Had my Angiogram today and have been told that stenting is not an option so its a Double Bypass for me. Totally gobsmacked at the result and still reeling from the news. The cardiologist told me this is the best option for me, as previously mentioned in another one of my posts I considered myself a fit 59 year old participating in lots of different activities that would test anyones fitness level. Just goes to show how wrong you can be. I dont get much Angina pain at all even thought I train 5 days per week at a decent level. Trying to take the positives out of my situation I only hope that my current level of fitness will help me with my recovery.
I really am trying to look forward and would welcome any thoughts that will help me remain positive.
Many thanks
Cube
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Cube58
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I had a similar experience - at the age of 59, angiogram followed by triple CABG. I am currently 3 months post op.
My advise - be positive. You are young and, heart condition aside, healthy. On the overall risk side of the equation, you are very definitely on the lower side. Your recovery will take some time, you will have some impressive scars and to start with you'll be totally knackered. You'll also likely have various odd pains that you didn't have before - hardly surprising given that you've had your chest cut open. But all of this should be transient - given your background I suspect you'll be up, and out and about quite quickly. Full recovery will take time, but as I said at the beginning - be positive. It really isn't the end of the world.
I'm sure that the fact you are an active person will stand you in good stead. I had a 4xCABG in 2015 (aged 55) I would highly recommend you attend Cardio Rehab (usually 6 weeks after op) which gives you the confidence to push yourself and compare stories with others! Walking five miles a day is not a bother to me now and I'm probably fitter than I have been for years, As the consultant said to me after the op 'we've done our bit now it's over to you'
Pleased to hear you are doing so well. I will definitely attend the rehab sessions and listen to the stories on offer and take onboard all good advice from the team.
The hardest thing at the moment is the emotional side of things and trying to get my head around the fact that I feel well and have little discomfort.
I am trying to remain positive about the whole issue and count myself fortunate that I am receiving the medical support that I obviously need and the problem was found.
I had a bypass 8 weeks ago and I'm relatively fit and 53. Im currently attending cardio rehab and its brilliant so far. All the classes and meetings are highly recommend, they also offer counselling (one to one) which I myself are waiting for an appointment as I found that my mental and emotional side was all over the place prior and after the op.
The very best of luck, you'll be in great hands and remember take any help thats offered. Si
as mapgo says, the cardio rehab will be great for you, you will learn what you can do and I'm pretty sure with your level of fitness you will recover relatively quickly
It’s really shocking to see how many of us have this underlying problem without a hint! Like yourself I considered myself very fit and active and regularly pushed myself to my limits without facing any indication of underlying problem. Fortunately for me I was diagnosed little earlier and stenting was possible, please see my detailed post if you want to know more.
I guess its tough mental challenge to overcome, I thought the rehab sessions were helpful and like others have said its best to consider that, if they sessions don’t appear challenging, you can work with the nurse to tailor it to your need.
Your current level of fitness will help you enormously with your recovery, I certainly vouch for that.
Wish you all the best and like you said be positive about it and keep your chin up.
Like you I thought I was fit and healthy but age 64 had to have a bypass. I played Squash regularly and when I saw the surgeon for my pre op meeting he told me to stop immediately, as he said my blocked LMS and LAD is what they call the widowmaker. This was quite a shock. However, he said once you have had the bypass I could go back playing again. The care you get in hospital is brilliant , so I am sure it will all go well. As others have said the worst part is the recovery from the opening of the chest bone as this takes quite a while to fully heal. I am pleased to say that I was back playing Squash regularly after 6 months and to be honest feel so much better now. This was a life changing event that has meant I now have a far better lifestyle. I researched and continue to research all I can about how to halt and reverse heart disease, changed my diet to eat lots of good healthy plant based foods, lost about 10kg and now at optimum weight, still go to Heart rehab classes twice a week, walk 2 miles every morning and generally enjoy life including playing squash 2 or 3 time a week too. We are the lucky ones, unfortunately my father died at 69 of a sudden heart attack out of the blue. We have the opportunity to carry on and live long lives if we continue to look after our bodies and eat healthy which is what I now do. Best of luck, I am sure it will all go well but don’t be too frustrated during your early recovery, it does take a few months to get back to normal.
Thank so much for getting in touch. Your words of encouragement mean so much. I feel I am lucky to have the opportunity to put things right so to speak. I am so pleased that you are doing well. Don't you agree life without exercise would be unthinkable?
It is tough news to swallow, out of the blue I had HA followed by triple April 17. I was absoolutely gobsmacked as I had felt unwell for months, the only symptom I had was breathlessness when I was walking and tighness in my chest. However, this was diagnosed as anxiety and panic attacks. I was very fit and active, normal weight , ate a healthy diet. The fact you are fit stands you in good stead. It does affect most of us mentally and for sometime post surgery. There is light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. It gets easier as time passes.
Any offer of help by family and friends take it, don't google. Get yourself a cuddle cushion as you are encoraged to cough post surgery. Maake sure you have someone at home to help when you get discharged.
Write down all of the questions you have and ask.
Now when I look back it seems a distant memory. I'm back at the gym and walking lots.
Thanks for getting in touch. Everytime I hear positive comments from someone like yourself who has been through it, it lifts my mood and I thank you for that.
I realise that it's going to be difficult for a while after, I just need to think how fortunate I have been not to have a HA and can work, exercise and get this sorted.
Pleased you are doing well and wish you a happy healthy future
Praying. I may sound like I’m nagging but u should consider changing ur diet to a heart healthy diet. I have but do make mistakes and start comfort eating. I didn’t fink about this as a teen even though I was born with a heart condition but as a young adult I have a stent put in my heart and it made me think but I’m gonna be honest I ended up with more stents. I’ve had quadruple heart bypass surgery on my coronary artery and it was ok.
I have lost 15lbs in the last 7 weeks ish by cutting out the rubbish in my diet. Started the healthy eating before I got the news of my Angina on 13th December, I just kept going over Christmas limiting or excluding the bad stuff plus a dose of anxiety about the future. In fact my gym sessions have been really enjoyable as I have left out the high intensity competitive classes where high heart rate is overly encouraged in my opinion.
I would certainly welcome any further heart health eating tips.
I choose healthy places wen eating out. I cut out Fried food unless I’m frying it myself at home. I enjoy Mexican food as I kno it’s heart healthy. I enjoy jacket potato’s and chose margiane instead of butter. (Sorry I can’t spell). I check the salt content in snacks and choose brands with lower salt content.
Hi Cube I had a same story 16 weeks ago in for an Angiogram and told I needed a triple bypass, like you a total shock to the system, I'm 64 male, non smoker, no other health issues and weight 152 lbs. had my operation 9 weeks ago and back to work now, I'm a self employed photographer so there was the pressure on no income by I put that to the back of my mind, gradually building up my work 2 days per week.
I had 4 week in hospital before my operation and force myself to think "they will put me to sleep and i'll find out what happens when I waken up", it worked for me and please don't listen to anyones 'personal stories' some people love horror tales which happened to me in hospital when I was told one by a hospital maintenance worker. I had my operation on the Monday morning on my feet on the Tuesday afternoon and home on the Saturday. overall a positive experience, you pain will be well managed and I was off strong pain killers by the Saturday and onto paracetamol for the next week. you will feel tired for 4-6 weeks so listen to your body and if you feel tired go for a sleep. Its a major operation but routine now. Now on a aspirin, beta blocker and statin each day and going to start my local rehab classes in a few weeks.hope you get on well.
Very encouraging words i’m quite correct don’t listen to horror stories! When I was in hospital is always a couple of “ know all’s” Who know better than the medical staff. My advice would be whatever your heart condition if you do not have confidence in the hospital or the team then go Private nothing is worth more than your life I wish you all the very best!
Hi Cube. As others have said, your active lifestyle will serve you well and make recovery from the operation much easier, so don't feel it has all been for naught. Well done on the weight loss you've achieved so far. Again, that is bound to help you. If you have any wobbles, just remember that inspirational guy you met in the gym recently and all the positive "bypassers" around here. Sending all best wishes to you. Good luck x
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Expected life of a bypass and a stent.
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A Hospital admission and another failed attempt at a CT Angiogram 😥
Home from bypass surgery today !
