Episode 2: The First Week After Open-Heart Surgery – What to Expect & How to Support Yourself

Episode Summary: If you’re preparing for heart surgery, in your first week of recovery, or caring for someone after cardiac surgery, this episode is for you. The early days can feel confusing, emotional, and unpredictable—even when everything is technically going well.

In this episode, I walk you through:

• What to expect when transitioning from the ICU to the step-down unit
• How your hospital stay is structured and what recovery milestones to watch for
• Education on incision care, activity restrictions, blood pressure management, and warning signs
• What doctors look for before discharging you safely
• Tips for monitoring your body at home and accepting help during reco ...