• Pain or soreness at the incision site.

• Tiredness (fatigue).

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

• If you are taking blood thinners:

  • Talk with your health care provider before you take any medicines that contain aspirin or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen. These medicines increase your risk for dangerous bleeding.

  • Take your medicine exactly as told, at the same time every day.

  • Avoid activities that could cause injury or bruising, and follow instructions about how to prevent falls.

  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that lists what medicines you take.

Incision care

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your incisions. Make sure you:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.

  • Leave stitches (sutures), skin glue, or adhesive strips in place. These skin closures may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer. If adhesive strip edges start to loosen and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove adhesive strips completely unless your health care provider tells you to do that.

• Check your incision area every day for signs of infection. Check for:

  • Redness, swelling, or more pain.

  • Fluid or blood.

  • Warmth.

  • Pus or a bad smell.

• Keep the incision area clean and dry.

• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you may take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.

Activity

• Rest as told by your health care provider.

• Avoid sitting for a long time without moving. Get up to take short walks every 1–2 hours. This is important to improve blood flow and breathing. Ask for help if you feel weak or unsteady.

• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg), or the limit that you are told, until your health care provider says that it is safe.

• Do not drive until your health care provider says it is okay.

• Limit your other activities as told.

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

Lifestyle

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. These can delay incision healing after surgery. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Make any other lifestyle changes that your health care provider suggests. These may include:

  • Keeping your blood pressure under control.

  • Finding ways to lower stress.

  • Eating healthy foods that are good for your heart, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains that add fiber to your diet.

  • Getting regular exercise once your health care provider tells you it is safe to do so.

General instructions

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.

• Before any dental work, tell your dentist about the graft in your aorta. You may need to take antibiotics to prevent your graft from getting infected.

• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.