Q. How painful is heart surgery?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Heart surgery, like any major surgery, can vary in terms of pain depending on a variety of factors including the type of surgery, individual pain tolerance, and how well pain is managed during and after the procedure.
During the surgery itself, you won't feel any pain because you'll be under general anesthesia, which means you'll be completely asleep and unaware of what's happening. The surgeons will also use medications to ensure that you don't feel any pain during the operation.
However, once you wake up from the anesthesia, you may experience some pain and discomfort at the site of the incision(s). This is completely normal and to be expected after any surgery. The level of pain can vary from person to person, but it's usually managed well with pain medications prescribed by your doctor.
In the days following the surgery, you may continue to experience some discomfort as your body heals. You may feel soreness or tightness in your chest, and you may also have pain at the site of any chest tubes or drainage catheters that were inserted during the surgery. Again, your doctor will prescribe pain medications to help manage any discomfort you may feel.
It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for pain management closely and to communicate any concerns or changes in your pain levels to your healthcare team. They can adjust your medications or provide additional support as needed to ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your recovery.
While heart surgery can be a daunting prospect, advances in medical technology and techniques have made it safer and more effective than ever before. And while there may be some discomfort along the way, the benefits of surgery in terms of improving your heart health and overall quality of life often far outweigh any temporary pain or discomfort you may experience.
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