Bypass operation soon

Hi,

I am having a bypass operation in 2/3 weeks time.

Does anyone have any advice for me about their own experience of this .? What can I expect before; during and after surgery ?

Thanks 😁

[gilreid1]

Well where to start ? Are or are you going to have a pre operation meeting with cardio team ? This helped me no end as like everyone had now idea what was about to happen. All I can say is put your trust in the surgeon and nurses. Prepare yourself for a journey like no other but if you follow all the advice you will get thru it no problem. Everyone is different and we all have had events but the one thing we all have in common is we are still here. I wish you well and I am sure in about three months time you will be sharing your personal advice to others. You will get all the support you need but never be afraid to ask.

All the best

Gil 🤗🤗

[Hidden in reply to gilreid1]

Hi Gil, thank you so much for your support.I will be having my pre op meeting next week so need to get myself ready to ask any questions I have or let them know of any concerns I’m having .

As you say I’ m sure this will be very helpful,and reassuring 😁

[gilreid1 in reply to Hidden]

My advice would be to ignore Google. And involve your personal family as they will also have a huge part to play. All this will be explained.

[080311]

Hi Birdy23

Had my surgery 4 years ago Aortic valve replaced and bypass, the thing to remember is it’s not as bad as our imagination makes it. Follow the instructions you are given, no arms above your head no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water no pushing or pulling movements you have to let your sternum heal 8-10 weeks.

You will be given breathing exercises to do by the physios I called them huffing and puffing try and keep doing them when you get home they really do help remember our lungs are collapsed when we are on bypass so they need a bit of help to fill all those little pockets out again.

When you get home it’s baby steps if you’re body says I am tired rest, don’t be surprised if you get emotional it’s normal our brain as to catch up with what as happened to our body it’s sort of saying what as happened here😂

I wish you well things will be good, I am grateful every day to the medical team that gave me my life back . Soon you will be doing the recovery road and your life will be back on track.

Best wishes Pauline

[Hidden in reply to 080311]

Hi,PaulineThank you so much for your support and advice.

I hope I am able to cope with the recovery ,following the instructions , hopefully without too many bad days 😁

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

Hi Birdy 23. I think Pauline captured much of the information you need to start with. When my hubby had a quad bypass in November 2018, I found this forum invaluable. I joined in June 2018 as I had so many questions. Like Pauline said, it's not as bad as your brain will be telling you it is!! The cardio surgeons do this procedure in their sleep and as ours said, "I could do this with one hand tied behind my back and with a blindfold on". Thankfully, he didn't but he had a good sense of humour which helped!!

You'll wake up in the ICU and there'll be lots of bleeping going on. You'll be moved probably to the High Dependency Unit (a step down from the ICU) a day or so after and then moved onto a ward where remaining tubes and stuff will be removed.

Hubby was walking around and popping to the loo a couple of days after the op and was back home 3 days later.

Just remember to tell whoever is going to drive you home from hospital NOT to go over speed humps or over drain covers fast!!! A pillow to protect your chest works wonders under the seat belt.

Ask as many questions as you need to (I certainly did!). I was told by lovely people on this forum that there are no stupid questions!

All the best. Jan xxx

[Hidden in reply to Handel]

Thanks so much Jan . Glad your husband made a speedy recovery 😁I have had so much support from everyone on the forum , it’s really reassuring x

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

Hi Birdy23. Just remember, if any questions pop into your head, write them down and ask. Many lovely people on this forum have had heart related procedures so will be able to give their experiences.Don't forget to ask your heart team though. While we can give our experiences and an indication of what you will need (in hospital and when you get home), we aren't medical people.

On that note - a V shaped pillow is a must for getting comfy in a chair or when sitting up in bed! (and those elasticated stockings they give you are a pain but necessary!!!)

All the best

Jan xxx

[Hidden in reply to Handel]

Hi Jan , I’ve actually just got my appointment for my pre op assessment on Wednesday . They are not hanging about ! Only got told last Tuesday I was getting the op !

I will be making a list of questions to ask so I don’t forget anything ! Xx

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

Nice one!! Keep us posted. I wrote down loads of questions (I'm ancient and forget!!) when hubby met with the heart crew. Of course, I forgot the list of questions!!!

xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to Handel]

Thanks , I will keep up to date on posting .Hubby will be with me so hopefully he’ll remember things I don’t ! Xx

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

It's just the waiting now. You'll be in and out and mended in no time. Love and virtual hugs to you both. Jan xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to Handel]

Aw, lovely 🥰 Thanks so much x

[Hidden]

Hello

I am so pleased for you that you are getting your surgery done in a few weeks

I am waiting for Bypass surgery and have no clue when as yet

Would you mind if I asked how long you have been waiting ?

I am of course worried I think that is natural but I have read like others that have had this done within 3 months you feel like a new person and the way I am feeling at the moment that sounds good to me

I wish you all the best and I hope you will come back and tell us all about it when you are home as I know that will help me for one and many others x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your best wishes.I saw the surgeon on Tuesday of this week and he advised me that the surgery would be done in the next 2/ 3 weeks .

I am very grateful that I am not having to wait a long time to get the op 😁

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hello

Well you are very lucky and I am so pleased you have not had to wait long

I know they are having a meeting about me early next week and I think I will get to know more then but I could be looking at waiting longer but we shall see , meantime as I say I shall look forward to your posts telling us how well you are doing x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I do hope you won’t have wait too long .I will hopefully be able to post with encouraging news after surgery 😁

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have every faith you will be posting with encouraging news after and I will be asking more questions than you may want to answer , no doubt silly one's like when did they let you shower , how do you manage to shower without getting the wound wet , I shall be trying to get all the tips I can from you x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ha ! No question is too silly in these circumstances.The one I want to know is - can I wear a bra !

I’m one of these women who hates not having a bra on !😂

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well I have wondered that to , I have read they say get a front fastening one so I am not sure , so we have one concerned about showing and one concerned about wearing a Bra At least we have got our priorities right x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'll be sure to ask about these concerns at my pre op meeting next week 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you , look forward to the answers and do take note of the expressions on their faces when you ask x

[080311 in reply to Hidden]

Yes you can but it as to be front fastening, some hospitals put you in a bra whilst your still in theatre, I didn’t. had a couple from M&S I do know of some who have found placing a handkerchief between the scar and the bra, though I never did. Normally wear wired bra but only went back once the sternum was healed. It’s stretching behind to fasten that’s the problem.As you say there is no such thing as a silly question 😂

Pauline

[Hidden in reply to 080311]

Pauline

I hope you don't mind me asking but did you feel better with or without a Bra on ?

And bathing how did that work if again I can ask ? x

[080311 in reply to Hidden]

Morning Bekind,I didn’t wear a bra in hospital started when I got home. Felt better with it on, needed my glasses on to fasten all the hooks and eyes😂 showering was ok, while in ICU you are bed bathed in HD the first time was supervised by a nurse and there was a chair that you sat in. At home it was ok just don’t put your arms above your head washing your hair is ok just be especially careful, if you have someone who could help you that would be good if you are nervous. The other thing is the very glamorous white stockings, they really are a pain to get on but I was shown trick with a plastic bag 😂 my husband got quite adept at putting them on, it was such a relief when I could leave them off.

Best wishes Pauline

[Hidden in reply to 080311]

Thank You Pauline

I wondered how women felt regarding bras , because of the scar if it irritated it having one on or if you feel better having one on I suppose the answer is to just find out which you feel best with

I am so funny regarding people touching me , I am not sure how I will like someone bed bathing me I have to be honest but I suppose we shall have to see when it gets to that

I wondered how you avoided getting the wound wet once you can get in the shower and I was thinking about getting a chair for the bath which seems like a good idea from what you say

I have had the luxury of wearing the glamorous stockings before . the mind boggles how the plastic bag comes in when putting them on

Will be wondering now

Thank you for replying to me x

[080311 in reply to Hidden]

As for bed bath you will be so grateful you will think it’s wonderful😂 after surgery it’s great to be freshened up. No problem getting the scar wet, just dab with a baby sponge. I didn’t have a chair at home in the shower and I was ok. I was out of bed 16 hours after the op still in ICU and the physios had me marching on the spot! Still attached to lots of tubes😂 What I would suggest though move anything you use regularly from top shelf’s in your kitchen, benefits of the surgery no hoovering or ironing for a while 😂

[Hidden in reply to 080311]

Hello

That is god to hear I was worrying I would not be able to shower for I don't know how long in my head , it is so good to be able to ask others , now I can forget those thoughts

I am not tall anyway and forever shouting Husband to reach me things , so we might not know the difference with that it is the normal in this House already me shouting I cannot reach this and that

Thank You again Pauline for replying x

[-007- in reply to 080311]

White stockings, plastic bag, my mind is boggling😳Should I teach my wife how to do this?

Would I enjoy it?

Would I have trembling knees after it?

No wait, don’t tell me, somethings are best left a mystery😉

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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-007- Licensed to Pill 💊

[080311 in reply to -007-]

You sound like my husband 😂 married over 50 years and we were laughing our heads off😂😂😂

[-007- in reply to 080311]

Hahaha kindred spirits.It’s my birthday soon and my wife says I’ll be 13 again. 😇

I try my best not to disappoint her🥳

[-007- in reply to 080311]

I just remembered Pauline,

After the bypass operation I had long white compression stockings almost the full length of my legs. Also I had itchy nipples that were better if I put some cream on them.

I was standing in the bedroom in my underpants with white stockings on rubbing cream in my nipples. My wife came in so I struck "the pose" 😚 she said there’s a sight to scar you for life.

I said "hey, a lot of women would pay good money to get in and see this you know".

My wife said "and they’d be asking for it back on the way out too".😳

I mean there’s no need is there… secret agents have feelings too you know.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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-007- current mission - keeping his secret chocolate stash safe from his daughter 🍫

[Handel in reply to -007-]

😂😂😂xxx

[Max1019 in reply to Hidden]

There are sterna bra, very supportive but inelegant! Used mine for five days only then there’s some recommendations on the BHR site, front fastening which I then went on to use and felt much better in. As we’re all different. Bra fitting service after about 6 months is probably helpful. No underwires are recommended. Hope itfoes well.

[Pollypuss]

You have had some great advice. Fast forward 18 months I feel recycled and really good.

[jwd52]

HiHad my bypass 10 months ago.

Had the best sleep ever ehile they did op 😂.

The surgeon didn't do mine off pump as I have kidney disease and he sais it would be kinder to my organs to keep my heart beating so think it took eight hours.

Waking up you are sore and very dopey

but I went home 2 days after operation.

Jusy take your time afterwards, and when you feel tired or sore just rest.

My heart is fine now jusy waiting to get my kidneys sorted.

Hope all goes well

Jill xx

[Hidden in reply to jwd52]

Thank you Jill . So glad to hear you have recovered well . Hope you get your kidneys sorted soon xx

[Steve_G]

I had my triple bypass 2.5 years ago when I was 59 years old. Whilst everything about it might be a little scarey, you should remember that this is simply routine to all the hospital staff involved so place your trust in them. I cannot praise the staff that looked after me enough for their considerate care and the amazing skill they showed. Expect to be anxious before the op but know that once you’re out the other end that your life will be transformed. I can remember lying on the table chatting to the anaesthetist who was Dutch and then nothing until a nurse brought me round the following morning with a gentle, cooling and strangely welcome, bed bath. The early post op days are uncomfortable, you have to learn to cough to clear you chest and I’ll never forget my first sneeze. Once I was up and walking there was no looking back and I was back at work 8 weeks post-op. Now I just have my meds to take (aspirin, lanzoprazole, bisoprolol and atorvastatin) every day and an annual check up at the GP’s. Try not to get too anxious, just do as you’re told by the staff and your life will be transformed. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Steve_G]

Hi Steve , thanks so much for your lovely reply. So pleased to hear you are doing so well . Hopefully I will make an equally speedy recovery 😄

[emjay18]

When my wife collected me after my by-pass she was asked "Is he usually like this ?? " I remember nothing but learned that I was very stroppy and argumentative during my 4 days in hospital post op ! I truly believe that it was not like me at all, and maybe my wife would agree with me ....... or maybe not !

[Hidden in reply to emjay18]

I’m sure my husband would say “she’s always like that “ lol 😂

[emjay18 in reply to Hidden]

So you know, that may be a help - I didn't remember at all and still have chunks of unremembered time in the weeks after my op ?

[-007-]

Ahhh your in a place right now not knowing what to expect and what your going to have to go through.

The good news is… your in the system and getting sorted.

Keep that uppermost in your mind.

I had a quintuple bypass (CABG x 5) March 2019.

A couple of years before I had a heart attack and five stents.

By the time I got to the operation they were keeping me going on a drip to make sure I got to theatre.

I was so excited to be getting the operation I would have walked to the operating table, jumped on and say "get on with it"😂

The day after the op I walking on the spot.

Day after that I was walking around the bed.

A few days later up and down the ward.

Day five I was going home to a nice steak dinner with a glass of red whilst watching the "Voice" on TV.

Was it tough in hospital recovering? Yes it was.

But I kept thinking "every day in every way I’m getting better and better".

Four weeks I was driving the car.

Twelve weeks I was riding my Triumph Bonneville 900 cc motorbike(at 65 years of age).

We’ve now bought motorhome that we’re collecting on the 21st of this month. It’s quite an old one but we intend to do Scotland in it this year and tour Europe next year (if only this virus would go away).

One bad thing is that my kids are rolling their eyes and saying "pops is showing his scar again mum". There’s just no respect nowadays. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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My name is Bond, James Bond and I take my aspirin shaken not stirred 🍸

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[Hidden in reply to -007-]

Sounds like you made a very quick recovery! That’s so reassuring ! Thanks so much 😀

[invictaAlec]

Birdy23,

It is almost three years to the day I had my CABGx3. I can see you've already had a lot of excellent advice. We all have different tales to tell about our post op recovery, mending as we do in our own ways and at our own pace.

So many posts on this, our excellent forum, are really just asking the question "X is happening to me, is this normal?" Guaranteed someone will identify with whatever concerns you and will offer support and camaraderie.

I was lucky enough to be treated at St.Thomas' in London. The staff were all fantastic at this world class NHS hospital. On leaving, sister said "Don't forget your teddy". Everyone who leaves St.Thomas' goes home with a "teddy". Actually its only a rolled up towel which you can cradle against your chest in those early recovery days.

Whatever you do, try not to sneeze!😀

Good luck and best wishes.

Alec.

[Hidden in reply to invictaAlec]

Thanks for your best wishes Alec.I’ll bear that in mind about getting something to hold on to when I sneeze!

I have a very hairy golden lab who likes to greet me by having a good shake , loosening any fur , which usually goes up my nose ! Eek 😬