After Bypass Surgery: Driving and Social Activities

As you feel stronger, you can go out and do more. At first, keep activities to about an hour. And remember that it's OK to leave early. Or ask visitors to go home so you can rest.

Here are some social activities you could choose:

• Do crafts, such as painting or knitting

• Play cards and other table games

• Take a walk with friends

• Go to a shopping mall

• Attend religious activities

• Go to a movie, play, or sports event

Talk with your healthcare provider about when you can safely return to sexual activity. In general, you can resume sexual activity by 2 to 4 weeks. This depends on your situation. Your provider will give you instructions that are best for you.

A word about driving

For your own safety and the safety of others, don't drive until your healthcare provider says it's OK. In general, expect not to drive for 4 to 6 weeks after heart surgery. There are several reasons for this:

• Your reaction time is slower until your strength returns. The medicines you take may also slow your reaction time.

• If you are taking medicine to keep your blood pressure low, you could become dizzy or pass out behind the wheel.

• Steering needs pushing or pulling. You should not be doing either of these movements after surgery.

• If you should be in a crash, hitting the steering wheel could damage your breastbone.