Feeling normal……..

[Heyjude31]

I had a heart attack, followed by 4 x bypass four and a half months ago. I think it’s fair to say that during that time I have often asked myself, ‘will it happen again’ , I think it has certainly not helped my recovery. I have walked every day all be it not far, to the shops, down the lane, never straying to far from home. I do drive, but in the knowledge that I am never far from home. Today I went further and joined my other half for a trip on a steam train…….it was a lovely feeling to feel ‘normal’ whatever that means it this ‘new world’ post bypass. I guess I need to work some more on my mind set and think more positively, it may take time, but I am starting to feel I may get there. I am also so grateful for the support on this forum, you all are so helpful and kind. Thank you, Judi 🤗

[Gail1967]

I found the physical recovery much more straight forward than the emotional / mental one! My cabg x 4 was completely out of blue- I’d been running the day before - but over time my head caught up to my physical recovery- be kind to yourself

[Heyjude31 in reply to Gail1967]

Thank you so much for your reply. I do appreciate it. I think I expected to be fine both mentally and physically by now, I guess it just takes time. I am trying to be kind to myself and not expect to much. Thanks again, Judi 🙏

[El-Tel1990]

Hi Judi,I am 13 months passed a CABGX4, I am 60 years young. In my recovery I simply put my head down, ate the right food and did my Cardio rehab. I have since gone on some mountain treks, play golf 3/4 times weekly and attend a local gym with a personal trainer 3 mornings per week. You should look on the positive side as you have upgraded your cardiac plumbing. Mentally it can be tough as it would not be normal to not have some negative thoughts, after all it is a big operation. You have the hard part over , now is the time for fitness and mindfulness. Good luck in your recovery.

El-Tel

[Heyjude31 in reply to El-Tel1990]

Hello, what a brilliant example you are to us all. I need to concentrate on the positives and not be too hard on myself. I am joining a local heart group this week, it will be the first time they have got together for a while due to the pandemic. I am looking forward to it. I hope to join a gym soon. Thank you again and take care, Judi

[-007-]

Hi HeyJude,

Scary old time isn’t it. It’s my opinion that it’s normal to be worried and think what if?

I still do this and I’m five years post heart attack and five stents and three years after my x5 bypass.

But the good news is… this feeling gets less and less.

I was told I could drive my car four weeks after the bypass op but I couldn’t ride my bike until twelve weeks after.

Exactly twelve weeks, to the day, after my bypass op I got up from bed and before breakfast got onto my Triumph Bonneville 900cc motorbike. I told my wife I wouldn’t be long. I’d just have a little drive around my village.

Around thirty minutes later I remembered that I said I wouldn't be long so I phoned my wife after traveling through the lanes and into the next village.

She said she was worried but she could hear the smile in my voice. She said enjoy but don’t over do it.

When I rode down the road to our home my wife was out videoing me arriving home with a smile on my face.

I was 65 years of age at the time.

Since then I’ve had a few minor setbacks but mostly sorting medications.

I firmly believe that we’ve been one of the lucky ones that’s been given another chance at living this life and I intend to do just that.

It’s my opinion that the worse is behind you. So in the words of Mr Spock on Star Trek "live long and prosper" (but I could never do that parting of the middle fingers hand sign he used to do 😂😂😂).

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

[Heyjude31 in reply to -007-]

Thank you so much 007, your post really made me smile, I am sure I will continue to smile all day when I think of your post. I love your story, it gladdens my heart to hear your bike ride story. Long may it continue! I am sure that one day I will take my aspirin shaken but not stirred and think of yourself as my role model. Thank you again, and take care. Judi

[MountainGoat52]

The support of your other half is key to returning to normality. It gives you the confidence to do more things and venture further afield. I well remember the first time driving 80 miles on my own to walk a couple of small hills in southern Scotland. Had I not been prepared,, both physically and mentally, I could well have panicked driving that kind of distance and walking without support, just a little over 3 months after my bypass. I have since gone on to bigger things... quite literally! Now Munros are fair game.

Keep positive. Life can be good post-bypass. In my case, better than before. 😀

Best wishes for the future,

Gerald

[Heyjude31 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thank you so much Gerald for replying, I do appreciate it and I am so glad to hear of your positive experiences. I am trying to improve my physical well-being as well as concentrate on my mental health. Take care and thank you again, Judi

[RailRover]

Hi Judi. Heart attack Dec 19. Stent to RCA. Symptoms started returning in Apr 21 then in May I underwent triple bypass to the other main arteries that weren't already stented. After coming home I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. I was much worse than before the op and, of course, you start to wonder if you've made a massive mistake by having it done.

Doctors laughed at me. "It'll be at least 12 months, maybe 2 years before you'll know what you'll finish up with." I had various complications that needed further hospitalisation. 4 months on I did my 6 weeks rehab at the hospital gym and carried on at the public gym when when a further 2 months free was offered. I'm still doing that and have extended for a further 6 months at a reduced rate. It's great to be so active again. I walk about 20 miles a week (having started off barely able to walk around the house after the op). I am even back to my badminton once a week and flying around the court again. I'm looking to join another group to make that twice a week.

What I wanted to say to you, is give yourself time. The main thing though, is do the rehab. If you don't take any other advice, then definitely do the rehab. If in doubt, do the rehab. You get the idea.

After you've done it, keep it up! Go to the gym. Keep active. A lot of people don't. At the hospital rehab, the staff told me that take up was "not great". There were 12 people in my hospital rehab group. 2 dropped out after the first week and in the final week there were only 7 of us left. There was only myself carrying on with it after the 6 weeks, which is such a shame. I can't understand people who have had the biggest wake up call and then ignore it.

Good luck!!

[Heyjude31 in reply to RailRover]

Hi RailRover, Thank you so much for your lovely inspirational post. I was really encouraged and motivated to hear about your rehab programme. It is really timely as would you believe that after very little, if any support locally for rehab I have today spoken to a wonderful heart nurse who works for a different hospital, but still near enough that I can travel. To be honest I would travel further if necessary to get the support that is going to be best for my recovery. I feel as though I have had more support through two phone calls today than I have in the last five months. Due to my challenges with side effects from medication I have really struggled both physically and mentally so I am sure the rehab programme will help. Thank you again for your support I really appreciate it. Judi

[Heather1957]

I didn't have a heart attack but had a bypass in 2017 and in 2018 I went to Australia and New Zealand. I had 2 stents fitted last October and am (hopefully) off to Vegas in 2 weeks.

I have accepted that unless I get knocked down I am likely to be taken by a heart attack but as long as they get my ashes back to Wales I refuse to stop travelling!!

[Heyjude31 in reply to Heather1957]

That’s so good to hear. I wish you many, many happy years of travelling. Long may it continue! 👏👏👏😊😊