I am preparing for a surgery that requires opening of the chest. This DOES NOT involve bypass surgery. Does anyone have an experience with this and can you describe the recovery? Thank you.
2007-03-13 13:37:41 · 3 answers · asked by BCT 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
My mon went thur open heart surgery she had an incision from the top of her breast bone to just above her naval, they spread her rrib cage in which takes a while to heal and can be uncomfortable for several months. She laid flat of her back for several months and when bending over wold hold her chest, but with the medication the first few days right after surgery she doesnt even remember. You will have a strong rehab after wards and should have someone stay with you for a couple of weeks until you feel that you can handle on your own. Best of luck to you, I'll keep you in my prays.
2007-03-13 18:06:34 · answer #1 · answered by sla571963 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandma just had a valve replaced. They had her out of bed and sitting in a chair the next day. She was bed ridden for almost two week before the surgery so she has been doing a lot of physical therapy - walking mostly. She also has bad lungs though so her recovery may be different than others.
When listening to the doctors though, it seems like they get you moving pretty quick. You will probably be in the hospital for a bit ( a few days ) then on to a rehab place.
2007-03-13 13:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by Go Bears! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not, but my dad has. He had to have his chest cracked to have part of his lung removed because of cancer. The surgical site was on the side of his chest and his ribs had to be spread. The incision was about 50 staples and the incision did not cause him too many problems, it was the spreading of the ribs that caused the longest recovery. It took about 6 months before he did not feel any twinges or aches upon movement or breathing. It was almost a year before it was totally gone. Good luck.
2007-03-13 13:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋