The first phase which covers your stay in the hospital for heart surgery recovery may last from 6 to 8 weeks. After you are released from the hospital you will get set of instruction from your surgeon. This will help you to heal physically well and feel better.

Wound:

Keep the wound or the cut made during the surgery dry and clean. You should be allowed by the doctors to take bath or shower after few days of the surgery. You can consult the doctor if you have any sign of infection like:

• More oozing of liquid from the wound
• Edges pulling apart
• Redness around the cut
• Fever greater than 100 degrees F
• If there is pop or crack, when you move in your breastbone

Pain relief:

Your doctor will write you some medication for pain when you move out of the hospital. Some discomforts around the cut and in your muscles like itching, tightness, and numbness along the incision are normal. If you had a bypass, your leg perhaps will hurt you more than your chest if the surgeon used the leg vein for grafting purpose. The soreness and stiffness will only gradually go with the time. However gentle exercise shown by your physical therapist will help you.

Activity and driving:

Gradually build up your activity such as household chores.

• Do not stand in one place longer than 15 minutes
• Do not lift things that weigh more than 10 pounds
• Do not push or pull heavy things

Keep the best exercise for walking every day. Follow the guidelines that the doctor or cardiac rehabilitation specialist gives you. Unless you have been recommended by doctors do not climb stairs. Your doctor will tell you that when is ok to drive the car after a month of surgery, follow his or her instruction.

Diet:

Healthy food choices will help you in your healing process. The doctor will tell you which all things need to be avoided. After the surgery, you may have problems like not feeling to eat. Try smaller meals and more often. If your appetite does not return within a few weeks, discuss this with your doctor.

Emotional status:

It is very common after the heart surgery to feel sad or blue, but this is just for few days. Gradually and as the time pass, you will eventually feel normal. You should:

• Get cleanly dressed every day
• Walk daily
• Pick up your hobbies and social activities
• Share your feeling with others
• Get a good night sleep

Also, you can join cardiac rehabilitation program or support group.

Rest and sleep:

Many people face this problem of sleep after the heart surgery. You should be able to get into your normal routine within few months.