In most cases, full recovery after heart surgery takes a few weeks. More complex surgeries may require several months.
Because COVID-19 (coronavirus) has proven to be more dangerous for people with heart conditions, it’s important to follow the instructions and take precautions given to you by your surgical team, while you’re recovering from heart surgery. By taking a few extra precautions, you’ll increase your chance of recovering safely and returning to good health after heart surgery.
Avoid Infection after Heart Surgery
Following heart surgery, the body is in a weakened state and less able to fight off infection, including COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure in the first place.
Remember to:
- Wash your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay at home as much as possible.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch often.
Limit Your Caregivers
It is important to have someone at home to help you in the days and weeks after surgery. However, it’s best to limit your caregivers to one or two people, preferably those with whom you have already had frequent contact with, such as a spouse or adult child.
Your caregivers should also follow the guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.
Keep Follow-Up Appointments after Heart Surgery
You will probably have several follow-up visits with your cardiologist or surgeon in the weeks after surgery. Eight weeks after heart surgery, your doctor may recommend you attend cardiac rehabilitation, which can help strengthen your heart and increase your exercise capabilities.
Know the Signs of Trouble
Don’t be afraid to seek out medical help if you experience symptoms that seem out of the ordinary. Paramedics and hospitals have measures in place to protect anyone who is experiencing unusual symptoms.
If you have any of the following symptoms, there may be a problem that your doctor should know about:
Manage Pain after Heart Surgery
Fortunately, many of today’s heart surgeries use advanced techniques that qualify as minimally invasive heart surgery. This means recovery is often safer, faster and less painful than it was in the past. Still, there may be some level of pain during recovery.
To manage your pain, fill all prescriptions your doctor gives you. To minimize contact with others, consider having your prescriptions filled by the hospital pharmacy before you are discharged. Another option is to have your medication delivered to your house or use the pharmacy drive-through to reduce exposure.
Stay Positive and Reduce Anxiety
It’s normal to feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster following heart surgery. However, COVID-19 may add an extra level of fear and anxiety about your health and the health of your loved ones.
To combat the feelings of fear and anxiety, try these coping mechanisms:
- Take periodic breaks from the news, including social media.
- Take care of your body by taking deep breaths, stretching or meditating.
- If recommended by your care team, go for walks outside.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Eat and Drink Right
Healthy eating and drinking during your recovery will help your body heal faster. Consider food delivery services from your local supermarket or restaurant while you recuperate.
Just make sure what you are eating and drinking is heart-healthy. This means lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fat. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol.
If you have any other questions or concerns during your recovery, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor’s office.