I had my triple heart bypass in August 1977 in St George’s Hyde Park Corner performed by the great surgeon Mr Parker.Elvis died in the same week of my recovery which set me back a little.My view from the window allowed me to watch the horse guards go by for the changing of the guard.Initially what I was trying to find out was the slang term for the bypass scar? I only have tie in mind but I am sure it was a bit more.
At the moment I am going for the longest surviving triple heart bypass patient tempting providence I suppose.At the age of 31 now 76 so 45 years and counting.
I went initially in July of that year got settled in and ready, but blood for my op.quite rare
B Rhesus Negative was used for a poor lady in a road accident so I was sent home.Went back in August and the operation was done.I do remember the swab being pulled away from down below and the tugging on my chest stitching but felt no pain.
For quite a long while after I had a blue plastic twine sticking out of the top of my wound one day pushed it back in and haven’t seen it since.
I think my op was in its infancy then the initial test to locate the blockage meant being rocked in a cradle then a line passed up from the groin and what felt like a searing hot fluid shot out round to every extremity while a camera snapped quickly away shooting the results.
Now I really didn’t expect to live this long Mr Parker told me at the time I would not be rid of the problem in time it would return.Recently I learned the blocked artery never completely blocks up so perhaps that helps.At the time I was so physically fit doing all sorts of sport An ECG at rest showed normal.My great doctor at the time a Dr Snyder wasn’t satisfied and pushed for an exercise test.QE 2 didn’t have any machines available so I had to run up and down a flight of stairs until I felt my chest warming.Got on ECG and graph all over the place I nearly blacked out wit shock.
I thought recently about those first steps outside gingerly just walking down my street worrying what if the stitches break!Like I said still here playing walking football twice a week,did try walking basketball that’s now disbanded.Pickleball a great new game.Ride my bikes of which I have 5 of various denominations.My daughter calls me a LEG END but only thanks to Dr Snyder also remembering Dr Rafftry At Northwick Park and Mr Parker.Thanks to you all 45 years and counting.
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Bigscar
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big scar. What an incredible story and very inspiration. You sir are a LEGEND for all like myself who have gone through the same procedure fill me with determination to make the best of my life. And the next time I hit a bad shot at golf I will definitely think of you and say get on with it man your alive
Must say I was young but unbelievably fit and think I was caught very early that all played a part.Scary at the time for my wife and two very young daughters and my poor Mum who lost my Dad to a Heart Attack age 61.
Lucky to get to this age good old NHS and those incredible staff members.
Like I said trying for the Guinness Book of Records seen record of 34 in one place and 43 in another.Interestingly enough I applied to St George’s for my hospital record,and received a download of some 370 pages. Some blank but just everything my signing consent for starters.All appointments and letters to my Doctors.Everything to back my case.
Hello, what an amazingly wonderful story, what a legend you are! What tips do you have for us hearties? I celebrated my one year anniversary last week. I still get the twinges etc but slowly I am getting over the anxiety of thinking it might happen again. Thank you again for giving us so great inspiration. Judi
I remember like a swirling sensation seemed to go round my system for a long time after the op.Finally cleared but was strange and a little worrying at times.Felt like a thicker blood in one place in my bloodstream.
You are over the scary part of your treatment if you are mobile and active.Had to give up my sports including football that I loved at 30.Always after op kept fit and going and playing Walking Football what a great outlet very competitive great bunch of lads and I do get stuck in.Marvellous.
What a fantastic post! And it just demonstrates the benefits of keeping fit, trim, and active following bypass surgery. To think that you've had 45 years of active life from your new arteries, how wonderful.
What a wonderful story. You reminded me of starting my nurse training in 1958 when the heart lung machine was still new and regarded, quite rightly, as a miracle. I hope you have written your story down in all detail for your descendants to read. Thank you for reminding me how lucky we are today and I hope you have many more years ahead.
Thank you so much for your story. I'm 41, female with a healthy lifestyle. I've had 3 heart attacks (May 21, Oct 21 and Sept 22). Due to complications I had to have a bypass surgery which was done 12days agos.
Your story has given be so much inspiration and faith that I too will be around to see my triplet grow up and accomplish all the things I've wanted to do.
Only 3 years for me after my OHS. Techniques have come a long way and my scar is barely noticeable. Sometimes I wish it were more noticeable lol, as a reminder of what happened.
Fingers crossed for you, that you may tick off many more years, an inspiration to us all.
Wow I love this! Thanks so much for sharing. What an inspiration you are. Love the bit about the blue twine sticking out and you pushed it back in and havent seen it since 😆
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story, it’s given me much reassurance. I’m a female who had a double bypass in 2001 now 21 years ago at the age of 44. I’ve always been concerned about how long a bypass will last. However I’m now facing other cardiac issues such as micro vascular angina and a subaortic membrane. But I’m still surviving and making the most of my life.
wow! I really enjoyed reading your story! My dad had his triple bypass in 1979, at the Princess Grace in London. We actually lived in Hong Kong at the time and my dad’s company arranged for us to come to London for 6 months for my dad to recover and I think maybe paid for the operation too. I was 7 at the time and remember getting the tube to visit my dad in hospital with my mum and brother - I apparently told the physio I didn’t like her because she hurt my dad! He hated the physio sessions!
I remember my dad’s scar on his chest and leg but those soon faded. I am so grateful that my dad was able to have this operation and I got to have him around for another 15 years (unfortunately he restarted smoking which eventually led to another HA)
Good morning Bigscar your story is inspirational and reading it really gave me a lift. I am normally quite a positive person but don’t mind admitting I’m having days where I feel quite depressed. I was informed on the 29th of July that I have severe multi vessel CAD and will need a bypass or stents, they also said my RCA is completely blocked. The thought of a bypass terrifies me so I’m really hoping and praying they are able to do stents. Ive been referred to cardiology at St Thomas but still waiting for appointment. I was then informed on the 9th of August that I also have non Hodgkin lymphoma ( low grade 😀) this has been a lot to take in and digest but reading your story and others on here has really helped me to put things into perspective and try and remain positive. Im 71 but still love travelling and this is one of the things bothering me not being able to go anywhere at present, but hey onwards and upwards as they say. Thank you for your story you are a true inspiration.
It was really good to read your story and hear how you coped with the op. Very inspirational. It must have been quite daunting to be at the cutting edge of what could be achieved at the time. Well done on reaching 45 years downstream!
I know someone that had a bypass op about the same time and he walks around 4 miles every day, come rain come shine. When I had my op a mere 4 years ago he encouraged me to keep fit which I have endeavoured to do and have achieved more than I expected to.
I don't know the details of his op and I don't really know him well enough to ask. I would guess he'll have been after you by a short time. Maybe there is a record of who was the first somewhere on the internet.
Oh what a wonderful story. Thank heavens for a positive one regarding a fellow heart bypasser. You made my day. I had one nearly three years ago and sometimes ponder as to how long I have got. Regarding my scar it has all but disappeared . Am so glad you are here to tell us about it after so many years. Thank you
Wonderful story, Bigscar! I laughed out loud at you pushing the blue plastic twine back in and never seeing it again. Thank you for giving us such positive results xx
I hated my zip to start but like so many others have learned to feel happy that I was given a chance to even have the surgery And like so many ,wonder how long would my bypass last after having had mine done along with an aortic valve replacement four and half years ago so it’s brilliant to hear other hearties positive stories and get on with living every moment as full as it can be
On lots of drugs of course statins amongst them,aspirin seems a staple addition.I do keep as fit as possible drink tomato juice for prostrate§ read somewhere good for that.Just found out very early and treatment has moved on rapidly.I think if you read again the sports I’m involved as now Walking Football and cycling.
Well I can assure you it does exist and caused my delay but gave me time to see how safe the procedure was but still scary.Years ago I used watch a program called YOUR LIFE IN THEIR HANDS where this op was shown.I said I will never that done to me.BUT NEEDS MUST WHEN THE DEVIL DRIVES.
hello, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Couple of days ago I was 75 and almost exactly a year post triple bypass, is there any advice you could pass on to help newbies. I am thinking of dietary care and exercise, I realise you have always been very active but anything you say will be most appreciated, kind regards Ron Adams
What can I say I am still on lots of drugs statins perhaps outstanding.Like you say keeping fit, for me I just love to able to do what i thought at the time I would never be able to.Surprised to really get involved and compete.Plus high cholesterol was my problem so there are milk products that can help in my case.
Anything with plant sterols supposed to lower cholesterol PRO ACTIV products, any cholesterol lowering little drinks Tescos have their own brand like all the main supermarkets.
Truly an inspiration. I had the op last year at 64 after a previous heart attack, so not expecting to live 45 years, although it would be nice. Hate pickleball, but love badminton!
I was just amazed I could compete in pickleball in my 70s plus all the sports I have tried walking football with a lot younger men I do usually put a shift in.I still get pulled up for running though and one Ref says I sprint.WHAT AT MY AGE!
wow that’s amazing .. my husband is (I think) 31 years post op .. he was 42 when he had his bypass op. He was told it would only last for 10 years, but that’s not going to stop him.
Great to hear you are the longest surviving triple heart bypass patient - I think probably time has marched on somewhat from the time you had your op and back then there were probably doubts on cutting someone open, stopping their heart, cutting out and making good and sewing back up again. If not, well I had my op at 68 so roll on at my 113rd birthday when I will begin to get concerned - perhaps we could have a drink then to celebrate our good luck! Good luck and many happy years to come my friend.
Just checked and first use of Astorvastatin which I was on initially was in 1997 dose 80mg reduced later to 40 but now on Rosuvastatin 20mg but I also ezitimibe 10 mg plays a part. Interestingly enough I have all my operation details and check up details up to 2010 which I got from St.George’s. Even a copy of my signed permission for the op.and all op details and aftercare.
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