As a patient, you are a part of our team. We think it is important for you to know what to expect before, during and after your surgery. We believe that when you know what to expect you will not worry as much, and you will recover better from your surgery.
You should look at your incision before you leave the hospital. This is to help you identify any changes in the incision once you go home. Once you are home, wash your incisions daily using your regular body soap, rinse well and gently pat dry. Look at all of your incisions daily for redness, swelling, or increase in soreness or drainage. If any of these signs appear please notify your doctor. Do not put any powders or ointments on your incisions unless your surgeon has instructed you to do so. Itching, tingling or numbness along and around the incision line is normal.
You will have adhesive strips (steri-strips) on the surface of your incision. As your incisions heal, these strips will begin to loosen and curl up at the edges, especially once you start to shower regularly. You should remove all of these "steri-strips," two weeks after your surgery date. They will not necessarily fall off by themselves.
Before being discharged home you will receive prescriptions for your medications and a blue medication booklet. Your booklet will include a timetable for your medications, as well as information about each drug that is prescribed for you. Your nurses will review all of your medications with you prior to discharge.
The medications prescribed for you are the only medications you should take after you get home. If you were on any heart medications before surgery that are not in your booklet, you should not resume these unless specifically instructed by your doctor. If you are unsure about a medication for other medical problems such as gout, arthritis, menopause or thyroid disease that are not listed be sure to ask about them before you are discharged.
Do not increase, decrease, or stop your medication without your physician's advice. If you forget to take a pill, do not take two the next time. Just continue on your normal schedule.
Consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications to see if they will alter the effect of your current medications. This includes common medications such as cold remedies, pain relievers and laxatives or stool softeners.
Take an extra supply of medications with you when you travel. If you travel by plane, keep medications with you. Do not pack all of your medications in suitcases that may get lost or detained.
Muscle Soreness and Incision Discomfort
Tylenol is recommended for general discomfort. If your discomfort persists you should talk to your physician about alternative medications.
If you should experience pain that is similar to your preoperative symptoms, or anginal equivalent, you should notify your doctor immediately. Most non-cardiac chest or incisional pain can be distinguished by being able to:
- Point to the exact spot where it hurts, or is tender to fingertip pressure.
- Alleviate discomfort by changing position or taking a deep breath.
Call your doctor if you are unsure.
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