Milo 47

[Milo47]

After waiting nearly a year watching my husband have less and less of a life we finally got to sit down with the surgeon. His triple by pass operation is to go ahead and he had all his pre op tests done on the same day. The cardiac nurse has been so kind ringing to see how we both are. Relief is what my husband is feeling, he wants his life back after being housebound for months. For me it’s absolute fear knowing I can’t do a thing to help other than being a bystander. No date has been given yet so we don’t know how long we have to wait. Hopefully not to long and life will be a little better. A worried wife. Christine.

[Chappychap]

I had a triple bypass and it was the best thing that ever happened to me!

Seriously, it was absolutely transformational. I hadn't appreciated just how limiting the symptoms of angina had become, I just thought it was age and deteriorating fitness. A bypass operation however re-sets the clock, and you can feel ten or even twenty years younger, suddenly full of energy and waking up each morning raring to go!

I'd say three things though.

Firstly, it's really important thing during the recovery period to diligently follow the breathing and walking exercises. The lungs effectively collapse during open heart surgery, and fully reflating them needs real effort and commitment from the patient. It's often quite hard going in the early weeks, but you absolutely must stick to the walking and breathing regimes if you're to enjoy a full and early recovery.

Secondly, a bypass re-sets the clock, but it does absolutely nothing to address the underlying heart disease. It's best to think of a bypass operation as an amazing second chance, a heaven sent opportunity to tackle the life style issues that lead to heart disease in the first place. That means quitting smoking, losing weight, healthy eating, no excessive drinking, regular and quite serious exercise, establishing good sleep patterns, and managing any stress. Make significant progress against all of these and you can confidently expect twenty years or more of active, healthy life. However, going back to an unhealthy life style means the replacement arteries will likely fail, often in depressingly short order, and then you're left with few options as most surgeons are very reluctant to perform a second bypass operation. So, far from being a bystander, your role in this is critical. To really work the entire family needs to embrace healthier living.

Thirdly, pre-Covid there was an excellent programme called "Cardio Rehab", six or eight meetings where experienced cardio nurses would guide you towards a healthy life style, give you personalised exercise programmes, explain the medication, etc. I found it incredibly useful and I know many others on this forum feel the same way. I understand the BHF (who run this forum) offer something similar on-line. I'd strongly recommend it.

I can't emphasise enough, getting the most from a heart bypass requires the patient to actively engage with the recovery process and fully embrace a healthier life-style. You'll get out what you put in. But make the effort and it can yield almost miraculous benefits.

Good luck!

[Milo47 in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you for all your advice. 👍

[Smileyian in reply to Milo47]

What a totally sensible and comprehensive response.

[Hidden in reply to Chappychap]

Brilliantly put..... nuff said 👏

[Bloodsimple in reply to Chappychap]

Excellent advice and encouraging reply👍🏻

[RufusScamp]

Just having a supportive wife must be a help to him. It's good that his cardio team is keeping in touch. I hope he gets his op soon.

[Milo47 in reply to RufusScamp]

I’m more nervous than my husband is. I just want to be strong for him and help as much as I can. Thanks for your reply 👍

[Wooodsie]

If he's had the pre op, it won't be long 🤞

[Milo47 in reply to Wooodsie]

Hope so even though it’s such a worrying time. My husband hasn’t left our flat now for nine months. Just sits in a chair. We know there is no alternative but to operate. Fingers crossed it’s over soon.

Thanks for reply 👍

[Pinnochio in reply to Milo47]

Don’t worry Milo47 I remember so well those times the waiting for the op not being given a date but eventually things will improve.My husband had a quad bypass at 60 he is now 81 and going strong! So chin up and look forward with your hubby to better times ahead.Good Luck

[Milo47 in reply to Pinnochio]

Thanks for your support 👍

[MountainGoat52]

Excellent news that things are moving forwards. I hope the date for the op is soon.

The most important thing is to remain positive. My surgeon said that a bypass operation should give me 25 years without further intervention. I know someone that had a bypass 40 years ago and they are keeping fit and healthy. There is a lot to be gained by this kind of surgery. 😀

[Milo47 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Although we were with the surgeon less than an hour he filled us both with so much confidence. When the surgeon said to my husband. “ I will look after you as if you were my dad” I just knew that he was in safe hands. Thank you for your support

[Clipperkid]

I know how frustrating it to watch your husband struggle with daily living . I had to badger the cardiothoracic secretary and nurses as to how bad my husband was ! Just to get an appointment for cardiothoracic surgeon to see him - he was seen in December last year and admitted which was as well as his heart was just not coping so he was monitored pre op - he eventually had his aortic & mitral value replaced - 2 months post op we were out gardening yesterday - almost back to normal! Good luck and badger cardiothoracic specialist nurse to get your husband his pre admission date. There is light at the end of a very dark tunnel

[Milo47 in reply to Clipperkid]

Gardening. How lovely. Pleased for you both that all is going well. Thanks for your advice. Appreciated. 👍

[EmmyLaury12]

Really hope your husband goes on ok thinking about you both x

[Milo47 in reply to EmmyLaury12]

Thanks for your support.

[Ianc2]

Have a look at the Mediterranean diet and the recipes on the BHF site, you should be able to get some good Ideas regarding eating to avoid developing future problems,

[Milo47 in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you for advice 👍

[Smudgebuttonjessie]

If your husband has had his pre op the the surgery is imminent. Don’t be feeling you are just a bystander to your husband, you are much more than this. Just remember the support is there for you too. It’s a difficult time to have surgery etc during covid as you can’t visit so make sure you can connect with each other via phone with facetime etc. I had my bypass in September last year and final op was last week. I felt more for my family not being able to come and see me than me having the surgery.

A few things of advice, make sure pyjamas are loose button up tops with easy on/off bottoms as hubby won’t be able to lift his arms.

Easy on/off socks etc.

Roll on deodorant.....no sprays.

Have a small pillow for hubby for the journey home to put on chest so seatbelt doesn’t hurt.

Have a large V-shaped pillow on the bed propped up with lots of pillows to sleep upright.

Remember we on here on here to support you as well as your husband so keep in touch.

Wishing you both the best, stay safe xx

[Milo47 in reply to Smudgebuttonjessie]

Thank you so much for those tips. We are so grateful. Thank you 👍

[Trog1]

I know it’s a very worrying time for both of you but it sounds like your husband is in amazing hands. Thinking about you both and wishing you all the best. xx

[Milo47 in reply to Trog1]

Thanks for your support. 👍