panicking

[sharron69]

hi all, started chest pain in february, diagnosed with angina which is under control, was due for stent yesterday but dox decided my arteries are in bad condition and i need a bypass instead, fetting myself in a state over it as its not what i expected, very stressed ocer situation

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hi and welcome! I was originally told I would have stents the next month

However, a subsequent CT scan revealed a high degree of calcification. Stenting was no longer an option and I was referred for a bypass. This happened in June. The cardiologists aim at the best treatment for your specific situation. You will probably have further tests to assure the best outcome.

[marypw]

Easier said than done I know, but please try not to worry too much. My husband had an urgent triple bypass last October, and travelled to China on business 3 months later, with NO angina.

The recovery is tough and you need to be determined but it's doable. Read as much as you can on the BHF website and contact the BHF nurses if you need to.

Try to get your legs and core muscles as strong as possible so that you can get out of bed and up from chairs without using your arms.

These operations are scary for us but routine for cardiothoracic surgeons, and we have fantastic ones in this country.

Best wishes.

[JayceeW]

Welcome sharron69,

I had an aortic valve replaced and a double bypass at the end of May. It is not something anyone wants, but it is remarkable the difference it makes. The surgeons are fantastic and it’s true that it is all routine to them. I’m not going to say don’t worry because we all do. Try looking forward to a better life once you have recovered afterwards.

Lots of love and best wishes.

[Evans123]

Hi Sharron69

I agree with all of the above responses. I had a bypass 11 weeks ago at aged 53. It was a huge shock being told having not known I had angina and like you I was panicking pre operation mainly due to the waiting times for the op though. The recovery has been gradual but I’m getting there. Try not to panic (easier said than done I know), the decision to do a bypass is for the best outcome for you.

I saw a therapist (private) to try and lower my anxiety levels pre op as I also have OCD an anxiety related condition. That did help to some extent in dealing with the shock.

Take care and keep in touch .

Best wishes

Jx

[sharron69 in reply to Evans123]

Glad ur improving gradually, can I ask if u had keyhole surgery as I've been looking into it?

[Evans123 in reply to sharron69]

Hi Sharron69

Ask me any questions no problem. I wasn’t offered keyhole I’m not sure whether they do offer that type of operation where I was it was never mentioned.

Kind regards

Jx

[sharron69 in reply to Evans123]

From what I've read there's not many surgeons that can do it, don't like the thought of been totally opened up,

[Evans123 in reply to sharron69]

I never really thought about the op only that it was a necessity. It is major surgery but as other responders have said, to the the surgeons it’s a routine operation.

I found the support pre and post op on the ward from NHS staff (nurses/Drs) to patients was fantastic and helped me though the initial few days.

Keep in touch.

Jx

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to sharron69]

I was told that only certain arteries can be bypassed by keyhole surgery (I think it was one of the four I had bypassed). Whilst there is a smaller incision and faster recovery it carries different risks. If there is a problem they have to revert to the default - open heart surgery!

[thetidders in reply to sharron69]

Hi, I had a triple bypass in April after being told my arteries were too calcified to be stented. When I asked about keyhole surgery the surgeon told me the same as Michael said in a previous reply to you that it was only possible on certain arteries so normally it was only used when a single bypass was needed on a particular suitable artery.

Jean

[Qualipop]

Can I please ask what the post op and recovery is like? I'm due a pressure test to see if I need stents or by pass ( Or hopefully nothing) on my LAD. I'm already disabled with multiple collapsed discs and trapped nerves in my spine.

[Evans123]

Hi Qualipop

I wasn’t in pain as such post op mainly due to being managed with pain relief. What I found was stiffness of the muscles shoulders/back/chest and I had a tendency initially to hold my shoulders hunched generally when I was tired. Previous responses to Sharron69 mention building up core muscles which is a good point.

I have had an infection post op so that has delayed my recovery but only slightly. It’s a gradual process some days I feel better than others but improving. I have kept in touch with 3 ladies from hospital and we’re all very similar in our recovery.

I think there may have been a previous post from someone who had a back problem asking similar questions to yourself. Hopefully responses to that post may help if you can find the post?

Good luck with your results.

Take care.

Jx

[Foxyhole]

Don't worry my 2 brotherinlaw'shad triple bass they were in there late sixties now they are in their eighteens . I got stent in this week, but after reading BHF magazine I believe heart bypass lasts longer

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Foxyhole]

The choice depends very much on which arteries are blocked and numerous other factors (e.g. severe calcification, diabetes, long term smoker, etc.).

A colleague's father had his bypass forty years ago and is doing well for his age (nineties). I also know someone who had stents over twenty years ago. I saw an article that suggested that better long term outcomes with bypasses is that the patients who have them tend to stick to healthier lifestyles. Personally I know of two people who have had stents and still smoke! I believe the one who has been back for further stents also has a poor'ish diet.

[Foxyhole]

Intresting, thanks for reply, I'm going to be healthy not that I don't eat healthy but I was an ex smoker.