Activity guidelines after surgery

Do not lift items greater than 2.3 kilograms (5 pounds), for example: laundry baskets, groceries, telephone books, luggage, pets, children or infants. Do not push or pull heavy objects such as doors, furniture or appliances, or try to open stuck windows or jar lids. Do not strain when having a bowel movement. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have constipation.

Do not drive for six weeks and until you obtain permission from your cardiologist. When in the car, avoid seats with airbags – sit in the back seat until your breastbone has healed. Shoulder straps of seatbelts are required, but you may use a pillow underneath the strap to pad for comfort. Your insurance may change as a result of your heart surgery. Contact your insurance provider to be sure you are covered.

Do not do strenuous house or yard work such as sweeping, mopping, or scrubbing for the first six weeks. Avoid snow shoveling and consider investing in a snow blower or snow removal service.

Avoid extreme temperatures in the bath or shower. Lukewarm water is best and use mild, unscented soap. Use a handheld showerhead if possible or sit under a running shower. We recommend renting a shower chair or bath bench to use for the first four to six weeks. Avoid baths until your incision has healed. Check with your cardiologist before using a hot tub or sauna.

Stairs are safe to use after surgery, but not as exercise. Limit stair use to once or twice a day for the first one to two weeks. Take one step at a time, pausing every 3 to 4 steps to take deep breaths. Hold onto the handrail. If you’ve had a vein in your leg removed during your surgery and still have pain, follow the general rule: “up with the good leg, down with the bad leg” – step up with the leg that does not have the incision and step down with the leg that has the incision.

Check with your family doctor and travel insurance provider when considering travel plans. If travelling in a car for longer durations, take rests each hour and get out of the car to do a short walk.

It is safe to return to sexual activity when you are able to climb two flights of stairs continuously without becoming short of breath. Upon returning to sexual activity, be mindful of the positions chosen, respecting the activity guidelines for your breastbone (for example, supporting yourself or your partner will put too much stress on your breastbone). For the first six weeks, use a sidelying position. Consult your cardiologist with any further questions.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach until your breastbone has healed. If you are uncomfortable sleeping on your back, you may want to place pillows under one side of your back so you are slightly turned.

Returning to work depends on the demands of your job and on your recovery. Discuss your return to work with your cardiologist and/or your cardiac surgeon.