How to Care for a Loved One Following Heart Surgery

Posted by Sahil Sharma on January 6th, 2020

If you have a loved one who is just back home after a heart surgery, he/she will need a great deal of encouragement and emotional support from you. He may not be able to do normal activities and may require assistance from family and friends in a variety of ways.

You may help your loved one not just with daily tasks such as bathing, cleaning, medications, exercise, etc, but also support and encourage him to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods.

A complete heart surgery recovery takes a minimum of three months. The hospital will provide a set of instructions for post-surgery care to the patient. As a family member or friend, it is important for you to help your loved one follow the instructions to recover easily and speedily. 

Wound Care

The incision site must be kept clean and dry. The patient can take a bath when the doctor permits. However, care should be taken to wipe the stitches dry immediately after a bath. Avoid rubbing or touching the wounds. Just pat dry with a soft towel.

If you notice any signs of an infection in the wound contact the surgeon without delay. Signs of infection may include the following:

• Unusual drainage or oozing
• Edges pulling apart
• Redness or warmth around the stitch
• Fever

You should also talk to the doctor if your loved one feels his breast bone pop, shift or crack.  

Pain Relief

In most cases, the doctor will prescribe pain medication before the patient leaves the hospital. Help the patient take the medications as prescribed and without fail. In case of bypass surgery, the legs or arms may also hurt if the surgeon used leg veins or arm veins as grafts. Apart from the pain relievers, gentle exercise too will help get over the pain. The pain will disappear gradually as your loved one recovers.

Activity and Driving

It is very important to perform the exercises recommended by the physiotherapist during the entire recovery period. Your loved one should also go out for walks every day. He must follow the guidelines the specialist gives him. You can help him in exercising and accompany him during the walks.

For the first 6 to 8 weeks, the patient can gradually build up his activity, such as doing household chores. You must ensure that he/she does not:

• Stand in one place longer than 15 minutes
• Lift heavy things that weigh more than 4 Kgs
• push or pull heavy things

You can help the patient with driving, too, as he will not be allowed to drive for at least a few weeks after the surgery.

Providing Emotional Support

• Encourage him or her to change to a healthier lifestyle
• Help your loved one to remain active
• Accompany him during doctor visits

If you are looking for a heart hospital in India for your loved one, you should find out the best one.  Treatment at a good heart hospital in India ensures not just the safety of the patient but also timely and speedy recovery.