When Will I Feel Like Myself Again?
Open heart procedures are very serious and may require cardiac rehabilitation afterward to make the best recovery possible.
The incision is large and goes through many layers of tissue and even bone.
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The end result is that the recovery from this procedure is expected to take months, not weeks.
Open procedures, the surgeries that utilize larger incisions, will take longer in most cases.
This is one reason why the laparoscopic technique is often favored by physicians and patients, when available.
Age of the Patient
Age has an impact on recovery.
That said, a healthy older patient could certainly recover faster than a very ill young patient.
These things play a role in how healing will progress.
That includes following the instructions to take it easy rather than jumping into activities.
Depression after surgeryis not uncommon and can slow recovery.
There are many issues, expected and unexpected, that can slow recovery.
Is Full Recovery Possible?
Is it possible or reasonable to make a full recovery?
What exactly is a full recovery?
The idea of a full recovery is typically understood as functioning as well as prior to surgery or better.
Unforeseen complications will extend the time it takes to fully recover after surgery.
Columbia Surgery.Recovering at home after heart surgery: what to expect.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Tonsillectomy.
