Valvuloplasty

Discharge Instructions

Medications

Before your discharge, your nurse will bring you a list of your medications, as ordered by your physician. You will be given instructions regarding the dosage, schedule, and possible side effects.

Diet

You should be able to resume your normal diet after the procedure, unless your physician instructs you differently.

Activity

You should be able to return to your daily routine within three days. Your physician will tell you if you will need to take more time in returning to your normal activities. In addition, you should not do any lifting until your physician advises you to do so.

Sexual Activity

You may be able to resume sexual activity within seven to ten days, unless your physician instructs you differently.

Bath Care

Showers are usually allowed once you are out of bed. Wash normally with soap and water, but do not apply unusual pressure at the site of the catheter insertion. Pat dry instead of rubbing the skin around the site. Avoid tub baths for a week, as they may increase your chance of infection at the incision site.

Site Care

After staking a shower, gently pat dry the area where the catheter was inserted. Apply a Band-aid® over the site and keep it clean and dry. Bruising or a hematoma (a collection of blood in the tissue) may be present. The bruising will fade gradually within one or two weeks. A hematoma may be painful to touch, but will also decrease in size and tenderness within one to two weeks. If increased bruising, swelling, or signs of infection (such as drainage, redness, or increased temperature from the site) are noted, you should notify your physician immediately.

Driving a Vehicle

Driving may be resumed within a few days, unless your physician instructs you differently. You should arrange to have someone drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.

Returning to Work

Ask your physician when you will be able to return to work. The nature of your occupation, your overall health status, and your progress will determine how soon you may return to work.

Office Visit

A follow-up visit with your physician will be necessary within one to four weeks after discharge from the hospital.

Warning Signs/Symptoms to Monitor

Notify your physician if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• symptoms of heart attack (chest pain, nausea/vomiting, or profuse sweating)
  
  
• severe or increased difficulty with breathing
  
  
• pain, numbness, coolness, or weakness in the leg in which the catheter was inserted
  
  
• bleeding from the catheter site in the groin, increased pain at the site, or increased bruising and/or hematoma

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