54 female awaiting CABG

[LilLondon]

Hi, diagnosed on 26th July with blocked LAD & awaiting cabg . In shock as 54 & working primary school teacher. Had pre assessment on Friday so hoping 6-8 weeks wait but know there is a big problem with ICU beds in West London. Would love to hear any female perspectives of operation & recovery ❤️‍🩹

[080311]

Hello LilLondon,

Welcome to the forum, not a place you ever thought you would be joining! I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 5 years ago, never had any health issues before so being told it’s as if the ground as opened up under our feet.

Firstly let me say that the surgery is not as daunting as our imagination makes it, you are well looked after no pain and if you follow all the instructions you will be given your recovery will be good.

When you get home it’s no arms above your head and don’t lift anything heavier than half a kettle of water. No pulling or pushing movements so ironing and hoovering is out😂 this is for 8-10 weeks until your sternum is healed like any broken bone.

You will be given breathing and coughing exercises by the physios after surgery, keep doing them when you get home they really do help. Remember your lungs are collapsed when we are on bypass so they need a little help to get all those pockets filled up again.

It’s really baby steps listen to your body when it says I am tired you rest. We all recover at a different rate, but we all get there.

If you have any questions just post and and someone will be along to help. There are lots of us who have been where your standing and know how it feels.

I was very sick before my surgery I spent 7 weeks in hospital them getting me as fit as possible, before they transferred me to the specialist heart hospital. As I said 5 years on and my life is good, every day I thank the medical team that gave me my life back.

Best wishes Pauline

[LilLondon in reply to 080311]

Thanks that’s so reassuring 😀

[Hidden]

Hello

I am 58 and October last year I had a heart attack out the blue which I was 57 then and I was in shock and went on to have 2 more Feb then March this year by now 58

That is when they told ne I needed a Triple Bypass which I had done 7 weeks ago and to be honest I am still trying to get my head around everything that has happened within a year so I think that is normal especially when you never had any idea anything was wrong

But people on here have replied to my posts when I first joined saying we are the lucky one's that have been given this second chance and I think that helps to put things a little bit more into perspective to think we are lucky , we might have to wait a while but meantime we know there is something they can do and have us usually on medications to protect us

Personally I am such an anxious person I have suffered with anxiety most my life so the thoughts of this operation literally petrified me even though I knew it had to be done but here I am I did it which trust me if I can get through it anyone can

Of course it is not the smallest op we could be having done but it is not half as bad as we or can imagine it will be like

The Nurses put you at ease and once you are asleep you know nothing till you wake up in ICU

Any pain they have well controlled , I may have been lucky but I have to say I was surprised how little pain I was in

They soon have you up and moving at first you feel unsteady and out of puff but after what we have had done who would expect any other and for me I was just glad the op was over so what was been unsteady and out of puff compared to getting through he op

Before you know it they are sending you home

Recovery which I am at that stage and only because I am impatient is slower than what I want at 7 weeks I want to be doing a Marathon which is not going to happen but I have not suffered severe pain still working on my breathing and to be honest most of all for me I think the emotional mental side of it has so far been my biggest struggle but I struggled with those things before the op so was expected really

I hope you get a date soon but just think you will be a new woman when you have had this done and you now have here to come and let members support you every step of the way and they will they are so kind and patient and that will help you so much x

[LilLondon in reply to Hidden]

I really appreciate that thanks 😀

[Justjules1234 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Thanks for your reassuring post. I have dreadful anxiety and I’m not scared of pain but waking up with a tube down my throat….I remember my MIL having her bypass and we went to see her and she had silent tears running down her cheeks so that’s what scares me the most if I have to have one 😥

[Hidden in reply to Justjules1234]

Hello

I am neither frightened of pain I have 3 grown up children

I have anxiety over just about everything else and the thought of the tube down my throat petrified me literally !

I was afraid of waking up and it been left down my throat so I could feel it so much went through my mind making me so anxious

But I never even knew I had one down

I never realised I had woken up and they had taken it out and they tried removing it twice so I was told

One was later in the day after the op but I was not ready so they left me sedated with it in and then the next Morning when I was ready and they did remove it

Honestly had they not told me all this I would have never known

I hope this reassures you a little bit x

[Justjules1234 in reply to Hidden]

Phew yes it does thanks!! My worst fear would be to be aware of it but not be awake fully 😳

[Hidden in reply to Justjules1234]

I understand that went round and round my head , how would I react and feel Honestly though if someone said I had not had a tube down at all I would believe them because I never felt a thing

They are very good they way they do it , they must leave you quiet sedated I imagine , but let go of that fear now one less to worry about x

[Justjules1234 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, got to get through all the awful tests yet…angiogram is already freaking me out…

[Hidden in reply to Justjules1234]

Well here we go with the angiogramAgain guess who was petrified of it yes me

First one did not happened I freaked out before they got me in the room

Second attempt did and I felt foolish for freaking out over the first one when it did happen

I had mine done going up my arm they can do arm or groin

By now they knew I was a nervous wreck and they gave me something that calmed me down just a little , so always worth letting them know if you feel any of these things will help you

Now this is not common so please do not think this will happen to you because usually first attempt is enough but it took them 5 attempts trying to get the right size ( sorry I have no clue what them call them ) but I will say wire to fit but even at that I stayed still , did not freak out and the nurses were all talking away to me

So that test was not what my anxiety tried to make out it would be

Now the Consultant that did do the angiogram as I had 3 heart attacks in a short space of time as I was in the room resting did come and break the news it looked like triple Bypass but somehow I think I knew already and when he said you will be like a new women after then it did make me feel better

They give you a nice cup of tea and toast just monitor your BP etc for a while and then of you go back home

The next test I had done was just blowing into this little machine testing my lung capacity nothing at all to that as easy as blowing a whistle !

Next was a scan again they have to check your heart rate before they do it , I am shocked mine was ok as I was so anxious I thought it would be through the roof , then of into a room , lay on a bed , machine comes over you and you just follow what the computerized voice says like hold your breath , now let go etc

All over before you know it totally painless and that is that one done

And the last one is so simple , lay on a bed again , put some jelly on your chest , then not sure if you have had children but they use the same thing and just roll it over taking some pictures , no pain at all !

These were the tests I had to have done and would imagine most might be the same that are looking at having Bypass surgery but hopefully as you read this again you will see going through these pre op tests are nothing at all to worry about and from someone that worries about everything and anything then that says it all if I am saying they are nothing to fear

I think the unknown is worse and what we fear the most rather than when we actually go and have the tests done x

[Justjules1234 in reply to Hidden]

Oh that’s so helpful and very kind of you to take the trouble to reply. I hope your recovery continues to go well x

[Gail1967]

Hi- aged 51 I went to a football match in north London- came home 17 days later after a cabg x 4!!! Had been running day before- 3 months before had got a completely clear over 50 health check from GP. It shows you don’t know what’s going on inside. Op & recovery were good- you just have to be kind to yourself & see each day as a step in your recovery. Now 2 1/2 years on I have the scar to remind me but heart feels good. Mine has since found to be a genetic problem- little known about in UK- but I figure it was a wake up call to be even more mindful of living a well life. It took 51 years to happen so hoping any repeat will be a long time coming too!!! I was at St Barts in London- fantastic treatment- complete faith in them- they really knew what they were doing. I didn’t react well to the post op meds- sick etc but they got that sorted with an extra night in icu & I still came home after 5 days. I still can’t believe it happened but life is good. The op is a big one for us but routine for the medical team. Good luck & ask any q’s you like ❤️‍🩹

[Marvin123]

Had a heart attack last year completely out of the blue then had triple bypass followed by two stents a few months later.The op itself is a bit daunting but probably not as bad as I expected.Had it done on Friday pm and came home tues morning.Best advice off here get a v shaped pillow or two I had one in bed and one downstairs.... and a pillow for the car to put under the seat belt !!

Sleeping was dreadful for a while,and I gave up with that and just went with it ! Netflix!!

You’re going to be fine...... I’m proud of my scar ,it’s a reminder that I’m one of the lucky ones .

[Lilyrosy]

Good morning LilLondon,

I have just seen your post and replies and wanted to add to their positive thoughts.

I had my 4xCABG 3 years ago in August and everyday I feel is an absolute bonus.

I have always been healthy, 8st and a non smoker but that diagnosis hit me like a train as my only concern before was a slight ache in my left arm.

Very stupid to have ignored it for a year.

Personally I think the key is believing you have a second chance and to take your rehab very seriously.

Those short walk around the garden became a pain but much better when you realise that after 4-6 weeks you’re aching to get out and in my case to drive and go on holiday.

Of course in 2018 we were allowed to go on holiday! So my bucket list included Vietnam as soon as I could which I did 3 months later.

My sister lives in the Brecon Beacons so I regularly get to visit and manage to walk up some of the pretty steep hills/mountains.

I even surprise myself!

I think by the earlier comments you have learnt there is certainly life after CABG and as has been said. The doctors are always saying it’s a serious operation but a regular one for them.

All the best to you and remember those exercises.

[LilLondon in reply to Lilyrosy]

Thanks....I too ignored pain thinking it was heartache missing my son who had gone to uni!!! Silly me lol

[Giant68]

Hi, this is not a ladies viewpoint but a blokes, they're probably quite close. I was 54 and, so I thought, quite fit, when I had half a dozen heart attacks a couple of years ago. I was lucky, sort of, in that I was sent to A&E by my GP and kept in until I had been sorted out. What was originally going to a couple of stents and I would be home in a couple of days turned into a quintuple bypass. But 2 years down the line I am fine. I followed all the instructions, take all my medication and listen to my wife...The ops are almost 'run of the mill' now as they are very common.

Take care of yourself, you'll be fine.

Giant68

[Leilavivienne]

I was shocked 6 years ago told I needed quadruple by pass . Had to go private though NHS said no but I found a surgeon Mr Indra Paul Birdi he did it . Recovered fine few blood along the way but fine . Good luck

[Lilyrosy in reply to Leilavivienne]

Hi there,A coincidence but because I was shunted off my original surgery due to an emergency I also had Mr Birdi.

The Essex Cardiothoracic hospital were amazing and I couldn’t fault the care that I was given.

It still makes me emotional thinking about the wonderful staff from every nation.

Where would we be without them.

[Gimmehealth1]

Hi, I had a triple bypass two years ago. Like others here it came as a shock. I was 55, fit, fairly good diet. But there you go ... Arteries were blocked and I thought 'why me'. To reassure you, you don't know much about the op ... You wake up .. you have tubes attached etc. But the pain is managed well. No lifting etc for a few months, but you will be surprised how well your body repairs. I noticed the difference after a few months.. blood circulation ... more energy etc. Here I am two years later and I jog every night and throw some weights around. Feeling great. I want to write this to tell you not to worry. You will be ok👍😁. This will be a new lease of life ... Make every day count. Good luck.

[LilLondon in reply to Gimmehealth1]

Thank you so much 😊

[MountainGoat52]

Hi LilLondon,

I'm one of the unusual ones that actually elected to have bypass surgery. After a heart attack and a couple of stents I was referred for surgery. I had the choice of having the bypass which the surgeon hoped would give me 25 years without further intervention or further stents after about 10 years. Being quite fit and wanting to continue with hill walking, which is what I love to do, for me it was an easy decision.

Even starting from a relatively high fitness level, I would say that having the bypass has made things even better. As has been said, the reality of the operation is not as bad as we imagine it to be and you are taken well care of. I'm now 3 years post op and climbing Munros in Scotland whenever the oportunity arises. I never imagined being able to do this before my heart attack, let alone after it.

I hope that a date for your surgery comes through soon. You may have the date put back, as indeed I did, but keep positive. It is well worth going through with this.

With my best wishes,

Gerald

[Max1019]

Unfortunately I’m not one of the lucky ones! 2 years post dbl bypass and still struggling. Had good support from cardio rehab team, they don’t mind you asking for answers, so grab whatever you can, take ten minutes at a time and be thankful. Don’t bottle up your emotions find a good support person to ‘let it out on’. You will have been hit with a ‘truck’, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Be very kind to yourself and enjoy family and friends to the best of your ability. Best wishes

Lorraine

[Isobel1]

I can only echo what others have said, also if the hospital thinks your condition is serious enough, I imagine they'd refer you to have the operation out of London where there isn't such a strain on ICU beds. I hope you hear from them soon. I've heard of this happening before.

[Coper10]

Hi LilLondon, I am 52 and out of the blue in January found I had an aortic aneurysm which needed urgent open heart surgery. I was 8 days into a new job and have 2 children. It took a while to get my head round things!! I also had 6 weeks in hospital pre-op (no visitors) to get well enough for the op.

The care I had in hospital was brilliant. It was overwhelming being back at home after so long away and initially hard being so restricted in what I could and couldn't do. I made sure my kids helped out a lot more 🙂. Others have mentioned the do's and don'ts. The main thing I found was - just accepting some days will be better than others and being kind to yourself. You will get very tired very easily to start with. That's fine, it's ok to put your feet up with a book and a cuppa. Make sure you get out for a walk each day and gradually build up your time/ distance. Things will settle bit by bit. I've learned to appreciate little things more. At first it may seem like progress is slow, however 6 months in, I can't believe how far I've come. Take things at your own pace 🙂

[Pinkysparkly in reply to Coper10]

Hi there. Sorry to hear of the shock urgency you experienced earlier in the year. I can imagine trying to get your head around it all. Hope you are feeling a lot better more. Can I ask you a question? I’ve got to go into hospital soon for open heart surgery as I’ve a condition called ‘constrictive pericarditis’, diagnosed 2 years ago. I too had to get my head around the idea of such a major operation. I waited a few months as my consultant said to go away and just get my head around it, I said go ahead and then the pandemic struck! For your op, how long dis it take for you to recover? I know you’d have been tired. Just trying to get some idea of what to face as I should have had my op this month and still waiting, which is fine, as I can get some stuff done around my home and keep working, etc. If you can share with me your experience, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.

[Coper10 in reply to Pinkysparkly]

Hello there, here’s some info about my recovery. When I first got home it took a day or 2 to get used to the many tablets I had to take, getting help getting my medical stockings on and off, taking my time over having a shower and getting dressed. I’d feel tired once that was done! I made sure to do a walk each day, 10 minutes the first week then added 10 mins each week until I got to an hour. At first, I wanted someone with me but after 2 weeks felt confidant enough on my own. Then I increased the pace I walked at.

It was difficult not being able to reach for things or lift things. As others have said, put items you use often where it’s easy to access. I’d get some milk put in a jug so I could make my own cup of tea, rather than get someone to lift the heavy milk bottle as it was frustrating having to rely on others. Then I did a little washing up. I was very conscious of the risk of harming my sternum so didn’t take any risks. Once I got to 12 weeks, I knew it should be fully healed but took it cautiously. I got some upper arm exercises from cardiac rehab when appropriate. I slept propped up with a back rest for the first few weeks, then several pillows before finally lying flat.

Although I was cleared to drive at 6-7 weeks, I didn’t feel ready until about 10 weeks. It felt strange at first (I had 4 months without) but quickly felt normal again.

Some days I would feel really positive, others I’d be quite tearful for no apparent reason. I measured my progress by the reduction in the number of tablets I took, the increase in my walking, the reduction in my ‘wobbly’ days and me being able to do more.

I had 3 months off work post op, then a phased return over 6 weeks. I still get tired but it’s just 6 months since my op so not surprising. I just go to bed early! Other than that, I feel things are more or less normal. I feel my fitness is increasing, I’m doing more jogging when out on a walk and try to exercise 30 mins a day. I may end up fitter than previously. Looking back at how little I felt able to do initially, I cannot believe how well my body has recovered. Main thing to remember - no day is the same, I had good and bad days but it’s important to go with the flow and not put pressure on yourself. I hope that helps 🙂

[LilLondon in reply to Coper10]

Amazingly positive thanks

[Trog1]

Hello It’s over two years since my emergency CABG x 3 (they initially thought it would be 4) since an Nstemi heart attack revealed at the age of 58 that I suffered from the genetic condition familial hypercholesterolemia which, despite never smoking, drinking alcohol and an otherwise pretty healthy lifestyle, had caused my arteries to clog to the point I had to wait in hospital for emergency surgery. All the nurses, Drs and surgeons were amazing - explained everything and tolerated my extreme anxiety as the shock of the discovery, plus realising and coming to terms with the fact that the condition (which doesn’t miss a generation) and the loss of some immediate family - who it had been thought had possibly suffered lifestyle related heart conditions - had actually had the same genetic problem (since proven by tests which revealed one of my late brother’s children has it).

After my op I was in the intensive heart care ward for 3 days and then put on a recovery ward until my return home 6 days later - which would have been a bit sooner but I had a problem with AF so they had to treat that and sort out any meds including some to treat the genetic condition which caused the problem.

On returning home I had to take things very steadily for a few weeks and build up gradually with no lifting or housework. Then at around 6 weeks post op I was sorted with cardiac rehab which helped tremendously. I now try to ensure I continue to do plenty of walking and exercise to keep healthy and fit. When first diagnosed I must admit I thought why me and occasionally still have days where I feel a little low but always try to overcome that by thinking positively just how lucky I am that the problem was found and treated and, even with an occasional down day hiccup, I have been given another chance to live my life by the amazing people who dedicate their working lives to help others.

Wishing you all the best and look forward to hearing from you on the forum in the future. Take care. xx

[Debtyd]

hiya..well I'm 50yrs old and last October I went for invasive angiogram as I'd been havin trouble for quie a while..they found my LAD was 100%blocked and fitted 2stents.had a 20%block in posterior artery which they left alone...few months later stents decided that they didn't like their new home and collapsed.so then I went for another standby angiogram in May and they resented LAD and also put a stent in the slightly narrowed artery but I'm still having issues awaiting a stress mri scan....it maybe that a bypass is next.i was in a ward with an amazing lady not many years older than yourself and she had a bypass and says it's the best thing that she could've had done...she has her life back and the breathlessness n wheezing had gone and she goes up and down stairs without struggling to breathe...we are so lucky to have an amazing selection of cardiologist surgeons so you will be in great hands....the after care team aren't too bad either...hope these few words are even a bit reassuring and I wish you wellxxx

[Autumn-skies]

dear lillondon

I had my triple by pass 6 years ago . Absolutely no doubt that it’s scary but the staff were very professional and matter of fact that it gave me the courage to just do it. I absolutely agree with everything everyone else has said but also make sure you have a very good supporting and comfortable bra and as it’s difficult to raise your arms above the shoulders either get someone to wash your hair and dry it if needed or find a friendly hairdresser to wash it ,who will help you get comfortable in their chair leaning forward was not easy . My chest muscles seem to become stiff after a while so I invested in seeing a physio privately to let me know which exercises to do and it was worth every penny . As the others have said .. you will feel so much better when it’s done and you’ve recuperated. Good luck with it all , it’s scary and there are usually more men than women around the cardiac surgery unit and the rehab sessions .