Occupational therapy after pectus excavatum surgery (1381)

After pectus excavatum surgery

Precautions

Do not:

• Roll on your side.
• Twist or side bend at the waist.
• Lift over 5 pounds with either arm. A gallon of milk weighs about 8 pounds.

You may bend forward at the hips and neck. Keep your back straight, do not slouch. These precautions most often last for 4 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know for sure at your follow up visit.

The day of surgery

• Start the arm exercises your occupational therapist gives you. All movement should be slow and controlled.
• Do the arm exercises 3 times a day.
• You can help your recovery if you:

- Start to feed yourself.

- Hold your own beverage.

- Brush your teeth.

- Do as much for yourself as you can.

Dressing and bathing

• For your safety and comfort, sit in a chair to get dressed.

- Pants: Put your ankle on the opposite knee when you put on or take off socks and get pants over your feet. Be sure to bend at the hips, not at the waist.

- Shirt: For shirts that go on over your head, put your arms in first. Push the sleeves past your elbows. Hook your fingers through the hole for your head and bring the shirt overhead. Remember that you can bend at the neck, but not at the chest.

• Shower: You will be ready to shower when you leave the hospital. Once you are at home, if needed, put a shower chair, folding chair, or outdoor plastic chair in the tub or shower. This will help you wash your legs and feet safely, but it is not required. Make sure the chair is safe and sturdy. It should not slip or move around in the shower.
• You can get long handled sponges and reachers from your therapist if you need one at home. They can help with lower body dressing. In the shower, they can help you safely reach your lower legs and feet. 

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.