6 Days post Triple Bypass Operation

[dagger1947]

Hi Everyone,

Well I did promise that I would keep you all updated.

I had a triple bypass operation last Monday afternoon (6th Nov) at James Cook in Middlesbrough. I was discharged on Thursday afternoon. Whilst its not been easy I feel tremendously pleased on how its gone.

The grafts were taken from my leg and chest wall. My leg is probably the sorest I'd say but I'm able to control this through taking regular paracetamol. I was in hospital for a total of 4 days. If anyone is interested in escaping hospital as soon as possible here are my tips:

PRE OP

- Practice some deep breathing exercises (after the op, you will be doing loads of these to re-inflate your lungs). They are deflated during the op so that the surgeons can gain better access to your heart.

- Practice shuffling off a bed using your bum and tummy muscles (kind of wiggling off) and not by pushing your hands on the bed as you normally would do (got to protect that sore breast bone)

- Bring some light snacks into Hospital (I took Go Ahead slices and they were perfect for snacking on as they never made me feel sick)

POST OP

- In the Intensive Care Unit (just before being transferred to the High Dependency Ward) I had a cup of Tea and then immediately felt sick, so try to avoid this early on so soon after the op (just drink water), I know its hard as we are British. Sometimes a cup of tea doesn't solve everything. The nurse gave me anti-sickness drugs which sorted it.

- Morphine is great but try not to have too much or get too dependant on it. Doing this gives you a quicker recovery. I was given this tip by one of the head nurses and it worked a treat. On the second night I reduced my Morphine intake and the next day went on codeine and Paracetamol.

- Try sitting up in a chair as soon as you feel you are able to (I really had to push myself here as I was high on morphine and was feeling nauseous). Doing this was a turning point for me.

- Listen to the Physio's, they are your key to getting out of hospital as soon as possible.

- Try walking around the ward as soon as you feel able to (if only for a little way).

I want to say good luck to anyone who is going to have a bypass. For me, when all is said and done, it was my only real option and at no point have I regretted having it done. The NHS is a marvellous organisation

Take care

Nick

[Ethel13]

Fantastic news, well done Nick and thank you for all the tips. I have valve surgery etc. on Thursday and many of your tips are relevant for me.

I hope you continue to make such good progress.

Dory x❤️💕❣️

[dagger1947 in reply to Ethel13]

You are very welcome and thank you Dory.

It is tough but i found if you have strentgh of mind and a positive outlook it gets you through it (as well as pain relief

If you havent got one, I would recommend buying a pillow wedge to use when you are back home. This keeps you stable and a little upright during the night.

You will be fine! You are in safe hands! Xx

[Ethel13 in reply to dagger1947]

Thank you Nick, I do have a pillow wedge but also have an electric reclining chair that I might sleep in if I find it more comfortable. Got all sorts of gadgets to make life easier, it feels like Geriatrics Inc. ha ha! x

[Mirador19]

Well done Nick it sounds like you have given yourself a good positive start. Wishing You a speedy recovery.

Joan x

[dagger1947 in reply to Mirador19]

Thanks Joan. I'm still walking around like one of the zombies from the Walking Dead but I'm walking so that's the main thing xx

[skid112 Heart Star]

Great news great post thank you Nick

[dagger1947 in reply to skid112]

Thanks a lot Mark

[spros]

Excellent news Nick. I wish you a speedy recovery.

[dagger1947 in reply to spros]

Thank you Spros

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Nick. Lovely to hear all went so well. What an amazingly useful posting. Sort of why this site is here!

[dagger1947 in reply to Kristin1812]

Thanks very much Kristin. Anything I can give back makes me very happy. This site has been very reassuring for me. I owe it a lot and the good people on it.

[Hidden]

Hi great to hear it all went well and you are at home to recover take care char x

[dagger1947 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Chaz. So far so good

[Helen_BHF]

Thanks for this post Nick - such great news!

[dagger1947 in reply to Helen_BHF]

Thanks Helen. Its definitely no walk in the park but 100% worth doing

[Prada47]

Good Post and I can second everything you have written. With regards to the Morphine I tried to take it easy as well. A guy who was in with me got high and he was convinced the Staff were trying to murder him. He said chocolate was pouring through the roof vent and he was going to drown.

I told him not to worry as I was eating it faster than it was pouring in Morphine mmmmmmmm

Get well soon Nick, stay positive.

Best Regards

Frank W

[dagger1947 in reply to Prada47]

Cheers Frank. Sounds like you enjoyed the chocolate...ha ha

[Twobells]

Wow four days and discharged. That's amazing. Hope the recovery road continues well.

[dagger1947 in reply to Twobells]

Thanks Twobells. I was quite impressed with myself. It was the go ahead slices

[dagger1947 in reply to Twobells]

Thanks Twobells. Its definitely not going to be easy but I'll get there (with Tea ofcourse)

[Twobells in reply to dagger1947]

Made me chuckle, I absolutely love my cuppa 15- 20 cups a day. However, after my triple my kidneys stopped working and I had a few days on restricted fluid I was allowed 150mls of water a day no tea! Well, I got round the kidney doctor and said I would rather have one cup of tea and no water. I got the tea, but only one cup and no other form of fluid for just under 3 days. I reckon that's what made my kidneys start working again lol.

[dagger1947 in reply to Twobells]

15-20 cups a day? Thats got to be a record?

In your case Tea did fix everything

[Shopgirl]

Well done you must be feeling very pleased and relieved its all over. I remember feeling quite euphoric afterwards and still do! Now you must take it easy and one day at a time.

[dagger1947 in reply to Shopgirl]

Thanks Shopgirl. Yes you are spot on there, I felt very relieved to get through Surgery.

Yes, I must learn not to rush things. I think I did too much yesterday and as a consequence felt very tired. One day at a time as you say

[Dazzler142]

Hi nick

You have done amazing..well done to you.

You were i think an amazing hospital

James Cook cardio dept and wards are fab.really well looked after.we maybe had the same surgeon.

I took them all cards and chocolates in at my 6wk check as i was so grateful to them

Keep up the good recovery

Its so rewarding when you have no choice but have heart surgery.

I feel well.

Take care

Jenny x

[dagger1947 in reply to Dazzler142]

Thanks Jenny.

I had Mr White? He was great throughout.

They are an amazing hospital and I shall be doing something very simalar when I go back for my 6 week check.

I think going through Surgery is worth it, considering the long term benefits that are gained.

I think the most pain I have felt so far is having a stray internal stitch pulled out my leg yesterday at the GP's (how ironic)

Glad you are making a good recovery. Can fully emphasise with what you have gone through.

Cheers

Nick

[Dazzler142 in reply to dagger1947]

So pleased you are doing so well Nick..amazing and like you say its so worth it.apart from my ticking valve i have not looked back at all.

My surgeon was...Mr White..total genius.can you believe it same surgeon.

How good is he and his team.he has the reputation for being the best there amongst chitter chatter i heard.

Its a long rocky journey but lifechanging

Jenny x

[dagger1947 in reply to Dazzler142]

Wow...what a small world it is Jenny. That surgical Team were 1st class in my opinion.

You are right its definitely a rollercoaster of emotions, which I continue to experience daily.

I'm really pleased that you are making a good recovery. Its definitely hasn't been a walk in the park for you.

Cheers

Nick

[Dazzler142 in reply to dagger1947]

Really pleased you are doing well.

First class team i totally agree at James Cook.

Speedy recovery to you

Jenny x

[dagger1947 in reply to Dazzler142]

Thanks Jen x

[Sina-6491]

Hiya Nick,

Ha, all sounds a bit deja vu.....

So good to hear you sounding so positive. And of course you have every reason to be, you have done exstremly well my friend.

Great to hear everything has gone so well and that you are home to really start your recovery.

Now remember, little steps, don't go over doing it now after all you've been through.

Evan on your really good days, please stick to the plan of little steps. It really is so easy to get carried away.

Hot water bottle with cover is great.

Don't just sit on your butt all day though, lots of little short walks with long breaks in between.

Make sure your family lets you do things within reason yourself, like make a cuppa that only has enough water for one. Good idea to use small milk jug topped up by family as well.

You could also make lunch if it doesn't require you bending to floor level ovan and the items arn't too heavy.

No heavy lifting evan if you think you can, you'll only regret it later. (I did!)

No pushing or pulling, you know the drill, everything in moderation, be sensible my friend.

Remember cardiac rehab. If your cardiac team didn't mention one, then I would inquire if I were you. The cardiac teams that partisipate in the rehab are absolutely fab. They give you so much info and confidence, it's unbelievable.

Like the other guys, as much as I am chuffed to bits that all is going so well. And I don't want to spoil the mood. Just remember, it's not a done deal. But you may also get your low days.

For the most part though, the days just keep getting better and better. Many more highs than lows.

Well done Nick, hugs Jo xx😊

[dagger1947 in reply to Sina-6491]

Thanks alot for the advice Jo. It was very kind of you and is much appreciated.

I have been trying to listen to my body and take it easy. I do sometimes forgot though and have to immediately stop.

I have found I have high and low moments rather than high and low days.

I wish you all the best in your recovery

Cheers

Nick x

[Hidden]

good luck nick

[dagger1947 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[Hidden]

good luck

[Cube58]

Hi Nick

What an encouraging post. Hope your recovery has gone really well.

Cube

[dagger1947 in reply to Cube58]

Thanks Cube!

[IamMe2]

I came across your post today, thank-you. I am due for a by-pass on Friday and am really rather worried-to say the least. I am keeping all of my thoughts to myself as that is just the way I am so doubly pleased to see such a positive outcome written in such a lighthearted manner as I can't/ won't discuss worries with family or friends and don't actually know anyone who has had this procedure! Thanks to you, and all of those who replied to you for tips on what to do!

[dagger1947]

Hi IamMe2,

Thanks. I'm really glad the post has helped. Its easy for me to say but it really is a fairly routine procedure these days. The first few days after the op are the hardest but you will get through it. Everyday gets that little bit easier.

If you have anymore questions, just let me know!

All the best

Nick