• Watch the Post-Operative Recovery program on your videotape or on the Cardiac TV channel in your room.
  
• Know which medicines to take and how often to take your pain medicine.
  
• Receive your prescriptions from your doctor.
• Schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor.
• Know how to take care of your incisions.
• Understand how to advance your activities.
• Know if and when you need to have more blood drawn.
• Know what kind of diet to follow until your follow-up appointment.
• Understand what signs and symptoms you should report to your doctor.
• Have the number to call for questions! (615) 385-4781
• Valve precautions (if necessary)

Tips for Everyday Care

• Take only the medicines that the doctor told you to upon discharge. He will review those that you were on before and include them at that time. He will also review your medicines when you see him in 4 weeks, so please bring them with you when you return.
  
  
• Take an over-the-counter laxative such as Milk of Magnesia for constipation and for diarrhea, Kaopectate. If the symptoms persist, call your doctor.
  
  
• If your ankles are swelling, elevate them when sitting. When lying down, place your feet on a pillow so that they are above the level of your heart.
  
  
• Sometimes heart rhythm becomes irregular after surgery. It is usually caused by irritation or swelling from surgery around the electrical system that makes your heart beat. If this occurs, sit down and rest for a while. Once the swelling and irritation go away any irregularity should also.
  
  
• Continue using your incentive spirometer at least 4-5 times each day. Do it 10 times each session.
  
  
• Get plenty of rest. Pace your activities with rest periods in between each activity.
  
  
• Do not be around people who have been sick, have a cold, or have a fever.
  
  
• Do not lift more than 10-15 pounds for 3 months to protect the breastbone.
  
  
• If your doctor orders the white hose called 'TED' stockings, wear them for 4 to 6 weeks but only in the daytime.
  
  
• Pain relief can often be achieved by a gentle back rub, getting up and moving around, changing position, or deep breathing exercises. Your doctor will order you medicine for pain unrelieved by these measures. Follow his orders. Call if your pain continues, or becomes worse.
  
  
• Women may find relief from incisional discomfort be wearing a loose supportive bra.
  
  
• Protect your breastbone when you cough and deep breathe by holding a pillow or folded sheet to your chest.

If You Are On Coumadin

• If you are to be discharged on Coumadin, be sure to watch the Coumadin videotape before you leave (see the TV schedule in this notebook). Your nurse will also give you additional reading material on this medication.
  
  
• It is extremely important that you have your blood drawn as frequently as it is ordered and the results called to your doctor promptly. Having your blood either too thick or too thin could be dangerous to your health.
  
  
• If you will be on Coumadin for a long period of time, you may want to purchase a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace at your local pharmacy.
  

If You Have Had Valve Surgery

• Patients who have had valve surgery must tell their dentist before having any dental work done, even if you are just having your teeth cleaned. You will need protective antibiotics to help fight bacteria which could enter your blood stream during the procedure. The dentist will also need to know if you are on a blood thinner such as Coumadin.
  
  
• Tell your doctor that you have had a valve repair or replacement before any type of operation or procedure. You will definitely require antibiotics and your doctor will also want to know if you are on Coumadin.
  
  
• Your surgeon or his nurse will give you a card from the American Heart Association to keep in your wallet. On this card are all the details of antibiotic treatment for patients who have had valve surgery. Keep this card available to show to any medical professionals who might be caring for you in the future.