going home after open heart surgery- north florida south（心内直视手术后回家,北佛罗里达南部）.doc

Patient Education Information Sheet North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) Surgical Service, Cardiothoracic Section Going Home After Open Heart Surgery SUMMARY: This booklet will cover the most important parts of your recovery. It will answer most of the questions that patients have after surgery. This booklet will not tell you EVERYTHING, but it does cover the most important areas and can keep you from worrying when you get home. YOU HAVE HAD HEART SURGERY. NOW WHAT? Well, now it is time to go home and recover.You may be asking yourself, “What was I thinking when I thought this would be easy?” The TRUTH- Getting better will take MONTHS, not weeks. It takes 2 full months for the bones in your chest (your sternum) to heal.? You may not feel like yourself for up to 6 months and this is NORMAL!? You will need extra rest and/or naps.? Healing takes time and energy.? Your appetite will be poor for awhile. Try to find healthy foods that taste good. Strict diets can wait a bit.? Getting well after surgery takes effort.? You will be taking medications for the rest of your life. This is okay.? These medications are part of your recovery.? They will help you stay well long after your surgery is over.? Your heart is now healthy and you will feel better. Just remember it takes time! KEEPING CLEAN: Incisions Shower every day and pat your incisions dry.? Allow soapy water to trickle down your incision. Do not scrub your incisions. Your incisions have been covered with a “superglue” type of dressing that will keep them clean and dry.? This will peel off, and that is exactly what it is supposed to do. No Swimming or tub baths DO NOT swim or get into a bathtub for at least 2-3 weeks after your surgery.? Once the incisions are completely healed, you can take tub baths and swim.? No lotions DO NOT put any other creams, salves, or ointments on your incision unless you first ‘okay’ this with your surgeon or provider. Many of th