Things to Remember About Cardiac Rehab

Posted by Heart Hugger on Jan 13, 2016 10:41:00 AM

woman recovering from heart surgery

If you have just experienced cardiac or thoracic surgery, or you have a surgery scheduled in the near future, then you probably would like to know all you can about cardiac surgery rehabilitation. Depending on the nature of the surgery and what needed to be done, the recovery time for the patient will vary. One thing that typically remains constant in an open heart surgery is the importance placed on the recovery of the wound or sternal closure. Sternal wound dehiscence is something that needs to be avoided at all costs for those recovering from cardiac surgery.

The recovery process may be long, but it is a natural process of surgery. You can expect the first phase of recovery to last six to eight weeks. Once a patient is discharged from the hospital, the patient and the caregiver will be given a set of instructions aimed at making the post-surgery process as smooth as possible. With all surgeries and medical procedures, there may be quite a bit of pain associated with the wound and area of the surgery. Patients that are recovering are going to want to alleviate this pain as much as possible to remain comfortable during their recovery phase.

Pain Management During Cardiac Surgery Rehabilitation

  • Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon or primary care physician.
  • Refraining from physical activity or lifting heavy objects.
  • Keeping the incision clean and dry.
  • Using a device for postoperative sternal support.

Things to Remember about Activity Following Heart Surgery

  • Increase your rate of activity gradually.
  • Refrain from lifting objects over 10 pounds.
  • Don’t push or pull heavy objects.
  • Take a daily walk if advised and instructed by your physician or cardiac rehabilitation specialist.

It’s important that some things are unavoidable after heart surgery, such as coughing or sneezing. That is where the use of a device such as Heart Hugger comes into play. Being patient operated by squeezing together two handles, thereby securing the wound, a patient can operate the device whenever they feel necessary. This includes getting up to move around or performing basic chores.

Remember to take your time to make sure your recovery goes as smooth as possible.

Contact us today to learn more!

Heart Hugger

Written by Heart Hugger

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