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Heart Surgery: At Discharge
Heart Surgery: At Discharge“Hey guys. Are you ready to go home?”“Absolutely.”“Ok welll I have a few last- minute discharge instructions for you, ok?”When it is time for you to leave the hospital, members of your cardiac care team will visit you. They’ll go overspecific guidelines to ensure a healthy recovery.“We educate them regarding their medications, what they can expect when they leave the hospital andalso prepare them as they start their rehabilitation into being, leading a more, healthy lifestyle.”You will get a written discharge plan designed specifically for you. Your discharge plan will include informationon pain and discomfort; incision care; diet and nutrition; and physical activity, including what you can and can’tdo over the next few weeks. It will detail all of the medications you are prescribed, including how much andwhen to take them. Pay special attention to this list; you may have been prescribed new medications whilesome of your old medications may have been changed or deleted. Don’t take any medications that aren’t onthis list before talking with your healthcare provider.If you have been prescribed an anticoagulant medication like Warfarin you will be tested to make sure yourdosage is correct before you leave the hospital and you will be given specific instructions to follow. Also, yourdischarge plan will include when you can resume your normal activities like returning to work and driving. Notethe date of your follow-up appointment on your discharge plan. It will probably be scheduled for a few weeksafter you return home.This is a lot of information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.“So, do you guys have any questions?”“Yeah actually, when can I pick up my son?”And make sure you know who to call if you have any questions once you get home. It may help to have afamily member or friend with you to help remember all of the information given.Have a family member or friend drive you home. In the car, be careful around your incision area. Use a pillowor other soft object between your chest and the seat belt to cushion any direct pressure on your incision site. Alot of people feel more comfortable riding in the back seat.“As I left the hospital on my way home, I had my heart pillow with me-- that was nice to have it with mea part of the hospital that came home with me.”You’ve been through a lot and are ready to leave the hospital. At discharge, make sure you understand yourinstructions clearly in order to continue your recovery at home.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10181B EN HeartSurgeryAtDischarge.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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Watch these suggestions for supporting your loved one while he or she prepares for, and recovers from, heart surgery.
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