hi never been on anything like this before, sorry if I get it wrong,
I am awaiting heart bypass surgery at Barts London, I was told it would be done before
Christmas (2022) I have started having bad anxiety, and the bisoprolol 3.75mgs which are making me so tiered are these things normal
You all take care
E16Pat
Hello E16Pat
Welcome to the forum, when we are told we have a heart problem it’s as if the ground opens up under our feet our lives fly out of the window and this new life flies in. Being anxious is normal, we have all stood where your standing now!
I had bypass surgery and Aortic valve replaced 6 years ago. At the age of 68. I can tell you that what is going on in your head is nothing like what happens. You are so well taken care of. Remember they do this day in day out and they are very good at what they do.
Follow the instructions you will be given. No arms above your head and no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water. No pulling or pushing movements. You have to let your sternum heal like any broken bone. So 8-10 weeks to let it heal. When you get home it’s baby steps listening to your body if it says I am tired then rest. You have to build up your stamina again and that takes time but you will get there.
As I said it’s 6 years since my surgery and every day I am grateful to the medical team that gave me my life back.
If you have any questions just post and someone will be along to help. Remember you are now a member of the Hearties family, and we are here to listen or give you a shoulder to lean on.
Very best wishes Pauline
thank you very much for you support, it has taken me a bit of time to understand how to work this but I guess I done it right
Thanks
Hello & Welcome 
I think for quite a few of us we have never been or joined anything on line and if we were thinking about doing so this would possibly not have been our choice of where to join but here we are and you will find so much support and kindness that I hope you will be glad to be here with us
I had a triple Bypass just over a year ago and it was nothing like I built it up to be which for me I found the thought petrifying but these wonderful members were there supporting me all the way through and after to
Anything you want to know , if you just want to talk , express how you are feeling come on and we will do our best to help
I hope you get your date for your op soon as the waiting I found was worse once there and been so well looked after by the Nurses it was easier and you will get the best care ever x
As everyone has said welcome and yes it’s a massive shock. I only went for a quick test and was told I was that ill I couldn’t go home I needed an emergency quadruple bypass, I’d already had a heart attack I didn’t know I’d had and if I didn’t have the surgery asap I was going to die basically 😳😳My world got turned upside down, that was 18 weeks ago now. Everyone on here have been great and the hospital sorted me out a councillor the gp can also help with that. It’s a long road and we have all been and still are very scared but everyone helps each other it’s important to share all your feeling and not try to be proud and hold it all in. I’m a 55 year old male and I’ll tell anyone now I cried more in the lead up and the first 3 months after then I have ever cried in my life.
Good luck with everything and ask away👍
it’s the strangest thing when they tell you “you need a bypass” & you didn’t even know there was a problem. I too was in the wonderful care of Barts- I’d only gone to London to watch a football match & came home 17 days later after a quad at the age of 51. I’d been for a run the day before! So it’s a shock & like many for me the physical side was the easy part- it takes a while for the head to catch up. So what you are feeling is perfectly normal- bisoprolol is what I call my evil pill as it makes me incredibly tired- but it’s doing the heart good- & post surgery they may change meds. Barts was great- so you are in good hands - good luck.
hi Gail, I was doing a lot of swimming and started get left arm pain, this went on for 18 months so I. The end I ended up at Barts for an appointment had an angiogram and they said you need a bypass that was only 5 weeks ago they said it would be done before Christmas, but the anxiety is sometimes very bad, I have been taking the same meds for 9 weeks now and the terrible fatigue was not improved, I sorry Gail I don’t if I’m allowed to ask questions but when did you have your bypass ?
Take care
Pat
it was 3 1/2 years ago- I’ve just turned 55. I still remember getting off the angiogram table - sitting back in the wheelchair & being told I need a bypass- it seemed so unbelievable as I felt well! I see it as my heart had a little fizz to make me aware - rather than having the Big Bang- which may have been a completely different outcome - so feel incredibly lucky. In some ways I think not being let out of hospital until it was done a week later was good for me as I didn’t have time to think too much. I don’t think you can change how you feel so take the pressure off yourself to be ok- but also know you are in safe hands at Bart’s
I am the same age as you and my quad bypass came out of the blue. I don't know your domestic situation at home but I would prepare well in advance for your homecoming. The operation itself is not as you might imagine and you are cocooned in a hospital environment and will feel perfectly safe.
Do you have a wife/family at home that can take care of you and will you have access to a separate bed as I certainly found I was very restless on my return
Was about to say, "Yes, all normal, tiredness not a problem" but then just checked the leaflet (from the bisoprolol box) again. "Common side effect that may affect 1 in 10 people - tiredness and exhaustion". Also says though, "To prevent serious reactions, speak to a doctor immediately if a side effect is severe, occurs suddenly or gets worse rapidly.
You will be anxious but even if that gets too bad, if you don't get re-assured as far as you can be by the feedback you will get from those that have been through the same in this forum or your family and friends, speak to your doctor.
Overall though, my strong advice is, yes - understand and question what is happening to you as you are doing. Get the answers from this forum if you can, it is a great forum. Call the BHF advice team. Ask your hospital nurses, your GP. If hospital team not able to support you in the way you need, ask their PALS. We know we don't want to bother them when we know they are all overloaded but if you have valid concerns ask.
Hello Pat. My husband had a quad bypass 4 years ago and has never looked back.
The operation is nothing like you're imagining but my husband was very anxious and I have to say, so was I!
My husband's surgeon was amazing and very 'matter of fact' about it all. He told us that he could do this bypass with a blindfold and one hand tied behind his back!! Hubby looked stunned and I burst out laughing.
He had his op on the Monday and was home Friday. A bit of discomfort but nothing that a couple of paracetamol didn't sort out.
Most of the lovely people on this forum have been there and got the T shirt so don't be afraid to ask more questions.
I joined this forum just over 4 years ago and remember I kept apologising for asking what I thought were stupid questions. I was told in no uncertain terms that there were no such things as stupid questions.
You'll have your life back and be able to enjoy Christmas!!
Lots of love. Jan xxxx
thank you for you kind words Jan, it’s just the waiting they said it would be done by Christmas but sometimes the anxiety is overwhelming, the beta blockers I take are making me so tiered, we go out for a long walk every week day, because of the meds I have no pain,
But thank you very much
Your so kind
Blockages After Bypass Surgery 
Recovery after quad bypass 
Waiting times for bypass surgery 
Post Bypass Discomfort
Pain post bypass surgery
