? Does it hurt when you breathe, move, speak, laugh?
Yes, but you'll get over it.
? What?s the size of the scar?
About 21 cm
? Does the scar bleed, and for how long?
No
? How soon after the operation will I be able to do most ordinary things, like read newspapers, talk, listen to iPod, etc? and how soon will I be able to get up (to go to toilet for example)?
Read newspaper, talk, listen to iPod etc..... just after you wake up.
Going to the toilet took 3 days.
? When will my stitches be taken out?
About the fourth day. Doesn't really hurt.
? It it true that I shouldn?t cross my legs (if so how long for)?
No
? Can I climb stairs?
Yes, it took me about 4 days to climb stairs. We had to climb two sets of stairs before being released from hospital.
Long Term
? Can I use anti-scar lotion to rub my incision with? How soon can I start that?
Yes, immediately.
? What should I eat to make the tissue stronger? (Diet)
Not sure?
? How can I speed up my recovery (diet, exercise, vitamins, etc)
Walking and a lot of rest.
? How soon can I expect to be able to walk around the house, walk around the block, sit up, sleep on the sides, and just do ordinary things?
Between 1-3 weeks.
* How soon can I start playing any sports
Not sure. Depends on how you feel.
Anti-coagualnt Questions?
? How does anticoagulant affect your weight? Do you put on weight, or lose it?
Neither. Depends on the individual.
? Do anti-coagulants affect your teeth?
After 4 month post surgery my teeth are o.k.
? Do anticoagulants affect your skin?
Yes. My skin has become a dull white colour.
? Do anticoagulants affect your sleep?
No. Only the ticking from the mechanical valve.
? Do anticoagulants affect your sperm?
Not sure. I'm a female.
? Can I take Multi-Vitamin tablets (if they include Vitamin K)?
Not sure. Ask your doctor.
? I often hear the anticoagulants can cause bleeding. What kind of bleeding is this (nose bleeds, for example), and how really dangerous is this?
I have had nose bleeds, paper cut bleeds etc. Although, nothing to stress about.
? Do anticoagulants cause physical addiction?
No
? What happens if you miss a dose?
Don't stress, just take the dose the following day.
? What happens if you have (for example) 5-6 beers while on warfarin?
Not sure. You get drunk!
? What medicines can you take if you get a flu (as I understand you can't take aspirins or paracetamols, etc)?
Not sure. Ask your doctor.
Regards,
Mimi