Daily Living

Post-surgical Considerations

You may wonder if your life will ever get back to normal after you've had surgery. At LifeBeat Online, we've put together some suggestions on how to enjoy your road to recovery. We've spoken to Steven Marso, MD, from the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City and noted the tips he wants all heart patients to heed. We've even included some healthy dialogue tips on how to speak to your own doctor after surgery.

Often after surgery, cardiac patients assume that they are off the hook. But Dr. Marso disagrees. "Heart disease is a chronic illness. It is not a one-stop disease. Many people don't think of it like cancer or diabetes, but it is." Heart disease is a condition that doesn't go away. You need to continue to pay attention to it and to be vigilant about your health on an ongoing basis.

There are several simple things that you can do to take care of your health when you leave the hospital. "The three basic things to watch out for are diet, exercise, and medical care," Dr. Marso says. "They are all equal in importance to your recovery."

Diet

To handle your diet, it's important to watch your cholesterol by eating low-fat foods and moderate portions. You should watch your fat and caloric intake, and your cholesterol should be monitored regularly.

Exercise

Increasing physical activity is also important. Cardiac rehabilitation can help you create an exercise program that's best for your health. It can also educate you about fitness, food, and more. The staff is medically trained. This knowledge can give you peace of mind when you're exercising after surgery. Remember that a more active lifestyle equals a more healthy life. But you should never start an exercise program before talking to your doctor.

Medical Care

Follow up with your doctor regularly and take any medicines as your doctor wants you to. Dr. Marso says, "Patients are in the driver's seat for their own healthcare. Doctors can offer advice and recommend treatment strategies, but at the end of the day, it's up to the patients to be involved."

Sometimes, it may be intimidating to ask your healthcare provider questions after surgery. But it shouldn't be. Dr. Marso says, "I like answering questions. What people need to understand is that an informed patient has the best outcome. Taking ownership of the illness is critical."

Beginning a Dialogue with Your Doctor

Some questions you can ask to have a meaningful dialogue between you and your doctor include:

Are there any lifestyle changes that I can make that will help?
Will I have to come back for additional surgery or are the results of my surgery permanent?
Will I be able to lead a normal life (work, live alone, play with my kids, have sex, drive)?
Is your hospital affiliated with any support groups?
Do you have any literature that I can read about my health?
What are my next steps?

Make sure that the lines of communication are open and don't hesitate to ask if you're not sure about something.

Dr. Marso concludes, "My favorite part is the interaction with the people, getting to know patients and family over time. I very much like when people return with their family members, looking healthier."

Note: Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice.

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