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