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After peripheral artery bypass surgery, plan on being in the hospital for about 3 to 8 days. The length of your stay depends on the type of bypass you have, your health, and your response to surgery.
Your health care providers will watch you closely in the recovery room. From there, you may go to an intensive care unit, if needed. Once you are stable, your health care provider will move you to a regular hospital room. Your leg may swell and be painful. But your doctor will give you medicine to control pain and prevent infection.
You will start walking soon. Wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet. Elevate your leg whenever you are sitting. Tell a nurse right away if you have chest pain, foot pain, or shortness of breath. Also let your surgeon know if your incision becomes swollen or is draining, or if you have constipation. Before going home, your health care provider may teach you to take your pulse in your leg.
Walking is a big part of your early recovery. Walking reduces swelling and helps your incision heal. Walking also helps prevent lung problems, such as pneumonia. And the sooner you recover in the hospital, the sooner you can go home.