Because the experience of having Heart Surgery can go by very fast, and be very confusing. After discharge here are some common issues you may confront in the weeks following surgery:



A drainage of clear or yellowish fluid from the chest or leg incisions is not uncommon. It should be treated by elevation of the legs whenever possible, light dressings and the elastic stockings. If a cloudy or purulent drainage persists or is "a lot" at one time, it needs to be reported early. You also should be concerned if the incisions become red or warm.

Pain-Soreness: The wound areas will gradually heal. This process varies among different individuals, but will be completed in 1 to 2 months. During this time, a mild soreness may persist in the area of the breastbone, shoulders, or mid-back area. Occasionally this is due to inflammation of the sac around the heart called pericarditis.

Diet: Eat a balanced diet of foods that you enjoy in this first month at home. It's good sense for you to discipline your dietary habits for the long term toward a low cholesterol and low salt intake. This means focusing on lean beef, fish, chicken, turkey, etc. Avoid pork or fatty cuts of beef. Bake foods rather than frying and use vegetable oils (corn oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, etc.) for cooking and salads rather than the saturated varieties.

It is all right occasionally to have lean beef, pork, bacon, shrimp, lobster, oysters, etc. - but not as regular diet items. Avoid fatty cuts of beef or pork. All are of high cholesterol content so eating these too often can be harmful. No more than two eggs per week is advisable. Smaller more frequent meals may be tolerated better in the immediate post-operative period.

Alcoholic beverages, if desired, should be used in moderation. No more than 2 oz. of whiskey or 1 -2 glasses of wine/day. Empty calories can sneak up on you in the alcohol and snacks. A heightened appetite often accompanies alcohol. Beer adds a lot of calories and must be watched closely. One's weight is a good measure of diet and is as important as watching cholesterol intake. Excess effort should be made to shed and keep off those fatty pounds. I struggle with this daily so I sympathize with you. Although food taste good and is fun to eat, we must regulate our desires with what is best for us.

Smoking: Is absolutely not good for anyone. It will damage your lungs and increase the chance of your heart and blood vessels having further problems with blockages.

Activity: It is best that a regular program of twice daily exercise (walking) be started immediately and out doors if weather permits. I recommend that you start by walking 1/4 mile (1 block) on level ground twice daily (AM & PM). Add to it gradually so that you are walking 1 mile twice daily by the end of your first month at home. If the weather is cold or rainy, try to go to a covered mall or large store to do your walking. No other exercise is necessary just now and some (pushups, setups, lifting weights, etc.) can be harmful - so wait on those. Common sense will direct you correctly in judging if an activity is okay. I'd rather you not drive a vehicle for one month, although going for reasonable length trips as a passenger may be tolerated well. If you are very active on one day, you can expect to be more sore the following day.

Medication: You were likely given some prescriptions when you left the hospital for pain, sleep and whatever heart or fluid medicines you required. The instructions for taking these should have been clearly explained by the nurse. Your physician may alter this program as is needed. Also, as time progresses, it is likely that your medication requirements will be reduced if not eliminated.

Follow-up care: Visits should be scheduled 1-2 weeks after discharge with your surgeon, cardiologist, family doctor and any other doctors involved in your case.



It is a pleasure and privilege to serve as your surgeon. Along with my team, I am most grateful for having this opportunity to help you with any problems or questions you may have concerning your heart in the future.


Sincerely,
Thomas F. Kelly, M.D., P.A.