Once the surgery is completed, you will be taken to the intensive care unit, where doctors and nurses will monitor your recovery. You will have a breathing tube in your mouth, to help you breath until you are awake and strong enough to breath on your own; at this time you will not be able to talk because the tube goes through your vocal cords into the trachea. Once the tube is removed, you will be asked to deep breathe and cough frequently. You will have multiple IV lines and drainage tubes, which will gradually be removed as your condition stabilizes and improves. Once your condition is stable, you will be transferred to a regular room in the transplant unit.
As an average you can expect to be about two to five days in the intensive care unit and about two to three weeks in the hospital after a heart transplant.
Transplant patients require approximately six weeks of recovery time. Afterwards, strenuous activities should be avoided. Immunosuppressive drugs must be taken for life.
Lifestyle Changes:
*Less caffeine tobacco and alcohol. Daily exercise, and maintaining your optimum weight