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After surgery, the patient is moved from recovery to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit. Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring devices continuously monitor the patient for 12 to 24 hours. In most cases, family will be able to visit periodically. Medications that regulate circulation and blood pressure may be administered through the IV (intravenously). A breathing tube (endotracheal tube) may remain in place until the physicians are confident that the patient is awake and ready to breathe comfortably on his or her own. The patient may be groggy and somewhat disoriented, and the incision site in the chest may be sore. Medicine to relieve pain will be given as needed.
Patients usually stay in the hospital for at least five days. During this time, tests will be conducted to assess and monitor the patient’s condition. The cardiologist will discuss further medical treatment, including the use of pain medications, antibiotics or anticoagulants. He or she will also update any medications that the patient had already been taking. Information will be provided about caring for the VAD (if it is not implanted) and any restrictions in the patient's activities.
Following the VAD surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience:
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling along the incision site
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constipation
- Mood swings and feelings of depression
- Muscle pain or tightness in the shoulders or upper back
- Mild disorientation
- Memory loss
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