heart surgery coming up soon

[robert62]

i will be having open heart surgery in grb friday january 11th at aurora hospital
w/ dr. roitstein. i have received a lot of information on the operation but not much after, how long will i have to get checkups, travel, eating, drinking etc?
any info would be good

 

[Cooker]

Hi Robert....welcome to the zoo.... I have found that my lifestyle changed very little. Everyone is different. Most people on coumadin eat and drink what they want.

Many here will help you with your questions. Wishing you the best.

 

[Bina]

Hello Robert and welcome to the group.
Most hospitals give you a booklet or sheet of recommendations as to what you should be doing and when. My post op cardio visit was at 3 weeks, then I continued with my GP for check ups. I had a homecare nurse to take care of a mild infection on my incision. It is a good idea to wait 6 weeks before driving a car; the sternum needs to become solid. Some people have blood pressure issues and need to avoid salty foods, I also had very slow digestion, so I ate simple meals. No spices, no gravy, no fat, no junk. Remember that you can always come here for any questions or support.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community. Glad you found us.

After discharge, I was instructed to see my family doctor within the first week, who was responsible for monitoring the overall healing process and my INR (while on Coumadin). I was to see my Cardiologist 4 weeks after surgery and the Cardiac Surgeon 6-8 weeks after surgery. They said I could probably drive 6-8 weeks post-op and drink alcoholic beverages in moderation once off of the narcotic pain medications. I was allowed to eat pretty much anything I wanted, but naturally they recommended a heart healthy diet. However, the first couple of months, things just didn't taste right and I didn't have my normal appetite so I didn't eat or drink (I'm a beer and wine lover) very much during that period. I'm back to my old self now. I was also told I could travel if necessary soon after surgery, but to take it easy. That said, I don't think it is a question as to whether you are allowed to travel verses coping with the discomfort of travel. For a few months after surgery, I found it very uncomfortable to be in a car for any length of time...whether as a driver or a passanger. I assume I would have been just as uncomfortable sitting on an airplane or train.

Everyone's recovery is different so just pace yourself and listen to your body and you'll do fine.

Best wishes and good luck.

 

[Jim P]

Look in the ?Reference Sources? forum on this site. Ross has placed an extensive, and very useful, list of Internet links there under the sticky thread ?"Must Have" Reference Links?

One site that I think might be especially useful for you is called ?Life After Open Heart Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions? Here is the URL:
http://www.heartsurgeons.com/ed5.html

Here is another one:
http://www.heartsurgery-usa.com/post_op_info.htm

Welcome to our forum. There are a lot of very informed, friendly, experienced people here who can answer almost any question you might have. As you are doing, it is good to do some research to prepare yourself and your family for this surgery.

Enjoy yourself and try to relax as much as possible as you await your day. I wish you all the best.

 

[Phyllis]

Just want to welcome you Robert. I put you on the calendar for January 11th. Dick had an appt. with the cardiologist at two weeks and the sugeon at 6 weeks at which time he was dismissed and allowed to drive. We traveled by plane from CT to FL at 8 weeks.