The day has finally arrived when I will meet the guy who is going to be doing my CABG. I have heard so many positive things from people on this forum about James Cook Hospital and the care given to patients. I know that the surgery will happen very quickly as the waiting lists are short.
To tell you the truth I am absolutley bricking it, more so about the recovery than the op its self (I think).
Before this problem was diagnosed early in January via an Angiogram. I was and still am feeling fit and pretty well as I exercised a lot, I just have had major problems with anxiety. In fact, because I feel okay this is making things a lot worse, don't get me wrong I do realise there is need for this surgery and I am eternally grateful that I have been given the opportunity to have my faulty plumbing rectified, but I have struggled.
I am trying to look at this as a challenge and have set myself some, what I hope are achievable milestones whether I should or not is a different matter.
There are lots of people who I would like to thank on this forum for their comments, however there is one guy in particular and I wont embarrass him publicly my naming him in this thread, but the support he has given me over the last few weeks has been immense. We share a taste for crispy duck and now the same Surgeon ;-).
I will hopefully post some upbeat updates as I start my journey...
Keep smiling ya'll
Cube
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Cube58
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I had my CABG nearly 5 months ago and I'm now fitter than I have been in years. My advice to you is post op, is to only ever look forward - you cannot change the past but you can shape your future. Be prepared for the scars, the tubes and the overwhelming feeling of being weak and feeble - its not pleasant but fortunately it doesn't last too long either. Set goals, but make them realistic and achievable - psychologically it's better to exceed your goals than fail to meet them. Have something you are aiming for (holiday, bike ride, meal out ...anything that would be a not to miss event - mine is a golf weekend with the lads in May (7 months post op). Be prepared for bad days - everyone experiences them - its OK to have them, not every day is going to be a good one! A positive mental attitude will get you a long way.
Good luck and catch up with you on the other side.
I have recently been diagnosed with 2 blocked coronary arteries and a mitral heart valve leak so I will be needing surgery, however I have been told there is a 4 month waiting list at Papworth, in the meantime I have been prescribed medication. Like you I'm not feeling too bad, apart from lethargy and chest discomfort on exercise, so I feel I'm putting myself through an operation that I don't need, yet I know things wont get better so I need to get this sorted before I start to deteriorate , also like you I'm dreading the recovery.
Hi Bowler, like you I had very few symptoms apart from tiredness, so you do wonder if you need to go through surgery. However, from my perspective I just wanted to get the operation behind me and get on with my life. Living it to the full. I saw my surgeon in August and had my AVR in November (also at Papworth, which was brilliant). Don t worry too much about the op and recovery. It's not nearly as bad as you imagine. Keep a positive attitude and do as you are told and you'll soon be looking forward to a new lease of life. I'm 11 weeks post op and I'm going back to Papworth today for my follow up meeting with my wonderful surgeon. I've already booked 2 holidays for 2018 to make up for the 2 we cancelled last year. Best of luck to you in your heart journey, xxx
Oh thank you very much MKB38 your reply is so encouraging, and I hope all goes well with your appointment.
I know I need this op. as things will obviously get worse, I'm 73 but still want a few more years ahead of me to see my grandchildren grow.
We have just lost my husbands sister inlaw to heart disease age 75 cut a story, she refused medication and operation, she had a mild stroke which she recovered from, but a few months after that she had a massive heart attack and died, she was a retired nurse !!!!!! sorry I digressed.
Hi Bowler, sorry to hear of the loss of your sister in law. 75 is no age to go is it? As a PS to my previous message, I wanted to say that in the time you have before surgery it is a good idea to get as fit as you are able. I used to do just a few strengthening exercises each day and tried to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, to build up my strength. I'm sure it helped with my recovery and you feel as though you are doing something positive.
I too am a grandma, and one of my goals is to be able to look after them again. I was discharged from Papworth today, and so I will now concentrate on rebuilding my stamina. I went to my first cardiac rehabilitation session yesterday, which was very enjoyable and I'm sure very worthwhile. Good luck. Let us know how things are going. Margaret xx
That was so nice to hear that you have been discharged, and I hope you soon build up your stamina, the cardiac rehabilitation session seems such a good idea, and all the better if you enjoyed it,
I did walk to my sewing group today which is only a short walk in my village, but I did find the cold air didn't agree with me, I was puffed. I am however only taking 10 mgs of the IM and was told to up it to 20mgs if tolerated so maybe I should now try the 20mgs, 30mgs was far too much for me.
Hope all goes well tomorrow. I'm sure meeting your surgeon will reassure you to some degree. Make sure you write down any worries that pop into your head tonight so that they can all be addressed. Good luck!
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