Going out of the house

I know everyone is different but as a guideline how long after a bypass operation do you feel well enough and safe enough to leave the house, to say visit family for a short period of time? I know you can't drive but if someone drives you for the visit Thanks

[ChoochSiesta]

I was out walking slowly the day after getting home and every day until I could cycle and drive about 2 months later.

[Ageingfast]

walking outside from day one after getting home from hospital.

Three months until I drove my car a little and visited friends.

Best wishes

Sooty

[Hidden]

Thanks for your replies, that all seems good. I have my op three weeks before christmas !!!!! and was wondering whether I would feel well enough by then to join them when they all get together at one of the houses on Boxing day. It seems very early and quick but sad to miss seeing everyone, the car journey would only be 30 mins so trying to be hopeful. Thanks

[Steve_G in reply to Hidden]

I had my op on 29 November, was discharged on 3 December and was driven over to friends for a Christmas dinner. Just let everyone look after you, take it at your own pace and you’ll be absolutely fine, plus it’s something to plan for and look forward to. Good luck.

[ChoochSiesta]

A 30 minute journey should be fine. Try and avoid speed bumps though, as they will be painful!

[francesw47]

A tip for the car journey (and also for the car journey home from hospital)! Take a soft pillow or a cushion with you and use it as a buffer between your sternum and the seat belt! Three weeks post surgery should be sufficient - and why should you not join in celebrations at Christmas....hopefully you will have a lot to celebrate!! Enjoy.

[devonian186 in reply to francesw47]

Sorry! Hadn't read your comment about a soft cushion before I posted my comment about using a padded gilet. Did not mean to contradict you.

[Niffad]

After my husband came home , we slowly walked short distances increasing them daily .He had surgery on the 26/5/22 . Within a week or so we would go out in the car daily for a coffee or a bit of shopping . By September we had a 3 day break . So if you are feeling up to it then do whatever you can in small measures . 5 months after surgery and my husband is fully independent . . If anything it was me who found it hard to let him go . Do your rehab classes if you get the opportunity , they have been really good for him .

[devonian186]

Short walks a couple of times a day is possible the day after you get back but you will likely do too much and then want to stay somewhere quiet for a little while.

Visiting family is VERY tiring, especially if they are children. You might want to severely restrict the duration. I found wearing a padded gilet in the car to be much better than the suggested cushion to protect against the seat belt. It was 7 weeks until I drove my car very cautiously and to an easy to park venue a short distance away .

My suggestion is to keep a detailed health diary to see the improvements you make week on week, but not always day by day

[Sewingpumpkin]

Hi. Good luck for the operation.

I would say, see how you feel. And very importantly make sure they have a comfortable chair for you and someone is supervising to make sure you do not feel overwhelmed.

If you don’t feel up to it maybe ask the family if a date could be arranged a few weeks later when you are feeling stronger.

[MountainGoat52]

Hi japapa1977,

As others have said, it is a good idea to get out for a short walk from the day after you get home, accompanied of course. Be aware that if you live in an area where there are slopes (and I don't mean real hills), that it will be an effort to walk up a gradient at first. My wife used to walk the 200m up to our house from the bottom of the road and come and pick me up in the car... personally it was a bit embarassing as I was fit climbing hills in Scotland before my op! Thankfully it wasn't necessary for very long. 😀

With my best wishes for your op and recovery,

Geraldt

[CyclingTime]

i was outside walking the day after I got home, twice a day shirt distances then extended them, I was soon doing 35 milea week.

you can visit the family whenever you want but it depends how comfortable you are with a seatbelt in the passenger seat. Best if family visit the patient the first couple of weeks until your sure how you feel

[MumaLines]

Everyone's healing process after Bypass is different. Before you leave hospital they will tell you that you must not lift anything (very important), not even the kettle. For Boxing Day, just get yourself in the car, when you arrive find a cosy chair and a comfortable position. You might want a little walk to get some fresh air. Take it slow, listen to your body, let everyone around you do everything and enjoy being with your family.

xxxxxx

[Qualipop]

I would be more concerned about the risk of catching some illness at a family gathering than overdoing exercise, particularly if children will be present. I'm not talking about C but there are a lot of nasty viruses about and your immune system will be l ow post op.

[Swalecliffe88]

You’ve had all good sound advice. I had OHS triple by pass on the Wednesday and was home on the Monday. Go for a small walk daily after that and each day walk another lamppost down the road. The only thing you might want to do is have a little nap after Christmas dinner. But hey who doesn’t. My husband has never had surgery as an excuse 😂😂

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your great advise and suggestions. I will take them all on board . and take everything day by day. thank you