Recovery time and requirements after cardiac surgery may vary from person to person depending upon their health condition, type of surgery they underwent, age, overall physical well-being and other such factors. The first few days post-surgery may be critical and your doctor might want to monitor your health during this time. Once your doctor finds it appropriate to discharge you from the hospital, they would advise you to take extra care and would suggest some management tips for a speedy recovery. This phase is as crucial as the surgery for complete recovery. Here are some post-surgery management tips that are commonly prescribed.

• Incision care:

One of the most common management tips for almost all kinds of surgeries is incision care. It is necessary to keep the incision site clean and dry to avoid infection. Initially, your doctor may ask you to avoid full-body showers so that the incision is not exposed to water. Later, when you are allowed to take full-body showers, avoid taking long showers or washing with extreme cold or hot water. Consider using only warm water for cleaning purposes. Also, avoid touching the incision site repetitively, and if you need to, ensure that you wash your hands before and after touching.

When to contact your doctor?

When you observe oozing or drainage from the incision, reddening or any type of discomfort around the incision area, contact your doctor without delay.

• Medications:

Your doctor may prescribe you some necessary medicines for pain management and other such requirements. Make sure you take all your medicines on time and follow the related instructions given by your doctor.

When to see your doctor?

If you still observe pain or complications such as fever, pneumonia, etc., contact your doctor immediately.

• Physical activity

The level of physical activity one can perform post-surgery differs from person to person. Your doctor would evaluate your health to understand whether you should get physically active (though slowly and moderately) or avoid any kind of physical stress and have complete bed rest. In general cases, doctors suggest avoiding activities like lifting or moving heavy objects, standing for a long time, climbing stairs, driving, etc. for the first few weeks post-surgery. People who have undergone cardiac surgery are suggested to build their physical stamina slowly starting with slow walks.

When to see your doctor?

Upon experiencing any kind of physical discomfort post-surgery, even when you are following the instructions suggested by your doctor, consult your doctor to understand the reason.

• Diet

Diet is one of the most important factors that affect your physical well being even when you have not undergone any kind of surgery. Post cardiac surgery, the importance of a healthy diet increases exponentially for a speedy recovery and complete healing. Your doctor would guide you regarding the same and suggest to you what to eat and what to avoid.

When to consult your doctor?

If you feel a loss of appetite even after a few weeks post-surgery, consult your doctor.

In addition to the above-mentioned points, your doctor may also prescribe you some other tips to maintain your emotional and mental well-being post-surgery. Remember that recovery from cardiac surgery takes time and is a gradual process! If you feel the need for a second opinion prior to or after the surgery, you may visit HJ Hospitals in Kinshasa, DR Congo. We house some of the top cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in addition to night doctors for emergency medical requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.