Hi
I had a heart attack May 2016 had stents in LAD these did not work (collapsed) so had Restenosis Aug’2018, still feeling breathless so April this year 2019 had another angiogram which showed one of the left arteries had collapsed again my consultant has now referred me for a bypass at Southampton hospital which I am awaiting appointment, I feel really scared the thought of my chest being opened is terrifying me, everyone tells me it’s not that bad, anyone here who can relate to this.
I had a bypass operation in Southampton Hospital last year, as one of the biggest of the regional cardiology centres the quality of care you will receive at Southampton is absolutely outstanding. I appreciate that such a major operation is a daunting prospect, but rest assured you'll be looked after by a dedicated team of expert professionals and you really couldn't be in better hands.
Thank you for replying and knowing someone who’s had it done at the same hospital is comforting. I’m normally quiet a toughie with anything wrong with me but I think this came as a shock. Hope you are feeling better now.
Hi froggie
I am in your shoes right now .
Been on meds for angina for 2 years now with very little change in symptoms . Had all the tests going
.been in hospital a few times over these years . Finally given a mri under stress and the results from that confirm I need double bypass . I had another angiogram last week and the changes from last year's is great .
I am down as urgent to have opp at Southampton. Booking staff just waiting for dates in May for me to go in .
Like you can't get my head around it all and still trying to get through a working day with my head all over the place .
Who knows we may end up on same ward 😁
Let me know when you have your date as I will you
Take care x
Hi
I will let you know, I really hope everything goes well for you, it would be great if we were in at the same time.
Kind Regards xx
Hi Froggie0208
How are you , have you heard anything yet . I did phone to enquire about a date
And yes my date for double bypass is next Friday 10th may .😮
I am booked into the spire hospital near Southampton general on Thursday. .
I have been asked to stop taking my aspirin and ramipril from today
Bags packed and have cut my workload for next few days .take care whilst waiting
Sj
Hi Jelliebean9
Good luck for next Friday, please let me know how it goes. I am still waiting, still very anxious and always on my mind 😡. Hopefully all goes well and you feel much better after op 🤞🙏x
Hello and welcome to the forum! I had a bypass last year. A year previously they had been talking about having me in for stents but wanted to do further tests. These dragged on and one day towards the end if summer I got a phone call asking me if I wanted to go privately for my bypass. Although the CVD was not a shock (runs through male line) this was. The local hospital had referred me for a bypass after concluding the number of arteries affected and degree of calcification made me "unstentable". The letter about this arrived a few days later although I feel I should have been called in and the test results and need for a bypass explained face-to-face! However, once I got there (lots of delays) the sheer professionalism was totally reassuring. It has to be remembered this is an everyday procedure for them. You will be fine. The thing to do now is to relax, go with the flow, visit the dentist ( they will not operate in the presence of gum disease, decay or loose teeth as infection can go to the heart) and get as fit as you can (healthy eating, exercise within your limits - be guided by the professionals here - and build up your core strength as you will be not be able to use your arms to get out of a chair). As Chappychap has said you could not be in better hands!
These are common operations these days so there is no need to worry, it won't help. Yes, it is serious but surgeons have done so many of them that they are good at them by now. Your chances of survival are very good. Try to relax. You could prepare for the operation by researching what they are going to do and get yourself as fit as possible. The fitter you are, the faster your recovery. You could discuss it with your doctor and/or call the BHF Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 (office hours) and talk to a cardiac nurse about it.
Assuming you can't run about, you could give Shibashi a try. You don't have to go out, it's very gentle and easy to learn. It takes about 20 minutes. Just follow the video: youtube.com/watch?reload=9&... "Trust Me I'm A Doctor" found that it gave a good workout without strain or pain. My tutor says it can be done every day. I play it on YouTube via Google on my PC and "cast" it to the TV in the lounge to follow it.
If I were you I would ask the doctors to help you live a higher quality of life, and not bother about a risky operation. There is abundant evidence that for most people the risks of surgery are far higher than the risks of doing nothing. See for instance this quote:
"But, first of all, the heart is not a plumbing fixture. When a coronary vessel is narrowed or blocked, the heart has a built-in defense mechanism: It develops a collateral network of small vessels to compensate for the diminished delivery of nutrients and oxygen.
Overcoming an anatomic obstruction by surgical tinkering, or later with stents, may actually not be of benefit. Whatever the convictions of clinicians, all practice must be legitimized by evidence. Without evidence, medical practice lacks scientific sanction. Therein resides a second objection for the rush to CABG. No evidence existed that CABG improved both survival and the quality of life more than the optimal medical treatment for patients with stable coronary artery disease.(2)
"
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