CABG next week

[Gribbin]

I have been in hospital since my collapse last week, and it looks like I will get in for surgery next week!What should I expect... in the hours after the procedure... next day... up to discharge?

I assume pain, limited mobility... but lots of support?

Any tips... front button pyjamas...will it hurt when you drink hot/cold drinks?

Trying not to think about it too much!

[Tos92]

Hi Gribbin

I’m sorry to hear about your collapse last week.

Although I can’t advise regarding what having a CABG involves, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with the surgery next week.

Best wishes & keep us posted.

Tos

[Chappychap]

"I assume pain, limited mobility... but lots of support?"

Surprisingly little pain, in hospital it's pretty much all medicated away, and even when you get home it's more discomfort than pain. The breathing/coughing exercises can be unpleasant but that's over in a moment.

Yes, mobility is a bit limited. Before the hospital will discharge you you have to demonstrate that you can go to the bathroom and tackle a flight of stairs, but that's pretty much all you can do. Changing your own compression stocking for example wasn't something that I could manage.

Lots of support? Hmm, not really. The bottom line is that once we're discharged, and provided the operation was successful, then there's not much more the hospital or GP can actually do for us. It's our responsibility to take our medication and change our lifestyles to slow down the future progress of our heart disease. The NHS will help us with a six session cardio rehab course and an annual cardio check-up with our GP, but the real work is all down to us.

Personally I found my bypass surgery transformational. I feel ten or even twenty years younger, I sleep like a baby and wake up full of zest for life. For the five years since my surgery my wife and I have been first on the dance floor and the last to leave! So as far as I'm concerned it's all been more than worth it.

Good luck!

[Gribbin in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks for your positive comments there... the Cardio Rehab Nurse came in today, and has allayed many fears... surprisingly, even though I know what I'm in for I am feeling quite positive... I guess the sooner it start the sooner I can get back to life... as you say, its' possible this has been running me down for some time, and that it may help boost my energy levels.

I shall try to keep you all posted...

[Bingofox007]

best wishes and will be thinking of you. Keep us updated. If I’m waiting for a procedure or surgery or anything stressful I always tell myself this isn’t going to last forever, I’m soon going to be home again and reflecting on this. It’s worth a try if it’s worrying you. Be strong and take care 🦊xx

[Gribbin in reply to Bingofox007]

Hi Bingofox, yes it's hard not to think too much. I wish I hadn't watched it on Tomorrow's World many moons ago! To be fair I will be off with the fairies, it's the recovery that will be tough.I have been lucky, in a way, not allowed out of the hospital, so getting surgery sooner. I feel for you if you're having a long wait

I will try to keep this post updated as I go.

Keep well, and good luck on your journey. Thanks for the support. Gxx

[MummaSoap]

Hi Gribbin

Sorry to hear about your recent events.

Unfortunately I have no advice regarding a CABG but like Tos, I wanted to wish you well for the surgery and a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

Personally, I find mindset is a really powerful tool and I would encourage you to set yourself small goals each day (could just be to brush your hair or take 2 minutes to thank someone - doesn’t have to be related to your recovery) sometimes just having little achievements to keep you going helps 😁

Keep us posted with how you get on.

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

[Gribbin in reply to MummaSoap]

Hey Soap, thanks... definitely small steps, and keeping positive. Just been transferred to the surgical hospital... on initial check in I'm reassured... but still anxious.... could be home this time next week...wow. not counting chickens just yet...G xx

[Gribbin]

I was discharged on Day 4!, after a quadruple bypass. A mix of anxiety, can I manage this on my own...versus, at last a peaceful night in my own bed, plus having the meds ready on the bedside table.

Still quite foggy, lucky my wife is here to help keep my meds on track. Despite forgetting, or sleeping through a medical I feel the pain is well under control.

Constapation has been my biggest discomfort so far.

It may take some time, but I am looking forward to a full recovery. 👍