Sometimes heart surgery is an emergency and there is no time to
prepare. This section is helpful for patients whose heart surgery is
scheduled in advance.
Planning Ahead
Recovering from heart surgery takes time. You will need someone to stay with
you and provide extra help for the first 1 to 2 weeks at home. Depending on your
overall health and whether you have people who can stay with you, you may
want to consider going to a long-term care or rehabilitation facility.
If you feel this may be the case for you, it is a good idea to check into the facilities
ahead of time if possible. The case manager at the hospital will want to have the
names of the facilities you prefer and to work with you on your transfer.
Advance Directives
Mount Carmel supports and complies with our patients’ advance directives for
medical care. In order to comply with your wishes, we will ask you about a
Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney. If you have one or both of these
documents, please bring a copy to the hospital. If you do not have an advance
directive and would like information about writing one, talk with your nurse.
Tests and Exams
Before heart surgery, all patients need to have lab work (blood and urine), an
EKG, and X-rays. Your doctor may also order other tests.
Tell your doctor or nurse about any over-the-counter medications or products you
are taking. Fish oil, vitamin E, and garlic are just a few that can thin your blood
and must be stopped days to weeks before surgery.
12