Post Surgery tips

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BrownEyes

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2025
Messages
7
Location
Wisconsin
Hi there.

I have a few questions as I prepare for my surgery this spring. Searched the threads but didn’t find much on these particular topics:

1. I’m a side sleeper. I have a really hard time sleeping flat. I do have an electric recliner that goes flat, and also have an adjustable frame bed. My question is for you side sleepers, how long after OHS were you able to sleep in your side?

2. Showering. I read great feedback on getting a shower bench which I just ordered. But I read you can’t raise your arms above your head for a few weeks. Any tips then on how to wash your hair? I am a female with long hair so I do plan to cut it much shorter prior to surgery, but still any tips on washing when you can’t reach up?

3. Formal Cardiac rehab. How often is this usually started? Right after surgery or after you heal?

4. I own a side business and want to use my down time from my recovery to rebuild my business website. Using a laptop - what’s the less painful way? Lap desk? sitting at a normal desk? Or will that be uncomfortable?

Thanks in advance! Loved all the other tips I read to help me prepare.
 
1 For the first week or so you will only want to be in a position without pain, often that is on your back. You will have to turn on your side to get up and out of bed ,so you will be able to test the sideways position.

2 If I remember correctly, I bent over and raised my hand over my head, you just have to be gentle. you have to keep your incision dry.You will also need a hair dryer.

3 They will start you walking by the second day. I was going down to the lobby to get extra coffee by the third day. After on week I started rehab at a center with other heart patients. Highly recommended.
Week one,they had us doing breathing exercises and riding bikes. Week two and going for afternoon one hour walks outside , and week three stretching was added.

4 By the second week I could sit at a desk and work on my laptop, But , at rehab they will keep you busy with exercise!

Best of look!
 
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