Weak voice post Triple Bypass

[Cibby21]

Hi, my partner is 3 weeks post triple bypass. He is recovering well although his voice is weak and croaky at times. This is getting him down and he’s feeling frustrated. I’m trying to keep him positive and reassuring him that it’s early days and it will take time. He is walking everyday and doing his exercises. Has anyone had experience of the voice being weak? Many thanks 😊

[080311]

Hello Cibby21

Welcome to the forum, 3 weeks is very early days, firstly we are incubated and this can leave us with a croaky voice. Plus are lungs collapse when we are on bypass, so they need a bit of extra care filling all those little pockets up again. Your partner will have been given breathing exercises and a coughing one while in hospital. Tell him he must keep doing theses exercises I called them huffing and puffing! They really do help.

We are also given some very exotic drugs, while in the theatre and these take longer to work their way out of our system than we think.

It’s a long journey but he will get there.

The best of luck in his continued recovery.

Best wishes Pauline

[Cibby21 in reply to 080311]

Thank you Pauline that’s very reassuring and it helps understanding the process and what the body has endured. I will make sure he keeps up with the breathing exercises. Best wishes

Cibby

[Hidden]

Dear Cibby21

A warm welcome to you into the forum, I hope that it can ease the journey of recovery for both of you, because I believe that the Partners and loved ones can suffer as well as the patient.

You are right to assure him that it is early days and for all the excellent reasons that 080311 has already posted about.

The only thing that I can add is that it took me over six weeks to get my voice fully back { which some still say was the best period of my illness } my throat was scratchy first and bruised and a little swollen.

But it will pass, feed him ice cream, iced drinks, some gargle with weak Asprin { check Dr first }

Take care both, we are here for you

[Cibby21]

Than you Blue1958 for your kind reassuring words and advice and I agree I think sometimes it is difficult to see your partner struggling and in pain you just want to make it all better. I wasn’t able to go in with him to any of his appointments due to Covid and unable to ask questions etc so I’m relying on information given to him at the hospital. Rehab have been touch but it’s over the phone not the same as face to face. It’s good to know we’re not on our own! 😊

[Hidden]

Hello

It is common as we have had tubes down our throats etc

I had to smile as I did not have a croaky voice after I was back to my usual nagging self as my Husband says

His voice will come back and tell him it is early days but he is doing really well x

[Cibby21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you BeKind28 I will be sure to tell him. All the messages I’ve had have been reassuring and have put his anxiety at ease. 🙂🙂

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Lindsey Buckingham, formerly of Fleetwood Mac, totally lost his voice after his bypass but was performing a year later. If it hadn't been for Covid it would have been earlier.

Odd small complications are not uncommon after OHS. I had problems with anemia and electrolyte imbalance that kept me in for a few extra days. In addition I had issues using my right arm and hand as the ulnar nerve had been nipped. Again this resolved itself but it took nearly six months. He has to give things time.

[Hidden]

Hi my voice was weak for about a year.I found singing helped when I was on my own of course.I couldn't even shout at the grandchildren.Just give it time.x

[Cibby21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Ravaging, 😂 I’ll tell him to give singing a try while I’m out shopping! Wishing you all the best 😊

[TMeditation]

I had OHS to replace my aortic valve 3 years ago and as a singer was keen to get back to what I enjoyed. I knew how to use my voice and was aware of the value of vocal exercises. It was 6 weeks before I was able to approach singing at all! Breathing exercises are important and for your vocal chords try a little gentle humming. Also there may be an urge to clear your throat constantly which isn’t great for your vocal chords. If that happens sips of water are good or there are pastilles available from the chemist called Vocal Zone that can help clear the Airways. Give time to this process , it sounds just like the problems we’ve all had post-op with our voices. And remember your breathing/lungs support your voice and so, at this time, it will sound a little shaky. Good luck and take care. Sue 🙏

[Sewing19 in reply to TMeditation]

I too am a choir singer and my voice changed completely and was very weak after my triple bypass last year. The breathing exercises really helped and I’m back in the alto range again rather than bass 😳😂 Singing is good for the ‘soul’ and fills me with joy ❤️🎶

[Cibby21 in reply to Sewing19]

Thank you for your reply it’s good to know the breathing exercises go a long way to helping with his voice. I have to prompt him to do them and feel like I’m nagging but I know it will do him good. I’m glad to hear you’re back singing and will continue to make good progress. Very best wishes 😊

[TMeditation in reply to Sewing19]

That’s so right about singing being good for the ‘soul’. I must admit my singing and my Choir Leader saved me numerous times during my recovery. It’s lucky for us that we recognise the benefits of being in a choir! I couldn’t be without mine! Continue to enjoy! Sue X 🙏

[Cibby21 in reply to TMeditation]

Thank you TMeditation, I will get some pastilles and make sure he doesn’t try and clear his throat but sip water instead. I sincerely hope you’re able to enjoy your singing once again. All the best 😊

[Hidden]

Just wondering if your partner is on Ramipril as this can affect your voice, Consultant changed my meds and voice improved quickly

[Cibby21]

Hi Mapgo, no he’s not on those tablets but his voice is getting better, he’s speaking to Doctor tomorrow so he can ask. Thank you so much for taking time to post your experience. All the best