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Heart Bypass Soon

Shanty123 profile image
66 Replies

Hi all I’ve got my pre op on Thursday at Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester for valve replacement and heart bypass. I’m female 56 years old and obese was a smoker but stopped 3 weeks ago.

I’m so scared so much that i keep thinking what if I don’t survive the procedure I’ve written letters to my mum husband daughter son sisters and grandchildren in case I don’t survive. I know everyone will be scared before procedure I keep thinking what if I lose weight n have a healthy life style could I improve my quality of life and then I wouldn’t need surgery. I have been told that my life is shorter due to heart issues.

Sorry to go on a bit but I need to get it out im so scared thank you for reading Sharon x

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Shanty123
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66 Replies
Ageingfast profile image
Ageingfast

Dear Shanty

I assume you are having open heart surgery and not TAVi.

The OHS replace valve op is fabulous. Once you get to the cardiac ward your fears will melt away. The staff are so skilled, it’s another world. When it comes to the op you will be knocked out and not know anything for the day, or in my case two days. The rehab is slow, but you will notice a little improvement every day. Then after a few months your heart will be working for you.

Your smoking should stop by this stage. And you should be on a sensible diet.

The skill and resources lavished on you for the op should make you want to to stop smoking and stop over eating. You should be doing a little exercise at first, then building up gradually.

And the success rate of theses ops are excellent. No more likely to end your life than any other procedures.

Good luck

Sooty

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toAgeingfast

Hi thank you for your words of advice it’s much appreciated I have so many thoughts going through my head at the moment. I will definitely continue to help myself on this difficult journey Sharon.

Ageingfast profile image
Ageingfast in reply toShanty123

just been having FaceTime with my friend who had a knee op this afternoon. They commented on the amazing Wythenshaw hospital just down the road from them..

Sounds like you have a winner there

Best wishes

Sooty

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap

Hello Sharon, welcome to the forum.

I'm not going to pretend that open heart surgery is some trifle, it's not. Its a major operation that for about 2% of people goes badly wrong.

But there is some good news.

Firstly, the flip side of a 2% risk rate means that for 98% of people bypass surgery goes just fine!

And secondly, obesity is not a risk factor for open heart surgery. That surprises a lot of people, and even some doctors struggle to believe it. But the facts are crystal clear, obese patients have exactly the same open heart survival rates as slim patients.

There are plenty of factors which really do drive up surgery risk. Age is the main one, but at 56 you are over a decade younger than the average open heart surgery patient, so that will significantly lower your risks.

I should emphasise that obesity is of course a major risk factor for getting heart disease in the first place, and also for your long term health prospects, it's just not a risk factor for getting through open heart surgery.

One final point. Congratulations on stopping smoking. That's an absolutely massive achievement that will deliver a very substantial benefit to your future health and well being. I know how brutally hard quitting can be, so your amazing success deserves to be recognised and applauded. If you were here in person I'd be stepping up to shake your hand!

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toChappychap

Hi thank you for replying to my post it’s just such a worrying time and I suffer with anxiety and depression so I’m really trying to get words of comfort to help me. I’m trying to keep busy and hopefully I will know more on Thursday I really appreciate the medical professionals for helping me but I know I have to help myself with diet moving about etc. Re smoking once again thank you for understanding Sharon.

Anon2023 profile image
Anon2023

hi Sharon. I had two valve replacements by open heart surgery within 4 months. The second one was caused by endocarditis and I was at deaths door. I didn’t think I’d survive surgery but my surgeon was amazing and brought me back from the brink. I was in very poor shape, I’d been in a hospital bed for 2 months, I’d had a stroke, cdiff and sepsis and they still managed to do surgery on me. These heart surgeons are incredibly skilled and they wouldn’t be doing your surgery if they had any doubts. I understand your anxiety, that’s normal, but I’m sure that you will be fine. Xx

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toAnon2023

Hi Anon I’ve replied to your comment not sure why it’s further down the comments. Second line reads wow you have been through it I hope you can see it. I would just like to say again if you can’t find it is thank you so much for your advice and I hope you continue with good health Sharon.

Anon2023 profile image
Anon2023 in reply toShanty123

hi. I’m sure you will be fine. I’m a total wuss and if I can do it, anyone can. This is a supportive forum so we will all be here if you want to talk and/or need reassurance. X

Ludham profile image
Ludham

hi shanty you sound very much like me I was like frightened I might not survive and I wrote letters to my wife and both my children I gave them to a nurse and asked her to hand them out should I not survive and that was in 2009 after having a triple bypass and at the same time a cardio ablation while on the table.I had stopped smoking many years before after smoking for 28 years. I was a regular drinker but stopped days before my operation. My advice to you is don’t easier said than done I know once asleep you are in their hands. I followed the rehabilitation instructions to the letter and would again to advise you to do the same.if you on warfarin you will find regular hospital visits. I wish you all the and don’t forget the surgeons are doing this operation daily. All the best xx

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toLudham

Hi thank you for replying to my post I’m so pleased all worked out for you and yes it’s so scary I just pray I get through it. I really appreciate your kind words Sharon x

Hrty profile image
Hrty

All the best for a successful operation. One thing I was taught during rehab was not to think about what if but to concentrate on what is. Once the surgery is over concentrate on getting better and make those important life changes. All the best.

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toHrty

Hi I certainly intend to make life changes I just wish I had started sooner but I can’t dwell on that like you say I need to concentrate on the positives. Thank you for your kind words it’s really appreciated Sharon.

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123

Hi it’s nice to hear someone else who as had procedure done at same hospital. I’m worried I will be judged due to weight but up to now everyone as been nice. I’m such a worrier it’s on my nature I’m trying to keep my mind occupied but it keeps wandering back to the negative thoughts. I’m so pleased your procedure went ok and thank you for your kind words it’s really appreciated Sharon.

k9poppypoo profile image
k9poppypoo in reply toShanty123

H I Shanty i had ablation there 4 months ago, the staff and doctors are brill they look after you really well good luck.

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123

Hi thank you for replying to my post reading your story it’s like wow you have been through it more than once and all the other complications that happened to you. I have been told that they wouldn’t operate if they had doubts so I do try to keep that in mind but it soon wanders if you know what I mean. Once again thank you for your kind words Sharon.

Hello :-)

I was 58 when I had my triple Bypass and I had been stopped smoking 4 years and I wondered this and that and if I had done this or that but then I thought well whatever I might have or could have done different here I am now getting a second chance so do not beat yourself up because here you are now to getting a second chance and after your op and recovery you have that chance to exercise and lose weight eat healthy and continue to stay free from smoking which well done stopping never easy especially at a time like this so you are so much stronger than you think :-)

I think for any of us about to face these operations we all get that same fear or most of us do it is what is called been human and no one is more anxious than me but if I can get through it anyone can and you will to :-)

The operation is actually not as bad as you think it just sounds it but I was surprised and once you start on the road to recovery you will feel like a new women lots of energy eventually to spend on those Grandchildren :-)

Take it a day at a time and at each stage come on and ask the questions you need answering and we will do our best to answer and hopefully help you through this

You are going to be alright you will be in the safest hands ever they do these ops everyday and they will look after you :-) x

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply to

Hi thank you for taking the time to reply to my post it means a lot to me. I need to try and be positive I’m such a negative person I will definitely be asking more questions I’ve already got my list ready for Thursdays pre op, once again thank you and I’m so pleased you had a good outcome Sharon x

in reply toShanty123

Hello :-)

I am a negative and anxious person so I know how you feel but you will be alright

We are here and ready to help whenever we can :-) x

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957

You can't move forward if you keep looking back!

I led an unhealthy life style believing it will never happen to me, then it does, I wonder if I had been able to tell my younger self how much damage I was doing to myself I would have changed my ways.

Beating yourself up now won't help, let the medical people do their thing then decide to make life style changes to prolong things.

Of course those of us who have gone through surgery have those thoughts of 'what if I don't wake up', there isn't much you can do if you don't! It is more about 'what if I do wake up' that is important!

Most of us have been where you are and are here to support you 100% so don't be afraid to share your concerns and ask questions.

Onwards and upwards!!

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toHeather1957

Hi thank you for replying and yes you are right about the what ifs I feel like I’ve got 2 little people inside my head one being negative and one positive I’m trying hard to listen to the positive one Sharon.

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply toShanty123

It;s hard I know.

Carercmb profile image
Carercmb

Shanty I really feel for you anxiety is real and most of us suffer from it whenever we have to have surgery.

The good news is they have detected your problems early and doing all they can.

My 93 year old neighbour had to undergo the same.It took about 12 months for him to return to his weeding the garden and servicing his car as he used to do but I saw a change for the better .

Once the medical team do their bit and you give yourself time to recover then you have to do yours smoking is a definite no so address this right away with your GPS help.

Then change your lifestyle ,slowly loose the weight, this won’t be easy but you must get the motivation to do it. Maybe look forward to swimming with the grandchildren and buy a new swimsuit!

All best wishes for Wednesday, keep the forum updated.

In my teens I did voluntary work at Wythenshawe hospital, it’s huge now .My niece works in A&E it gets a good name especially for heart surgery so your in good hands.💕

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toCarercmb

Hi thank you for your advice it’s much appreciated. Wow 93 is a good age for anyone even more so for heart surgery. I’m determined to loose more weight I did it in 2021 then put some back on again so I know I can do it but the anxiety kicks in it’s just a circle I need to break. Sorry for the bold print I do t know why it’s happened Sharon.

sampaloc0624 profile image
sampaloc0624

By God’s grace everything will be ok. Trust Him…

Truffles2 profile image
Truffles2

Hi Shanty. I had a triple bypass 8weeks ago and I was petrified. I am also overweight although a non smoker. I talked to a ITU nurse I know and told her my concerns about being overweight and she laughed she said an awful lot of people with this type of surgery are, so don’t let that worry you. The anaesthetist was so good I walked down to the theatre and then before anything else happened he had me cannulated and asleep and I knew nothing until waking in ITU and then that was all a blur. I guess I was lucky I came home after 6 days. There have been challenges and it is most certainly not a walk in the park and I know I’ve still got a way to go but it hasn’t been as bad as I had expected. Since coming home my only pain relief has been regular paracetamol which has been enough to reduce the worst of the pain. A very lovely Consultant who looks after me for my cholesterol said to me ‘ look at it as if you are having a make over ‘ afterwards everything will fall into place and you will have more energy which will make it easier to deal with all my other health problems. My one piece of advice is buy a couple of good front opening bras. I am quite substantial in the boob department and that really helped to stop them pulling on my chest wound

Will be thinking of you

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toTruffles2

Hi thank u you for your advice it’s really appreciated I’m so pleased that you are on the mend. Re the bras I don’t wear one unless I go out I’m hoping this will be ok after op. Is it true that you have to wear button up clothing whilst in hospital as not allowed to raise your arms once again thank you Sharon x

Shazzy46 profile image
Shazzy46 in reply toTruffles2

I have just bought 2 front fastening bras and they seem very comfy. Surgery due soon.

Anon2023 profile image
Anon2023 in reply toShazzy46

The front fasteners are a good idea as you will probably struggle to put things over your head. While you are in hospital they will want to check your surgical wound quite a bit and you will be wired up to machines for a few days. You’ll just want to be as comfortable as possible x

Shazzy46 profile image
Shazzy46 in reply toAnon2023

Thank you

Anon2023 profile image
Anon2023 in reply toShazzy46

You might also want to get lighter stuff to wear. All 3 hospitals I stayed in were red hot. This is a bit random but maybe take in some boiled sweets as you might have a sore throat for a couple of days after. X

MountainGoat52 profile image
MountainGoat52

Hi Sharon,

I don't have much to add to what has been said. I had my triple bypass at age 66 after a heart attack and stents the year previous. I haven't looked back since and 5 years on I am still climbing mountains in Scotland. It is a wonderful operation carried out by extremely professional and experienced people, so try not to worry... I know, easier said than done!

Take this as a new start. You are being dealt a new hand in this game of life. Take it and move forward with it. Keep off the smoking, exercise, eat sensibly, do the rehab course, all as others have suggested and above all, think positively. There is no reason why you shouldn't be in a much better place in a few months time.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Gerald

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toMountainGoat52

Hi Gerald thank you for taking the time to read my post and reply it’s really appreciated. It means a lot that people are so kind also I’m so pleased all is going well for you.

Sharon

spinningjenny profile image
spinningjenny

I had all my heart procedures, including heart valve repair, done at Wythenshaw. The care I received was second to none. The staff are all lovely and you will be kept well informed. I can’t say don’t worry, as worrying goes with the territory, but you will be absolutely fine.

The only downside is that the food at Wythenshaw is awful, although after a few days they will allow a family member to wheel you downstairs to the Costa cafe so at least you can get a decent drink.

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply tospinningjenny

Hi nice to hear someone else who as had surgery at Wythenshawe. When I’m thinking positive I say that to my family about going to cafe when I can. So pleased all went ok for you and thank you for your reply Sharon.

momander profile image
momander

Hi Shanty123I had a double bypass 13 weeks ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I had 3 heart attacks since 2021 and 2 stents that collapsed, so needed the bypass. All the information you get before the op is given because it is a legal requirement

Heart surgeons are so special!! They do these operations every day and are experts. You will be in good hands. The recovery is really not that bad. You are not in agony or really bed pain!! Just uncomfortable and tender. The hospital I was in in Scotland didn't really focus on aftercare which is a real shame. I hope yours is better. Write down anything you are worried about and ask questions . You will be fine and well looked after. Good luck and I hope everything goes well. Please feel free to ask me anything else and I will try my best to help. X

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply tomomander

Hi thank you for your kind words it means a lot to me. It’s nice to hear that you are doing well after your op. I’ve got my list ready for Thursday once again thank you I will keep everyone updated if and when I’m able to Sharon x

Carion profile image
Carion

Hi, I know this is a scary time for you but try not to worry (easier said than done, I know). I am 67, have severe/borderline critical bicuspid aortic stenosis and go into hospital on 1st May for a valve replacement on 2nd May. My life is so restricted atm because I have practically no mobility - can't walk more than 30 yards before needing to rest. I too am obese (according to the doctor). I do chair-robics to try to get some exercise and meditate to control my stress.

Listen to Blackcatsooty. He has been my mentor through my journey. Don't go on google to research your condition, stick to the NHS & BHF websites. There is also a fantastic group on Facebook - UK Aortic Valve Replacement Group. They have been through what we are going through and give the best support ever, with lots of tips and suggestions if you have any queries.

I had my pre-op assessment yesterday. Nothing to worry about. Have faith in your medical team, the surgeons have been doing these operations daily and will look after you, as will the ICU and ward nurses.

Good luck.

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123 in reply toCarion

Hi my friend today told me to stay off Google as it’s not helping me so I will do. I feel for you re lack of mobility I do walk but I get pain and need to rest then try again. I wish you all the best on your journey and thank you for your advice it’s much appreciated Sharon.

Carion profile image
Carion in reply toShanty123

Good luck to you too.

Sally_Scott profile image
Sally_Scott

Hi shanty. I know where u r coming from. I’m 74 and had OHS fir 2 valve replacements. What I will give u is a tip on that isn’t mentioned here. If u r big busted like I am get yourself some soft padded bras. Don’t get ones that do up in the front as I found they rubbed on the scar. My beasts and muscles under breasts were soooo sore after op. Unfortunately for me I went into Afib and had a cardioversion 30 days after op and the result of that put my breast muscles into spasm for a week on and off! Get plenty of books in. I think I watched the whole of Netflix for 2 months lol. Good luck and I know saying don’t worry doesn’t really cut it. You are in good hands and they know what they r doing. So all the best. Let us all know how u r after yr op. Sally x

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs

Hi you wouldn't be human if you weren't scared, I was told at the age of 58 I needed a transplant, I have a faulty gene, I waited a scary two years for the phone to ring then I had to go into hospital and wait, I live in Scotland and my fantastic hospital is the golden jubilee, I had smoked until I was 48 but the one thing that was worrying my team was my weight they won't operate if you are under 8 stone and it was a fight to keep it there my fellow patients were all larger and it was not a problem. The surgeon's would never operate if it was, I got my new heart in 2020 and have never looked back. I wish you all the best for your surgery you are in the best hands and the nurses will help in every way to make you comfortable, take care char

Puffin1963 profile image
Puffin1963

Like you say Sharon , there’s no dressing this up , we all felt scared and it is a major procedure - our minds tend to send us down the negative rather than positive , you are in very safe hands , the staff really are amazing and will try to reassure you , I think in terms of risk crossing a busy road is probably more risky , driving on a motorway etc etc but we don’t think about it - you are on the way to being healthier , feeling better - it will be hard and you need to continue to make life style changes and take life one day at a time - the future then has a chance of being much brighter for you , best wishes xxx

Flamel profile image
Flamel

Dear Shanty,

First of all, what a shock you’ve had, a double whammy of needing a valve replaced AND heart bypass surgery, that’s a great deal to be confronted with!

I wanted to try to reassure you that you will be given the best care and you’re going to feel so much better when you’ve recovered and done justice to the doctors and nurses who will be working for you. But this time now is difficult and that’s totally understandable.

What I am doing at the moment is Talking Therapy, which I’m finding very useful. It’s a service your GP can refer you to. In the mean time, you might like to try writing down all the terrible, anxious thoughts you feel at the time you’re feeling them. Just get them down in a little book and then close your page on them. It’s amazing the difference it makes. Even if it’s the same thought, just right it down, get it out and I must admit, I wasn’t looking forward to it, but it’s helping me deal with my emotions and stress levels.

The other thing I found v useful is something called Tapping, or EFT (you can Google it). My GP told me about it about 15 years ago, but I thought it sounded daft so I didn’t look into then. I won’t go into detail now, but I have an app called The Tapping Solution which is free and can be paid for. It’s brilliant and great for all sorts of things.

Good luck and thank God we have the NHS to save our lives.

Digger0 profile image
Digger0

Well done for stopping smoking. The staff are excellent on cardiac wards and you will be well looked after. Feel free to vent here xx

colourblue profile image
colourblue

Of course it's normal to be nervous, but as been already said you will be taken care of by some very skilled people who have performed this op.many times before. My father had his aortic valve replaced back in 1969, it gave him a new lease if life. Sending you my very best wishes for a good recovery, try to be positive.x

M-Power profile image
M-Power

hi Sharon, you will be in good hands I had my open heart surgery for my Aotic valve replacement last August at Whythenshaw. The team are amazing, I was 51 at the time and was overweight at the time of the operation. I had lost 5 stone in the 6 months upto the op but still overweight, they are well trained I was in icu for 3 days and back home in 6 days. It’s not easy ride but not as bad as I thought, every day you will feel better and move forward. The best thing you can do after surgery is do what they tell you to do, this will improve your recovery mentally and physically. Be prepared for cancellations, I had 3 before my operation. You will be fast asleep it’s our family and friends that have all the stress. Good luck, you are going to be fine.

Tictocted profile image
Tictocted

good morning lovely. Your response is absolutely normal . I had aortic valve surgery and aneurysm surgery 13 weeks ago and here I am feeling ok apart from few mobility issues. Make sure you tell staff how worried you are don’t keep it bottled up, they will have heard the same from most patients and they will then know and do their best to comfort you. I wish you all the very best and hope to see an update as soon as you are well enough

Deejay62 profile image
Deejay62

Hi Sharon welcome to the group. I cannot relate to that surgery because I’ve only had ablations and device fitted, but I can relate to having my first procedure, feeling very nervous and leaving messages to my children and grandchildren and speaking to them about, if I don’t make it. After I’ve come through I usually feel a right plonker for making so much fuss. Now I don’t even bother saying anything to them, but I still feel nervous each time. Good luck, and remember what others have also said they do these ops all the time, and if they felt you’re at risk they wouldn’t do it.

SirBeatalot profile image
SirBeatalot

Hi.I had my quadruple bypass 6 years ago at the age of 62 and after a slowish recovery have enjoyed holidays abroad and the odd beer (or two).You do need to adjust your diet and take some reasonable exercise,and in my case keep taking the tablets, but you adjust and life goes on.It is natural to be scared, i know i was, but it will all soon be behind you and you can start a new chapter of your life feeling better.

tonysmithpi profile image
tonysmithpi

Sharon

If you weren't worried youd not be normal. I had a triple bypass 20 months ago and within days I was feeling the difference. Rehab is slow but keep it steady. I feel better now than Ive felt in years and once you get over the 'mental' aspects of just what's been done you focus on the benefits. I, unfortunately, still smoke but Im trying to kick that.

Mrsmaccer profile image
Mrsmaccer

Hi Shanty this is the 1st time I've posted on here but have to say this group has been so supportive and fantastic advice it helped me through a very scary time.I had OHS in November last year to have my valve replaced . I was at Wythenshawe hospital. I am 61. have to say the staff and surgeon were fantastic. All the doctors and nurses there are brilliant and really do look after you.

My scar is fading so quick

through out it all I found the waiting to go in was the worse time ever thinking the worse but honestly you will feel so much better when it's done . Good luck keep us updated

valspia profile image
valspia

Your decision to quit smoking is huge! I see better days ahead for you. I’m here across the pond cheering you on and saying a prayer. Best to you 🙂

gorillaqueen profile image
gorillaqueen

Hello Shanty I’m 5 months post triple heart bypass I’m 72 and like you was terrified of the procedure. I could not get my head round it all as it was totally out of the blue, I was fine ( or thought I was ) until August 21 and just getting on with my life but everything changed then as it has for many people.I completely understand your fear but please try and be positive the surgeons nurses etc are truly amazing, I had my surgery at St Thomas London and could not have asked for better care. Anything I say cannot ease your fear but please know you are not alone there are some lovely people on this forum who are very supportive and helpful. Joining this forum has truly helped me and I know it will be the same for you, if you are worried about anything just ask and someone will reply. Be positive and look forward to your future in better health be strong. I wish you good luck good health and happiness. Take care all the best and please keep in touch with updates 😊X

Mandy31 profile image
Mandy31

Dear Shanty

Totally understandable that you're scared, it's a big op. January 2022, my hubby had open heart surgery to have part of his aorta replaced (due to a thoracic aneurism) , had a mechanical heart valve replacement and a double bypass he was 49 at the time. He had is op done at New Cross Hospital and they were amazing, he's doing really good now.

You sound like you have a great support network with your family which is great :)

I have to say when my hubby was due to go in I came on here for support and everyone was great with help and advice....it's a great community and don't ever worry a question is silly they'll be someone here who can help or offer advice :) I would say take any offer of support that the hospital offers it really does make a difference.

My hubby said he got a second chance and he tires to live everyday to the full :) When something like this happens it makes you take a step back and you see what is really important in life :)

Wishing you all the very best.

You will be fine.. wishing you and your loved ones all the best!

Airlie37 profile image
Airlie37

Thinking of you and praying all goes well....don't be scared we are all here with you xx

RailRover profile image
RailRover

Hi Shanty.

Like you, I was a bit concerned before a triple bypass, but I knew the high success rate, and I was feeling lousy as I was anyway, so I was able to adopt a "what will be, will be" attitude. I think it helped in my case that they kept me in hospital after an angiogram because they were afraid of letting me go home with arteries in that state and me living on an island an air ambulance flight away. So I spent a month in hospital waiting for a theatre slot. Try to just go with the flow if you can, and tell yourself that you're in good hands and they know what they're doing. In the end, I convinced myself that fretting about my situation wasn't going to change a single thing, and after arming myself with that positive frame of mind, I thought only about the future recovery and how good things were going to be afterwards. I slept like a log from then on, even the night before surgery.

Recovery was slow. I felt like I'd been hit by a bus for a couple of weeks, but they get you up walking in no time, and slowly but surely you gain strength. I was discharged after 6 days and felt rough on the flight home, but slowly and surely you then start the climb back to health. It can take months, but the knowledge that you are feeling a little stronger each day instils a lovely sense of well being.

Finally, do take it as a wake up call. Lose weight (whether it's tough or not, it's preferable to finishing up back in the same fix or worse), and definitely try to get on a rehab course. They are supposed to offer it to everyone, but reading of the experiences here not everywhere seems to do so. The uptake isn't great either. The staff at rehab told me a large percentage of patients never sign up at all. In our group we started off with 12 and we were down to 4 at the end of the 6 weeks. Then they offered a cut rate at the government run gym and there was only myself from our group that took it up. I urge anyone reading this to take advantage. Exercise. Get fitter. You'll feel SO much better. The heart is a machine and it needs to work to get stronger. Don't worry about being embarrassed about your weight when you first go either. There are all shapes and sizes there doing their best to improve.

Good luck!!

Dunandjam profile image
Dunandjam

Hi Sharon,

I really wish you well for your op and it’s normal to be apprehensive about it. I look forward to hearing how it went in due course,

Best wishes,

Linda xx

Hi Shanty, I and sure many others look forward to your post-op message on here, tell us how it went, it will be a walk in the park 👍, you'll be showing off your scar and telling everyone you're the bionic woman 🤭. There's also no shame in asking for a little sedative in hospital, not gin mind you! Just take your time next week, do as you're told and enjoy the new you. ♥️

Lilyrosy profile image
Lilyrosy

Hi there,

I am 4 years post CABGx4. My big fear was the feeling of a tube in my throat, happy to say not aware of it at all or the removal. One worry removed. When I first woke up I thought why did I agree to this but of course you feel a little bit better every day and eventually they get you ‘doing the stairs’ then home!

I had my op aged 73 and haven’t looked back. I was determined to get back to ‘normal’ and enjoy my children and my grandchildren. Make them your focus because I’m sure their support will get you through.

Good that you have stopped smoking I weighed 8st 3lb and never smoked but hey still managed to get coronary artery problems so follow those rehab guidelines and they will help enormously. Wishing you a speedy recovery, you’re still a spring chicken!

It's extremely unlikely that you'll suffer any complications. As for the operation itself, your cardiac team do them every day. Even though open heart surgery is classed as 'major' it's not on the same scale as say brain or most cancer surgery.

I had a triple by pass last August. The whole procedure passed so uneventful that I then understood what the cardiologist meant when they said that to them it was just routine.

if your experience is anything like mine it'll go something like this. On the big day itself you'll shower and change into the surgical gown then you'll be wheeled along to the pre op room, the staff there will be chatting away whilst connecting you to this and that. The next thing that you'll know is that you're groggily aware that it's all over and you've been disconnected from all the op theatre paraphernalia. There won't even be all that much pain at least not right away.

After a hazy night you'll be transferred to (most likely) a cardiac ward. That's when it'll hit you that even though you are sore (even that side wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, I've had cracked ribs that were more painful). The ward staff are so good and experienced that you'll quickly accept that you've survived and you are definitely on the way to full recovery.

Give it a month or six weeks later and you'll be a new woman. Good luck (not that you'll need it).

Shanty123 profile image
Shanty123

Hi everyone I’m sorry I’m unable to reply to everyone as so many have commented.

I didn’t honestly think I would get this many replies it just shows how kind people are on here. I have read every reply and will continue to do so and no doubt I will have more questions after my pre op on Thursday.

Once again thank you it’s really appreciated

Sharon xxx

Shazzy46 profile image
Shazzy46

Hi Sharon, I'm waiting for a date for a new valve. I'm overweight with a BMI of 38. I've lost about a stone and a half utterly it's difficult with polycystic ovary syndrome. My cardiologist said not to worry because they operate on people all sizes and shapes. Well done with stopping smoking, it's a big achievement in itself. I'm trying to remain positive by planning things for when I've recovered. Good luck with your surgery.

Handel profile image
Handel

Hi Sharon.

Please don't worry too much. My hubby was 67 when he had a quadruple bypass and was scared stiff until we saw the consultant and surgeon. The surgeon was lovely and said he could do the operation with a blindfold on and with one hand tied behind his back. When my hubby woke from the anaesthetic in the ICU, the surgeon greeted him and said he decided to operate without the blindfold!!

Hubby had the operation on a Monday and was back home on Friday.

He's never looked back and in a few weeks, you'll be glad you've been sorted out and will be able to keep up with the grandchildren.

There will be lots of questions. Just keep popping into this lovely forum and you'll get all the advice you need from people who've been where you are and have got the T Shirt!!!

Lots of love and hugs. Jan xxxx

Peter-l-h profile image
Peter-l-h

Just to echo the posts - Wythenshawe Hospital ticks all the boxes ? Caring competent and professional. From the highest to the youngest trainee.

Cardio rehab in Bury through Fairfield was also well run .

I found a long phone charging lead handy

PH

Swalecliffe88 profile image
Swalecliffe88

Hello Shanty. I had OHS in 2015. I understand your fear and yes as others have said It is a major op for us. But an op our surgeons are now doing daily. You will be fine and after a few weeks you will feel so much better and realise how poorly you have been feeling. Good Luck and when you feel up to it let us know how your doing.

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