Sternal Precautions and Energy Conservation after your Open Heart Surgery
The sternum (the bone at the center of your chest) is cut during surgery
and will take several weeks to heal. During this time, it is important
to prevent excess strain and pressure on this area. If you do an activity
that causes you to feel a strong pull along your sternum, stop the activity
and call your doctor.
During the first 4 weeks after surgery,
DO NOT:
Reach above your head with one arm
Push or pull forcefully with your arms
Reach backwards
Let people pull on your arms when they are helping you move
DO NOT lift anything over 10 pounds for 3 months.
You
MAY:
Move your arms within a pain-free range
Bend forward to do activities like putting your socks on
When moving, it is important to hold your arms close to your body to protect
the sternum.
Mental and physical health are important for your healing. Try to avoid
any unnecessary stress and learn how to regulate your emotions when stress
is unavoidable. Strategies like deep breathing can be used to help you
with this.
Additionally, you need to find a balance between activity and rest to promote
proper healing. Fatigue is normal, however, over-fatigue is to be avoided.
Using the following strategies can assist you with conserving energy while
allowing you to participate in your daily activities:
Energy Conservation Techniques:
Plan ahead / Prioritize your activities
Gather all items needed before starting the task
Spread heavy and light tasks throughout the day and week
Plan important activities for early in the day so that they will get accomplished
in case your energy runs out later in the day
Pace yourself
A moderate, steady pace is most productive
Plan rest periods throughout the day
Avoid fatigue
Get enough rest
Avoid large meals
Don’t wait until you are tired before you stop and rest
Breathe easy
Apply your pursed-lip breathing during activities
Have adequate ventilation
Cooking odors, cleaning products, and steam can make breathing more difficult
Slow, deep breathing is relaxing and helps slow body motions
Do not hold your breath
Sit when possible
Sitting eliminates considerable fatigue
Use a seat in the shower or when dressing
Use good posture
Sit and stand straight
Proper alignment balances muscles and decreases stress
A stooped posture can cause the diaphragm to fold over onto itself making
breathing difficult
CardiologyView Profile
