What happens when I go home?
In the absence of a complication following surgery, you will usually be discharged from the ward five to eight days following surgery. This depends on the type of operation you have had. The doctors, nurses and physiotherapists looking after you will make sure that you are fully prepared for your discharge and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
You will be given a letter to take to your GP explaining what has happened to you during your stay in hospital and what medications you are on. It is important to note that your medications may be changed from those you were taking before your surgery. Many patients have their Aspirin dose increased to 300 mg a day for 3 months as this may help keep their bypass grafts working. Others may be commenced on Warfarin and it is very important to have the dose monitored regularly. Some patients, who have been on Warfarin before their surgery, are more sensitive to it afterwards and may be on a different dose. Therefore, if you are on Warfarin it is important to inform any health care worker involved it’s monitoring that you have had recent surgery and that the dose may have been altered.
Cardiac rehabilation nurses will contact you after discharge to discuss your ongoing wellbeing and possibily to invite you to exercise classes.
Review Appointment
You will be seen by your surgeon approximately six to twelve weeks after your operation as an outpatient. You will recieve a letter with the appointment date. At this time your recovery and tablets will be reviewed.