When your surgery is done, your surgery team will work with you to decide when you're ready to go home. Most people are discharged between 4 and 7 days after surgery. Your stay may be shorter or longer.
Arrange to have someone pick you up for 10 a.m. the morning of discharge.
Your cardiac surgery team will teach you how to care for yourself at home. Have your support person learn this too. You'll also get information about your cardiac rehabilitation.
Medicine
The pharmacist or nurse will talk to you about the medicine and supplements you’ll take at home. Some medicines you’ll already know, others will be new. You may also get a prescription for pain or sleeping medicine.
You’ll get a list of all the medicine you take. Keep it with you for at least 6 months after surgery.
Always
take your medicine as prescribed and
take your medicine safely. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your pharmacist.
Emotions and stress
Mood changes and feeling anxious, sad, detached, irritated, or depressed are all common after surgery. They might start while you're still in hospital. Sometimes the feelings can last for weeks.
If you or your family are having trouble coping, talk with your healthcare team. You can also ask to speak to a social worker or a spiritual care advisor.
Follow-up
Your family doctor will be your main healthcare provider after surgery.
You'll need to see your family doctor within the first week after you go home. They will follow your progress, adjust your medicine, and answer your questions. You can talk to them about how you are feeling physically and emotionally after surgery.
You will need to follow up with your heart surgeon and cardiologist. You will also get a referral to a
cardiac rehabilitation program.
