Common Conditions

Aortic Aneurysms: Patient Information Sheet - Back at Home

• Patient Information:
  • Overview
  • Pre-Operation
  • Operation
  • Post-Operation
  • Back at Home

Aortic Aneurysms Back at home

You are likely to feel very tired and need rests 2 to 3 times a day for a week or more. You will gradually improve so that by the time 2 weeks has passed you will be able to return completely to your usual level of activity. There is no value in attempting to speed the recovery of the wound by special exercises before the month is out. You can drive as soon as you can make an emergency stop without discomfort in the wound. You can restart sexual relations within a week or two, when the wounds are comfortable enough and you should be able to return to a light job after about 6 weeks, and any heavy job within 12 weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting or straining for 6 weeks after the operation.

You will usually be sent home on a small dose of aspirin if you were not already taking it. This is to make the blood less sticky. If you are unable to tolerate aspirin an alternative drug may be prescribed

Complications at this stage are unusual. Chest infections can occur following this type of surgery, particularly in smokers, and may require treatment with antibiotics and physiotherapy. Slight discomfort and twinges of pain in your wound is normal for several months following surgery, but wounds sometimes become infected and these can usually be successfully be treated with antibiotics. Also the wound in your groin can fill with a fluid called lymph that may discharge between the stitches but this usually settles down with time. Sexual activity may be affected due to the operation.

Practically all patients are back to their normal duties within six weeks. If you have any problems or queries after discharge, please ring the ward who will advise and contact me if necessary.