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[Bargod1958]

Hi everyone, I’m new here and keen to find out what I can expect when I have bypass surgery in 2~3 weeks time. I went to the Dr in early September this year with some chest discomfort whilst walking uphill. I had an angiogram 3 weeks later and was told I had a blocked artery so needed a bypass. I’m looking forward with trepidation so any advice would be most welcome. Thanks.

[080311]

Morning Bargod1958

Welcome to the forum, had my Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 5 years ago. I was 68, never been ill before so like lots of us here it came as a complete shock.

You will be told no arms above your head, no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water. No pulling or pushing movements, remember your sternum needs to heal like any broken bone. It’s 8-10 weeks before they will be knitted together. A bit of advice look at your kitchen shelves anything up high that you use regularly move down!

You will be given breathing exercises to do by the physios after your op, carry on doing them when you get home they really do help, when we are on bypass our lungs collapse so they need a little help to get all those little pockets filled out again.

The normal is 2 days in ICU, a couple of days in HDU and then on to the normal cardio ward. All together about 7 days in hospital.

When you get home, listen to your body when it says I am tired you rest, you will get your stamina back but it takes time. Try and do the cardio rehab, it’s such a bonus, great for your stamina but great for your mental health. Being around others who have been though the same thing is great because you can say I have such and such and someone else will say me too, and suddenly you feel ok this is normal.

You will need to sleep on your back for a while so a V shaped pillow can help, the first time I could get on my side was bliss 😂

Don’t be surprised if you get emotional easily, we have a huge dose of anesthetiser and some very exotic drugs 😂and it takes longer than we think to work it’s way out of our symptoms, plus are brain is still processing what as happened to us.

As I said it’s 5 years since my op, and every day I am grateful to the medical team that gave me my life back.

Remember you are now a member of the Hearties family and we are here if you need questions answered to lend an ear or even a shoulder to lean on if that’s what you need. Believe me the surgery is not like our imagination makes it there is very little pain they are so good at what they do.

Wishing you a great recovery.

Best wishes Pauline

[Bargod1958 in reply to 080311]

Good morning Pauline, thanks for your reply it’s good to hear from someone who’s been there and got the T-shirt so to speak. Glad to hear that your op and treatment has given you your life back, that’s what I’m hoping for too. I will gladly accept all the rehab offered if it helps get back to running about with my grandchildren(5). My wife and I have started making a list of things to do and your points have been added.

Many thanks and best wishes.

Steve.

[080311 in reply to Bargod1958]

I smiled at the running round with grandchildren, I too have 5 granddaughters and one of the biggest joys of the last 5 years as been able to see them grow, the eldest one (Australia) is just finishing her first year at university. Youngest now playing water polo! If these very clever people couldn’t mend our hearts just think what we would be missing 😊You will be great, just follow the instructions you will be given and your life will be back on track.

Pauline

[Bargod1958 in reply to 080311]

Thanks Pauline they keep us young.

[Chappychap]

Those incredible NHS heroes are about to give you the most amazing gift that anyone can ever receive in this life...a second chance.

Unfortunately bypass surgery can't actually cure our underlying atherosclerosis. So even though we emerge from surgery free from the symptoms of angina, we'll still have the same underlying disease of atherosclerosis.

We do however have this miraculous second chance. What we actually do with it is entirely up to us!

If we're diligent about taking our medication and seize the opportunity to make a root and branch reform of our lifestyles, then there's no reason why we can't slow the progress of our underlying heart disease to an absolute crawl, and go on to enjoy many more years of active and healthy life.

Don't let those wonderful doctors and nurses down Bargod, they've dedicated their lives to giving us this precious and miraculous gift of a second chance.

Good luck!

[Bargod1958 in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks for your response Chappychap. It is indeed my intention to do everything I can to slow down this disease. Already I cannot praise the NHS highly enough for the way I’ve been treated. I’m sure I’ll be given advice on what to do post op with regards to diet and exercise etc. Best regards

Steve.

[Greenthorn]

The replies to your post have warned my heart. This forum is terrific for supporting each other. Very best wishes for the op and to new horizons.

[Bargod1958 in reply to Greenthorn]

Thank you.

[Handel in reply to Bargod1958]

I can't really add any more than the lovely Chappychap and Pauline.I can only speak for my husband who had a quad bypass (3 years ago tomorrow - wow, that time went fast)!

When you leave hospital, have clothes that you don't need to pull over your head like a shirt you can button up. I took a soft pillow when I picked hubby up so that he's have something to protect his chest when wearing a seat belt (tell whoever picks you up not to thump down drain covers and over speed humps at speed!!!!).

My hubby had his operation on the Monday and was home on the Friday.

The V shaped pillow is a good idea. I rolled a single duvet up to act as a buffer between us in the double bed so he couldn't roll over onto his side.

Follow the breathing exercises and walk a little more each day.

You'll be the life and soul of the party this Christmas.

I joined this forum 3 and a ha;f years ago because I was terrified and need so many questions answered. The lovely people on this forum came through for me and will do for you.

Lots of love and good wishes. Jan xxx

[Bargod1958 in reply to Handel]

Thanks Jan. All the responses I’ve received have added information to my what to expect/do list. Reading your response has reminded me ( not that I needed reminding) of how important partners are on this journey that we are on. I’ve already thanked the NHS for the care I’ve received so far but I have to thank my wife for her love, support and for having the patience of a saint. Best wishes to you and your husband. Steve.

[Handel in reply to Bargod1958]

Hi Steve. I can say from experience that it's a worrying time for partners (not that there was anything to worry about!). Hubby's heart was sorted out and his quality of life was improved 100%. The surgeon made me smile when he came to see us a couple of days after the op. He casually remarked "While I was in there, I sorted out another bit of pipe that might have got clogged up. Sorry about telling you it was a triple bypass". He sounded like an upmarket drain unblocker!!!

Good luck and love and best wishes to you and your wife. Jan xxxx

[Bargod1958 in reply to Handel]

Thanks Jan, I’ve been showing all the messages to my wife and she’s as grateful as me. It is a worrying time but we’re feeling more prepared for the future. It’s nice that your surgeon could be humorous about the situation.

Wishing you both good health. Steve.

[Handel in reply to Bargod1958]

The surgeon had us both in stitches (literally!).You'll have a nice scar to show you've been in battle and won!

Love and best wishes to you both. Jan xxx

[Bargod1958 in reply to Handel]

Thanks Jan, regards Steve.

[Njones4]

Good Morning

I had a double bypass last Thursday so am only a few days in and hoping to be discharged tomorrow - the staff were marvellous throughout and a team of 11 completed my surgery. I was in critical care for the first day then moved to the cardio ward on Saturday.The pain is much less than I thought and they do get you up and about asap - disconnecting the catheter and drains really helps the mobility.The team are well aware of all the emotional challenges - I am a very fit 55 year old who exercises regularly so like many on here my heart attack in June was a complete shock.There is a ton of advice on here to help you plan my only 2 points would be

- Trust the team and give up contrail and make peace with yourself - they are brilliant and know exactly what they are doing

- I don’t know what symptoms you have now however prepare for a real shortness of breath after the op - the lungs take a real battering and the exercise is so important to fill them back out

Best wishes and I am sure all will go well

[Bargod1958 in reply to Njones4]

Thanks for your response and advice. My only symptom has been discomfort whilst walking uphill no breathlessness. I’ve been told “you haven’t had a heart attack our goal is to make sure you don’t have one”. I have lost a bit of confidence re the exercising after hearing that but I’m now isolating before admission so wouldn’t be able to do much anyway. Good luck with your recovery. Regards Steve.

[Steve_G]

This could have been my story! At 59 years old, I too was diagnosed after getting breathless walking up hills. I had triple bypass surgery almost 3 years ago and had my life transformed. I cannot give enough credit and thanks to the NHS for the skill and care that they gave me. Everyone from the porters and technicians to the nurses, Drs and surgeons were simply amazing. I was also amazed at the way my body recovered sufficiently to enable me to be discharged 4days after surgery. There’s no getting away from the fact that this is major surgery but I was never in any real pain. There was plenty of discomfort (who can ever forget the horror of that first sneeze) but that didn’t last long and I was back at work 2months later. You just have to take it easy, do as you’re told and take your meds and your life will be transformed.

[Bargod1958 in reply to Steve_G]

Thanks for your response and advice. Whilst I’m nervous about what lies ahead hearing from people on this forum about their experiences certainly eases my mind. The NHS have been marvellous already I really can’t praise them enough. Regards Steve.

[Markp7119]

I had my by pass in June this year cabgx4Two days in ccu drugs did most of the work so no pain

On ward for 4 days some days better than others no pain but mainly discomfort in chest

Back home and took about 8 weeks for chest to start healing and getting back to normal duties

It is a bit of a journey not every day is a good day but mostly as blessed to be here

Now at gym 4 times a week

Best of luck I am sure all will be fine

Take care

Mark

[Bargod1958 in reply to Markp7119]

Thanks Mark. I feeling better towards what lies ahead after hearing from people like yourself on this forum. I’ve always played sport and been active so I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the golf course and fooling around with my grandchildren. Glad that your recovery is going well. Best regards Steve.

[Heather1957]

Back in 2017 at the grand age of 59 yrs old I had similar symptoms, it was confirmed during a stress test that it needed exploring further.An angiogram revealed a blockage and because of the location it seemed the only option was a single bypass.

I waited some months for the bypass but have to say it went very smoothly, the anticipation is worse than the actual op.

Due to bed shortages I was only in hospital for 4 days but I was so glad to get home.

Some advice, getting in and out of bed was difficult so I slept on a recliner in the lounge for a few days as it was so much easier than lying on my back in bed.

The pain had gone as soon as I had the surgery.

Unfortunately the pain returned a few weeks ago and it resulted in having 2 stents fitted, still recovering but getting there.

Any questions you have ask away, lots of friendly helpful people here.

[Bargod1958 in reply to Heather1957]

Hello and thanks. I’ve been told that I have a blockage that needs bypassing. Despite being nervous about the operation I’m looking forward to having it done. Just been on a FaceTime call with grandchildren which focuses the mind about recovering. I’m sure I will think of plenty more questions to ask as the days pass. I really can’t thank people enough for the advice I’ve already received. The NHS have been fantastic considering all that’s going on around us. Hope your recovery goes well and good luck for future health. Best regards Steve.

[Sewing19]

Welcome to the club.I had an out of the blue heart attack on my birthday in May 2021 and triple bypass 7 days later. ☹️

As WiFi was bad in hospital I didn’t research the op at all.

I stayed in ICU for 24 hours after my op then back to cardiac ward for 4 days.

I wasn’t in any pain. Quite a bit of discomfort for a few days especially when lying down. You need several pillows around you and behind you as I couldn’t sleep on my side for 4 weeks. Bliss when I could 😃

The best advice I was given was to take your pain relief regularly before you feel you need them and rest. I had to go to bed every afternoon for about 4 weeks.

My appetite was greatly reduced for several weeks so I lost 10lbs without trying😃A bonus 😃

The cardiac team said I would be able to walk 3 miles after 6 weeks. I thought “no way will that happen” but amazingly I could 👍 and I’m just an average 68 year old woman not a keen athlete.

Cardiac rehab has not been available to me because of Covid but the Cardiac nurses were on the end of the phone whenever I needed to chat or had a query. Then I found this site which is excellent.

The Community nurses will look after your dressings, chest and leg, and they were a great link and a safety net if needed.

My BP took a few months to settle down but with tweaking of meds and introducing new ones it’s now sorted.

My life is pretty much back to normal and my heart is renewed.

I’m sending you lots of good wishes for your op

😃❤️😃🤞

[Bargod1958 in reply to Sewing19]

Hi and thanks for your response. Nice to hear that you’ve recovered well after your operation. I’ve already had contact with cardiac nurses and will speak to them after the op. It’s been explained to me that due to Covid rehab advice will be given over the phone. Good luck and best regards Steve.

[Heather1957 in reply to Sewing19]

Totally agree re the pain killers, in hospital I was on a morphine drip and whether I was in pain or not as soon as it turned green I pushed the button.I was on co-codomol on discharge and limited to 8 a day, I always stretched them out so I had the last 2 as I was going to sleep as they were very good for making me dozy!

I posted on here regularly and often read my posts back as they are a great reminder of the ups and downs I went through.

All worth it though.

[Bargod1958 in reply to Heather1957]

Many thanks what I’ve read already has cheered me up.

[NyMets]

Just adding to all the excellent emails, you can buy microfibres pillows to help you sleep sitting up in bed. definitely follow the breathing exercises and if there is any pus (as chest wound/drain scar scan get infected), don’t treat yourself but get to gp’s for a look and a prescription/advice. If the doctors don’t mention it, I was told to tell docs I was “low threshold” to disease, just out of bypass … and they will set up an appointment… don’t diy with tcp… penicillin works!

Good luck for a strong recovery

[Bargod1958 in reply to NyMets]

Thanks for your response. Excellent advice to add to my list. Sleeping might be a challenge as I’m very much a on my side sleeper. Good luck for future health. Steve.

[Hidden]

Hi Bargod. You have had some excellent advice and suggestions. The only thing I can add that may help (but is a little gross!) is that following my bypass I was coughing up a lot of phlegm which was painful (coughing hurts after your bypass). Unfortunately, as I had several pipes, wires etc going in and out of me plus an O2 cylinder getting out of bed to spit it out was difficult and swallowing it just made me cough more. So, I asked for a pot to spit it into. Unpleasant but saved me some unnecessary pain and discomfort!

Hope all goes well with your bypass.

[Bargod1958 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, all advice gratefully received no matter how gross. Hope all is well with you now. Regards Steve.

[Fish4Info]

I guess I'm a wee bit younger than you. I was born in Jan 1959. I actually had a quadruple bypass in December 2006, nearly 15 years ago, when I was 47. Generally OK since then. They will probably give you a booklet of what to expect. It's not all easy. Much better than most alternatives though. For me, I've travelled a lot since then - all over the world. I was a single parent ... and my sons are all now either married or in a stable relationship - and I have 4 grandkids. It's worth doing what you are told.

[Bargod1958 in reply to Fish4Info]

Hi and thanks for responding. It’s comforting to hear success stories from people who’ve been through what is ahead for me. It’s my intention to follow all the advice given which hopefully will allow me to do the things I want in the future. Regards Steve.