Experiences/advice post bypass please given reduced follow up just now

[Jamiemack77]

Hi. My dad (70) had a quadruple bypass 5 weeks ago. Due to Covid he's not had any follow up or rehab. He's rang mentioning some ongoing symptoms. Is it unusual to be getting shoulder pain at times? Also gets very occasional central ache which lasts a minute while in bed. He's also clearing his throat a lot and his voice seems weaker than before. He says not coughing up sputum. We noticed his throat clearing straight after surgery. He's walking about 4 mile/day so that's not too much of concern. Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's gone through this re his concerns as a bit lost tbh. Many thanks in advance.

[popeyeuk]

Hi there I had a double bypass last Nov. I was sent home after 7 days .. The only follow up was a couple of phone calls from the nurses on the ward to check on me . I saw the cardiac rehab nurse about 5 weeks after discharge and started the the rehab program after 12 weeks.. My right shoulder was very painful for a few weeks and the bones in my chest are still painful now.. I also remember the sore throat and dry cough .. probably from the ventilator and anaesthetic etc.. It takes time and everyone is different ...you have to take it easy. I he's walking 4 miles a day he's doing well.. I'm 57 so a bit younger but up till recently if I overdid it I felt absolutely wrecked and had to take 2 days rest to recover.. I am cycling twice a week an doing 4 walks of 4 to 5 miles.. Any questions just ask ..cheers Steve

[080311]

Hi, 5 weeks is very early days, remember he as had major surgery, he should be taking things very gently for 6-8 weeks no lifting anything heavier than a bag of sugar or arms above his head, ask if he is doing the huffing puffing! exercises he would have been given in hospital along with the neck exercises. Theses do help with clearing your lungs, the sternum is like any broken bone and takes time to heal, aches and pains you feel can be quite normal, but if he feels concerned tell him to speak with the cardio nurse on here. Walking 4 miles is amazing.

Wishing him a very speedy recovery but it’s baby steps!

Best wishes stay safe Pauline

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! As said it is early days yet. The surgery is massively invasive and most people get one or two issues. After my quadruple in 2018 I experienced anemia, an electrolyte imbalance (gained 9kg of fluid) and problems with my right hand. The problems with my right hand were caused by the ulnar nerve that probably got nipped where it passes through the shoulder. Symptoms included a limited range of movement, weakness and coldness. It took over six months to fully resolve. The lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham, lost his voice totally afterwards. It sounds that overall your father is doing well. It might be worth contacting the rehab team who should post/email exercise information. With regard to the cough did he do the breathing exercises post op. When I attended rehab a surprisingly number of people admitted not being that compliant.