Post-Op Instructions

What can I expect after surgery?

  • You may be more aware of your heartbeat after surgery. This will resolve itself in a few weeks. If you experience persistently rapid or irregular heartbeats, please consult your physician.
  • Your legs may swell after surgery. This is to be expected and will improve over time. Wear your TED hose and remember to elevate your legs and exercise.
  • Weigh yourself daily and notify your physician of any rapid weight gain.
  • Avoid situations that may expose you to germs. Flu and pneumonia shots are recommended once you are fully recovered from surgery.
  • If your left internal mammary artery was used to make a graft, you may have more pain from the left side of your chest than the right. Take your pain pills as described and apply a heating pad or hot water bottle four times a day if it helps.

When can I return to work?

  • Your surgeon will discuss your return to work at your six week post operative appointment.

How do I take care of my incision site?

  • Check your incisions daily for redness, drainage or swelling. Your surgeon will want to know about drainage that has a foul odor or is dark and cloudy in appearance.
  • Change the gauze on your incisions regularly. Steri-strips usually come off in the shower.
  • Staples should be removed about 14 days after surgery by a home health nurse or in a doctor’s office.
  • It is normal for your incisions to be bruised, sore or itchy. The lump at the end of the incision will eventually flatten out. It is also not unusual to have numbness along the incision lines for six or more weeks after surgery.
  • Ladies, you may wear a bra or not, depending on what is comfortable to you. You should, however, pay close attention to the incision between the breast where moisture can be trapped and slow down the healing process.

When can I shower?

  • You may shower or bathe daily using antibacterial soap to clean your incisions. Pat them dry with a clean, dry towel. Avoid talc, ointments or salves unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. Hydrogen peroxide may be used to cleanse incisions and may help them dry out sooner.
  • Do not soak in a tub or Jacuzzi until all your incisions are well healed.

What medications can I take?

  • Take only the medications listed on your hospital discharge instructions.
  • Pain medication prescribed at discharge is a controlled substance and cannot be refilled by phone. Prescription refills cannot be processed after hours or on weekends so please plan ahead.
  • Anticipate activities that may increase your pain and take your pain medication in advance. 
  • Many patients sleep better if they take two pain pills at bedtime. Be aware that the pain pills give some patients nightmares or sweats. You may use Benadryl as directed to help with sleep.

When should I see my Cardiologist again?

  • You should see your Cardiologist within two or three weeks of discharge and your family doctor as needed. Your Cardiologist will review your medications at the time of your visit.
  • If you are diabetic, please make your diabetes doctor aware of your surgery. It may be necessary to adjust your medications during your recovery period.

When can I resume activities?

  • Balance rest with activity. You will need both. Build rest periods into your day and do not let visitors keep you from planned exercise or rest.
  • Exercise improves muscle tone and strength but it will take time to regain your stamina. Always stretch and warm-up prior to exercise to avoid muscle strain. You should feel stronger in about six weeks.
  • Walk two times a day, gradually increasing your distance. Avoid walking in extreme temperatures. You may need to walk at home or in a mall. Don’t forget to also exercise your upper body. Lifting cans of soup in each hand is a great way to get upper body exercise.
  • It is fine to use stairs but go slowly and stop if you become short of breath.
  • Do NOT weight lift for at least six weeks. Anything heavier than a gallon of milk should be off limits. You should also avoid heavy pushing or pulling such as mowing or vacuuming.
  • At the first sign of dizziness, incision pain or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising. Contact your Cardiologist. He/she can recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program in your area and decide when it is appropriate to begin.
  • No driving for four weeks. You may ride in a car but avoid long trips of sitting in a car more than an hour at a time during this time period. If you do travel, stop periodically to stretch your legs and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

What should my diet consist of?

  • You may experience a reduced appetite and even some nausea. These symptoms will improve over time as you become more active. Small, light meals may be more appealing.
  • It is fine to use an over-the-counter laxative or a Fleet’s enema for constipation. A stool softener is recommended while you are taking medication for pain.
  • You will need to work towards a heart-healthy diet. If the foods that initially appeal to you are not low fat, don’t worry. Eat them and get well. Our first concern is for you to eat and get well. Your Cardiologist can recommend reading material to guide you in making healthier choices once you are recovered.
  • Smoking dramatically decreases the life of your new grafts. We recommend beginning a cessation program if your desire to smoke returns. Your Cardiologist can recommend a smoking cessation program to best fit your lifestyle.

Final Note

Please do not hesitate to contact us at 502.583.8383 if you experience a persistent nausea or vomiting, chills, or a fever greater than 100.1.

Please be ready to provide the receptionist with your name, your surgeon’s name, the date of your surgery and the type of surgery.  If it is after normal business hours and you feel that you cannot wait until the next business day, the phone number above is answered 24/7. Your surgeon or an associate is available if an immediate response is necessary.

We wish you a smooth recovery.