Apprehensive...

[Marvin123]

I’m totally new to this group . After having a heart attack at the end of Jan ..totally out of the blue I’m going into hospital on Thursday for a triple bypass . All this is very new to me,went for pre op yesterday and tried to take it all in . Best advice and tips please. I’m a 64 year old female with a normal kind of life,busy ! kids,husband who has been amazing, grandkids,elderly demented dad,part time Work. Etc etc ,normal shizzle I suppose. Any tips gratefully received. I’m slightly terrified but mostly apprehensive I think . Hospital were superb,the anaesthetist talked me through everything,even asked what kind of music I’d like in theatre when I go down! ( Motown) don’t know anyone in a similar situation to ask . So all being well it will be Thursday morning .

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Welcome to the group. You are asking just the right people. People who have trodden a very similar path will be along v soon, I’m sure, to share their experience.

[Gail1967]

It’s the start of a journey where you have to be kind to yourself. The hospital is the easy part- you are in the experts hands and just have to follow everything they say. Make sure once home you have a cushion to grab for sneezes or coughs to support your chest. A v shaped pillow will really help with positioning yourself for a decent nights sleep. But it really is just time - I’m 10 months post quadruple at age of 51- fit and well before. It’s been easier getting through it physically than emotionally at times- but just gradually getting back to normal life was the best therapy for me. Now apart from nerve ending / scar soreness some days I forget it happened and do everything I did before. Good luck

[080311]

Hello and welcome, so sorry you have to face surgery on Thursday. I was 68 when I had bypass and aortic valve replaced 3 years ago. Be assured it will be ok.

Advice, take pjs that open down the front you will be asked not to lift your arms above your head front fasten bra as well. You are told not to lift anything more than a bag of sugar for the first 6 weeks. If you are worried about being in pain please don’t be, they make sure you are pain free.

From what I read you have a busy life most of that will have to go on the back burner for a little while. You must put yourself first.

Gentle walking when you come home just to start with.

When the time is right you will be offered cardio rehab please make sure you take it up. I found it invaluable apart from improving your stamina you will be mixing with others who have had a similar experience to yourself and that will help with your mental health. All the worries you are experiencing so will they and knowing you are not on your own is great.

There are so many of us here in the mended heart club! And more will be along soon to give you their thoughts.

Just remember the surgeon and nurses do this as their day job.

As I said I am 3 years on and every day I am grateful to everyone in the NHS who give me my life back.

Last thought to start with it’s baby steps but it will be onwards and upwards.

Let us know how you go

Best wishes Pauline

[Marvin123]

Thank you!! It’s reassuring to hear ! Got my pj’s and front fastening bra at the ready. I wouldn’t have thought about that until I read about it. The cardiac rehab nurse has been in touch and I fully intend to go to the group.

[080311 in reply to Marvin123]

That’s great to hear, life will get back to normal but you must take it easy. Pauline

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Marvin123. I haven’t had a bypass so will leave others who’ve been there and done it to give you great advice (as below). All I’d add is you need to put yourself first for a long time and your family and friends and others will have to pick things up. You will need to take it easy and the normal shizzle will have to be done by someone else or not at all. Rushing back into things will make it worse. Good luck.