Explanations for Heart Valve Replacement Patients and Their Relatives
PREFACE
In this booklet, you will learn about open heart surgery and the postoperative period. There is information about how you will need to organize your life. When you return home shortly after heart surgery, you should know that the problem has been resolved, but you will spend part of the recovery period at home. The information contained in this booklet is explained in a simple language that everyone can understand.
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR RELATIVES
Most heart valve diseases are rheumatic, and if repair of the valve is not possible, it must be replaced. If the valve has been replaced with an artificial one, the one most suitable for you has been installed. Depending on your age and the condition of your heart, a mechanical or biological valve may be used. If you have been fitted with an artificial valve, you will need to use some medications that will prevent blood clotting on the implanted valve.
ORAL ANTICOAGULANT TREATMENT (PREVENTION OF COLOTATING TREATMENT)
Purpose of Treatment:
Some situations where blood dilution is necessary:
- artificial valves attached to the heart,
- rhythm disorders,
- Blood pooling in the veins(varicose veins),
- Artificial vein insertion surgeries.
For example, clot caused by arrhythmia or artificial heart valve in the arterial system A clot formed due to pooling of blood in the brain, legs, abdominal veins and veins can be thrown into the lungs and cause fatal situations. The dose and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor's intermittent checks according to the patient's disease.
Symptoms Occurring in Case of Excessive Increase in INR:
- Nosebleed
- Darkening in urine color
- Bruising on the skin
In this case, you should consult your doctor for an INR test.
MY POST-SURGERY PERIOD HOW WILL IT GO?
Generally, the recovery period from heart surgery lasts about three months. However, after major surgeries, the exact recovery times vary depending on individual circumstances. It should not be forgotten that it shows similarities. The primary factor that creates individual differences is the person's general health condition before surgery, followed by age and other factors.
STARTING TO WORK:
Heart surgery Most patients with this condition can continue their previous jobs. The start time varies depending on the type of work done. As a general rule, those working in light jobs can start working two months after the surgery. It is difficult for those who work in heavier jobs, especially in manual work, to return to work before three months; Time should be given for the muscles to strengthen and the joints and the breastbone to heal.
REHABILITATION FOLLOWING CARDIAC SURGERY
The recovery period after open heart surgery is 6-8 weeks. You may be tired and weak during this time. Make sure you sleep 8-10 hours a night for the first few weeks. Rest for about an hour in the afternoon. Do not exert yourself after eating. Have dinner before going to bed in the evening. Rest when you are tired. Limit the number of people who come to visit you. Do not kiss them.
PAIN:
The pain that develops due to the surgical incision varies from person to person. In general, chest, shoulder and back pain should disappear within a few weeks. It takes approximately three months for the sternum cut during surgery to fully heal. For this reason, it is inconvenient to lie on your side for three weeks and you should not lift more than 5 kg.
SURGERY SITE INFLAMMATION:
If there is no inflammation at the wound site when leaving the hospital, it is unlikely to occur later. is a possibility. However, if redness, swelling and discharge occur at the wound site and continue, you should consult your doctor.
APPEARANCE OF THE STITCHES:
There may be watery leaks at the incision site. The stitches are dissolved and destroyed by the body. However, if you feel severe discomfort, go to the doctor.
EXERCISE:
Have someone accompany you on your first walk, increase the distance little by little. It is useful to walk on your own once a day for three weeks after surgery. Resting on a flat road should be done. After three weeks, the walking order can be increased to two or three, provided that the above rules are followed. Full recovery after surgery will take three months. Do these exercises to relieve your pain.
a. Shoulder Area Exercises: Move your shoulders first forward and then back.
b. Arm Exercises:Standing, open your arms to the side, touch your hands above your head and open them to the side. Repeat this 10 times.
c. Breathing Exercises:Place your hands on either side of your chest and exhale, then inhale to fill your lungs fully, hold for three seconds and exhale. Repeat this 5 times.
EMOTIONAL REACTIONS:
Some patients experience depression for a few days after the surgery. They may be. This situation will be resolved in a short time. After returning home, many patients describe distress and mild depression. They may think that they are not in any state of recovery. All patients who have undergone major surgery may experience such feelings and feel better day by day.
EXCITEMENT:
You may be excited and sensitive in the first few weeks after surgery. Do not worry, this situation will disappear after 4-6 weeks.
BATH:
If all the incisions are boiled and dry, you can take a shower, otherwise your wound may become infected. . Unless there is a specific condition, you can take a bath with warm water 1 week after you go home. Preferably, you should be sitting.
HOUSE AND GARDEN WORKS:
You can do light housework 4 weeks after the surgery. Do not do these tasks until three months have passed. Lifting, pushing, pulling, sweeping, shopping, carrying children, hoeing and gardening.
DIET:
It is not right to eat fried foods and excessively fatty foods. . These increase the risk of heart disease. Obesity is the biggest enemy of the heart and its patients. You should stay at your ideal weight by following a healthy diet. If a salt-free diet is recommended, strictly follow it.
ALCOHOL:
It is harmful to heart patients. is. If you are using anticoagulant medication such as coumadin, alcohol will increase its effect, so patients using medication should not drink alcohol.
CIGARETTE:
Smoking for you is higher than that of a healthy person. is more harmful. It increases blood pressure and heart rate. It causes irreversible damage to the vessels and lungs. Absolutely no smoking.
DRIVING:
After a period of 7-8 weeks, you can drive short distances, but this will cause stress, causing pain in the shoulder and chest. Do not drive for long distances and during congested traffic hours, as this will cause problems.
SPORTS:
You can ride a bicycle two months after leaving the hospital, but it should never be on a hill or in a challenging way. During the same period, you can swim short distances in a suitable climate.
YOUR SEXUAL LIFE:
Many patients who have had heart surgery are worried about restarting their sexual lives. You can start sexual life after about 6 weeks. Avoid having sexual intercourse after eating and when you are tired.
MEDICATIONS:
Use your medications correctly and regularly. Keep it with you when you travel. Keep it away from children, renew your prescription before you go. Be sure to consult your doctor before stopping a medication. Before and after a meal means 15 minutes before or after.
WARNING SYMPTOMS:
Contact your doctor if the following symptoms occur:
<BEWARE OF THE FOLLOWING POINTS
- Take a walk after the meal.
- 3-4 hours after the meal. Then go to bed.
- Drink plenty of water in hot weather.
- Do not sunbathe in extreme heat.
- Never smoke.
- Tell your problems to a friend. , do not bottle up your emotions.
- Change yourself and your social expectations if necessary.
- Avoid competing with others.
- Make time for fun and rest.
- Learn to say no if necessary.
- Be flexible and tolerant.
GET GET SICK, HAVE A GOOD AND HEALTHY DAY
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