by Tony » 28 May 2011, 08:27
Hi Jay,
Congratulations on the success of your operation.
Remember that the heart is OK now and you don't have to focus on that, it's rather the lungs and sternum that need time to recover now (as you problably already know). The lungs because they were collapsed for the time the operation took place (an hour or more) and the sternum because it was cut in half longways. With exercises from the physio you should be breathing OK within a week, however not without some discomfort, but the major pain should have gone. As advised the sternum will take longer so... no lifting, coughing or sneezing at least not without your "teddy" = usually a folded towel or cot blanket that you can hold against your chest if coughing or sneezing should happen.
I wish you all the best and all going well you should be back playing bass in about eight to ten weeks time, and with a whole new 'zing' to life.
Here's to a great recovery
Best regards
Tony