How to Recover Faster After Open Heart Surgery | Occupational Therapy

After open heart surgery, there are things that you should not do. Sternal precautions are the recommended things that you should avoid. This precautions depends on what your surgeon decides. Usually they will include the following:
1. Use the pillow or the teddy bear the hospital provided.
2. Don’t reach over the shoulder level.
3. Don’t reach both arms out to the side.
4. Don’t lift more than 5-8 lbs. a half a gallon of milk is about 4-5 lbs.
5. Don’t push with your arms. This includes pushing up with your arms from sitting.
6. Don’t pull with your arms such as pulling a heavy door.
7. Don’t drive.
8. Do not over exert but you can still exercise.
Disclaimer: These are not absolute recommendations. Always consult your doctor regarding waht activies are permited after your surgery.
Let’s all exercise our body and mind so we all get strong together.
#occupationaltherapy #cabg #sternalprecautions

[@PinkButterfly7330]

my dad had open heart surgery three days ago, i have watched hundreds of videos and yours was the best god bless

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Glas to help. I hope he gets stronger soon. But be patient

[@rscbmr1023]

I just had CABG surgery and the rules/recommendations have changed. Now it's called "Stay in the tube" One can put their arms up but not out. The rest of the video provides good examples and explanation of precautions. I just his my 6 week mark and have been cleared by my surgeon, now I'm on to Cardiac Rehab. Godspeed everyone.

[@RichardDoc-z8c]

Did you get wired or braced in your sternum?

[@shoomapadoo1141]

I am 13 days out of the modified Bentall procedure with the konect bovine tissue valve. Was in great shape when I went in with minimal damage and classified as Stage C: A Symptomatic. I am 60 years old and made the decision to have surgery one year after the diagnosis of severe aorta valve stenosis. Took me that long to get my nerve up. I was working, and I felt great, what the heck? Third opinion I said let's do it because I didn't want the recovery to be ridiculously long and/or my heart to be irreversibly damaged by my own hand because of my cowardness. The first week out of general anesthesia is NO JOKE and it does hurt. I've been home for three days and begin warfarin tomorrow evening for three months. Feeling very good. Surgery is not the problem it is the solution. 02/28/24

[@1985cjjeeper]

I'm having a bio valve installed too. I'm 45, with a bicuspid valve and severe aortic stenosis. I do have symptoms though, and after my diagnosis I realized I've had more symptoms than I thought over the years. I actually was told about this 20 years ago after a car wreck where I had badly broken ribs and a lacerated spleen. They did a CT scan of all my organs and told me about it then. At the time it was mild aortic stenosis. I ignored their diagnosis and totally forgot about it to be honest. Just remembered it after I went in for a heart catherization procedure a couple weeks ago. Now I realize that so many things have been affected through the years, from my metabolism to my eye sight and breathing. I am quite surpised at how much I was suffering and just didn't put two and two together. It's funny but I actually look forward to having this done and over with now. My cardiologist and I had a great talk where he explained how much better I should feel afterward. I don't want to get my hopes up too much but it sure seems promising.

[@VeteranHedonist]

I had my first open heart surgery after endocarditis in 2014 to replace my aortic valve. I was only 38, but then I fell ill again in October 2023 with the same thing. I found the second time much harder, probably because i was 10 years older. I had complications after they pulled the drainage tubes out and it nicked my spleen and was in pain for days before collaping (while still in hospital thank God). I was in hospital for 9 weeks. The re do surgery is more complicated. However I'm just grateful for the NHS and saving my life twice.

[@teresahansen892]

Very good advice. Thank you!

[@sinongmakulet]

Great info for my recent surgery.

[@howardhalter3032]

I'm two and a half weeks out on my own trying to do my own rehab but thank you for this video we've taught me a lot I appreciate what you've done again thank you

[@davidstumer3360]

Sorry my friend I'm going through the same thing. I live alone and I have no one to help me. This has been a real challenge for me.

[@RichardDoc-z8c]

Was you in the hospital alone?

[@davidstumer3360]

Thank You for the video. I didn't receive any rehab after my heart surgery was basically just sent home and kicked out of the car. I don't think you should drive because if you get into a accident and the airbag deployed it could be game over. 💔

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Im sorry for that. This is the reason why i make videos. For additional information. Specially for thos whomare not receiving therapy

[@davidstumer3360]

Keep up the good work my friend I will definitely share your videos with my friends that are also recovering from ❤️ surgery.🙏

[@zahmed2917]

Love your video, it helped me a lot - Thank you

[@gianni.santi.]

Thank you so much for this.

[@moinpatel9164]

I used to wear a buttoned up shirt rather than a T shirt post op about 7 months ago.

[@bilalahmed2123]

Thank you so much for your instructional video.

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You are welcome

[@danroby797]

I read a lot of comments 😮. I guess I’m just blessed , I smoked cigs, for close to 40 years, I am an auto tech, was around paint, solvents, fumes , chemicals… I had 6 blockages .. 2 @ 90 % so I got a triple bypass… 12 weeks ago, I am 71 years old… I’m doing great .. cardio rehab nurses are surprised I’m doing this good … I had 3 heart attacks ? Didn’t know it was. ? Thought it heartburn ? Thought I would share 😊

[@craigjames2604]

I’m in week three. Thank you so much for your videos !!!!!

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Yay. Getting stronger everyday, right?

[@southwest5388]

Thank you for this valuable information.

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You are welcome. 🤙🏽

[@michaelfarley2223]

I got out of surgery about a month and a half ago and with the doctors don’t tell you is the tremendous back pain you’re gonna have from your ribs being torn apart you’re gonna have terrible back pain but no pain medicine because they don’t give it out anymore just saying

[@jaredhurst6107]

I did not have any back pain from my CABG surgery. Strange. Might be subjective.

[@user-baraba]

@@jaredhurst6107 they sometimes mess it up and brake one or couple of your ribs as well thats usually reason for back pain .

[@littlea4353]

I feel so bad I bet is so painful 🥲

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

You have to demand pain meds not just accept you can't get it. They have to manage your pain after major surgery. If surgeon won't give it ask your primary care or cardiologist.

[@margotvanoni3679]

I’m a COTA and wish you were my supervising OT- love your channel

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Awwww. I will take that as a compliment

[@daacadchannel4707]

Before 7days I got Surgery open heart Asd 2.8 mm real the way u explained also My Doctor told Me That u r same Doctor thank u man

[@edwinvivar1093]

great information. good to share to others

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

PleaSe do. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@robertmurray1267]

Great video, I wanted to ask you something. I had a transplant 5 years ago today and 4 previous heart surgeries before. My body is not conditioned at all for anything but my heart wants me to just go but I can’t. How can I condition my body even though my heart wants me to keep going?

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Please start with exercises without weights. Also check if you are eating enough and sleeping enough. Talk to your cardiologist as well and they might have to sig deeper. But as far as therapy is concerned, slowly build up your strength by doing them without weight, then adding more reps or do it longer the. Adding light weights.

[@adelasalao3592]

Thanks for the advice. I'm in my 12 weeks now.

[@wulantsabita9843]

how are you doing after 12 weeks? what are you allowed to do now that wasn't allowed before?

[@AliMohamed-iu1jp]

Thanks!

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You are welcome.

[@AZYsiloterio2019]

thank you ❤

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You are welcome

[@damodaringle1399]

Thanks.

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You are very welcome. ❤️

[@auntdotcom5239]

Thanks

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You are welcome. 🙏🏼

[@brandobulanhagui6374]

please give some tips how to sit from lying down, thank you

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Will upload soon

[@MPD-ih6sm]

Hello, may be a little late for an answer but I’m at 7 weeks of my recovery. What I did was getting out of bed my wife had to help lift me up and then I swung my legs out of bed to sit up. Eventually as I got stronger I found I could use my elbow sticking out to my side and used it to pivot on to sit up. I also used my legs/feet and placed them under the coffee table and used the table for leverage to sit up. Another trick I later realized was if I didn’t have my pillow near me for whatever reason and I want to stand up I’d stick my arms out in front of me and get my feet underneath me as much as I could and leaned forward and stood up. Using my arms in front of me helped counter balance my weight forward to stand up. Again, I did this only when I found myself without my pillow.

[@rochelleholmes255]

I’m getting ready for open heart surgery. Thank you

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Be patient. Dont overdo the exercises

[@atominexw6874]

Rest in 12 weeks

[@davidstumer3360]

Hi there. Praying that all goes well for you 💗. Stay strong and positive vibes to you my friend.🙏😇

[@Bladeballlover5]

My uncle did open heart surgery today in 7 in the morning and he got tired again. I still don’t know.

[@zahmed2917]

You explained the reason why I almost passed out after putting on a shirt.....

[@jalost2269]

Any specific food to avoid for a bypass surgery patient

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Salty food is number one.

[@rhumejaybecbec5364]

The recovery is over 2 months. Are we not to drive for the whole 2 months? That seems unreasonable. When is it to start driving?

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

30 days restricted driving

[@sarahazarcon6807]

Can I use electronics like phone or laptop after surgery?

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Yes you can. 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@nancyhoskins197]

There is a better, safer way to put on shirt. First, avoid tee shirt if possible and opt fir buttoned shirts. If no other option, hold arm down, not out and gently tug sleeve up. Then bend head down, and gently pull neckline over head without raising arm. Finally, with arm down, pull second tee shirt opening so hand can be inserted. Never raise arm up as demonstrated.

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Ive not thought of that. Thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@nancyhoskins197]

@@SKILLSANDWELLNESS Nurses and therapists don’t feel the pain or suffer the complications a wrong move makes. Arms should not leave side or raise up. A patient may resemble a penguin but it’s safer in the long term. Best advise, follow surgeon and their PA instructions.

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Please pin this comment to top of thread.

[@reshma7470]

Can a heart patient walk to hill area?

[@MPD-ih6sm]

Hello, I’m at 7 weeks of my recovery. I found that walking on flat/level side walks was much easier. However, as you get stronger and gain more stamina you can walk up steeper grades or hills. I wouldn’t recommend walking up hills early in your recovery. Remember that when you start to walk you want to make sure you can make it back to you home. As you get stronger you can extend your walks. I’m just a patient myself but this is what I’ve found that works. Hope this helps.

[@InWhoseOpinion]

Your left arm shot straight up over your head while putting the shirt on.

[@jazzyb5637]

Smh I coughed more than 5 times with out my pillow because I didn’t know the cough was coming and now my chest has a pulling pain in the middle the pain radiates to my left shoulder I have to sit so the pain can subside but the pain my chest the pulling pain idk what to do

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Please see your doctor. And even if you dont have yuenpillow at hand, plqce yoir hands over your chest. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@user-xq2td6zg8o]

Thank to you so much... sir my partner had open heart surgery exactly 10 days now...paano po gagawin nya pra sya mkatulog... nahihirapan sya makatulog on bed thanks po

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Double nlng po ung unan sa ulo. Tsaka wag na mag nap after 5 pm po

[@ButtonUpTees]

ButtonUpTees are great for people recovering from open heart surgery because they allow patients to enjoy the comfort of a t shirt without having to lift over head since they button in the front. I'd love to send you a couple complimentary samples!

[@sharfarozkhan8203]

Till how many days we should follow this after surgery

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Usually 8 weeks

[@jalost2269]

​@@SKILLSANDWELLNESS8 weeks from the date of discharged from hospital?

[@sehrishkhalid126]

It’s better to wear shirt with buttons in front.. that would be easier to wear

[@vijidurvasula7744]

Dumb video

[@sanjoichanambam8595]

How many day after heart surgery

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

You can start immediately why observing the precautions

[@vijidurvasula7744]

No way you should wear a t-shirt with no buttons going all the way down! Overhead shirt is dumb! Even normal people have a terrible time!

[@bigboss08sac13]

Your lighting is horrible in your video you should have more natural light

[@msanointed]

Is that all you can focus on?

[@jeanettegillings7202]

@@msanointedagree. I found the lighting okay.

[@railwayhouseshopkalkbay9414]

Invaluable info!

[@EllenSevers]

I had mine done 6 days ago. Got a mechanical valve put in. They say im healing fine right now. But i still feel like i cant breath. I did end up getting phnimonia tho so we are fighting it off right now. I pray thats what is making me feel that way. I havent been discharged yet and its almost been a week i still feel really bad. I just wish this nightmare would hurry up. Im only 34 years old :/, thanks for the tips! Ive heard most of them since ive been here already and ive been consistant with the !ost of it. I just feel so weak and hopeless its scary

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Hopefully you are feeling better one month in. Pneumonia isn't helping. Did you aspirate fluids when they took the tube out of your throat?

[@Illegalsnotwelome]

Anyone afraid of the ventilator?? Im terrified i mean scared out of my mind ive run away from emergency bypass surgery twice this week, my left artery is 90 percent blocked, I've had 4 attacks in 12 days, im so upset with myself for the fear of the ventilator and the pain. I have been told death is soon if i don't act.

[@SKILLSANDWELLNESS]

Praying for you and sending you good vibes

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Hopefully you went in for surgery. Yes it can be scary but this type of surgery is routine now. It's pain and discomfort but only for a short time to get your heart healthy again. Please just take the leap of faith and get your heart worked on.

[@mikerobles2630]

Please have the surgery. I myself just had open heart surgery and prior to the surgery I too have several heart attacks, but last one put me into the emergency room , which the doctor told me that my heart was at 20 percent. I almost died. Please have the surgery