What to expect when recovering from open heart surgery?
If you are on long-term opioids, you should meet with your prescribing physician to begin to wean down to the lowest dose possible before surgery. Recovering from open-heart surgery involves physical and emotional healing. The recovery process uses emotional and physical energy.
How did open heart surgery become a reality?

With this mechanical oxygenator and a pump in the circuit, open heart surgery finally became a reality. Many more complicated defects, such as tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular and atrial septal defects, and other intricate lesions, became amenable to surgical correction.
What’s the long-term outlook for open heart surgery?
Long-term outlook for open-heart surgery. Expect a gradual recovery. It may take up to six weeks before you start feeling better, and up to six months to feel the full benefits of the surgery. However, the outlook is good for many people, and the grafts can work for many years.
Can a person have depression after open heart surgery?
However, most recent research has found that not to be the case. Though some patients may have open-heart surgery and experience mental decline later on, it’s thought that this is most likely due to the natural effects of aging. Some people do experience depression or anxiety after open-heart surgery.

If you are on long-term opioids, you should meet with your prescribing physician to begin to wean down to the lowest dose possible before surgery. Recovering from open-heart surgery involves physical and emotional healing. The recovery process uses emotional and physical energy.
Are there any long term survivors of open heart surgery?
Real life then slowly tends to take over the day to day routine, and the urgency of our condition doesn’t propel us to the group as much as it did in the beginning. But fear not – there are many, many longtime survivors of open heart surgery out there. Congrats on your own longterm journey!! XOXOXO www.myheartsisters.org
When to resume driving after open heart surgery?
If you experience any exertion-related chest pain or pressure, consult your physician immediately. Patients can often resume driving about four weeks after surgery. Many variables are involved in this equation, and each case is an individual decision between you and your surgeon.
What are the DOS and Don’s of open heart surgery?
Keep in mind these dos and don’ts for a speedy and full recovery. Ward off depression and allow your body to adjust to being home by creating a daily routine. Wake at the same time each day, have regular meal times, schedule exercise, visits, and entertainment during the day, and go to bed at a regular time.