Sternal Precautions and Move in the Tube™

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
• Ask for help
  • Take advantage of community resources
  • Delegate responsibility