Recovery from a Bypass

[Dickyticker26]

Whilst I await a call for a quadruple bypass at St Thomas' I have been encouraged by 3 acquaintances who have had the surgery that there is nothing much to worry about

A fourth inspiration was watching a repeat "Grand Designs" last night

It was about former milkman/builder/developer/artist who was building his own multi-million Hollywood style house in Brighton

This was at the time of the Northern Rock crisis in 2007/8

In addition to financial problems he suffered 2/3 heart attacks, had a quintuple bypass and was back on site in 9 weeks

(In addition he had two hip replacements and back surgery)

His name is Barry Surtees and whilst he had a real motorbike on the wall of his living room I am not sure of any connection to the motor-cyclist/racing car driver John Surtees

His wife Julie's age was given as 51 and his son Jason 19 but there was nothing given about his own age From the programme I would guess he was in his 50's and looked reasonably fit and healthy

My own operation is now beyond the 6/8 week waiting list time I was given at the pre-op stage

The latest news is that the clinical nurse specialist is back from her bank holiday break but the surgeon is on leave until mid June

I am told that I have to wait to hear from an Admissions Co-ordinator who usually gives one week's notice

In order to have a 6 week initial recovery period to go to Spain on 8 August I would need to have the operation by 27 June

Last year the gp who was just back from a holiday advised me not to go to Spain a few days after I presented at A&E with chest pain-but I went and it was fine

Coincidentally Barry Surtees who put the unfinished property on the market was planning a 6 month break in Spain in Calahonda on the Costa del Sol which is the area that we go to-we may even meet!

[Gavin01]

Six weeks is very good going if it all goes well

[Dickyticker26 in reply to Gavin01]

Yes I appreciate that-but they say you can drive after 6 weeks

A lot depends on self-confidence I would say

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Dickyticker26]

There are minimum periods you cannot drive for depending on events/procedures undertaken. After that it is not a given and is dependent on GP or consultant saying you are fit to drive. Deciding for yourself could result in problems. Also, initially they recommend short journeys only.

[Nic25]

Hey Dickyticker26. I had a different operation in December (AVR and aneurysm repair) but was also at St Thomas's and really couldn't rate it more highly. So hopefully you'll be in good hands. Good luck with the countdown (almost the worst bit in my view) and of course with the operation itself. We'll all be rooting for you. Nic x

[Dickyticker26 in reply to Nic25]

Thank you for your kind response it is much appreciated

[Plumbtorre]

Mmmmmmm I had a triple bypass and replacement mitral valve just over a year ago...I live in Spain ( and had the operation here in málaga )...would the doctor advise me to go back to the UK? I think not . As with everything , if you are sensible ( and have your medical card , insurance etc ) . Keep out of the sun as much as possible there is not too much of a problem. By the way my cardiologist and doctor both advised me that a glass of wine with my evening meal is preferable to coca cola etc, and I only have one kidney !!!!

[Handel]

We're ticking off the days with you! Hope you get in by 27th June.

Give our best to Barry when you see him! xxx

[Dickyticker26 in reply to Handel]

Thank you so much Handel

It was very thoughtful of you to respond as you did

I will keep you up to date with progress