Question 1

is it safe to have a cough after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

No: Coughing after heart surgery can be good to clear your lungs but if you have phlegm it may be a sign of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Question 2

what should i eat and what not to eat after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

In moderation: The answer is everything in moderation. The american heart association and butter busters are reasonable places to start. 
Watch the salt (adjust to the natural taste of things), minimize the fats, if not off limits a bit of red wine is good, all combined with graduated exercise.

For more detail, ask your doctor about a nutritionist or for additional materials he/she may have prepared.

Question 3

how is the chest closed after a heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sternal wires: Assuming the patient had a sternotomy, the two halves of the sternum are separated at the time of surgery.  The bones are rejoined after the surgery using surgical wires, after six to eight weeks the bones are healed and the wires are no longer necessary. The wires are left in place nonetheless.

Question 4

how long after after heart bypass surgery can you fly?

Accepted Answer

2-6 weeks: If you're recovering well, 2 weeks would be early but possible. 6 weeks would be entirely reasonable.

Question 5

is it normal to feel very tired after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

CABG fatigue: Fatigue is common after coronary artery bypass surgery however it is prudent to see your surgeon or provider to assess for other causes of fatigue such anemia or infection.

Question 6

how soon can you fly in a plane after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depends: People recover at different rates. One person may leave the hospital in just a few days whereas another may be in the hospital for weeks. When you can resume normal activities including flying in a plane depends on whether there are complications. So there is no one answer to this question. The surgeon and cardiologist will advise you depending on how quickly you recover.

Question 7

when does the pain stop after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

Immediately: If the bypass is successful, the pain should no longer be present after the surgery. However, the incision itself will be painful for a while, but that should be a differnt type of pain.

Question 8

what is the life expectancy for a patient after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

It depends.: Bypass surgery helps to enhance blood flow to the heart muscle. It doesn't cure the disease. Prognosis depends on the extent of heart damage which may have occurred. It is vital that risk factors for progression of plaque buildup be controlled. Cessation of smoking is essential. Control of hypertension and cholesterol are important. Diabetics must achieve good control. Exercise is important too.

Question 9

what is the medical term for ongoing sterum pain after heart bypass surgery.  currently at 7 months post op.

Accepted Answer

Sterna Pain: But needs evaluated for infection, instability, non-union of the bone sections.
Wire fracture and tenderness.
See the surgeon to assess, this is longer than common.

Question 10

do you need to follow a diet and exercise program after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes you should, unless you want to get another bypass sooner rather than later.

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Doctor answers about:

Coughing after heart bypass surgery

A member asked:

Is it safe to have a cough after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

What should i eat and what not to eat after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

How is the chest closed after a heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

How long after after heart bypass surgery can you fly?

A member asked:

Is it normal to feel very tired after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

How soon can you fly in a plane after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

When does the pain stop after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

What is the life expectancy for a patient after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

What is the medical term for ongoing sterum pain after heart bypass surgery. currently at 7 months post op.

A member asked:

Do you need to follow a diet and exercise program after heart bypass surgery?

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