My post op CABG 13 days experience

[thetidders]

Just thought I’d let everyone know how thing are going.

13 days ago today I had my CABG x 3 & seemed fine, however my oxygen levels crashed & the only way to rectify this was a mask like a “Darth Vader” one. Delirious by then & totally unaware of anything my daughter said if I’d had boxing gloves I would have flattened a few medics & Im under 5 feet! I was very poorly. I stayed on ICUfor a week & was then moved to recovery & rehab where I still am. My heart went into Fibrillation & then swung back a couple of days after treatment by Digoxin. It is the complications of that that has me still in, fortunately I’ve been off the drug for 2 days so they are hoping things will settle. I am now fed up, being told I can go home & then can’t 4 times is very stressful.

That’s my story so far.

Jean

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi thetidders

Sorry to hear you've had a tough time since your CABG. What you described can happen after surgery, feeling confused and having problems with breathing and your heart rhythm. Great to hear your heart is back in sinus rhythm so hopefully it will continue!

It must be frustrating being told you can go home, and then the decision is changed. Some wards hold talks with cardiac rehab nurses so try to go along to one, as the cardiac rehab programme will really help you on the road to recovery once you get home.

If you have any questions about your recovery once you're home you can always call our helpline on 0300 330 3311 and speak to one of our nurses. Wishing you a speedy recovery from now on!

Ashleigh

[thetidders in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

Thank you so much Ashleigh for you advice , we have actually just arrived home from Liverpool Heart, we had to wait 5 hours for Pharmacy to sort out the drugs but that seems to be normal in a lot of hospitals these days. I’m very tired at the moment but start 5 minute walking tomorrow. Onwards & upwards!

Jean

[Fredders]

Hi Jean

Sorry you’ve had a rough time but glad to hear you are now home and the recovery can begin. I had an AVR last November and when the tried to turn the pacer off they realised I had heart block, so back to ICU to have a pacemaker implanted which delayed my going home date. Took nearly a whole day for them to sort out my meds before I could escape their clutches.

Onwards and upwards!

Wendy

[thetidders]

Hope you are much improve, now, Wendy, I tried to have a shower this am but just couldn’t manage it, I was so tired, perhaps tomorrow.

Jean.

[barniecroft in reply to thetidders]

Hope things are improving

[thetidders in reply to barniecroft]

Hi Barnie croft, I sent you a reply but for some reason it wasn’t accepted. So I’ll try again.

I’ve had complications, an electrolyte imbalance which caused me to collapse & rushed to our local hospital where I spent 2 weeks whilst they tried to sort everything out. After 4 weeks in hospital Altogether I was extremely weak unable to walk without a walking stick ect. I have worked hard to try to get myself mobile over the last month & on Saturday managed to walk about 3 miles. I have been assessed for rehab & will be starting the course in a couple of weeks.

I still need blood tests to keep an eye on the electrolyte levels but I’m getting there.

Hope you are OK

Jean

[barniecroft in reply to thetidders]

Thats great - hope the improvement continues

[Phil-52]

Hi Jean. I also had to go on oxygen for a while while in hospital after my cabg. I later found out that it was a common thing as the lungs need time to expand again after they deflate them for surgery. Every day gets better. All the best

Phil