Do you remember the first time you saw a diagram of a real human heart? The sight was probably shocking, considering most of us spend our young childhood years imagining a heart as a simple, rounded shape that exchanges medical accuracy for endearing charm. Your viewpoint of the heart was changing, and suddenly, your own heart seemed alien and extraordinary. After cardiac surgery, the same thing is happening--your viewpoint of your own heart is changing once again. As a result, it can often be a great comfort to simply know what to expect after heart surgery.
Cardiac Surgery Rehabilitation
First, it's important to remember that every heart is different. No two people are going to respond to surgery the same way. It's also important to keep in mind that what to expect after heart surgery will depend on the specifics of your procedure as well as you as an individual. You should stay in close contact with your doctor at all times, and don't hesitate to contact him or her with concerns, questions, or other issues.
What Should You Expect?
Although cardiac surgery is a little different for everyone, there are some basic things to expect after heart surgery.
- Appetite. Many patients have appetite problems for a few weeks after surgery. Lessened or absent sense of taste, nausea at the smell of food, and greatly diminished appetite are all normal, and these issues will cease within a week or two.
- Swelling. Some swelling is to be expected, especially if your specific surgery required a leg incision. Elevating your leg will help, as well as following your doctor's directions for incision care.
- Sleeping. You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or falling back asleep after waking up around 3 a.m.--and this is normal. You may be able to discuss pain pills with your doctor if the issue persists.
- Mood. It is completely normal to feel depressed or have mood swings. Don't worry--this will improve over time.
- Clicking. An occasional "clicking" in your chest during the first few days after surgery is normal, and should reduce frequency and stop after a few weeks. If the clicking persists or get worse, contact your doctor.
For more information on what to expect after heart surgery, contact your doctor. Remember, every heart is different.
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