Three Recovery Planning Tips For Heart Surgery Patients

When your doctor informs you that open heart surgery is necessary, it makes sense to be concerned. This is a serious surgery that is often only reserved for life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, there are things you can do before the procedure that can help improve the recovery period and overall health after the procedure.

Tip #1: Recruit plenty of help

It can take weeks to fully recover from an open heart procedure since both bone and muscle needs time to heal. Doing too much too soon after the surgery is a recipe for further injury or at least interrupted healing. For the first couple of weeks after surgery, make sure you have someone on hand to help you with everything throughout the day. Once you are back on your feet in a limited manner, you should still have help available for the big things, like meal preparation. The key is to limit any actions that require you to carry anything, use your upper body a lot, or bend over.

Tip #2: Create a healing space

Limited mobility is the biggest frustration when healing. You can help ease this frustration by setting up a recovery space before the surgery. A comfortable recliner allows you to relax while also making it easier to find the most comfortable position. Place items you anticipate needing close by and above waist height, such as books and hygiene items. A large side table is helpful, since it can hold all your necessary items from snacks to medicines and even entertainment devices. You won't have the option of setting things on the floor, since you won't be able to pick them up again on your own.

Tip #3: Purchase recovery items

Those lightweight grabbers on long sticks are exceptionally helpful for the healing heart patient, since bending over to pick up a dropped item is a major recovery no-no. Also, invest in a pair of slip on shoes, since it may be a few weeks before you can bend over to tie your shoes. Button up shirts are also a good idea, since you may not be able to raise your arms above your head at first. Another thing to consider is extra pillows. Sleep can be uncomfortable when you are healing since your chest will be bruised and tender. Extra pillows allow you to prop yourself up in ways that can improve comfort.

For more help in planning for recovery, talk to your doctor.