Having bypass surgery is a big deal. Your loved one just had a new bypass route created around her heart to allow blood and oxygen to reach her heart muscle. Without this life-saving operation, your loved one’s life would probably be cut short. Because this is such a major surgery, you can expect that your loved one is going to have a fairly long recovery time and will need 24-hour home care during that recovery period.

How Long Does Heart Bypass Surgery Recovery Take?

Everyone will be on a different schedule when it comes to recovering from a serious surgery such as a heart bypass, but generally, it’ll take four to six weeks for the area to heal and for your loved one to feel well enough to say she is “recovered.” The first few weeks are the hardest, and most doctors recommend that for at least that time, your loved one should have someone stay with her at home as she recovers.

What are Some Side Effects to Expect Once Home from Heart Bypass Surgery?

It goes without saying that everyone will come home and be exhausted, needing plenty of rest. Having a proper recovery area that is close to the bathroom and perhaps the kitchen is key for your loved one. Those first few weeks will make even a few stairs difficult to climb.

The incision can cause pain, itchiness, tingling and discomfort as it heals. Depending on which leg the surgeon took the replacement artery from, that area may also have discomfort and possible swelling.

A lack of appetite along with gut issues such as constipation is not uncommon as your loved one recovers. She might also struggle with her mental health as she strives to recover physically.

Home Recovery Tips

1. Make sure someone can stay with your loved one 24/7 for the first few weeks. If you don’t have a family member who can step in, consider a 24-hour home care team that can stay in the home with your loved one day and night. A 24-hour home care team will rotate shifts so someone is always in the home with your loved one, alert and ready to step in and help. No matter what time of day your loved one needs assistance, a 24-hour home care team member will be there.
2. Provide help with any chores that require exertion. From lifting a load of laundry to taking the dog for a walk, your loved one will need help with anything that may cause a strain on her chest. Work with friends and family to set up rotations for assistance with weekly chores and daily care.
3. Eating well will support a quicker recovery time. While it might seem comforting to live off of milkshakes, once your loved one can eat, she should focus on foods that provide her body with the nutrients it needs to recover. Your loved one’s appetite may be reduced so making sure she’s getting nutritious food when she eats is more important than ever.
4. Help her exercise, but start slowly. Movement can help the body recover all of its normal functions, such as bowel movements and being able to sleep at night. Encourage slow but steady movements throughout the day to promote a healthy recovery.

If you are considering 24-hour home care in Bay City, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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