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RECOVERY FROM HEART SURGERY

This is a special letter from Mended Hearts, which is a national volunteer, non-profit support group of people with heart disease who are dedicated to providing help, encouragement and support to patients who have heart disease, and to their families.

Dear Friend:

After surgery it is not uncommon to have questions about what you are feeling as your body heals. As Mended Hearts, we can assure you that many of your feelings are not unusual and we can share some of our experiences with you.

INCISION. Many of the concerns people voice are the feelings they experience around the incision (or wound). The incision may be sensitive to light touch such as T-shirts or blouses. Women may feel uncomfortable in the area where their bra is in contact with the wound. It may help to wear a thin dressing, lightly, over the wound to reduce friction from clothing.

ITCHING. Your wound may feel itchy. Itching all over your body may be due to dry skin from the soap you used in the hospital or to the medications you are on. You can try using a lotion for dry skin. Do not apply lotions, ointments or salves to your incision while it is healing. If your itching does not go away, call your doctor.

SENSATIONS. Many people notice new sensations in their chest, arms and legs, depending on where the grafts were, or were removed. These include occasional sharp shooting pains, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation. These are often due to the healing process. They will usually go away with time.

ACHES AND PAINS. Aches and pains may occur in the neck, shoulders, chest and back. This is common and occurs due to the position you were placed in surgery and perhaps the position you are in while you sleep. Try a heating pad placed on the area of discomfort (not too hot!). Use pillows to support your back and neck. If you sleep on your side, you may try hugging a pillow. Your doctor may be able to suggest some medications to help with your discomfort.

HEARTBEAT. You will probably be more aware of your heartbeat. It may feel as though your heart is pounding, especially at night when you are lying quietly or on your side. It is also normal for your heart to beat faster. This may make you feel nervous or scared - but it is normal. If your heart rate becomes very fast or your heartbeat is irregular, call your doctor. This is very common after open heart surgery and may need to be controlled by medications.

SWELLING. If you have veins removed from your legs for bypass surgery, you may notice swelling in the leg(s). If radial arteries were removed from your arms you may experience swelling in your hand(s). Some helpful tips to lessen swelling include: do not cross your legs, walk every day, do not stand in one place for long periods of time, and try elevating your feet when resting. Using your hands and arms freely will help reduce swelling in your hands.

HOT AND COLD. You may perspire more, especially while resting or sleeping. Many people also say they feel hot and cold differently than they used to. This will go away with time.

EATING. You may notice food just does not taste the same or you cannot tolerate certain types of food. Lack of appetite is also common. This too will go away with time. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Remember that you need to eat healthy foods to help you heal and get your strength back.

OTHER PERCEIVED PHYSICAL CHANGES. There are some feelings that may be more difficult to describe, but concern you. For example some people say they cannot see as well as before surgery - feeling unable to focus. This should not be severe. Usually, your vision will return to normal within six weeks. It is probably not a good idea to make changes in your prescription glasses until after your recovery time. Other types of vision problems should be reported to your doctor.

CONCENTRATION. You may have trouble concentrating for long periods of time. Some people are not able to read lengthy books as they feel distracted, or their mind may wander. Others notice their handwriting is different or their fine motor movements are more difficult. These feelings will also improve with time. Don't set yourself up for frustration by getting back to tasks, which require close attention (such as your job) before you are ready.

MOODS. It is common for people to feel happy some times, then sad other times - even teary. These feelings may be due to feeling very tired or not knowing what to expect. They should go away over a few weeks as you get back to your normal routine. It may be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP. We of Mended Hearts are here to help you through this time and support you through your recovery. We visit heart patients, with doctor's approval, in many hospitals, also on the telephone and via email. For more information, please contact: Chapter president, Call or email our Chapter President, Joyce Thompson Russo, 216-749-4131, smileymoxi@yahoo.com. Or contact any of the officers listed in our newsletter. Or Arden Swanson, Vice President/Membership Chairman, at 440 777-8910, or email him at aswanson6596@wowway.com. Or contact any of the officers listed in our chapter newsletter.

It's great to be alive - and to help others!