You are probably wondering how much pain or discomfort you will have after surgery. Discomfort can result from different factors, such as your incision, position, or environment. If you are feeling uncomfortable, tell your nurse. You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, one being the least amount of pain and ten being the worst pain you have ever experienced. He/she will help you to get comfortable. Pain-relieving medicine will be ordered for you. It is important that you take this medication. It will help you move and cough more easily. Pain medication can be given to you every few hours. It is important that you ask your nurse for medication for pain since it is not given unless needed.
Chest X-Rays: Chest x-rays are taken in the CVICU, or in the imaging department following your surgery. You may expect chest x-rays at different times during your hospital stay.
Bowel Function: It is not uncommon for patients to have difficulty moving their bowels after surgery. You will be given a stool softener on a daily basis. You may require additional medication
(a laxative) to help move your bowels the first time after surgery. Your nurse will provide a laxative if you have not had a bowel movement by the third day after surgery.
Appetite: Your appetite may not return for a few days, but it is important to eat to build up your strength. Let the nurse and dietician know if there are any specific foods you would like to have.
Mood Changes: During the postoperative recovery, you may experience mood swings such as depression or even confusion at times. This is normal and fairly common, as a result of the stress of surgery and your body’s response to the stress. It is important to talk about your feelings with your nurse or physician.Activity: After the breathing tube
is removed, your nurse will help you sit on the edge of the bed
and dangle your legs over the side. You may experience dizziness
or lightheadedness when you initially sit up on the edge of the
bed. This experience is fairly common and quite normal after surgery.
On the evening of surgery or early the next morning, you will
be assisted out of bed to the chair in your room. Also, the next
morning you will begin to walk with the assistance of your nurse.
Each day in the hospital, the amount of time you spend walking
will increase. You will also be expected to sit up in a chair
for all of your meals. You and your family will be given guidelines
entitled Cardiac Surgery Pathway to Recovery that will outline
your activity progression for you entire stay in the hospital.
Fatigue: Fatigue is very common after heart surgery. Even simple activities such as showering or walking may make you tired. It is important to organize your day to include rest periods and periods of activity.
Pulmonary Therapy: Following removal of the breathing tube, you will be started on a pulmonary (lung) therapy regime, which consists of coughing and deep breathing exercises. The respiratory therapist will assist you in performing these exercises for your lungs. These exercises are vital to your recovery. By maintaining proper functioning of your lungs and preventing the accumulation of secretions, you will return to health faster. Remember that splinting your incision and taking your pain reliever will help you cough more effectively. You will also receive a breathing exerciser called an incentive spirometer.
Activity: After the breathing tube is removed, your nurse will help you sit on the edge of the bed and dangle your legs over the side. You may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when you initially sit up on the edge of the bed. This experience is fairly common and quite normal after surgery. If you have had coronary artery surgery you will be assisted out of bed to the chair in the evening of surgery. The next morning, you will begin to walk (ambulate) with the assistance of your nurse. The physical therapist will also evaluate your ability to walk and move. Each day in the hospital, the amount of time you spend walking will increase.
Walking is extremely important for your recovery!
You will also be expected to sit up in a chair for all your meals. You and your family will be given guidelines entitled ‘Cardiac Surgery Map to Recovery’ that will outline your activity progression for your entire stay in the hospital.
