Bypass It Is Then

[willsie01]

Had the angiogram on the 9th May and told of the need for some sort of intervention to address a blockage and other restrictions. Advised this would be discussed at the cardiology department meeting. Had the follow up appointment today and now know that I’m to have bypass surgery to left and right arteries. The right artery is completely blocked, hence bypass, and the left has several restrictions so felt another bypass was the best option for this as well.

I guess a lot of you have been where I am now and understand my feelings of wishing it was going to happen tomorrow so I could get it over with.

[Froggie0208]

Hi Willsie01

Yes I feel the same, had Angiogram on 7th April got my Pre Op tomorrow at Southampton for Bypass but still do not know date for operation, this waiting game makes me so anxious. Hopefully will not be long.

Good luck to you.

Froggie1. 🍀👍🙏

[willsie01 in reply to Froggie0208]

Hoping it all goes smoothly for you.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Glad to hear that you know what will be happening now. I thought I was having stents when I got a call from the hospital I had been referred to for a bypass after a review meeting. Total shock! I got a letter about it some days later but did not see a cardiologist from the referring hospital until six month review post op. Hopefully you will get a date in the not to distant future. Try to relax as worrying achieves little - but often easier said than done!

[shopman]

If you are willing then also tell them you would take a cancellation. I agree it is short notice - often 12 hours or so - and you don't get a lot of time to think about it.

[willsie01 in reply to shopman]

Yes, I’ll take a cancellation if one becomes available. 😊

[Chappychap]

Good advice from Shopman about telling the hospital that you'll accept a cancellation.

The reason this is important is because any date for your surgery will be tentative at best. The odds are that your surgery will be delayed, sometimes at late notice and sometimes on multiple occasions. Therefore anything you can do to improve your chances of an earlier rather than a later operation is a smart move.

The hard fact is that there are lots and lots of emergency cardiac operations. Understandably these take priority, but with limited and rationed resources each of these emergencies takes a wrecking ball to everyone else's scheduled plans.

[willsie01 in reply to Chappychap]

Yes, I can see that delays go with the territory. I’m taking a sabbatical after being diagnosed with a coronary problem, so it suits me to take a cancellation. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Even more satisfying if it helps the NHS smooth out its functionality.

(No 1 fan of the NHS).

[Chappychap]

I forgot, there's potentially something else you can do to speed up your operation.

You have the right to be treated at a hospital trust of your choice. Given that some have dramatically shorter wait times than others, and far better records of delaying treatment, you may want to research to see if a neighbouring trust could provide you with a speedier service.

[willsie01 in reply to Chappychap]

I can see the logic of this but I want to stay with the hospital and hopefully surgeon that I know and have faith in. I’ll have to put up with the delays.

[jimmyq]

A bit of advice:

Get as fit as you can before the op. The fitter you are, the faster your recovery.

When leaving hospital, you will appreciate a cushion to put between you and the seatbelt.

[willsie01 in reply to jimmyq]

Makes sense but I’m still trying to regain some fitness after a spinal decompression at the end of February. A little bit low on the fitness curve but I’ll carry on working at it. A bit of a conundrum as my meds aren’t stopping the chest, arm, back and neck pain when I exert myself and the consultant is concerned I don’t damage my heart by bringing them on.

[jimmyq in reply to willsie01]

For your fitness, as 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&... I play it on YouTube via Google on my PC and "cast" it to the TV in the lounge to follow it. "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.

[willsie01 in reply to jimmyq]

Thank you I'll look

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to willsie01]

I find Tai Chi really helpful too.

A gentle calm way to use your muscles without too much strain on your heart.

I practice yoga too which is great for flexibility, balance and breathing.

I hope all goes well for your operation and you don't have to wait too long.

[willsie01]

I think the hamster is the default image.

I've changed it to avoid cases of mistaken identity