Post-Surgery Care For Cardiac Patients

Take only the medications listed on your discharge summary.
Discard old medications.
Please review your medication list carefully and compare medications picked up from pharmacy with discharge medication list.

Shower daily and wash incisions with mild soap and water.
Do not soak or submerge incisions in water — no baths, swimming pools or hot tubs.
The top layer of your skin may be sealed with surgical glue. Around 10-14 days post-surgery, you may experience flaking of the glue around the incision. The incision should remain closed.
It is normal for your incision to be bruised, itchy, numb and/or sore.
Do not use creams, lotions, ointments or powder on the incisions.

Take pain medication when the pain first begins — don’t wait until you are in severe pain.
Use your medication only as directed. If the pain does not get better or if it gets worse, call us.
Medications taken by mouth need at least 20 minutes to take effect.
Take pain medication before any activities that increase pain (for example: walking, using the breathing machine).
Most pain medications will cause constipation. It is easier to prevent constipation with prune juice or a bulk laxative (examples include Metamucil or Benefiber) than to wait until it becomes severe.
Non−drug methods such as ice, heat and relaxation can also help decrease pain.
Many pain medications can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic beverages and operating heavy machinery while taking pain medication.

Do get some light exercise daily. Walking is the best choice.
Do NOT lift any object weighing more than five pounds for four weeks. Five pounds is approximately the weight of a gallon of milk in each hand.
Do NOT drive for six weeks or until cleared by your physician
Do NOT drive while taking pain medication
Do NOT return to work or school until cleared by your physician
Refrain from sexual activity for six weeks after surgery
Do NOT swing a golf club, fire a rifle, wear a backpack, push, pull, lift or drag any object heavier than five pounds or participate in any activity that applies pressure to your chest or shoulders for eight weeks.

Swelling
Opening in the incisions
Redness (a small, non−tender rim less than 1/4" on edge of incision is probably normal)
Excessive tenderness
Drainage (yellow or bloody, or any fluid with an odor)
Temperature above 101 degrees

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