My husband David finally has a date for his bypass surgery. May 12 th.
I don’t know whether to cry or be grateful that at last he is being given a second chance.
He has sat in his chair now since last august after his heart attack He has had no quality of life at all after being such an active man
To say I am terrified is an understatement and with covid rules , not being able to visit and see he’s ok is so difficult. I am a complete pessimist and worrier.
Any advice from those who have undergone a bypass would be so appreciated by a very stressed and nutty wife
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Milo47
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Hi i went through quadruple surgery in 2018 yes i was scared stiff but the benefits are great i have severe heart failure and i now need a pacemaker due to my heart rate being up n down things will be okay for your husband and things will look so much better yes i understand about the covid situation but when i had my surgery i was all alone no visitors nothing just the fantastic nursing staff i will be thinking of you both
I had a triple bypass October 2019. Only advice I would recommend that your husband listens to the nurses and do all the say. Especially the breathing exercise for about 3/4 days after the procedure. No one will tell you it’s easy but with time and taking things slowly things get better and the operation becomes a distant memory
What you are going through is perfectly normal but please be reassured that those carrying out the op are well versed in what they do. Somewhere in all these posts there is one that gives you a guide as to afterwards with regard to extra clothing or equipment that is useful. Hopefully if I don't find it then someone else may.
I had a quad bypass and still here to tell the tale - that was back in 1999, now seen my grandkids grow up and some have even started on great-grandkids now.
Bypass surgery delivered me an absolutely transformational benefit. I feel twenty years younger, full of energy and vitality.
Okay, the first few weeks following the surgery are no picnic, but never get despondent because your husband will get through that. It's been pointed out already but the post surgery breathing exercises and daily walks are absolutely critical. During open heart surgery the lungs collapse, and fully reflating them requires sustained commitment and effort by the patient. Deep breathing and forced coughing are absolutely the last thing you want to do, but there's no choice, for a full recovery you have to dig deep and comply.
You may find this pamphlet useful, it's the advice for recovering open heart patients, this one is from Guy's hospital but most hospitals use something very similar.
Just remember, open heart surgery is now well proven and virtually routine, your husband will be in very experienced and safe hands. Believe me, the amazing benefits are well worth the tiny risks involved.
The thought of the surgery is so much worse than the reality. I had AVR and bypass done 4 years ago, very sick prior to the op, and now living my life again grateful every day to the medical team that gave me my life back.
As your husband’s carer, you will be his best support when he comes home, it’s baby steps, no arms above your head and no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water, no pulling or pushing movements so no mowing the lawn tell him! I couldn’t Hoover or do the ironing that was a bonus!
After surgery he will be given breathing exercises to do by the physios when he gets home get him to keep them up. When we are put on bypass the lungs collapse so they need a bit of help to get the little pockets filled out again. I called them huffing and puffing but they really do help.
He might be emotional, his brain is trying to work out what on earth as happened here, yes it’s a big op, but something his medical team do as their day job. 8-10 weeks after surgery things will be getting back to normal, or as normal as our new life style will allow!
I send you and your husband my very best wishes for a great recovery, just do everything that you are told.
4 months after double bypass (dec2020). Try to do some exercises before hand. Little walks to keep up level of fitness. One tip use a little cushion after 'll and press against chest when you do breathing exercises or cough. It takes a lot of pressure of the wound and exercise as often as possible. He will get through it. It's difficult so no bullying but gentle encouragement. Take care and stay safe x x
Have a good blubber. I did and I am a guy. A total mess on the big day. 6 months on and my dear love is still in pain. She just didn't exercise regularly. I guess in your husband's case in won't be a big problem because if he was active then being active again won't be a problem. The biggest key to a good recovery is exercise. He will be in good hands for the operation. It's you who will be suffering in the short term. When you get the good news your suffering will end and the nagging will begin.
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