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you prepare to go home there are several questions in your mind.
The following points will answer most of your questions.
However if you desire to clear any other queries please feel free
to do so. This is a generalised overview, and individual patient
may want to ask specific questions which we are pleased to answer.
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To gain access to heart, the surgeon has
to go through the breast bone which is thick bone in front of
the heart. The bone is wired together and takes about six weeks
to heal. While this healing process is on, the patient is likely
to feel muscular pains and aches in the chest, the shoulders
and the back. During this time the patient is advised to take
painkillers. It is important to take enough painkillers to be
able to move freely and to cough without too much pain, as deep
breathing and coughing help to quicken recovery.
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What painkillers may I use?
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Paracetamol
is indeed a very strong painkiller. A 70kg man
may need upto two tablets three to four times a day.
Brufen 400mg three
times a day is also helful to get rid of pain |
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How do I take
care of my incisions? |
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The best treatment of
your incisions is gentle cleaning with soap and water. One of
the kinder soaps like LUX is ideal, if your skin is too dry, you
may use a soap like Pears, which has glycerine in it. Avoid germicidal
soaps, as they may be harsh to your skin.
Gentle bathing in tap or warm water is ideal. The first time that
you are having a bath after the operation, please seat yourself
on a comfortable stool, keep the door open and have someone stand
by and help you. Bathing can be quiet strenuous and may tire you
and make you feel dizzy. |
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What problems
may I have with leg incision? |
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Itching,
particularly along the back of the skin incision |
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Small amounts
of yellow discharge. Mild redness of the skin. Mild swelling
of the ankles. |
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Occasionally
the skin may become dry and flaky. |
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A soft cream
like nivea will help. Do not put any other creams, ointments
or powder as they have no benefit. They may actually cause
harm by allowing resistant bacteria to flourish. |
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How long must
I wear elastic stockings? |
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The usual advice is
to wear elastic stockings for about six weeks after the operation.
If, however, you have a past history of arterial disease, stockings
should not be worn. It is best to wear stockings all day while
walking around, and to take them off at night while slepping. |
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Why
do I need asprin? |
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Aspirin
is needed because it reduces the clotting ability of blood and
thus keeps your arteries free of clot. If you are allergic to
aspirin or you have had a stomach ulcer or asthma, your doctor
needs to be told.
For antiplatelet activity, one junior aspirin (75mg) taken every
other day is as effective as a large dose. |
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What
other medications will I need after the operation? |
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If you
are diabetic, you will need antidiabetic tablets or injections.
If you have high blood pressure you may need tablets for high
blood pressure even after the operation. There are many types
of blood pressure tablets that are now available.
Your doctor therefore has a variety of choices. If any one of
these does not suit you, please tell your doctor, he can change
it. This is better than self medication or no medication.
Cholesterol Lowering Tablets: If your cholesterol
level is high, you may be advised cholesterol lowering tablets.
Cholesterol is of two types (a) Good Cholesterol (b) Bad Cholesterol.
Fortunately, today tablets are available that can increase good
cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol.
Water Tablet: You may be put on a water tablet
after the operation to help your body lose excess water. These
tablets may need to be continued for varying periods of time and
your doctor would review them at each visit. |