It is 12 months since by double bypass and I am still numb where vein was taken and still hurts when I cough not massively but I can still feel it is that normal ?
I also need to loose weight but scared when I try to exercise as my heart races and I’m not sure if it’s the exercise or fear
I constantly worry if I get a slight pain in my chest that I am going to die
Are these normally feelings and will I ever get over the trauma of the pain of the op
I’d never ever been in hospital before.
It's great that you recognise the importance of weight loss and a healthier life style, that's half the battle. Unless you get your weight down to a healthy level, and then keep it there, all the effort that went into your heart bypass is put at risk.
A few years ago we had face-to-face support following major cardiac events, six week courses that helped us with tailored exercise programmes and information on diets and healthy eating. Obviously that's been disrupted recently, but could you access the on-line version run by the BHF, or see if the hospital that did your surgery is re-starting the local programme?
Successful weight loss is tough, but as many on this forum can vouch, it's not impossible. Good luck!
Many thanks for your reply - I work long hours and don’t get much time to exercise but then I suppose that’s just another excuse ! I just need to get off my bum and do it !
Asking for help is a good step forward, we all recover differently and it is a challenge everyday. Your cardio rehab team at your local hospital should be able to reassure you and let you know where the classes are near to you for the next stage. I lost 18 months owing to lock down but am now back on track at one of the local centres. It’s made a massive difference having the support and encouragement. Don’t be isolated and listen to your body, it takes far longer for some than others (i’m 21/2 years on). Take care, you don’t have to prove anything to anybody.
We are rapidly approaching the 2 year mark since my OHS, which include a CABG x 3.
The leg, from which the vein was harvested, lives in a world of its own, sense and feeling wise. Apparently, that appears to be normal. Oddly enough, I find the foot below the scar to either be numb or sensitive - it doesn't seem to have an inbetween setting. I pretty much don't notice it any more.
In respect of the feelings from my chest - nothing extra when I cough or sneeze, but sometimes I get a 'worked out' feeling when I take in a deep breath. Occasionally, I have experienced a shot of pain, but given what was done, I accept it as part of the ongoing recovery process.
The thing to remember is: this isn't a broken leg that can be mainly healed in about 6-8 weeks and soon after return to normal. This is as serious as things get for the human body, so overnight recovery is not part of the plan or process.
I wish you well in your recovery, and hope these sensations start to wain for you sooner than later.
My arm feels like you described re your leg as I had a vein taken from inside the chest wall ( still numb there) and also my arm - I just want to feel well again and I think it’s being overweight and also working 50+ hours a week - I need to get the balance right to enable me to get some exercise but lucky I have the choice it may have been worse-
Hi- physical healing is only part of it. 3 years on I still getting tingly chest & numbness where my vein was harvested but it’s less than 12 mths ago so it has definitely moved on. It took longer for my head to catch up but walking 31 miles in 2 weeks around my 3rd anniversary as feel stronger now than ever- take small steps to exercise- can you get a static bike at home? Little bits a day on that while reading or watching tv can make a difference - a lot is about mindset but managing it for you & noticing how you feel. Good luck
My leg is still numb after four years. Just learned to live with it. Otherwise feel great
The numbness after an operation of any sort is perfectly normal. After I had a hysterectomy I was totally numb for over 10 years. Nerves take forever to heal.
Hi,One and a half years one from a CABGx4 and still no feeling in the lower part of my legs and hurting enormously when I bump into something. Same with the chest where they got the arteries from. Coughing and sneezing is still not comfortable especially when taking a deep breath in beforehand. Besides all that I have managed to loose a stone. Am able to walk 4 to 5 miles every day now and weekends manage to do 10+ miles. I have joined a spinning class 1x a week and do weight training 3x a week. I worked about 50 hours a week before my operation, but decided that life was for living not working. I have read the book:
‘The healing self’ by Deepak Chopra which has helped me to put life in perspective.
What I am trying to say is that: Yes, recovery is hard, especially without much support. Yes, recovery takes time and is different for everyone. The mental recovery is overlooked most of the time, the fear, anger, disappointment……it seems that not many people are prepared for this when going into the surgery. But the people on this website understand and I have drawn much encouragement from that. The care, empathy and knowledge shared has helped me to understand what is going on in my mind and with my body. But, the most important part for me was that I had to change my thinking about my body. Accept the things that are not changing, work with what I have and enjoy what life is throwing at me. I have surrounded myself with happy people and got rid of the ‘complainers’ that suck my energy. I avoid stressful situations and find the positive in little things. At some point my brain will accept that my body is different and I wish that for you and everyone here.
Worried about mum 
Stents and cold air
Worried for my dad 
New on this site.....Want to try Plant sterols instead of Statins!
