9. Driving and Traveling:
You can ride in a car as a passenger at any time. You can ride either in the back or front seat.
However, if sitting in the front, you should move the seat back as far as possible to avoid the
airbag in the event of an accident. You may place a pillow
between your chest and the seat belt to avoid irritation.
If you had a minimally invasive procedure with a small incision
on the right side of your chest, you may resume driving after 2
weeks. If you have had a sternotomy with an incision in the
center of your chest, you should avoid driving for 4 weeks to
allow your breastbone to heal.
Do not travel by air for the first month after open heart surgery or
until you discuss with your surgeon.
When traveling long distances, make sure that you walk around for a few minutes every 2
hours.
10. Returning to work:
Most patients can return to light work in 6-12 weeks. You can check with your surgeon before
returning to work.
11. Medications:
Take all your medications as prescribed.
On discharge, your medications may be different than the
medications you took before your open heart surgery. Take only the
medications prescribed by your Cardiac Surgery team. If you have
medications at home that are not on the list of medications when
you are discharged, do not take them until you check with your
Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner.
Bring your current medication list or your medication bottles to
all of your nurse practitioner and doctor appointments.
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