How to stay healthy

Diet

• Eating a well-balanced diet will speed healing and make you less tired. Your appetite will improve over time. A healthy diet is low in cholesterol, salt, and caffeine.

Rest

• You will need rest. Plan a 30 min. Or 1 hour rest when you feel tired. Try to get a good night rest. You will feel stronger in time.

Exercise

• Walking is your basic exercise for the first few months after surgery. Walk outdoors when you can as fresh air is good for you. Follow the exercise plan from your physiotherapist.
• If you have any questions please contact your physiotherapist.

Check your temperature

• Follow your temperature for 1 month. Take your temperature at the same time every day. Normal temperature is 37c or 98.6f. If your temperature is increased for two days let your family doctor know.

Incisions / home care

• Look at you incisions before leaving the hospital. They may be numb , sore, or have some swelling. This will resolve in time. If you notice an increase in redness, swelling, or drainage, notify your family doctor. Once your incision is completely dry you may apply a moisture cream such as vitae cream to keep the tissue soft and less sensitive.
• If a homecare consult is required to care four your incision, this will be arranged prior to discharge.

Weight

• Keep a record of your weight for one month. If you gain 2-3 lbs. In one day you may be retaining fluid. Call your doctor if you gain 4-5 lbs. In 2 days. Weigh yourself the same time each morning, after you urinate, and wearing the same amount of clothing.

Know your cholesterol level

• If you have not had a recent lipid profile/cholesterol let your family doctor know.
• A cholesterol level should not be done until 6 weeks following your surgery

Smoking & 2nd-hand smoke

• Do not enter smoke filled rooms. Family and friends should not smoke near you. If you currently smoke and need help to stop please contact your family doctor or the heart & stroke foundation for some suggestions. Please feel free to ask your nurse for information prior to discharge.

Healing time

• It takes 6 weeks for your breast bone (sternum) to heal completely. For the next 6 weeks do not lift, push, or pull more than 10 pounds. You may gradually ease back into your usual routine after this time. Check with your doctor about when you may try shoveling snow or mowing the grass.

Stress management

• Stress can put a strain on your heart, making it pump harder and faster. It can also increase your blood pressure. To control stress you may find it helpful to practice deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or listening to relaxing music.

Monitoring blood sugars

• Controlling your blood sugar is also very important. If you are diabetic, you must follow your diet, take your medications, and monitor your blood sugars. High blood sugars can increase blood pressure, increase blood cholesterol, and slow healing.

Stable blood pressure

• It is also important to follow your blood pressure. Discuss what the appropriate levels are for you with your family doctor. Take blood pressure medication as prescribed.