Life after Triple Bypass

[Mushroom50]

Trauma a year on

Anyone aged around 50 had a triple bypass.

The trauma after a year on is hitting me now. Is this normal?

[Gail1967]

I’m 51 and 5 mths post quadruple. How were you feeling along the way to your year mark? I am feeling pretty good overall and hoping it’s all behind me - so sorry to hear you not in a good place. Has something happened to make you feel low?

[kefalonia1]

have you experienced cannot go through trauma without it leaving scars inside honey. l spent 3 months in hospital due to sepsis and endocarditis nearly killing my heart. There is usually a trigger that depresses you, it could be a throw away comment or something on the tv or just a deep seated fear inside. lt takes a long time to banish these feelings, l am nearly three years on from my massive fight to live and even now l sometimes cannot believe l survived against all odds. For me it is triggered by the Legoland advert l was running around Legoland with my Grandsons and youngest Son, working in a day nursery and looking ten years younger than my age many people told me. Three weeks later l was blue lighted to hospital. l still grieve for that person l once was but it does get better with time and is very normal. Walking helps, and mindfulness. l really feel for you, take care, Sue x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Kefalonia has said it so well. It’s such a big trauma for anyone to go through, and people respond very differently.

Keep in touch here, and I’m sure some wise words will suddenly make sense to you,

I got lots of help, when I went for therapy. I couldn’t understand, when physically I was doing OK, but was just so lost, and sad, about losing ‘the old, hyperactive, me!’

[kefalonia1 in reply to Kristin1812]

How did you get the therapy l may need this down the line but l feel there many more lovely people l met in hospital who made me grateful, l met a lovey lady who told me her only child a Son was killed with a gritter lorry 10 days before his Christmas wedding. He was only 30, the same age as our oldest Son. l am now going to do all my housework full blast to Motown music. l have this mirror in one of my bathrooms which is so awful but l stood my 9 year old Grandson in front it and he looked about 45 so l feel so much better. Heart issues are such hideous s++t journey my friends and l have been to hell and back but l am not on the memorial list at the school reunion list. Also next June l am off to Lassi in Kefalonia for 2 weeks. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. TIME, TW0 TO TREE years. Take care gang.xxx

[glezz]

Hi. I am 57 and two years post triple. Physically I am probably fitter than anytime in last 15 years. Just going out for 10 mile walk now.

Mentally I am struggling. I think too much. Always worrying about little niggles in my chest. Nerve damage. Wires prominent.

I used to work in cardiac theatre. I saw what a massive traumatic operation this is.

I would say I am dealing with things better as time goes on and I havn't died (Joke).

Excersise is what works for me. I walk and walk. I walk as fast as I can. If I see stairs, I walk up them. It gives me confidence that I am ok.

For the last two months I have been taking CBD capsules with my docs blessing. I feel it has taken the edge of things.

You have been given a second chance. You have new plumbing and I hope you can go on and enjoy your life.

Your operation was massive. You are a hero. Embrace it.

Good luck.

[Pops19]

I was 53 when I had a quad nearly 3 years ago and I can endorse what has already been said. This op is brutal on the body and mind and you have to learn to trust your body again. I have also felt ‘lost and sad’, as Kristin1812 said, and still do at times even now. I also have worried about any odd twinges in my chest although my GP assures me these are normal with what my chest has been through. I also agree that exercise is key in making you feel better physically and mentally and that has definitely helped me. It’s not easy but trying to be patient and maintaining a positive attitude is important. It will get better. All the best with your recovery.

[Driver11]

Hi

Life is very strange, have just celebrated first year since cardiac arrest, have made great recovery and things are going well but it hit me that a year ago I was dead. I don't think you get over that you just learn to live with it and say how lucky am I everyday - good luck

[Hidden]

Quad bypass at 49 , fitness fanatic