Resuming Work and Activity
When to Resume Usual Activities
Stop any activity immediately if you feel short of breath, notice irregular heart beats, feel faint or dizzy, or have chest pain. Rest until the symptoms subside. If they do not subside within 20 minutes, notify your doctor.
Work
It is good to allow yourself sufficient time to heal. Check with your surgeon before returning to work, but most patients will return to light work 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
Sexual Relations
You should be able to climb two flights of stairs without getting winded before engaging in this activity. You can resume sexual relations when you feel comfortable. For many people this is about two to four weeks after discharge, unless instructed differently by your doctor. Please ask your doctor for more detailed information, if needed.
Activity Guide
Weeks 1 - 6
- Light housekeeping:
- Dusting
- Setting the table
- Wash dishes
- Folding clothes
- Needlework
- Reading
- Cooking meals
- Climbing stairs
- Small mechanical jobs
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Movies
- Light Gardening:
- potting plants
- Trimming flowers
- Church
- Attend sports events
- Passenger in car
- Walking
- Treadmill
- Stationary bike
- Shampooing hair
After 6 Weeks
- Continue activities of weeks 1-6 (but you may be able to tolerate more).
- Return to work part-time (If your job does not require lifting, and returning is approved by your surgeon).
- Heavy housework:
- Vacuuming
- Sweeping
- Laundry
- Ironing
- Business or recreational
- Travel
- Fishing
- Heavy gardening:
- Mowing lawn
- Raking leaves
- Light aerobics (no weights)
- Walking dog on leash
- Driving a car or small truck
- Boating
After 3 Months
- Continue activities of weeks 1 to 3 months (but you may be able to tolerate more).
- Heavy housework:
- Football/Soccer
- Softball/Baseball
- Tennis
- Bowling
- Hunting
- Jogging
- Bicycling
- Heavy gardening
- Golfing
- Weight lifting
- Motorcycle riding
- Push-ups
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Skydiving
*Keep in mind that all of these activities need to be in the 10-pound weight limit or less than 6 weeks after surgery.
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