Cardiovascular diseases rank first as the most important life-threatening health problem in our country and in the world. While many different methods are used in the treatment of heart diseases, surgery stands out as the gold standard in some patient groups. Even though patients who have open heart surgery regain their health, they need to follow some rules for a quality life after surgery. Prof. from the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. Dr. Binali Mavitaş gave information about 8 rules that accelerate recovery after heart surgery.
1- Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the most important factors that deteriorate the general health condition. . It should not be forgotten that patients who quit smoking due to illness or surgery are taking the first step towards recovery. In fact, not only should you quit smoking, you should not even be in environments where smoking occurs.
2- Limit patient visits
Another issue that should be taken into consideration immediately after surgery and during the recovery period. patient visits. After open heart surgery, the body's defense mechanisms are suppressed for a while. During this period, the patient must protect himself against sources of infection. It is recommended to have as few visitors as possible in the first two months after leaving intensive care. In the following days, it is important that the number of visitors is small and the visiting hours are short. People who have had bypass surgery should not be in the same environment with people who have infectious diseases such as cold and flu.
3- Do not lift weights and do not tire yourself out
Insomnia and insomnia after heart surgery. Conditions such as loss of appetite may be encountered; such changes occur more frequently, especially in elderly patients. These and similar complaints disappear after the recovery period. However, the patient has some duties in this regard. For example; After discharge, the patient should lie on his back for at least six weeks and should not lift weights during this period. It is of great importance not to tire oneself during daily activities and walks after the surgery. Because the person's effort capacity increases over time.
4- Protect the rib cage
In open heart surgeries, the sternum, called the breastbone, is opened. �r. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the sternum area during the recovery period. It takes about two months for this area to heal. It is important for postoperative patients to receive assistance in sitting and standing for the first one or two weeks. It is important to lie on your back for two months, as lying on your right or left prevents the sternum from fusing during this period. The sternum should be fixed using a chest corset when getting up from bed, coughing and walking. Chest corset should be used especially by elderly and obese patients.
5- Use compression stockings as recommended by the doctor
It is recommended that coronary bypass patients who have vein removed from the leg use compression stockings during the recovery period. . These socks are used to reduce and prevent swelling in the feet. It is of great importance that compression socks are worn before getting up in the morning, used for the time recommended by the doctor, that there are no wrinkles or folds in the socks, that they are removed at bedtime, and that they are used in appropriate sizes. In addition, help should be sought when necessary to put on and take off the socks.
6- Pay attention to the cleanliness of the wound area
One of the most important problems of all patients undergoing surgery. One of them is the issue of personal hygiene. Similar problems may be observed in patients after cardiovascular surgery. Patients can take a shower one week after the surgery, but they should not stay in the bathroom alone and washcloths should never be applied to the wound area. Just using warm water and soap will be sufficient. After bathing, it is important to use antiseptics and keep the wound area dry.
7- Consider the nutritional recommendations
It is also necessary to pay attention to the nutrition of patients who have undergone heart surgery. Meals should be low-fat and low-salt. Instead of red meat, it is recommended to consume skinless chicken, turkey or fish, and as a main meal, rice, beans or meatless vegetable dishes with whole wheat bread. Oil-free cooking methods, that is, boiling, steaming, baking or grilling, should be preferred instead of frying. Other nutritional rules to consider include removing fatty parts of meat without cooking, choosing fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products, and consuming fresh fruit four to five times a day. Of course, if the patient If there are no diabetes or hypertension diseases, the specified diet should be followed after the first 2 months, which is the recovery period.
8- Exercise as recommended by the doctor
Exercising will improve your general body health. It is very important for your health. However, care should be taken to apply this in the postoperative period and to do it as recommended by the doctor. It is recommended that surgery patients rest at home for the first week. Then, it would be appropriate to start the outdoor walking program with 15 minutes on the first day and then increase it by 5 minutes every day or every other day. Flat paths should be preferred while walking. Since this activity increases bowel movements, it also prevents constipation, increases lung capacity and allows easier breathing, prevents the formation of edema, ensures weight control and helps sleep patterns.
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