You cannot control foot or leg movement until the nerve block wears off. You will not be able to tell if your leg is twisted or if anything is pushing against it. Protect your foot and leg from hot and cold temperatures.

It is normal to feel tired for several weeks after your operation. This will gradually improve; most people take about 6 weeks to recover fully.

Yes! Follow your surgeon’s directions regarding weight-bearing and walking. Parts of your leg will be temporarily numb and weak. ALWAYS ask for help when getting up until the numbness has worn off.

Your incision may be sore for several days. You should be able to walk farther now without needing to rest. Full recovery from surgery may take 6 to 8 weeks.

It usually takes one to four weeks to heal after varicose vein surgery. During that time, you’ll probably need to avoid or limit many of your usual activities. Don’t lift anything heavy or do any vigorous exercise for at least two weeks.

The prognosis following heart bypass surgery is both good and has improved over the past three decades. In fact, the survival rate for bypass patients who make it through the first month after the operation is close to that of the population in general.

After surgery, most people feel better and might remain symptom-free for as long as 10 to 15 years. Over time, however, it’s possible that other arteries or even the new graft used in the bypass will become clogged, requiring another bypass or angioplasty.

Stay active during your recovery, but start slowly.

1. Do not stand or sit in the same spot for too long.
2. Walking is a good exercise for the lungs and heart after surgery.
3. Climbing stairs is OK, but be careful.
4. Light household chores, such as setting the table, folding clothes, walking, and climbing stairs, should be OK.

To date, no study has adequately examined whether heart surgery can change a person’s personality, mainly because personality is difficult to define and measure. When recovering from heart surgery, some patients report trouble remembering, slower mental processing and difficulty focusing.

People who have had open heart surgery report mood changes, as do people close to them. Anxiety and depression are the most commonly experienced emotions after heart surgery. Anxiety can be caused, in part, by worries about possible physical aftereffects of the surgery.

Comment: More than half of people who undergo cardiac bypass surgery experience memory problems and other cognitive deficits immediately after surgery. Usually, such problems fade within weeks or months.

Researchers say the heart bypass procedure, like many major surgeries, exposes the brain and nervous system to unusual stress, such as inflammation, lack of oxygen, lowered body temperature, and powerful anesthesia medications, that may affect brain function.

Climbing stairs is OK, but be careful. Balance may be a problem. Rest halfway up the stairs if you need to. Light household chores, such as setting the table, folding clothes, walking, and climbing stairs, should be OK.

Follow a bedtime routine to let your body know it’s time to relax and get to sleep. It’s OK to sleep on your back, side or stomach. You will not hurt your incisions.

What should you bring to the hospital?

• Loose-fitting pants or shorts. Why?
• Comfortable, slip-on shoes or slippers.
• Women may want to consider a special bra. Post-surgery bras can be helpful, especially for women who usually need substantial support.
• Something loose and comfortable to wear when it’s time to go home.