Post Surgery tips

[BrownEyes]

I had less than great chest tube removal experience for surgery #2. So for my 3rd surgery, I was determined to ask for something to take the edge off before they were removed when the PA came in to do it. She said not to worry, that she was really good at it and I believed her.
It went smoothly, no pain at all. And I had 4 tubes for the 3rd surgery. (2 for #1, 3 for #2).

Do they have to add stitches after they pull them? Or just put a bandage on?

 

[Gail in Ca]

No, she didn’t add stitches after pulling the tubes. Only a bandage.

 

[dornole]

Tube removal no big deal for me, not painful and I felt a lot better after they came out. Easier breathing and way easier to move around.

 

[d333gs]

I had a full sternotomy, but I slept on my side the first night after my surgery. My chest never hurt from the sternotomy. I don't move around after I go to sleep, which allowed me to position myself so everything was comfortable enough to sleep on my side. When you want to sleep, position yourself in bed while someone is still in your room. Have them help arrange the various IV lines, IV trees with saline bags, drain tubes, nurse call button, etc. Then they can turn off the lights and CLOSE THE DOOR so you can sleep!


You may be able to reach up within a few days after surgery. I could. I was allowed to shower 6 days after surgery, and this included washing my hair. I just had to limit the weight I lifted when my arms were above my head or away from my body. This does vary for different people.


I started cardiac rehab 2 weeks after surgery. I think that is normal.

"My chest never hurt from the sternotomy" That is amazing.

 

[d333gs]

I had a mini-sternotomy. Instead of the full cut, they cut about 3.5 inches at the top of my sternum. Having said that, I would now say that I am probably more in the camp that a full sternotomy is better, in order for the surgeon to have better access and less time on the heart and lung machine. The less invasive procedures have shown to require longer operating times and more time on the heart and lung machine, which is not a good thing. The advantage of the mini was that my wound healed faster, but it really did not help me get back to sports any quicker. The limiting factor for that is the healing which needs to occur in the heart from being sliced and sutured. The mini procedures don't help with that. Not talking about TAVI, to be clear.

I should add that when I made that call, the anesthesia had worn off enough that I had some mental clarity, but not so much that I yet felt any pain. About 3 hours later, it had worn off to the point that some pain was kicking in and I would not have wanted to make any calls at that point.

Thanks Chuck,

 

[Colo Artist]

Do they have to add stitches after they pull them? Or just put a bandage on?

For me the surgeon did two sets of stitches for each tube. One to hold the tube in and the other a "purse" stitch. Once the first set was removed with the tube the second was pulled tight to close the incision.

 

[V__]

Do they have to add stitches after they pull them? Or just put a bandage on?

A PA placed stitches on my after the tube removal. They used surgical glue for all other incisions. I guess our mileage does vary

 

[Zoltania]

I didn't have stitches, but my chest tube incision spot was leaking clear fluid for nearly three weeks. I had to keep it covered using gauze and surgical tape.

 

[danielwoz]

Age seems to really matter here, so with the preface I'm 42,

1. I was a side sleeper too, there really is no chance of sleeping on your side for ~10 weeks. I didn't like it but its not the worst of it...

2. I got a sponge on a stick for like $3. It was great. Highly recommend. Its hard to shower but its not getting out of bed hard For the first week you should get use to the idea that a Nurse is likely neccesary to clean you in all regards.

3. Like most have said there are different levels. They will get you walking or standing up as soon as they possible can. A body at rest tends to stay at rest (Newton was a smart man)... The chest gym / strength rebuilding component is probably 10-12 weeks out. I didn't really get to *start* using my chest/pecks successfully until week 12. Your mileage may vary.

4. I'm a software engineer, started writing code on day 3, went a little too hard (1 hour) too early and had an anxiety / heart racing episode when I fell asleep sitting up. You'll be able to do it pretty early but don't over estimate your ability to situp straight in the first 2-3 weeks for too long at one time. I was coding 8 hours a day by week 4.

I highly recommend finding a psychologist for the first 12-16 weeks, it has weird (well documented) affects on your brain, more predominantly for people under 60. The severe depression and anxiety events went away (almost magically) after week 14ish, but my doctor gave me the advice to start early because its normal to happen but if it sticks around (rare) you've got the psychology sessions to help justify the necessary psychiatric help. Just having a stranger to talk to about the weird experience that OHS is, was really helpful, even if I was ultimately fine.