Vacation- How soon after OHS?

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LindaVA

Question- I'm going in for minimally invasive mitral valve repair in March. My family and I had planned a beach vacation a little over 4 1/2 weeks later. I'm fairly young (38) and in good shape and the dr thinks my recovery should be smooth-- I haven't asked him yet about the vacation and I realize its a day by day situation in terms of recovery--

Just wondering for those of your on the other side, how did you feel at 4-5 weeks? What do you think about the incision/sand/seawater?

L
 
Linda, It's hard to say- a lot will depend upon your recovery. Most people have a 6 week appointment with the surgeon at which time they are dismissed, allowed to drive, etc. Dick and I flew to our winter home in FL at 7 weeks. He was still tired, not sleeping well at night, but we managed the flight well- just no carrying suitcases- that was a no-no for 3 months. He was allowed to go in the pool, but only did a gentle back stroke. The incision may be still healing at that point. If it is a vacation that you can't easily cancel at the last minute, I would suggest putting it off until you are a little further along.
 
As far as how you feel, you shouldn't have any issues with a beach vacation. If you were going camping and hiking, it would probably be a different story. Going in the water might be a bit more of an issue. It's pretty standard instructions to stay out of hot tubs for at least six weeks after OHS, and one of the reasons is that they tend to be a cesspool of bacteria. You certainly do not want to immerse your incision in that kind of environment if you can help it. I surf at least once per week, and I've often gotten sick 8-24 hours after getting out of the water, so I'm pretty convinced that there is quite a bit of bacteria in the water (although I can't compare it directly to the levels in hot tubs). Surgery does a number on the immune system, and you can expect to be fighting several bugs in the first few months after surgery. Anything that you can do to help it out would probably be a good idea.
 
I had a full sternotomy, am 61 years old (had the surgery at 60) and 5 weeks after my surgery we went down to the New York area for 3 days for Thanksgiving (my avatar photo was taken at that time). I was feeling great. In fact, after 3 weeks I was feeling great. I know everyone is different, but with minimally invasive surgery, a beach vacation should not at all be a problem. I agree with Mike about being careful about the wound, though.
 
Of course, you should follow the instructions of your doctors first but I can tell you I went to recuperate in St. Thomas (flew from New Jersey) about 6weeks after my second OHS. I went scuba diving, swimming, etc. The only problem I had was walking up steps or hills so I avoided those. I had such a bad time the first few weeks that I decided I deserved a luxurious vacation and I was not sorry I went.

Hope things turn out okay for you.
 
Linda:

Doubt your Dr. would OK getting into water other than a bathtub at 4-5 weeks post-op. (I'm not sure my Dr. let me do so until 6 weeks post-op.)

At under 5 weeks post-op, you probably won't have your stamina back and might not enjoy the trip as well as you would 1 year post-op. However, the change of scenery will be nice. Plan to allow plenty of time for naps -- a nap on the beach might be nice, and walking barefoot in the sand would be cushy.

I went to my sister's lake house about 4-5 weeks post-op for a 3-day weekend. Didn't get into the lake; did take a ride on the family's party barge. I enjoyed napping in the screened room on the boat dock. Walking up the steep hill from the shore to the house was a little difficult, so I snagged rides on my sister's golf cart. It was a nice, restful time, but my family planned it that way so I wouldn't overtire myself.
 
My husband was 51 when he had his surgery. His surgery was on Sept. 11th and we drove to Biloxi,Ms. from Ga.(about a 6 hour trip with the frequent stops for short walks) on Nov. 3rd. He did all the driving. He did fine but we did stop often so he could stretch his legs and we spent more time resting than in the casinos.
 
go for it!

go for it!

A vacation in a nice warm location is probably the best way to kick off your cardiac rehab, whether formal or informal. Assuming the surgery and recovery go smoothly, you should be able to do pretty much everything except heavy lifting. Sitting around on the beach should be OK. You should be able to even do some pretty long walks by then. I was walking an hour a day (no stops) by then.

You might want to avoid the ocean though. Ask your doctor and please let us know what he/ she says!
 
Relax

Relax

I am lucky to live in Dubai, UAE and therefore have made my recovery in warm sunshine. (I am now 8 weeks post op) Each day I walk the sandy beaches (4.5 miles this morning) and frequently wade into the sea and 'float around' not wanting to risk 'swimming'. I have had no problems from sand or salt water and infact think the latter has helped my incision (28cms long) heal and fade considerably. I would say you will have no problems 4 weeks post op with a beach vacation and should look forward to being away.

Good Luck with everything.
 
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