How to Know When to Call the Doctor After Bypass Surgery

The major part of recovery after bypass surgery is done after the patient goes home. For the first few weeks after surgery, it's important to know when to call your doctor about symptoms that may indicate problems with healing. Upon discharge, your doctor will give you a list of potential symptoms with protocol about when he should be notified.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Understand the Recovery Process

1. Recognize redness at the incision site as a sign to contact your surgeon immediately. This could be an indication that infection has set in. While some redness is present during the healing process, an increase in the size and the color should be reported to your doctor.

2. Examine the site for any type of discharge. Fluid seeping from the incision could be a sign of infection.

3. Report a fever to your bypass surgeon. While it may be the result of some other type of infection or virus, only your doctor is qualified to make that determination. If it is a result of the bypass surgery, it's imperative to be treated immediately with the appropriate antibiotics.

4. Know symptoms such as chills are an indication that you should call your doctor after bypass surgery. It is common for chills and fever to accompany an infection.

5. Find a change in heart rate or rhythm a major indicator that you should call your doctor. If you feel your heart beating rapidly, or if you become excessively fatigued, you may have developed a heart rhythm irregularity.

6. Report symptoms such as swollen ankles and rapid weight gain to your doctor. This may indicate a reduction in heart function. Retaining fluid can lead to congestive heart failure if not treated promptly and appropriately.

Move Past Recovery

7. Know that recovery will transition into a new lifestyle. By the second month, many are able to return to work. Those who work jobs with intense manual labor may have to wait a little longer.

8. Resolve to maintain a healthy diet to improve cardiac performance. Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol and follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

9. Follow your doctor's guidelines and recommendations for a routine exercise program. Walking is always a good option.

Tips & Warnings

• It's better to err on the side caution when calling your doctor. Some symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, can be life threatening.
• Walk in a mall or on a treadmill during extreme weather conditions to get your daily exercise in.

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