{"id":9363,"date":"2026-07-22T14:25:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellnessfirst365.com\/?p=9363"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:25:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:25:28","slug":"tavr-recovery-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellnessfirst365.com\/?p=9363","title":{"rendered":"TAVR Recovery Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Week 1: Getting Settled at Home<\/h2>\n
During the first week after returning home from your procedure, expect to experience mild pain at the incision site and some fatigue. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for someone to stay with you during this week to help with everyday tasks like cooking or housework.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen we close the artery with sutures, it takes up to a week to heal,\u201d Tang says. \u201cThe sutures are applied onto the artery and not visible on the outside. If it breaks open, you can develop a large hematoma [pool of blood at the incision site], which then may need to be surgically repaired.\u201d<\/p>\n

To prevent bleeding and hematoma, avoid straining during bowel movements for the first three to four days. And for the first week, avoid playing sports or engaging in strenuous activity like lifting, pushing, and pulling.<\/p>\n

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You can do regular activities like showering, walking around, and taking the stairs, Tang says, \u201cbut don’t lift anything heavy, like taking out trash or carrying groceries.\u201d<\/p>\n

While you heal, do not drive or have sexual intercourse until your provider says it\u2019s safe.<\/p>\n

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Incision Care<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s normal to experience bruising, itchiness, or mild pain at your incision site while it heals.<\/p>\n

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<\/span> You can remove the dressing over the incision after a couple of days, Dr. Eleid says. \u201cBut there isn’t too much other care that’s needed because the incision is very small,” he notes.<\/div>\n

Wash the incision site with mild soap and warm water at least once a day while you shower, and use a small adhesive bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean and dry between washes. Hold off on bathing, soaking, or swimming until you\u2019re completely healed. Make sure to avoid rubbing or irritating the area. Don\u2019t use powders, creams, lotions, or ointments on the incision and wear loose underwear and clothing.<\/p>\n

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If pain is interfering with your rest or movements, take pain medications as recommended by your provider.<\/p>\n

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You may notice a soft lump at your catheter site. This is normal, but if it suddenly grows larger or firmer, you may have bleeding that could become a hematoma. In this case, lie down and have someone press firmly above the site for 15 minutes. If the bleeding stops (it doesn\u2019t continue to grow or become firmer), remain lying down for at least two hours. If the bleeding doesn\u2019t stop, call 911 rather than drive to the hospital.<\/p>\n

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Managing Fatigue<\/h3>\n
Fatigue is a common symptom of aortic valve stenosis. You may feel unusually tired after TAVR, too, but this doesn\u2019t mean your replacement valve is faulty.<\/p>\n

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<\/span> \u201cFatigue is normal for the first couple of days, just from lying in bed for the procedure and the sedation,\u201d Eleid says. \u201cBut, generally, that’s mild.\u201d<\/div>\n

You may continue to feel tired as your body heals, but be patient \u2014 trying to rush through your healing process won\u2019t do you any good. Consider taking at least two weeks off from work to give your body time to get back to normal.<\/p>\n

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To combat fatigue, structure your days around rest and light activity like short walks to build your stamina. Start small and gradually increase your activity level and walking trips over time.<\/p>\n

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