It is 2 weeks post Operation and living 4 floors up with no lift. Gradually trying to take a staircase each day, slowly. Going upstairs has proved a challenge. I arrive back fighting for breath and have panic attacks thinking I am not going to recover.
Is this normal, and is there anything I can do ? Thank you,
Hello 
When I was 2 weeks post Bypass surgery I had all on going in the shower and just getting up one flight of steps
These are very early days for you and your breathing will be laboured doing 4 flights of stairs , I hope you are not carrying any heavy bags or anything when you do
As you have to go up so many flights of stairs take your time , go slowly , have a rest between flights of stairs
Do your breathing exercises your lungs were deflated during the op this helps to get them strong again
If in any doubt contact your Doctor but the fact you are walking up them in the first place says wow to me as I could never have done it but please take it easy the best you can x
I’m now 4 weeks post post quadruple bypass and things are just starting to improve, I still get short of breath and I’m still having to nap some days but things are getting better. My head is trying to come to terms with the fact I should be dead so I’m getting some counciling to help, I am coming to terms that this was a massive shock and it’s going to take time to get back to normal but the thing is we are all very lucky but at least now we have had the cabag we are at least going to have plenty of time.
T hank you. Reassuring. Much appreciated.
Hi Signpost100, I am surprised they let you out of hospital to go back to your apartment. Do you live alone? I suggest you get straight on to your Dr and see if you can get some help. If you don't need to go out, you could try going down and back up one flight of stairs as your daily exercise, take it easy, and remember, most people would be out of breath going ip 4 flights of stairs, given your recent op, I'd say you are doing extremely well!!!
Thanks that is reassuring.
I was very fit before my bypass operation, regularly walking up hills carrying a heavy backpack. After the op I was absolutely amazed how much effort was required to walk up gradients without carrying anything and it took several weeks to make any real progress with this. You are only just two weeks post op, so I'm not surprised you are finding it hard.
I would certainly see whether you can get any help until you recover your strength.
Hi, I had breathing issues after my quad bypass but in my case the difficulty in breathing was due to known excess fluid still in my lung as I had been released early to free a bed up and given frusomide to help clear the rest of the fluid which unfortunately didn't work and ended up back in for 2 weeks. I don't know your circumstances on release after the op and as others have said the breathing/coughing exercises should be maintained to help the lungs recover but do keep an eye on the breathing and if it still remains an issue a quick pop off to A&E should help establish any issue (if there is one) I always tend to be rather safe than sorry type - just me. Hope your recovery improves and take care.
from my own experience what you are experiencing is absolutely normal. Two weeks is a very short time after major open heart surgery. The body is only starting its recovery. Be patient, take small steps, increasing every day and you will get there in time. Stay positive.
You're doing brilliantly well Signpost to be able to go up and down four flights of stairs just two weeks after a bypass op. Just remember to take it very slowly and stop to rest often, please don't over exert yourself. I got home 5 days after a triple bypass in February and found it relatively hard for a few days to get up one flight of stairs in my own home - I had to stop halfway for a day or two! It does get better and breathing exercises will help but keep a close eye on your breathing and contact the doctor or hospital should you have any problems at all. No big bags of shopping either - the docs told me that the only thing I was allowed to lift for 12 weeks was a half-full kettle of water! Sending every best wish for a speedy recovery. Carol
Thanks so much for your reply. Really cheered me up. Best of luck with your recovery.Appreciated those words of encuragement.
Yep, that's pretty normal. It takes a long time to get your lungs working properly again. I'm 14 months post open heart surgery and it took me at least 6 months to be able to walk up a small hill without the need for a rest stop half way. 4 flights of stairs after only a month is pretty impressive IMHO
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