After emergency surgery on your aorta and a stay in hospital and rehabilitation – for some of us, this was six to eight weeks or even longer – you may be incredibly happy to finally be back home.

At the same time, a new and sometimes unfamiliar phase begins: You are back home, but your body is still a long way from where it was before the operation.

During the first weeks and months, the focus is on one thing above all: healing and gradually rebuilding your strength. How quickly you can return to normal activities depends on factors such as the type of surgery you had, how well you are healing and your individual physical condition. Follow the recommendations of your medical team and give yourself the time you need.

Gradually increase your activity

After major surgery, it is completely normal for everyday activities to feel exhausting at first. A walk, taking a shower or going to the supermarket may require more energy than you expect.

Heavy physical activity should be avoided initially. The amount of weight you are allowed to lift depends on your operation and your recovery. If your breastbone was opened during surgery, there are particular precautions to follow during the first few weeks. You may initially be advised to lift only light objects and gradually increase the amount of activity.

For example, this is not the time to carry a case of bottled water or a crate of beer. Activities such as vacuuming, changing the bed linen, gardening, shovelling snow or carrying heavy shopping bags can also be too demanding at first.

If you are unsure, ask your medical team what level of activity is appropriate for you at this stage.

Exercise is important – but take it slowly

Physical activity is an important part of recovery. But it should be increased step by step.

In the beginning, gentle walks are often a good way to get moving again. Start with short distances and gradually increase them. Other forms of light exercise can be added later, depending on your individual recovery. During the early stages, avoid activities with a higher risk of falling or injury. These may include cycling, skiing or certain ball sports.

You should also not return to intensive strength training or very demanding workouts on your own. Strenuous physical activity can cause a significant rise in blood pressure. After an aortic dissection, a controlled and individually tailored return to exercise is particularly important.

Your cardiologist, vascular specialist or rehabilitation team can help you find the right level of activity and gradually rebuild your confidence in your body.

What about swimming?

Swimming may well be possible again later. Immediately after surgery, however, your surgical wounds needs time to heal properly. Until the wounds has fully healed, you should avoid swimming pools, baths and other situations where the wound is exposed to water for a prolonged period. Ask your medical team when swimming is safe for you to resume.

Listen to your body

After an aortic dissection, it can be difficult to know where your limits are. You may feel surprisingly well one day and be completely exhausted the next. That does not mean you are going backwards!

Plan regular breaks and spread activities throughout the day. You do not have to get everything done at once. Even a trip to the supermarket can be a challenge at first. Grocery delivery services, help from family or friends, or small changes around the home can make everyday life easier.

Accepting help is not a weakness. Your body has been through major surgery and an enormous physical strain. Now is the time to take good care of it.

Sleep and recovery

Good sleep supports recovery. After surgery involving the chest, some people find it more comfortable to sleep with their upper body slightly elevated. This may make lying down more comfortable and reduce discomfort.

A regular daily routine can also help: keeping fairly consistent sleeping and waking times, allowing enough time for rest, and gradually increasing your daily activities.

And if you are still struggling to sleep, talk about it. Pain, an unfamiliar sleeping position, medication, anxiety and all the changes after major surgery can affect your sleep.

Important

There is no single recovery timeline that applies to everyone after an aortic dissection. Some people make progress quickly, while others need considerably more time. Try not to compare your recovery with someone else's.

Healing is not a race. Taking one step at a time as you find your way back into everyday life is absolutely okay.

This text was created by AD-Selbsthilfe. Reproduction, publication or use of this content, in whole or in part, requires prior permission from AD-Selbsthilfe.