‘Sternal precautions’ should be adhered to for the first 6-8 weeks after your cardiac operation in order to allow your incisions to appropriately heal.
Recommendations include:
• Lifting with hands and arms should require less than 10 pounds of pressure and be pain free
• In general, the upper arms should be kept close to the body
• It is advisable to hug a pillow over the surgical incision when coughing and sneezing
• Movements of the arms horizontally, backwards, or over the shoulders should only be performed within pain-free limits
• It is advisable to sleep on ones back (rather than side or stomach) as much as possible for the first 3-4 weeks following surgery
• Those with large breasts should use a supportive brassiere that fastens in the front
• Additional information and guidance on sternal precautions will be given by your surgical team while recovering in the hospital