12 months after Quadruple By-pass

[Zimmies]

Today is it 12 months since my 4 X CABG and I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my experience. I suppose the first lesson I learnt was not to put off going to the doctors in the first place! I realised some time ago that I was becoming breathless when even doing the most simple tasks. Like most men I kept putting off going to the docs. I thought I had a chest infection which would clear up by itself. I was shocked when the doc sent me for an ECG, telling me that most breathlessness is heart related. The ECG results came back as abnormal and so started a whole series of tests culminating in an Angiogram. Like many others the thought of an Angiogram terrified me, but again like many others have posted, it turned out to be a really straightforward procedure and I felt absolutely nothing. Unfortunately the diagnosis was I needed a quadruple heart Bypass. Of course I went into total denial! I didn't feel ill and I hadn't even had any chest pain. I don't smoke or drink, have a good diet, BMI is ok and I am reasonably active, how could this happen to me? The surgeon left me in no doubt I needed this op. and even though I am one the worlds worriers I actually felt a certain calmness prior to the day. I was told that although it is a major operation it was a routine one. I asked a nurse for any tips about getting through the ordeal and she gave me 3 pieces of advice. 1) accept all the pain relief offered 2) ask for ear plugs to get some sleep at night and 3) get out of bed and walk. The op commenced at 1pm on the Thursday, I woke at 1.30am Friday morning in ICU but was moved onto the ward at 6am because someone needed my ICU bed. I don't remember much about the Friday slipping in and out of sleep but by Saturday I was up shuffling around the wards. On Sunday I was told if I continued like this I would be discharged on the Monday. Needless to say I kept walking most of Sunday! Even though I was happy to leave hospital it was also quite worrying because if anything was to go wrong hospital was surely the place to be. The first week I was so exhausted but went out twice a day walking setting myself targets each day. My wife took 3 weeks off work and supported me throughout, especially the practical things like showering and changing those horrible support stockings. I had my chest X-ray at 7 weeks and the sternum was healing well so was given the go ahead to start driving and more especially join the cardiac rehabilitation programme. This was run by a group of specialist nurses trained and supported by the BHF and consisted of 12 sessions of light circuit training and educational talks. This really gave me the confidence to push myself (there is a tendency after the op to protect your chest and not over exert yourself). I realised that it was actually good for you to get a little breathless during exercise and my blood pressure actually went down during exercises. It is a slow process getting back to good health and there were days when I felt down and even questioned whether it was worth having the op. But of course it is! My quality is life is back to where it should be and I want to thank everyone, and there a lot of people to thank, for giving me back my life.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Zimmies,

thank you for sharing always great to hear a good news story.

The sun is shining have a wonderful day and weekend

Mark

[Zimmies in reply to skid112]

Thank you Mark, just had a walk to our local park and indulged in a coffee and cake. Might make this an annual event!

[Helen_BHF]

Hi Zimmies , that's lovely to hear that you're doing so well one year on. Sounds like it's been quite a journey. Hope you get some sun this weekend - why not celebrate good health!?

[Zimmies in reply to Helen_BHF]

Thank you Helen, think I will make this an annual celebration!

[marypw]

Hi Zimmies, you pretty much took the words right out of my mouth today! I really wanted to post some positive news on here, because health groups on social media tend to be focussed on problems and therefore can often provoke anxiety in the pre-op stage.

Six months ago yesterday, my husband had an urgent triple CABG. I was an emotional jelly on the surgery day as I suspect is the same for all partners and families. Apart from one episode of AF in hospital, which was quickly treated, he had a pretty straightforward recovery. The first two weeks were tough going, but since then things have got so much better! With the help of an exercise bike, Garmin Express, and Map Your Walk he is now fitter and lighter than he's been for years. We have changed our eating habits - the fridge is always overflowing with fruit and veg and cheese is a tiny treat on rare occasions. We eat less meat and more pulses and thoroughly recommend the BBC Good Food low-fat and chicken cookery books and of course the BHF Everyday Spice book!

It's really important to remember that cardiac surgery is routine for cardiac surgeons. I hope that your post and mine will give encouragement to people waiting for surgery and to their partners and families.

Good luck to you and enjoy your weekend!

[Zimmies in reply to marypw]

Hi so pleased to hear everything is going well. I really do believe the ordeal is something partners also go through. We also have concentrated on diet and I have actually lost a stone since the op. We have bought an exercise bike and a treadmill so exercise together. I know how important the support and encouragement of a partner Is. Good luck.

[Makmum in reply to marypw]

Goodv nfo

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Many thanks for the positive post. I am awaiting a quadruple but currently my "Fitness for Surgery" is suspended because of a dental issue. My surgeon reckons on a fived-day stay.

Where you able to stop/reduce any meds after recovery? Whilst protecting you and reducing symptoms I am sure the "dolly mixtures" add somewhat to issues (particularly tiredness).

[Zimmies in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi hope all goes well, I think the waiting can be the worst part. I had to have dental work before the op. Did not know that dental infection can travel to your heart. My meds actually increased after the op. I am on a mega dose of aspirin for 12 months (300mg) then back to 75mg.

[Ronniesue]

Hi Zimmies, l

Lovely to hear your positive story. So encouraging for us who have recently been diagnosed. Your recovery has not been without a lot of hard work and determination I’m sure.

May your good health continue and thanks for sharing your story.

Ronniesue

[Phil-52]

Thanks for sharing Zimmies, That was almost identical to my story except I am two years post op today.

Phil

(just off for a park run

[Steadyeddie100]

I have my Pre Op assessment on Monday afternoon. Its good to read positive stories, and in a perverse sort of way, I am looking forward to getting the Op done, and getting on with life.

[Mikgalmo]

Awesome! Thanks for the encouragement! How’s the diet?

[wiltsgirl]

Hi Zimmies, so glad that you posted this message. I too was in shock 5 weeks ago when I had my triple ‘cabbage’, after an elective angiogram. So great to hear about your experience and to know that we are not alone. I feel hugely better just in the last few weeks and so grateful to those that saved me. I think an anniversary tea and cake will be in order 16/3/19. Onwards & upwards x

[Sparklecake]

Thank you for sharing your story. Great to hear you're in good health! 😀

[sandrann]

Thank you for sharing your story.. very inspiring.. I'm getting there so to speak and looking forward to celebrating my 1st anniversary on 31st August..enjoy your weekend x