gradually, moving from light exercises to more complex ones.
It is recommended to walk in the morning and evening, in good weather, preferably on level ground, without significant climbs.
Lifting weights
Lifting heavy objects must be avoided. In the first month, weight lifting is allowed no more than 2 kg. (1 kg in each hand), in the second month no more than 4 kg in each hand (2 kg in each hand), in the third month – no more than 6 kg (3 kg in each hand), in the fourth month no more 10 kg (5 kg in each hand).
It is imperative that the load is distributed symmetrically to avoid instability of the bone fragments of the sternum until it is completely healed (4 months).
Further observations
After the discharge, you should make an appointment at best cardiology hospital in Varanasi, such as popularhospital.in. It is necessary to bring a discharge summary to the appointment. The doctor will continue treatment and extend the sick leave.
