How to Recover Faster After Open Heart Surgery | Occupational Therapy

After open heart surgery, there are things that you should not do. Sternal precautions are the recommended things that you should avoid. This precautions depends on what your surgeon decides. Usually they will include the following:

1. Use the pillow or the teddy bear the hospital provided.
2. Don’t reach over the shoulder level.
3. Don’t reach both arms out to the side.
4. Don’t lift more than 5-8 lbs. a half a gallon of milk is about 4-5 lbs.
5. Don’t push with your arms. This includes pushing up with your arms from sitting.
6. Don’t pull with your arms such as pulling a heavy door.
7. Don’t drive.
8. Do not over exert but you can still exercise.

Disclaimer: These are not absolute recommendations. Always consult your doctor regarding waht activies are permited after your surgery.

Let’s all exercise our body and mind so we all get strong together.

#occupationaltherapy #cabg #sternalprecautions

[PinkButterfly]

my dad had open heart surgery three days ago, i have watched hundreds of videos and yours was the best god bless

[rscbmr]

I just had CABG surgery and the rules/recommendations have changed. Now it's called "Stay in the tube" One can put their arms up but not out. The rest of the video provides good examples and explanation of precautions. I just his my 6 week mark and have been cleared by my surgeon, now I'm on to Cardiac Rehab. Godspeed everyone.

[danroby]

I read a lot of comments 😮.
I guess I’m just blessed, I smoked cigs, for close to 40 years, I am an auto tech, was around paint, solvents, fumes, chemicals… I had 6 blockages .. 2 @ 90 % so I got a triple bypass… 12 weeks ago, I am 71 years old… I’m doing great .. cardio rehab nurses are surprised I’m doing this good … I had 3 heart attacks ? Didn’t know it was. ? Thought it heartburn ? Thought I would share 😊

[shoomapadoo]

I am 13 days out of the modified Bentall procedure with the konect bovine tissue valve. Was in great shape when I went in with minimal damage and classified as Stage C: A Symptomatic. I am 60 years old and made the decision to have surgery one year after the diagnosis of severe aorta valve stenosis. Took me that long to get my nerve up. I was working, and I felt great, what the heck? Third opinion I said let's do it because I didn't want the recovery to be ridiculously long and/or my heart to be irreversibly damaged by my own hand because of my cowardness. The first week out of general anesthesia is NO JOKE and it does hurt. I've been home for three days and begin warfarin tomorrow evening for three months. Feeling very good. Surgery is not the problem it is the solution. 02/28/24

[thepursuitofsuccess]

I am in my 5th week of recovering from having my mitral valve replaced. Although this is my first time seeing your video, the things you have shared are very valuable. I’ve had to be mindful of everything you shared through my recovery process. Thank you for taking out the time to put this video together!

[VeteranHedonist]

I had my first open heart surgery after endocarditis in 2014 to replace my aortic valve. I was only 38, but then I fell ill again in October 2023 with the same thing. I found the second time much harder, probably because i was 10 years older. I had complications after they pulled the drainage tubes out and it nicked my spleen and was in pain for days before collaping (while still in hospital thank God). I was in hospital for 9 weeks. The re do surgery is more complicated. However I'm just grateful for the NHS and saving my life twice.

[howardhalter]

I'm two and a half weeks out on my own trying to do my own rehab but thank you for this video we've taught me a lot I appreciate what you've done again thank you

[davidstumer]

Thank You for the video. I didn't receive any rehab after my heart surgery was basically just sent home and kicked out of the car. I don't think you should drive because if you get into a accident and the airbag deployed it could be game over. 💔

[eliasalmendarezsr.]

Thanks for the advice I have 3 weeks recovering from heart bypass surgery.

[michaelfarley]

I got out of surgery about a month and a half ago and with the doctors don’t tell you is the tremendous back pain you’re gonna have from your ribs being torn apart you’re gonna have terrible back pain but no pain medicine because they don’t give it out anymore just saying

[daacadchannel]

Before 7days I got Surgery open heart Asd 2.8 mm real the way u explained also My Doctor told Me That u r same Doctor thank u man

[moinpatel]

I used to wear a buttoned up shirt rather than a T shirt post op about 7 months ago.

[jcorbida]

thanks for the tips. I'm about to undergo CABG next month. this is very helpful. salamat.

[bilalahmed]

Thank you so much for your instructional video.

[zahmed]

Love your video, it helped me a lot - Thank you

[margotvanoni]

I’m a COTA and wish you were my supervising OT- love your channel

[nancyhoskins]

There is a better, safer way to put on shirt. First, avoid tee shirt if possible and opt fir buttoned shirts. If no other option, hold arm down, not out and gently tug sleeve up. Then bend head down, and gently pull neckline over head without raising arm. Finally, with arm down, pull second tee shirt opening so hand can be inserted. Never raise arm up as demonstrated.

[southwest]

Thank you for this valuable information.

[craigjames]

I’m in week three. Thank you so much for your videos

[brandobulanhagui]

please give some tips how to sit from lying down, thank you