How to Help a Heart Bypass Patient at Home

Getting to go home after a major surgery like a heart bypass is one of the things patients look forward to most. A night of sleep in their own bed, an edible meal and all the familiar sights, sounds and smells of home can be a slice of heaven. However, getting to go home does not mean that recovery is over and life is right back to normal. There are special things to be aware of to ensure that you are prepared for your loved one's return and can offer the greatest level of care possible.

Instructions

Heart Bypass Recovery at Home

• 1

  No smoking. This means the patient or anyone around them. It does not matter whether it is first- or second-hand smoke; it's bad for a heart patient's health.

• 2

  Get the patient moving. Very mild exercise, as recommended by the doctor, is necessary to help healing and reduce the risk of dangerous blood clot formation. Just five minutes of slow walking, to start, aids in circulation and combats overall weakness.

• 3

  Prepare several small meals over the course of the day instead of three large ones. Foods should have no added salt in them and be rich in fiber, and low in cholesterol and fat. However, that does not have to equal plain and boring--make things interesting with a variety of flavors and colors.

• 4

  Ensure the patient gets plenty of fluids, particularly water. This will aid in digestion and will help flush out toxins from the body.

• 5

  Keep the incision clean and dry. Use only soap and water to wash the incision, rinsing well and patting dry afterward. Only showers are permitted; no soaking in the tub.

• 6

  Elevate the legs when the patient is sitting or resting, without crossing the legs. This prevents swelling.

• 7

  Follow your doctor's instructions faithfully with all medications and scheduling. Some medications, like blood thinners, are dangerous when doubled up. If there is more than one drug prescribed, recommended scheduling may be needed to minimize potentially serious interactions.

• 8

  Watch for signs of depression. Feeling frustrated or down and concern about the future are perfectly normal emotional reactions to major surgery, but true depression is not. Signs of depression include: major appetite changes, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, frequent crying episodes, too much or too little sleep, increased restlessness or agitation, lack of interest in life, and suicidal thoughts or a preoccupation with death.