Just after a little bit of advice on how I can prepare myself for a bypass surgery,
I only found out before Xmas after an angiogram they couldn’t fit stent because of where the blockage is in the left internal mammary artery.
So I’ve been referred but now my mind is going into overdrive thinking of how I will do it all I’m terrified. I know I could be waiting a long time which will make me worse.
How did you all prepare before and after for surgery? Things I might need to have for afterwards that you didn’t think of.
How long is the recovery roughly I know everyone is different
thank you 😁
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Biddledeboo73
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I will concentrate on post bypass here. What follows was written for someone else so not directly relevant but you can get the gist. Others will tell you of preparations for the bypass itself. You are sucked along in the system and whilst the wait was annoying I didn't find it scary as you are in very good hands. Dealing with the aftermath-physical, mental and practical does need preparation in advance
"I had my quadruple by pass at Derriford. I have copied what I have written to other people here, so please excuse if the tenses/sex are inappropriate. I think that the period when your husband comes home needs to be planned for in advance as in the hospital you are in expert care and there is little you can do to affect the process. However getting home is often a shock so copied below are suggestions;
"Heart surgery of this type is now seen as 'routine' in as much it is carried out many thousands of times with excellent results. It is nowhere near as scary as it sounds. Your husband will be in good care in hospital and I think your time would be best spent in preparing for his stay (suitable clothes, snacks, entertainment) but more especially his return home. Typically, he will be in hospital for 4 days AFTER his surgery and likely to move ward 2 or 3 times as his dependency and risks reduce.
At 54 his recovery should be quicker than mine at 70 but nevertheless, whilst routine, it is still a big operation. He will feel tired, emotional and his routine will need to change with someone preparing his meals, being present with him when he goes for a walk and generally providing support, practical and emotional. I used paracetamol for the first 4 weeks as there will be some pain around the chest area so have these handy. Do be prepared for bursts of tears and anger. That is the operation and the new realties talking and should pass as the pain eases.
I was very restless when I got home and found it much easier to sleep in a separate bed to my wife as I kept different hours and wanted to get up in the night, be restless, turn on the radio etc. Have lots of books ready, (physically light ones and some lightweight in content ones) plus whatever entertainment he likes, tablet, kindle, radio, tv etc. He will likely doze a lot at first but must try to avoid doing too much especially in the first week or two as that will set him back.
Have lots of cushions around, easy access to a toilet and provide a choice of comfortable chairs, as what will be comfortable one day may not be so later. It can get boring, so frequent small snacks, drinks, chance to have a chat are in order as will be leaving him alone when he wants quiet.
The chest area might ache ( I took paracetamol for 4 weeks) and I found a padded gilet to be very useful (especially when in a car.) Short trips out when he can manage it to say the garden centre or somewhere different to the home will be welcomed after a time, which gives the chance for short walks and a coffee.
Follow any exercise routines but don't let him do too much otherwise he will pay for it the next day.
Keep a health diary as you will both be able to see the improvements he makes week on week if not day on day. He will be back before you know it so good luck to you both."
Thank you for sharing with me it’s actually me that will be having the bypass I am quite scared about all this info as it’s quite new and I thought it was going to be an easy fix with a stent and was shocked to find out I needed a bypass.
I haven’t had the first appointment at the hospital they said I should hear in the next 4-6 weeks.
Yes, I had been asking my GP to refer me as the easy to handle angina I had experienced for 10 years was getting worse. They didn't refer me. Then one night I had to use my spray for the first time ever and thought I had better call the GP. I managed to eventually get through but had nearly given up as initially i was 22nd in the queue.
They referred me to the assessment unit and told me to get there immediately. I was there in an hour and initially expected more medication then when they did angiograms etc was vaguely expecting a stent or angioplasty.
12 days later I came out after having a quarduple bypass!. That had been delayed by 4 days due to extreme pressure on the unit-in our case because of the huge number of tourists we get here, mostly older, who then need treatment so reducing bed space.
What with tests, having a nice bunch in the other beds etc the waiting wasn't too bad and didn't really have time to get too anxious after the op other than about the dire hospital food. The surgeons were top rate and inspired confidence.
Its the bit when you get home that I think needs to be prepared for. Good luck
I have updated the list of suggestions on a bypass so it can be relevant to everyone, so am posting this response here so I can retrieve it easily for future use.
Everyone will will be anxious but there is no reason to be scared. Its a routine procedure carried out by a team of people at the peak of their powers and the sheer momentum of the operation and the tests and checks afterwards will carry you along. Emergencies always come in, so you may find you don't have the operation exactly when scheduled. You will likely be out of hospital in 4 or 5 days. I found hospital food awful so you may need alternatives.
Check list for your return-this will obviously depend greatly on your age and fitness and we all react differently.
Paracetamol. I took the maximum dose for 4 weeks to counter the pain in my sternum then all of a sudden didn't need it any more
You will likely be very emotional and up and down in mood and cry a lot and also be anxious at every twinge. That's normal
Chairs-have several available for your return, as you will find what is comfortable one day isn't the next. It obviously depends where your car is parked and the time of the year, but I found both the drivers and passengers seat to be very comfortable. They recline and rise, you can have the radio on and its a familiar and comforting environment
Easy access to loo
Ensure Lots of entertainment options, from tablet to books to tv to radio. As regards books, try to have some lightweight ones in all senses of the word-you will find it difficult to physically lift large books
Get in lots of snacks-eat when you feel like it-it will be one of your pleasures. You are likely to look forward to your main meal as the highlight of your day.
Take medicines when specified. You are bound to feel nauseous at times. The Doctor should check that the medicines are appropriate and there are no bad reactions
Have quiet times and don't be surprised if you doze a lot
Severely ration visits from others at first. You likely won't feel very sociable or will over exert yourself if you try to be polite.
Follow doctors instructions regarding getting out and about and exercise. If you try to do too much you will pay for it the next day
Keep a health diary so you can see your improvements-it tends to be over a week rather than daily, so at times you will feel disappointed with your progress.
After a few weeks you may feel like going further afield in the car to say a garden centre with a coffee shop. I wore a padded gilet to stop the seat belts hurting my sternum.
Do not raise your hands above your head-I wore lots of zip up jumpers. It might be difficult to bend over or exert pressure, so slip on shoes/slippers are handy as are over large socks and something like jogging trousers that you don't have to zip up or fasten.
I found myself very restless and preferred to sleep by myself for some weeks so I could get up in the night, move around, listen to the radio and generally get comfy. Having someone sleeping next to you might be uncomfortable to you both.
Have lots of cushions and pillows of various size and thicknesses available for use on the chairs and beds
I was walking 50 yards or so at first and found after a week it was 100 yards then several hundred yards. I chose routes that were flat and had convenient benches.
Thanks very much really appreciate it, I’m feeling so overwhelmed with everything and I’ve not had my first appointment pre surgery! I really need to start chilling out.
First, don’t get too stressed because that helps nobody, especially yourself. It’s easy to forget that the surgeons, Drs and nurses looking after you do this day in and day out - whilst it’s a big deal for us it’s routine for them. You’ll be given lots of advice, much of it written down and the BHF site also has information on what the procedure involves and how to prepare. There’s no getting away from the fact that it’s major surgery so setting realistic expectations for recovery is important. They’ll have you sat up and walking as soon as possible after the op - walking and breathing exercises are important parts of the recovery especially following discharge which will generally be within 4-7 days. Recovery is variable but age and condition play a part and the rehab classes helped, especially giving me confidence to physically push myself. It probably took 6-8 weeks to get my appetite back fully and I went back to work (office based) after 12 weeks but full recovery probably took 6-9 months. Four years on, the left side of my chest still feels numb - the left internal mammary artery is ripped away from under the chest wall to bypass the LAD which runs down the back of the left side of the heart (this is where you’ll actually have a blockage) and this tears the nerves that run along side. Look after yourself, do as you’re advised and you’ll be fine, there’s always sound advice here if needed and good luck
Thanks for sharing and giving me information on your experience I hope you’re doing well. So you didn’t go back to work till 12 weeks later? We have our own business where I do all office stuff and a load more and I’ve no idea how my partner will cope if I were off that long that’s a worry for me as well as everything else.
The Lima to lad is what I believe is what mine will be, did you have just angina pains?
I had an urgent triple bypass - the main symptom I had was breathlessness and I couldn’t keep up with my wife when walking up hill. My angina was odd in that I felt it in my throat even though one of the arteries was 99% blocked.
The first few weeks after discharge were tough - it’s difficult getting comfortable in bed so sleep can be difficult, you need to build up your appetite and build up your stamina. You probably won’t feel like doing much. Although it was 12 weeks before I went back to work fully, I was doing some light work and emails for a couple of weeks before hand. I could probably have gone back sooner but my job involved a lot of travel so I wanted to make sure I was fit to go flat out, fit to drive but also to take frequent plane trips.
Pauline on here I believe has had a bypass and is quite good with information, particularly with ladies. I didn't have a bypass, but still OHS, which is the main issue.
Try to relax, it's easy to say and hard to do, but most people will admit that the actual issue after were no where near as bad as they thought they would be. I felt comfortable and very safe in the hospital, with very little pain, none on most days. You will have an excellent team looking after you and for the staff on the ward nothing it too much trouble. I even had a lovely nurse help me have a shave and a wash one day as my wife was coming in to see me. You will likely be very tired and not feel up to much at all. I was in for seven days in total, but mainly due to a heart rhythm issue, which was eventually sorted.
Take books, pad, phone and lots to keep you occupied. Take ear plugs an eye mask and some things to make you feel good like chocolate, sweets, biscuits, or whatever is your thing. There will be days when you need a little pick me up.
Don't expect to be better quickly and recovery is not linear, sometimes it is one day forward two back...but you will get there. I was probably not over 80% better for about three months.
There are also many things to prepare for at home, but most importantly make sure you have help and don't be afraid to ask for it. also don't be afraid to tell people you are tired and send them home.
Thank you Peter for sharing with me I hope you are doing well now. This is really scary for me because I am a worrier it’s all I can think about and I haven’t had my first appointment with consultant.
It’s gonna be a long 4-6 weeks😩 who is Pauline?
Thank you😊
Hi, I've recently experienced what I imagine you're going through. After experiencing breathlessness whilst playing social doubles tennis August 2021 I eventually had an Angiogram February 2022. At that stage was diagnosed with a severe stenosis at the top of the LAD.
Unfortunately, like yourself due to it's location it could not be stented. I eventually was called in for a Bypass 26th September at short notice as I was lucky to take advantage of someone else cancelling their Operation.
With little time to prepare mentally I can't help you on that side, however my wife and I did manage to purchase a couple of sets of traditional style pyjamas. Front opening with buttons priceless as you can't raise your arms above your head after your operation.
As far as the pain is concerned I can only give you my experience. When I came round after the operation I was pretty drugged up and can hardly remember the day's following my operation, other than the removal of the drains etc. I was dreading this but it was fairly painless.
Looking back at those four/five days following my Bypass it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I was expecting. Though not something I would wish to experience again you can get through it with a positive mind set.
I was out of hospital in six days post op the 1st day's and nights were very difficult. Make sure you stock up with paracetamol if my experience is anything to go by you'll need them. If you haven't got a comfortable reclining armchair I would strongly advise you to get one.
At 72years prior to my operation I did not take any medication suddenly having to take eight tablets a day plus paracetamol was a challenge 😳.
Now down to seven and after seeking advice from my GP and changing the times of the day I take them I've come to terms with them.
So, do speak to your GP if you experience any issues with your 💊 medication.
How do I feel 3/12 months after my Bypass.
When I'm sitting watching TV can no longer feel my scar.
Do experience some discomfort following playing social tennis.
Can now sleep comfortably on front.
Sleep well 7-8 hours on average per night.
No longer sleep in the day.
Feel full of energy most days
Don't have to worry about a stent failing.
Bypass surgery would appear to be the the best long term solution to our problem.
In short, I'm a wimp and if I can get through it anyone can.
Thanks for sharing all that information and I’m glad you’re doing well by the sounds of things, I think it was better you had the cancellation then you didn’t get too much time to think about it.
I am a worrier and I just need to chill myself out and stop over thinking everything I know the wait of 4-6 weeks will be a pain for me, I am now just looking at recliners as I know it would be hell trying to get out of our memory foam low bed.
"Bypass surgery would appear to be the the best long term solution to our problem."
Yes, in effect with a bypass our creaking, leaking, plumbing system has been completely replumbed with brand new piping and new welds. Better than merely patching up the worn old system and waiting for the next breakdown.
Mentally though its difficult to come to terms with so support from a spouse or partner or family is essential.
Thanks for your reply I’m hoping once I maybe get a date for the first initial chat I will calm down when I can ask all the questions but I do have support at home. Luckily I’ve had no angina pains for a little while and trying to lose weight and get fit in advance.
Thanks x
Hello
I was in a similar situation I had an angiogram and where I had blockages it was not suitable to stent
I needed 3 bypasses and it seemed they felt they were urgent to get done so I only had to wait 3 months and I feel for you not having a clue when you might get yours done as the waiting and not knowing till I got a date felt the worst to deal with
Once I had a date I had something to work with
That is when I came on here and started asking questions
For me it was about getting everything in order at home , making sure all bills were up to date if any were going to be due while I was in Hospital they were sorted I wanted to take any worries away at home knowing they were all dealt with so I had to only think about the op
I cleaned my house which I do anyway but made sure it was spotless , made sure I had a food delivery planned or someone to be able to bring you food when you come out this of course all depends if you have a Husband or wife as they may do all this and I do have a Husband but still wanted to make sure everything was organised
It was suggested that food , pans , shampoos anything on a high shelf or cupboard that you use regular you put them in lower cupboards and shelves as there is no reaching or stretching after the op
I made sure I had my bag packed which had the usual things you take in Hospital with as well as maybe crossword books things to keep you occupied while in there , I made lists that I could only put in at the last minute like my phone charger etc which came in handy the day before I went in to be able to cross them all of but if Hospitals are allowing visitors now then not as big a worry as they can bring you things in but when I was in there were no visitors allowed because of the virus we cannot mention on here starting with C
Keeping yourself as fit and healthy as you can before the op will help with your recovery
I could start telling you what to do after the op or what I did but for me I think a step at a time first been getting a date which I hope you get soon
But just to try and reassure you I suffer and always have from severe anxiety so if I managed to have a triple Bypass and can honestly say it was not to bad nothing like I thought it would be then anyone can do it and you will be in safe hands and well looked after
Let us know when you get a date and if there is anything particular you want to know just ask and we will do our best to answer you x
Sorry for my late reply and thank you for everything you told me, how are you now? All I can think about every day is surgery and it’s driving me crazy. I think everyone is sick of heading me talk about I.
I think it’s only been just over a week and they said wait 4-6 weeks to hear from the hospital it’s going to be a long wait I’m sure. X
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I am quite scared about all this info as it’s quite new and I thought it was going to be an easy fix with a stent and was shocked to find out I needed a bypass.
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