Recovering after heart surgery involves a healing process requiring careful medical guidance. Following your healthcare team’s instructions, particularly on physical activity and lifting, is important for a successful recovery and to prevent complications. Your body needs time to heal internally and externally after such a significant procedure.
Understanding Lifting Restrictions
Lifting restrictions after heart surgery primarily protect the healing sternum (breastbone), often divided during open-heart procedures. This bone requires time to mend properly, similar to a broken bone that cannot be casted. Any significant strain, such as lifting heavy objects, pushing, or pulling, can disrupt this healing process.
Patients are advised not to lift anything heavier than 5 to 10 pounds for six to eight weeks following surgery. This weight limit is comparable to a gallon of milk. Restrictions also include avoiding activities involving pushing or pulling with the arms, such as vacuuming, mopping, opening heavy doors, or pushing oneself up from a chair using only arm strength. These guidelines prevent excessive pulling or uneven strain on the breastbone and surgical incision. Individual restrictions can vary based on the specific surgery and patient condition.
Immediate Consequences of Overexertion
Lifting too much too soon after heart surgery can lead to immediate physical symptoms and issues at the surgical site. An increase in pain around the incision area is a common sign. This pain may feel like a pulling, stretching, or tearing sensation, indicating strain on healing tissues.
The incision site may also exhibit bruising, increased swelling, or minor bleeding. These are direct responses to physical stress on the recovering wound and surrounding muscle and tissue. General muscle stiffness or decreased flexibility in the trunk and limbs can also occur due to overexertion.
Serious Complications and Warning Signs
While immediate discomforts are common, significant overexertion can lead to severe complications. Sternal dehiscence, where the breastbone separates after being wired back together, is a serious concern. This can result in chest instability and may be indicated by a clicking, popping, or grinding sensation when moving, breathing, or coughing.
Another severe complication is a deep wound infection, which can affect the skin, underlying tissues, and the sternal bone itself, potentially leading to osteomyelitis or mediastinitis. Warning signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness around the incision, or pus or drainage from the wound. A fever (100°F/38°C or higher) can also signal an infection. Excessive strain on the heart from overexertion could lead to cardiac issues such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), or persistent shortness of breath and chest pain that does not resolve with rest. These severe symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Actions to Take After Overexertion
If you believe you have lifted too much or are experiencing symptoms after overexertion, act promptly. Stop the activity immediately and rest. This allows your body to recover and prevents further strain on the surgical site.
Closely monitor any symptoms, noting their type, severity, and how long they persist. Then, contact your medical team (surgeon, cardiologist, or nurse) for guidance. They can assess your symptoms and advise on appropriate next steps, which may include further evaluation. Avoid attempting to self-treat or resuming normal activities without receiving clearance from your healthcare provider.