Rollercoaster continues

[Barbdevlin]

Well following ct scan and further app with surgeon I knew something new needed discussion and plan B put into action. However I wasn't prepared for the outcome. I learned today that there is a problem with right lung (fortunately not cancer), have gallstones, left kidney small and scarred and have blockage in main artery leading to guts!! Difficult to take in without becoming emotional, surgeon says I am still eligible for bypass but there is a greater risk of things going wrong. He was surprised that I was upset but realised through the conversation that I wasn't hearing what he perceived as good news and agreed that since I have no pain and meds are keeping me stable,that I should take some time to process and wasnt in the right frame of mind to make the decision today. He suggested meeting again in 6 months. I do realise it's a bit of a gamble either way but I lost my mum to heart disease at 58 yrs old and can't stop feeling emotional at the thought of my own children having to face this possibility now. My husband is more optimistic and feels I should be grateful that my surgeon is being very thorough and points out that surgeon would not risk bypass op if he was not reasonably confident of a good outcome. My logical brain accepts this but I am struggling emotionally. I know no one can give guarantees just hoping for some feedback particularly how to change my mindset going forward

[Haribocat]

Hi Barb. My mum developed terrible anxiety when diagnosed as needing triple bypass - although there are risks with op, she was more worried about not having it. You're right, the surgeons wouldn't do it if they weren't happy, they're just being thorough and fully prepared. Have you chatted to the BHF nurses on helpline - we found their support and expertise invaluable x

[Barbdevlin in reply to Haribocat]

Hi thanks for your response, I know the op will be better in the long run but I've been a pessimist for so long I know it's important to be positive going into something like this.....but don't really know how to"reset" my natural instinct to go to worst case scenario. I think 6 months is too long.......i will drive my friends and family batty....so I'm planning once I have processed to contact surgeon and let him know that I am happy to go ahead with op. I will perhaps contact bhf for some advice. Thanks once again