Lethargy

[willsie01]

8 weeks after triple bypass I’m still struggling with tiredness and lack of “get up and go”. Consultant at 7 week follow up said this lasts 6 months which was depressing news. Anyone find ways of alleviating the problem?

[jimmyq]

Try to stay active. Go for a walk every day and build up your fitness.

[Gail1967]

Build things up gradually and be kind to yourself - I was amazed how different I felt after 8-10 weeks- even decided to return to work early (on phased return). Now 4 mths down line I have to remind myself what I’ve been through or look in mirror to see scar as feel so well!!!

[Lilyrosy]

I agree with the former 2 replies although at the time even though I had a quadruple bypass I don’t think I took on the severity of such an operation especially when there are 2 teams working on you. One on both legs and the other on your heart.

(I think the car crash analogy is a good one)

I also can’t quite believe this actually happened to me only a year ago and get a reality check when I see the quickly fading scars on my chest and my legs which are bigger!

I got back to ‘normal’ fairly quickly, it was not being able to lift my grandchildren the most frustrating but as said before we all have different levels of recovery and it is worth the wait I can assure you!

[Janma123]

Take your time, you will get there but in little steps. My husband, who is now 70, had a quadruple bypass in April 2018 followed by a ‘small but significant ‘ stroke about 9 weeks later. As an additional effect of his medication he is now also vitamin b12deficient - HOWEVER - this week he has been fetching and delivering spare parts to our lads driving combine harvesters, and had a five hour stint on a machine himself.

It just takes time and patience!

[thetidders]

I had a triple bypass in April last year & agree with what the others have written, it takes longer than you expect to recover & everyone is different. Your age & fitness before the operation also affects recovery. 8 weeks is still quite early after your op, just try to keep improving your fitness each day & keep mobile. Take as many rests as you need during the day.

Just a thought, have you had a blood test recently, I had an electrolyte imbalance after my bypass & had to be given extra potassium, magnesium ect. It might be worth asking your GP for a blood test.

Have you been given appointment for cardiac rehab? I found rehab helped me a lot & gave me my confidence back. The rehab team were easy to talk to about any problems during recovery.

Good luck, I hope you feel better soon.

Jean

[willsie01 in reply to thetidders]

I’m chasing for rehab now. I’m not in their radar for some reason.

[thetidders]

Hope you hear from them soon, I live on the Wirral & Cardiac Rehab here is very good, it’s 12 weeks twice a week but it seems to vary from area to area. I started late because of the electrolyte imbalance which left be very weak so don’t worry about going a little late, it certainly helped, let us know how you get on, a lot of us have been there.

Jean

[Ianc2]

The 10 week wait is to give your breastbone time to knit back together, so you should be hearing from them soon. Good to hear you are chasing it up.