Out of Intensive Care

When your physician determines that you no longer need to be in intensive care, you will be transferred to another area of the hospital where you will be able to rest better. You will begin walking and your recovery will continue until your discharge home. As your recovery progresses, you will require less medication and in smaller doses.

Your chest incision may have been closed with either stitches or staples. These will be removed about 7 to 10 days after the operation. You will probably be allowed to bathe or shower within a few days. The rate of recovery is different for each person, but you will continue to progress and notice improvement each day.

Your doctor, who closely follows your recovery, will determine the appropriate time for you to return home.