Open-heart surgery is always an unsettling experience. After all, it is the heart that is being subjected to the trauma of surgery, and this has both physical and mental/emotional implications. Because of the advances in surgical procedures, most patients can leave the hospital within a week of the surgery. This is often a cause of apprehension because the security of an expert medical team is no longer available once you return home. A great deal of information is available on the subject of recovering at home after surgery. However, because of the unique parameters of open-heart surgery, patients need to be aware of the special care they need to take when they return home. In some cases, this may vary from the normal post-surgical home care.
Energy Levels
The first point to note is that while fatigue is normal after any major surgery, it is even more so when the heart is involved. Your energy will return gradually, but the pace will be uneven. Do not worry if you feel strong one day and weak the next. Do not become discouraged – your body is recovering at its own pace and this varies from person to person. Listen to your body and rest whenever your body tells you to, even if it is at odd times of the day.
Showering
Do not shower until your surgeon has approved – this may be a few days after you leave the hospital. Showering is preferable to the use of bathtubs, as the dirty water goes down the drain immediately. The method of closing the incision on your chest will vary – hospitals and surgeons have their own preferences. If there are sutures or strips on the incision when you leave the hospital, ask the surgeon about any special care that needs to be taken when having a bath.
Keep the following in mind:
Incision Care
Signs of Infections
Even when precautions are taken, infections may occur. If any of the following occur, contact your surgeon without delay:
Weight Gain
Monitor your weight. Weight loss after surgery is normal and the lost weight will return slowly. However, if there is any sudden weight gain, it could be a sign of inefficient cardiac action. If the weight gain is more than 1 kg in a day or 3 kg in a week, contact your doctor.
Body Temperature
Diet
Before leaving the hospital, you will be asked about any food allergies or dietary limitations you may have. Based on this, you will be given a diet plan that will support your recovery. Do not deviate from this unless you feel unwell or have digestive problems – in both cases do let your doctor know. After surgery, a loss of appetite is normal, as is feeling too tired to eat. In such cases, eat multiple smaller meals so that the required nutrition levels are maintained. Being properly nourished is vital for long-term recovery.
Medications
You will be given a schedule of medications to be taken. Take the medicines at the prescribed times and intervals. If you have trouble remembering what to take and when, set reminders on your cell phone to enable you to take the right medicine at the right time. You will be given pain medication to take if you experience severe pain or discomfort. Take these only under the conditions the doctor has described to you. Excessive or needless consumption of pain medication can have a negative impact on your recovery.
Exercise
Follow the exercise and cardiac rehabilitation program given to you when getting discharged from the hospital. Contact the doctor if there is any pain or discomfort while doing the exercises. The program may contain time-bound increments in the exercise regimen. Follow these increases, but do not increase the exercise intensity or duration more than that, even if you feel that you can do so. Overconfidence can lead to needless stress on the body, which may cause setbacks to your recovery.
Return to Normal Activities
The restrictions on movement, lifting and other activities will be gradually relaxed. You may feel that you can do more than the restrictions permit, but stay within the timeframes you have been given. Any excess stress to the body can set your recovery back by an extended period of time. Also, if you find that the gradual increases are making you tired or causing pain or discomfort, tell your doctor so that any possible problems can be diagnosed and treated without delay.
No one wants to be a hypochondriac, but when you have had an open-heart surgery, your recovery will be slow. If problems arise, ignoring them can delay your recovery or even result in complications that may require more treatment. Stick to the home recovery guideline you have been given and contact your cardiologist or surgeon if you have any doubts or feel any pain, discomfort or unease.
When your surgery is done at a leading multispecialty hospital like New Medical Centre in Pondicherry, you will have access to not just the best cardiac surgeons and medical technology, but also to the most comprehensive post-surgical care. When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be given detailed instructions on the medications that you should take, and also on the care and precautions that need to be followed at home. Your scheduled checkups will ensure that your recovery is proceeding as it should and if any modifications need to be made to the recovery protocol, these will be done at that time. In case of any doubt or uncertainty, you can contact your cardiologist or surgeon to have your concerns resolved. This will ensure that you have the peace of mind that is such an important part of recovering from open-heart surgery.
Open-Heart Surgery Recovery FAQs: Home Care, Precautions & Infection Signs
- How long does it take to recover from open-heart surgery?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients take 6–12 weeks for initial recovery. Full recovery, including regaining strength and stamina, may take 3–6 months, depending on age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation programs. - Is it normal to feel extremely tired after open-heart surgery?
Yes. Fatigue is very common after open-heart surgery. Energy levels return gradually and unevenly. Feeling strong one day and tired the next is normal during recovery. - When can I start showering after open-heart surgery?
You should shower only after your surgeon gives approval, usually a few days after discharge. Showering is preferred over bathing, and the incision must be treated gently with mild soap and warm water. - How should I take care of the surgical incision at home?
Keep the incision clean and dry, avoid direct sunlight, do not apply lotions or powders unless prescribed, and follow all wound-care instructions given by your doctor. Proper incision care helps prevent infection and supports healing. - What are the warning signs of infection after open-heart surgery?
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice: - Is weight gain normal after open-heart surgery?
Gradual weight gain is normal as appetite returns. However, sudden weight gain (more than 1 kg in a day or 3 kg in a week) may indicate fluid retention or heart issues and should be reported to your doctor immediately.