A myectomy is a major heart surgery as a portion of your septum will be shaved off and your breast bone will be broken. Be prepared to take plenty of time to recover. Following your surgeon's instructions and taking it easy is important.
Instructions
1. Walk as much as possible, but don't push it. You will be encouraged to walk more than five times each day. Start out going short distances and then gradually increase your distance. Once your distance has increased and you can walk for longer periods, you can shorten the number of walks you take daily.
2. Wash using anti-bacterial soap. This will help prevent infection in your incision area. Make sure to not use very hot water the first few times you shower, as it can make you lightheaded and increase your risk of fainting.
3. Blow into your inspirometer several times a day. This will help keep your lungs clear from fluid. Coughing is tough after a myectomy, but it will help keep your lungs clear. Blowing into the inspirometer is a key component in recovery and may help prevent a lung infection.
4. Avoid sleeping on your left side if possible. It will be uncomfortable to sleep on the side your heart is located, so it's best to avoid doing that. Many people prefer to prop up with several pillows surrounding them and many even sleep on the couch for the first few weeks of recovery.
5. Restrictions will include no driving, no work for about eight weeks, no riding in the car where airbags could deploy and no lifting over ten pounds the first several weeks after surgery. Make sure to follow all of your restrictions even though it may be tempting to not wait the designated number of weeks. Following these restrictions allows you to rest and rest is very important to your recovery.
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