Heart Hugger Blog

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.

Exercise is not always easy and it's not always fun, but it's good for us, so we try to do it. However, exercise after cardiac surgery is an entirely different challenge and an extremely worthy challenge at that. Every movement must be carefully considered, every breath mindfully taken. What once felt like simple actions now require patience, dedication, and proper support.

But with each small step forward in cardiac rehabilitation, you can move closer to regaining their strength and independence. Here's a peek at the world of cardiac post-op exercise, where even the smallest victories represent major milestones in recovery.

After undergoing open-heart surgery, you're bound to have a multitude of questions, concerns, and emotions swirling through your mind.

While post-operative bras might not have been at the forefront of your mind before surgery, choosing the right one can play a crucial role in your recovery.

Not only can the correct post-operative bra provide you with a greater sense of comfort and security, but it can also significantly aid in your healing journey, helping you get back to living your best life sooner than you even expected.

How often do you think about breathing? For most of us, it's an unconscious action—until it becomes painful. For patients recovering from thoracic surgery, every breath can be a reminder of their healing journey. Fortunately, with proper respiratory splinting, breathing can become easy and natural again, even during recovery.

If you're researching information related to heart surgery and recovery, you've likely come across mentions of heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). For years, these pillows have been standard issue in many hospitals for patients recovering from heart surgery or sternotomies. The traditional thinking was that heart pillows could provide comfort and support when patients needed to cough, sneeze, or manage pain.

If you or a loved one is having a sternotomy, you likely have a lot of questions about the procedure, the healing process, what to expect, and more. While it's always best to ask your doctor for guidance, it never hurts to do a bit of foundational research so you know what to ask.

The road to recovery following cardiac surgery can feel long and daunting. However, maintaining an optimal diet will provide the essential nutrients needed for healing. What you eat makes a major impact on your rehabilitation journey. Follow these dietary guidelines to fuel your body through mending after heart procedures.

Recovering from heart surgery is a journey that involves more than just physical healing. While the physical challenges are often discussed, the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery are equally significant but tend to be overlooked. Here's what to know about the psychological factors of heart surgery recovery so you know what to expect after surgery.

Recovering from heart surgery can be a long and challenging process, particularly during the immediate postoperative period. While some patients experience a relatively smooth recovery, others may encounter complications, such as sternal wound dehiscence—the reopening of the sternal wound.

It is quite common for patients to complain of having trouble sleeping after heart surgery. It can mean added stress during recovery, as patients are tired and want sleep, and because most recognize how vital sleep is to the recovery process. 

Let's take a look at some of the factors that affect post-surgery sleep patterns as well as tips to help you sleep better.