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Wound Care
- Dressings may be removed after 48hours
- You may shower after removing dressings
- Do not scrub your incision, rather cleanse gently with unscented soap
- Do not continue to use the chlorhexidine soap. Non-irritating, gentle soaps are appropriate
- After showering, pat your incisions dry. You do not need to cover them with a dressing. If you note drainage from your incision, you may apply dry gauze dressing daily and as needed to protect clothing.
- Do not bathe or soak for 2-3 weeks (or until the wound is healed close)
- Leave the small white strips in place over incision, as they will fall off over time or will be removed at your clinic appointment. If present, sutures will be removed at your post-operative follow up appointment.
Financial and Mental Health
Undergoing cardiac surgery can be stressful not only on your body but also on your emotions and social situations including housing, finance, caregiver availability, insurance, and many others. This is where specially trained clinical social workers come in to help you to handle these situations. Please reach out to your care team for your concerns and we will help connect you to the right resources.