BY Pass surgery coming in February. Recovery time ?

[Signpost100]

I am Philip. Britsh but living in Riga, Latvia . 79 Yrs old. Was rushed into hospital in August after heart attack and a Stent was put in on the most serious blockage.

Three more to come ! Doc said a week in hospital then probably 3 months gradual recovery to get back to normal. Is this right ? Will I be able to get up 8 flights of stairs ok ? (Live on 4th floor of apartment building with no elevator.) Any thoughts welcomed. PS: I worked as volunteer for BHF in Felixstowe and Hull for 15 years before moving here 6 yrs ago.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Sorry I am unclear as to what surgery you are having? Is it three more stents or a triple bypass? The later has a far longer recovery time.

[Signpost100 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for reply. Triple By Pass unfortunately.

[Isobel1]

I doubt very much whether you'll be able to get up all those stairs until a few weeks after your surgery .

[080311]

It’s 8-10 weeks for your sternum to heal. In that time it’s no arms above your head no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water and no pulling or pushing movements. The first week after coming home the stairs were taken very very slowly and that’s just one flight. You will get your stamina back but it takes time you need to be doing your walking exercises daily can you walk round your flat? I use to count lamp posts try to get to the next one on my next walk.

Keep doing your breathing and coughing exercises when you get home they really help remember your lungs collapse when we go on bypass so they need help to get all the little pockets filled out again.

If you have any questions just post and someone will be along to answer.

Wishing you a great recovery

Pauline

[Chuckness]

Hi Phillip, I am 69 yrs old and had triple bypass surgery 3-months ago. I found the first two months I felt like I was in slow recovery. In the 3rd month things have progressed rapidly as I have increased my walking routine to an hour a day.

I don't think I could not have walked up 8 flights of stairs upon arrival home. I'm wondering if you have any alternative for the first few weeks? You will be fine over time so have faith and trust the experience of so many of us who are back on our feet feeling strong.

Also, do take what Pauline wrote about lung health seriously. It has taken my lungs longer to recover than my heart (I had no idea about this from my doctors). Plan to do regular lung exercises breathing fully with consistency and serious effort. It will pay off tremendously.

Best ~ Chuck