Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Surgical Convalescence
Q: What can I do when I go home?
A: It is important to be as active as you can. People’s activity tolerance varies depending an age, health prior to surgery, and the severity of the problem at the time of operation among other factors. But each individual should try and be as active as possible.
Restrictions include no heavy lifting or straining (no more than 5-10 pounds) for about two months to allow the chest to heal solidly.
Going up and down stairs is OK as long as it is done slowly and care is taken not to fall.
You may bathe or shower however you wish, just don’t remain in the water more than 10 minutes at a time until well healed and dry off well when done. Also be careful not to fall in the bathroom.
Don’t drive a car for three weeks. You may ride in a car as needed, but stop and get out and walk around if a prolonged trip (more than one hour) is needed.
Stay on a low salt diet for the first three or four weeks and after that stay on a low fat diet.
It is important to prevent swelling in the leg where the vein has been removed until the incision is well healed. That generally means some sort of elastic support should be used. The elastic hose given out in the hospital may be used or if pulling them on becomes a problem then use of an elastic bandage may be substituted. If swelling is allowed to develop unchecked, then tension is placed on the incision particularly around the ankle and it won’t heal properly and may start to drain and become infected. Elevation of the ankle when not walking is also important.
Q. Are there any special problems to be on the lookout for?
A: It will be awhile before you feel yourself again. In the meantime you will occasionally have some unexpected experiences. Severe chest pains, rapid heart rate (pulse faster than 140) that persists for any length of time, shortness of breathe, persistent fever (more than 101.6), all may require medical evaluation. You may phone our office number for advice or if your problem is clearly urgent come into the emergency room either by car or ambulance. We do our best to answer all calls to our office promptly, but occasionally the demands of the operating room can delay things. If you seem to be getting worse in that situation or are concerned regarding delay emergency room evaluation may be appropriate.
It is reasonable to seek advice about anything that seems worrisome or unusual to you.
Q: How will I feel when I go home?
A: While there is a lot of variability from patient to patient most people find that incisional pain isn't a major problem. Usually there will be more pain in the leg than in the chest.
Food will seem to have lost its taste for a while. Some people have a period of nausea and occasionally vomiting that may last even a few weeks or more. Sometimes we can eliminate that problem by changing medications. It is important not to get dehydrated. The best stimulus to appetite is physical activity.
A cough is not too unusual for a while. Working with the incentive spirometer (the little breathing exerciser) is a good idea particularly if you have a cough.