Posthurax vest

[Dalymount]

Hi

I had a quadtriple bypass two weeks ago,and I find the most uncomfortable aspect of all is having to wear a posthurax vest.any advice on how to deal with this ? I would rather not wear it,but in afraid not to

[stevejb1810]

Why are you having to wear it? I had a triple a couple years ago and had no such vest - just wore a normal tee shirt! Are you having issues with the bones fusing/moving?

[Dalymount]

Welll I was just given it upon leaving hospital,and I assume its part of the recovery process.I find it most uncomfortable,and cannot sleep because of it.I also wondered why some are given one,and some are not

[Chappychap in reply to Dalymount]

It seems to be down to the policy of the individual hospitals, reading posts on this forum it's clear that around the country there are a few variations in post operative care programmes.

Agreed that the vests aren't particularly comfortable, but worse things happen at sea and it's only for a few weeks. One of the most concerning outcomes in the immediate post op stage is if the breast bone fails to fuse properly or if it re-opens which would necessitate a second operation. Just my opinion, but I reckoned that a bit of discomfort was worth enduring in order to minimise that possibility.

Good luck with your recovery!

[Dalymount in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you chappychap.

I thought it was absolutely essential to wear this vest,but that does not seem to be the case.

I am more then 2 weeks over the op noe,but I would say I have had it off more then on in that time.

Fingers crossed I have not done any damage which I dont know about.

[Ianc2]

As long as you remember your breast bone is held together by staples you should be able to take it off to sleep? Have a chat with the Heart nurse in your hospital , It may be they will be able to advise you?

[Chickenlou]

My fiancé had a triple bypass a week ago today and has had a vest on for the last 6 days - he was advised to wear it 23 hours a day for 6 weeks. He has HATED it from the moment they put it on (I actually asked if he really needed to wear it, as it seems fairly uncommon to have one?)

We were told that it protects the sternum and can prevent infection due to supporting the bones whilst healing.

He has actually been really good about wearing it but I know it’s adding to his discomfort.

[Dalymount in reply to Chickenlou]

Hi Chickenlou

Im afraid I totally disobeyed the advice I was given.

When im sitting,(which is most of the time) I just take it off,but when im moving or going walking I put it back on .I also now wear it in bed as I suppose this is where I do most of my twisting and tur n ing

[Chickenlou in reply to Dalymount]

My fiancé is still battling on with the vest but has begun undoing the front during the day when he’s sitting still. At least this lets him feel like he can escape it for a bit each day!

He checked that this was ok with the cardiac nurse yesterday and she said it should be fine 😀

[Dalymount in reply to Chickenlou]

I also rang my nurse,and a few other medics,and they all more or less said I should feel privileged having been given one.apperently only the chosen few are issued with one.I practically dont wear it at all now,and I feel better.

There is a feeling of claustrophobia about it ,well thats how I feel anyway

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I imagine being of Austrian descent Arnold Schwarzenegger wore one when he had aortic valve surgery. Imagine it would look cool with a strip of bullets and a couple of grenades!

BTW I did not have one after my bypass. The impression I got they were used where there were concerns about bone density or weight carried (you can work it out).

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Just remember it’s not for ever and will help the healing process.