Question 1

my husband had open heart surgery 2 months ago and has complained about a sore left shoulder ever since. is this from the surgery? shoulder was x-rayed and no broken bones.

Accepted Answer

Need to see a doctor: This could be related to the heart surgery or other problems, such as neck problem, shoulder problem or refer pain from surgery, etc. You need to follow-up with your doctor to get further check-up.

Question 2

what is best to eat after open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Low cholesterol diet: To slow down the atherosclerotic process, a low cholesterol, low sodium diet with fish instead of red meat and polyunsaturated instead of animal fats is ideal.

Question 3

how can you stay health after an open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Same as before: Diet and exercise keep the typical patient healthy after bypass surgery.  This is the same advice given to a cardiac patient who has not had bypass surgery.  You should consult your physician as to what dietary and exercise program would be right for you.

Question 4

can you have children after having open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Probably the most common forms of heart surgery in a woman who are of child bearing age are heart valve surgery and repairs of congenital defects.  Most of these women will be capable of child bearing but some (like the ones with mechanical heart valves) will require special care during the pregnancy.

Question 5

what should i avoid eating before and after an open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Nothing after midnit: There are really no dietary restrictions before heart surgery really. After you will have to follow a low salt low fat diet with limited fluid intake.

Question 6

why would seroma develop after open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Usually does not: A seroma is a collection of clear fluid that can develop after surgery but is most commonly seen following breast surgery and some types of plastic surgery. Serum leaks into tissue causing swelling. It is different from a hematoma which is blood and contains red blood cells. I can't recall seeing this as a significant complication of open heart surgery except when fluid accumulates in the legs.

Question 7

how can you stay healthy after an open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Diet exercise meds: Watch diet, exercise, take medicines as directed, and see your doctor regularly.

Question 8

why are arteries closed after open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many reasons: There are many reasons why arteries are closed after coronary artery surgery. Remember that surgery "bypasses" and does not remove blockages. Most importantly surgery does not chnage the medical problems which caused the blockages (such as cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle) and unless these are addressed the arteries will continue to close.

Question 9

is it ok to play ball after open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

2 months later: After 6 weeks you can slowly start progressing on upper body exercising gradually and using common sense.

Question 10

how long after open heart surgery does it take the sternum to heal completely?

Accepted Answer

Six weeks: Six weeks if routine and no complications.

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Doctor answers about:

Shoulder pain after open heart surgery

A member asked:

My husband had open heart surgery 2 months ago and has complained about a sore left shoulder ever since. is this from the surgery? shoulder was x-rayed and no broken bones.

A member asked:

What is best to eat after open heart surgery?

A member asked:

How can you stay health after an open heart surgery?

A member asked:

Can you have children after having open heart surgery?

A member asked:

What should i avoid eating before and after an open heart surgery?

A member asked:

Why would seroma develop after open heart surgery?

A member asked:

How can you stay healthy after an open heart surgery?

A member asked:

Why are arteries closed after open heart surgery?

A member asked:

Is it ok to play ball after open heart surgery?

A member asked:

How long after open heart surgery does it take the sternum to heal completely?

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