Post-Op Activity Instructions

Activity: Stop any activity immediately if you feel short of breath NOT relieved by rest, notice irregular heartbeats, feel faint or dizzy, or have chest pain. Rest until the symptoms subside. If they do not subside within 20 minutes, notify your doctor.

Incision Care: Avoid soaking in baths until your incisions are healed. Avoid extremely hot water. Shower in the morning and clean incisions 2 times a day with soap and water, peroxide or wound cleanser. Avoid lotions, creams, and ointments on incisions.

Dress: Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that do not put undue pressure on your incisions.

Diet: Regular home diet. No added salt. Switch to low fat, low cholesterol diet when appetite returns. Constipation is a common complain after surgery due to inactivity or pain medication. Any over the counter laxative is acceptable such as: milk of magnesium, stool softeners, fiber supplements, enema or suppository if needed.

Rest: You need a balance of rest and exercise for your recovery. Plan to rest between activities and to take short naps as necessary. Resting also includes sitting quietly for 20-30 minutes. Rest 30 minutes after meals before exercising.

Walking: This is one of the best forms of exercise because it increases circulation throughout the body and to the heart muscle. It is important to increase your activity gradually. Walk at your own pace. Stop and rest if you get tired. Each person progresses at a different rate after heart surgery. In cold weather, wear a scarf or mask around your mouth and nose.

Stairs: Unless your doctor tells you differently, you can climb stairs. Take them at a slow pace. Stop and rest if you tire. When using the handrail, do not pull yourself up with your arms. Use your legs.

Sexual: You can resume sexual relations when you feel comfortable. For many people this is about 2 to 4 weeks after discharge, unless instructed differently by your doctor. Please ask your nurse for more detailed information, if needed.

Driving: You can ride as a passenger in a car at any time. Avoid driving, outdoor bicycling, or motorcycle riding for 6 weeks after surgery. This time period is recommended to allow your breastbone (sternum) to heal. Also, your movements might be limited and slow before the 6 weeks are up. When traveling, be sure to get out of the car every 2 hours and walk around for a few minutes.

Lifting: You should not put too much strain on your sternum while it is healing. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than 5-10 pounds for 8 weeks after surgery. This includes carrying children, groceries, and suitcases, mowing the grass, vacuuming, and moving furniture. Don’t hold your breath during any activity, especially when lifting anything or when using the rest room.

Work: Check with your surgeon before returning to work, but most patients will begin to feel like returning to light work 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.