FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AFTER DISCHARGE OF PATIENTS WHO HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY

When will your first outpatient clinic check-up take place? Even if you do not have any problems, your doctor will call you for the first outpatient clinic check within 10 days after discharge. Your next outpatient clinic check-ups will be after the 1st and 2nd month following the surgery. Since frequent INR monitoring will be required in patients using drugs containing warfarin sodium (Warfmadin, Coumadin, etc.), the outpatient clinic control intervals of these patients are different. How and for how long will I use my medications? The medications you are using can generally be divided into two groups. Some of these medications (antibiotics, painkillers, stomach protectors, etc.) will be used for a while and then stopped after discharge, unless otherwise stated, while other medications (blood thinners, cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar medications, drugs that regulate heart rate, etc.) will be used for a long time. These medications should be re-prescribed as they run out, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It would be appropriate to bring all the medicines you are using, along with their boxes, with you to your outpatient clinic check-up. It would be appropriate for our patients who use drugs containing warfarin sodium (Warfmadin, Coumadin, etc.) to bring their INR monitoring charts with them to the outpatient clinic check-up.

How should I take care of my sternum (board of faith)?

For the first 1.5 months following the surgery, it will be more appropriate for you not to drive and sit in the back seat of the vehicle, as your breastbone will not have fused strongly enough yet. In case of a possible accident, blows to your chest can be life-threatening. You must lie on your back for the first 1.5 months. Turning to the right or left while lying down can prevent your breastbone from fusing properly. Problems with union of the breastbone may cause infection at the wound site, which may require re-operation. You do not need to sleep in a sitting position, you can even sleep with a single pillow. It would be more appropriate not to be in a hurry when getting out of bed, to sit up as you were taught in the hospital and, if possible, to ask for help from a relative. For the first 1.5 months, do not raise your arms above head level; it is dangerous to carry heavy bags and packages, or to reach from a height to pick up something, or to bend down and pick up something. During this period, it would be more appropriate to perform your prayers sitting. The most common causes of opening in the sternum are sudden sneezing and long-lasting coughing fits. In these cases, do not forget to secure your sternum by pressing strongly on your sternum with both hands. If you have a long-lasting dry or phlegmy cough, go to the hospital without waiting for your outpatient clinic check-up. In the early post-discharge period, it is normal to feel slight movement in the sternum when coughing or moving, but if you think your sternum is moving too much, apply to the hospital without waiting for the outpatient clinic check-up.

How long should I avoid sexual activity?

It is recommended that you avoid sexual activity for the first 6-8 weeks following the surgery. This is the time it takes for your breastbone to heal thoroughly.

SHOULD I DRESS THE WOUNDS?

Unless stated otherwise, you do not need to dress your wounds after discharge, but: Until your wounds are completely healed, it would be appropriate to dry your wounds with a clean cheesecloth after bathing and then dress them. Especially in female patients with weight problems, the drain areas at the lower end of the breastbone and under both breasts should be kept dry. If the wound area remains wet and sweaty, it may cause the wound tissue to soften and subsequently open in the wound. In this case, the bottom of the breasts should be supported and it would be appropriate to keep them covered by dressing them until the wounds are completely healed. If redness, increased temperature, swelling or discharge develops in the wound area above your breastbone, dress your wound, cover it and apply to the hospital without waiting for outpatient clinic check-up.

When can I take a bath, what should I pay attention to? 

Unless stated otherwise, you can take a bath the day after discharge. Do not use extremely hot or cold water while bathing. It would be appropriate for someone to accompany you while taking a bath for the first month. There is no harm in running soapy water over the wound areas, but scrubs or washcloths should not be applied until the wound areas are completely healed. Otherwise, it may cause the wound to open and cause infection.

Are there any dietary restrictions?

Unless stated otherwise, there are no food restrictions for the first 2 months following surgery as it is a recovery period. Eating protein-rich foods will shorten your recovery time. Salt consumption should be minimized in hypertension patients and close blood pressure monitoring should continue. In patients with diabetes, close blood sugar monitoring should be performed and dietary restrictions in this regard should be strictly adhered to. High blood sugar levels can cause infection in wound areas and delays in healing. Details regarding the following dietary recommendations can be obtained from our Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.