Coronary Bypass Surgery Recovery Guide: Essential Tips for Home Care

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a surgery that is performed on the deceased blood vessels of the heart to promote healthy blood flow to the organ. The deceased vein will be replaced by a healthy vein from the legs. It is a major surgery that requires elaborate recovery. After the surgery, the patient will be kept in the intensive care unit of the hospital to analyze the response of the patient. The patient will be moved to the normal hospital ward from the ICU and will be observed there for another 3-4 days before discharge.

What To Expect After CABG Surgery?

Healing from a major surgery like CABG is painful and hard. Generally, it takes about 4-6 weeks after the surgery to start feeling better. After the patient is discharged from the hospital and is shifted home he can have the following symptoms.

• Pain at the incision site, both in the chest and the leg
• Poor appetite for about two to four weeks.
• The person can also suffer mood swings and might feel depressed.
• Apart from pain, they could also feel numb and itchy around the incision.
• The pain medicines and antibiotics can result in constipation.
• Have a sense of being weak with no energy.

Taking Care of Patients After CABG Surgery At Home

Patients who have undergone this heart bypass surgery should have someone at home for assistance for at least two weeks. They should take all prescription medicines as prescribed by the doctor. They should also perform the below activities, as prescribed by the doctor.

1. Breathing Exercises

The patient will be taught breathing exercises in the hospital and it helps in enhancing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the chest organs. It also helps in faster healing of the wound.

2. Wound Care

The incision site should be gently cleaned every day as prescribed but should not be soaked in water. The prescribed ointments should be applied and the dressing should be done frequently. The patient should not lift any weight, even if it is as light as 2 kg. Even light housework should not be performed in the first 2-3 weeks. The legs from where the vein was taken should be kept raised while sitting and be secured with elastic socks for 2-3 weeks for the swelling to reduce.

3. Physical Activity

It is important to stay active during the recovery period, but the patient should refrain from indulging in strenuous activities. They should not sit or stand in the same place for a long time but move around a little. Mild walking can be practiced with rest breaks in between. The patient can perform mild household activities after a few days like folding clothes, setting the table, etc. after 3-4 weeks.

In the first three months, they can slowly increase the intensity and amount of activities and stop if they have shortness of breath. The patient should avoid traveling for 2-4 weeks and can return to work after 6-8 weeks.

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Bottom Line

It is possible to recover at home after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG surgery) by following the recommendations of the doctor. The practitioner should be informed immediately when the patient has pain and shortness of breath even at rest or has a fever of about 101 F.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and is meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.