I had a heart attack almost 10 years ago and last week suffered another minor attack. I am currently in hospital as I had an angiogram but due to the extent of my heart disease I have been recommended for bypass surgery (subject to satisfactory scans etc). I have never had serious surgery like this before (I have had no other health issues and haven't even broken a bone in my 48 years) so this is all incredibly difficult to process and tbh i am absolutely terrified.
Has anyone gone through this and what would be your best advice/tips both pre and post surgery. I really want to make this work.
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I am so sorry you are in the Hospital at the moment after suffering another heart attack
I had 3 heart attacks quite close together and then was told I needed a triple Bypass I was shocked and been of an anxious nature anyway I was literally petrified
However I knew if this is what they were saying I needed it had to be done no matter how bad my fear was and it really was
I would come on here and members would encourage me and tell me how lucky I was that they had caught me and found what I needed and how much better I would be after and it really helped having that encouragement talking with others that had been through it and were there enjoying their life's
The operation I know sounds so frightening and I built it up in my head to such an extent I made myself so ill yet for me to say this been the wreck I am has to be a positive it is nowhere near as bad as your mind might be imagining
You are in the safest hands there possibly is they know what they are doing the specialist Nurses take such good care of you and again know what they are doing and any questions ask them now while you are in there they will help put your mind at ease
After of course you feel a sore etc and recovery can take time but they get you moving as soon as they can and some people within 3 months are back at work each of us are individuals though so recovery can go at different paces but for now I would take one step at a time see what the results say and as you go through each stage keep posting and someone will reply with their experience
Above all I think focusing on how lucky you have been they have caught you and that something can be done is where to try and get your mindset you are going to be ok you really are and will look out for your future posts x
"Has anyone gone through this and what would be your best advice/tips both pre and post surgery. I really want to make this work."
The hospital will give you a booklet when you're discharged which contains lots of important information, most hospitals follow a similar format. Reading through this in advance will allow you to prepare. Here are a couple of examples,
Immediately after discharge you'll need to follow a programme of deep breathing five or six times per day, and a daily walk that should build after six weeks to at least a mile. What isn't emphasised enough is that our lungs take a beating during open heart surgery (they essentially collapse and then remain collapsed for the six or seven hours of the operation) and fully reflating our lungs is a long job. But how well our lungs reflate is probably the single most important factor that determines how we judge our recovery is progressing.
Here's some more NHS information on these all important breathing exercises,
Following discharge the hospital (not your GP) should arrange for you to attend a six session cardio rehab course commencing about six to eight weeks after discharge. This cardio rehab course can be absolutely transformational, it hammers home the critical point that stents and bypass surgery are not a cure, heart disease is both incurable and progressive. But stents and bypass surgery can buy us a second chance for life style changes and medication to slow down the progress of our disease to an absolute crawl. And cardio rehab explains in great detail how our medication works and what are the life style changes that we as individuals need to make.
I had bypass surgery nearly five years ago, as far as I'm concerned it was the best thing since sliced bread. Sure, the first few weeks were tough, but now I feel ten or twenty years younger. Fitter and stronger than I've been for years and with an insatiable appetite for life.
With a little bit of luck and some determination to shake up your life style, you'll soon be feeling exactly the same way!
Thank you so much, you really have made me feel better. I know this is the right thing to do and I am trying to use it as some kind of fresh start etc. I spoke with one of the surgical team today and they made me feel much lest anxious about it all. I agree totally that this is an opportunity not a disadvantage. Best wishes.
That is such a good and positive way of thinking about this , and keeping that positive mindset is what will help you get through the stress of surgery.Pre operation it is good to relax and distract your mind from those negative , worst case scenario thoughts that might try and creep in.
Enjoy the more relaxing activities that you do. Reading , Watch a Film or Documentary on positive things that interest you, Drawing or Colouring and small table crafts.
Learning to relax , using slow deliberate breathing techniques and meditation is also useful before surgery because as well as helping you to remain calm about the procedure those techniques can help you to relax , reduce pain and decrease post surgery symptoms.
Eat light smaller portion meals and build up your hydration because this will help your body cope with healing after your surgery.
One good thing to do is to start your plans for your recovery .
Look through the information about what you need to do post surgery. You can get a journal and make plans for the weeks afterwards , adjust your diary so that you have plenty of recovery time and you have well paced your days with activities and rest in the months after.
Find out what practical changes you might need to make at home to improve how easy and comfortable your first weeks after surgery will be and make lists for anyone at home to organise that for you. For example, more pillows on your bed or seat, cooler cotton clothing as some people find they perspire quite a bit post surgery, having someone stock your food cupboards with things that will be easy to eat and drink.
Keeping a written journal is also a good way of tracking your progress and symptoms which you can start while in hospital . You can also keep a note if any useful websites or numbers that you are recommended in one place. It's better to create one of these in an " Old Skool" way using book and pen. This is because writing rather than typing has been shown to be a more deliberate cognitive activity and helps you retain more if the information you write down in memory and produces a more therapeutic emotional response.
It's very useful for Mind Health Care which is often something that we don't think about because you can use the journal to write down any feelings that you are having too.
These can be positive thoughts , notes about your achievements no matter how small they are and a bucket list to encourage you when you feel low.
They can also be negative feelings or worries which you may not find easier to share with others but are still better out if your head than rattling around your thoughts making you feel more stressful.
Good luck with the surgery and do write another post afterwards to let us know how things went. Take care , Bee
Wow!! You are so incredibly lucky to have been given this information on discharge . I was given nothing at all apart from a bag of medication. I was also not informed about the breathing exercises!! My hospital is an old one and when I hear of others experiences I sometimes feel somewhat let down bit I am so incredibly grateful for the operation I had. It has given me a new lease of life.
I went into my local hospital for a follow up scan and blood test 6 months after being in A&E with chest pains and severe shortage of breath. They admitted me there and then as my troponin levels showed I'd had a heart attack in the previous 7 days. I do have a history of high blood pressure though.
5 days later I was sporting two stents. Went to release me 3 days after that and did a scan - told you're staying, you need AVR (Aortic Valve Replacement) surgery. Oh, whilst in there we'll do a single CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) as well as there was an artery where we didn't think a stent was urgent.
So, after a total of 5 weeks I was discharged with a nice pair of scars from the bypass (one on my left leg for the donor vein, one down the middle of my chest of course) and a very small wound on both wrists, one from the surgery and one from the stent procedure.
I'm not a fitness addict and wouldn't describe myself as physical sports inclined, just as active. I was totally unprepared for an operation let alone the mental impact of having had a heart attack and needing surgery but would advise as follows:
1. The surgery is routine, as my surgeon said to me yesterday "it's only a bit of plumbing" when I thanked him for his efforts. I'm now discharged from care by the hospital and back in the hands of my GP at just over 9 weeks after surgery.
2. For me the most important thing was to take a positive attitude. None of this 'why me' view. You've an opportunity to extend your life and enjoy it, grab it with both hands. Don't take any mental baggage with you, very difficult for me but important. Both of my parents had triple bypass surgery, one successful, the other not. I'm now older than my father when he passed, aiming to get close to mum (she made just shy of 100).
3. Try to get up and about as soon as they let you post op. I did and was amazed at how many on my ward were just lying in bed all day. I surprised myself at how easy it was for me to walk around the ward, I was doing laps on day 2 out of ICU, not everyone will but I was determined I was going to recover so I worked at it.
4. Do the same at home, walk as soon as you can and keep at it. Don't over exert yourself, listen to your body.
5. Be ready to find random bruises that just appear, I've got a new one this morning from brushing a bush in the garden. Even the slightest knock can cause a severe bruise if you are on anti-coagulants as I have been (stopped yesterday).
6. You'll be very sore afterwards and you'll lose a lot of muscle condition. Worst for me have been the pectorals, they are still sore and will take time to build back up. You'll need help for some time once home.
You will have to make some lifestyle changes, I have but we were eating healthily anyway. Just fine tuning in our case but ...
Thanks so much, I spoke with a member of the surgical team today and we had a real good talk about it all and I have now gone from feeling my life is over to this is actually a great opportunity to start over and begin a new chapter etc. I know it will be very hard and will need a lot of commitment but although it might sound weird i am now actually looking forward to it, life changing for the better and all that. It's incredibly reassuring to hear your story and experience and advice, thank you so much and sending you best wishes.
My husband is 53 and had a quadruple bypass last year. He waited in hospital for 12 weeks to have the operation so as well as being scary it was also a huge relief that having the operation meant he would soon be coming home. You’ve been given great advice here already, I’d say that you really need to do what you’re told and you’ll be amazed how quickly you see and feel yourself improving.
We were given a sort of instruction manual, a lot of it was too easy for my hubby but you soon find out what you can do. We started off pottering around the garden and got quicker every day. One day he disappeared (sending me into panic!) and he’d taken himself for an up-hill stroll to see how it was!
You will be sore but keep taking the paracetamol and before you know it you’ll be on the mend. Your age is definitely going to help.
Lots of luck and best wishes to you, onwards and upwards x
I had OHS for an aortic valve replacement 2 years ago aged 52. The need for this came out of the blue so took some time to process. Operation went well and I gained a new appreciation of how precious life is, for which I'm very thankful. Recovery is slow but steady (it is a huge operation). However, it was good to see my progress. Physically and mentally it can be challenging - the important thing is to take recovery one day at a time. There may be good days and bad days, but each day is different, be kind to yourself. 2 years on, I feel I lead a pretty normal life, work, am there for my children and trying to make the most of each day. I am very thankful for the care I reviewed. Wishing you all the very best 🙂
Hey! I’d be happy to have a chat on the phone Just message me I’m a fellow bypass guy receiver.
I’d also suggest you have a look at posts by Stevie335 and PurpleEdge as they are almost identical positions to you - both similar ages to you and they were equally as worried. If you look at their posts you’ll see lots of replies on there about different aspects of the op and the recovery.
It’s totally normal to be nervous, I think it would be weird if you weren’t!! Just let me know if you wanna chat, I’m currently waiting to start a new job so have plenty of time xx
I had a quintuple bypass 4 years ago. Due to the speed with which I was admitted and the bypass surgery being done, I had little time to process what was happening. And, to a degree there was a little bit of denial. This was not happening to me. But these surgeons do these procedures every day. They know what they are doing. Put yourself in their hands. Do as they tell you before and after. Never turn down a painkiller, or be afraid to ask for pain relief. And if you are offered Cardiac Rehab afterwards take it. I found the Cardiac Rehab sessions, here in Southampton, really helpful. Hope it goes well.
I had CABG x4 on 24 hours notice in 2017 and had no time to think about it. Three facts to reassure you: 1. CABG technology and procedures have come a long way and are very sophisticated. 2. These procedures are routine, routine, routine - there was a production line at my hospital. 3. The surgeons have performed these major procedures countless of times, are highly skilled and very experienced.
Sorry to hear that you're currently in hospital and require bypass surgery.I suffered a heart attack and needed a triple bypass four years ago. Yes, I was scared at the thought of it but the cardiology team at St Thomas's in London were superb and took great care of me. Follow all the advice that is given to you for your post operation recovery and you will be perfectly fine. Four years on, I'm feeling fitter than ever. I've completely changed my diet and lifestyle and run on a regular basis. Wishing you all the very best.
I had a triple bypass over 18 months ago, I have always been fit and active and a non smoker, so I was very shocked with the initial diagnosis. I also felt very lucky that my condition had been discovered and would be improved. Prior to the operation I had a bit of a ‘wobble’ fearing the worst, but I was in very good hands. I now feel very fit and well, post op, you will need to take it easy and recover slowly, be patient, it will take time, but you will get better.
I had a quad bypass in 2021. It is a scary thought and only natural to feel scared I am 62
The cardiac team do these all the time and you will probably spend a couple of days in critical care where I experienced no pain you will then go to the cardiac ward for approx 4-5 days before being discharged
On the ward the ward they will manage any pain and all should be good
I did have a nose bleed that was scary until they stopped one of the blood thinners and also a high heart rate that they had to do a cardiac assist until it all settled down
You may not experience any of these
Back home it is a good 6 week recover
The main issue is controlling you chest pain from the op so coughing or sneezing is best to hold a pillow and cross your arm helps
Gradually walking a few steps and then longer each day to re build your strength and fully inflate your lungs as these would be collapsed during surgery
I was pain free and just takes a bit of time but you will be fine
I am now over 2 years and go to the gym a couple of days a week and able to go do walking football I live a normal and active life
Well there is some great advice here, my whole story is on here somwhere I’m Bigscar.I had my triple in 1977 aged 31. St.George’s Hyde Park corner which is now an hotel still with hospital name on it. I had the luxury of going in July found out I’d had my pre med and op was cancelled my rare blood B Rhesus Negative was used for a lady in a road accident. If you can call that luxury but enabled me to see how efficient the whole process was. Really at that young age with a wife and 2 daughters I had to have it done you really just float along with events hoping to see light soon at the end of the tunnel.My problem was high cholesterol lumps on the tendons on the back of my hands,in my ankles and arcing in the eyes always a sign of high cholesterol.
Anyway I am now a Guinness World Record Holder as I am 46 surviving years and counting.Play walking football but last week busted my left leg hamstring so not sure at my age it will repair so may need to retire. Also can’t ride any of my 6 bikes so you can see there is vast hope after. You can search my story on here and the Guinness Record Website.
MY OVERIDING ADVICE IS IF YOU ARE NOT WELL INSURED WITH A WIFE AND FAMILY AFTER OP GET COVERED IT WILL BE LOADED BUT YOU WILL HAVE PEACE OF MIND.
I HAD ONLY £1,000 OF COVER AND ALTHOUGH PREMIUM WAS LOADED I WAS HAPPY AT THAT POINT.
I'm early 50s, 2 months after triple bypass, feel fabulous and out cycling 10 - 15 miles in a day!
The whole procedure and recovery was way less frightening that I had imagined. You'll have good pain management, and will be well looked after in hospital for around a week.
Once home, take it easy, sleep when you need to. Try and walk a bit each day.
Before you know it, you'll feel years younger, and that ticking time-bomb(s) will have been bypassed.
It sounded crazy to me at the time, but it really is a routine procedure, albeit still major surgery.
Focus on the positives. It will completely transform your life!
That's incredibly reassuring and you have done so well in your recovery and In such short time (it is amazing me how quick people gain a new lease of life if they put in the work). Very inspirational thankyou
Hi Bertie, as Marmite said, I am pretty much on the same path and timescale as you. Awaiting confirmation for 4th Sept op. Doc on hols at mo so shoud be well rested.. hopefully .😄.
Its a Biggie, but just walking on the flat knocks me out, could be the meds, or 3 x badly blocked arteries, so I've come to terms with the fact it's a no brainer. Gotta be done.
When I'm out on my attempt at a 2 mile walk, I see young and much older people zooming past. If Only ! I am looking forward to a time when I don't have to rest every 100m or look for a bench to sit on.
So in my head the deal is, go through this totally routine production line operation with some discomfort, to come out the other end being able to go back walking on the Welsh Hills around me.
I've set a small bucket list for my self for spring next year. After recovering and getting my fitness and energy back :- 1. Walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)via Pyg track, 2. Walk to an iconic Norwegian mountain site ( the Pulpit Rock) Google it, it is awesome. 3. The Torhatten another Norwegian mountain curiosity, a mountain with a hole in it.
So yes, I am anxious, just like you Bertie. Everybody should and will be, only natural.
One thing that came to me when I went to see the Consultant/Surgeon. When I walked in his office, straight away he clocked me, by the time I sat down his decision to take me on was pretty well made. a quick look at my legs then lift my shirt (reckon checking for varicose veins water retention etc and the state of my 6 pack, (Party can ). My thoughts were Hang On this is a biggie. For me it was , for my consultant I was one more patient in for plumbing which he does EVERY day.
We did have a laugh when I said wow that was quick, he said well your a young man and very healthy. I said have you got the right guy ? (I'm 65 and got 3x blocked arteries) 😂😂 . He said , "That is young and I'll fix those pipes".
So, thinking of you Bertie.
As I said to one of the others on here before, a quote from an old wise Peckham Sage, "Just think Bertie, this time next year, we'll have new plumbing ! "
That's brilliant thank you, I have just been told I'm all on for 31 Aug and it feels weird now to say I can't wait for it (although still a bit apprehensive about the anesthetic as I have never been put under before). I totally relate to what you are saying, I currently feel about 90 when out walking etc and I am not prepared to continue that way. I love the idea of long walks, my partner is a born and bred Barry boy so maybe it's time to drag him back to his homeland for some long walks lol.
Hi, thats great news Bertie, (gulp!) You'll rock it , just think this time next week a sore chest but free flowing blood through the old ticker . I personally am looking forward to the semolina puddings they give you in hospital.😀.
But seriously all the best and look forward to seeing your updates on the 2nd Sept.
Hello, I had a triple by pass a year ago and it happened so fast. I’m 43 years old so in the same age bracket. What I would say is you don’t need to worry, these procedures are very common and you’re in very safe hands. If your doctor allows, getting in some regular walks before the surgery always helps (it helped me both physically and mentally). Cardiac rehab after surgery really helped me out, showing me that getting back to exercise is possible. All the best, I’m sure you’ll do really well.
HiI had a double cabg in Jan of this year. I was utterly petrified!! The waiting was the worst as they kept me in so I was an I patient on the surgical list. The idea of the operation and how they do it scared the life out of me but once they wheeled me doemwn to theatre I just felt this sense of calm. I knew this operation was needed and that I would benefit from it so thst was ehete I got my strength from. After the op you really do struggle to do normal things like get get of bed to go to the loo
You can't move/ twist and turn the same as before as you are pretty sore. Once you are up and about and walking upland down the ward it really helps. I was out on the 5th day. Unfortunately I didn't get any paperwork/ booklets of advice post op. Neither was I told about the breathing exercises!! I only found this put through speaking to others!! Cardio rehB classes have been amazing. Mine is purely exercise but there are nurses there who are happy ro listen to you or give advice if needed. You will definitely get through this!! Recovery takes time so baby steps all the way. The 3motionsl recovety is the hardest. Its well documented that you msy be irritable snappy with frienfs or family, and very tearful for quite a few months. It passes though so dont worry. You probably won't be able to sleep in your bed for a good while so either a recliner chair or prop yourself up with pillows at your sides and back and head until you are comfortable. Good luck and let us know how things go.
Thanks, I have just been told I am booked in for next Thursday and tbh I am looking forward to it because I now recognise it as a positive thing. I already struggle with energy levels and aches, pains etc so I am looking at having to endure some pain and discomfort as well worth it if that means I have a new lease of life afterwards. How long was it before you were able to lie in bed normally etc?,
We are all different, but for me it was about 4 months. I bought a recliner chair from a charity shop and that was an absolute godsend because it meant i was not lying flat as it was really uncomfortable for my sternum. I also hired a hospital bed for a wee while and that was amazing as i could lie exactly how i did in hospital. Try if you can to keep your legs elavated every time you sit, and also when you lie down. You will be quite tired when you get home and as I said before, perhaps you will have mood swings and will be very emotional. Your heart may sound very loud in your ears when you are trying to get to sleep!! that is because it is in a membrane and the surgeon cuts the membrane to get to your heart!! they do not close the membrane after your operation!! your heart wont fall out though!!! If you have a partner take every bit of help and support you can when you get home and dont try to run before you can walk!!! just take it slow and easy, stay warm and well hydrated, drink plenty water. You may not have much of an appetite but try to eat low fat healthy foods, plenty fruit and veg and brown bread, pasta, rice. nothing with a rich sauce or saturated fats. So no pies , pastry, cakes, sweets, chocolates or chocolate biscuits, nothing with a high fat content basically. It sounds drastic but actually it is a mind set!!! I dont want to die!!! so that makes me eat the right foods!! If you can cut out smoking and alcohol too ( if you smoke and drink) then that helps. The odd drink will do you no harm, neither will the odd treat!! for me ive just cut it all out as if i had a treat i would want more!!! my heart health is more important than a cake or some lovely ice cream!!! I hope your operation goes well and I wish you all the luck in the world for a speedy recovery and a long happy life. Are you here in Scotland or England??
Hi, yes I did a read on it too, seems its safer to leave it as opposed to restitch it back together. Potential for infection but antibiotics jump all over it (Pericarditis, I think.)
My lovely cardiologist told me thst 6 months post op was the first marker of how well you feel, then by a year you really should feel a big difference. He's right!! I'm 8 months post op and I do feel amazing. Still the odd ectopic beat and faster heart rate but I've been told that's nothing to worry about. My heart health anxiety has greatly diminished since January which is great. You will be aware of every single niggle, pain or sensation in your chest area post op!! This is normal!!! If you are really concerned then your cardio team are the e perts just for a bit of advice and reassurance . Keep asking questions!! Sadly I was told nothing on discharge and given no information . I hope it will be different for you. You'll get through this!! There are a huge bunch of us here just waiting to support you!! Xx
Thank you. I think you and I have the same mind set, I too have decided this is a good opportunity to rule out alcohol completely (not that I was a big drinker anyway) as I haven't missed it one bit and feel better for it. I need to loose that covid era weight and again have had no issue so far with changing diet etc so I may as well carry on as I mean to go on. I am in South Yorkshire and a short drive to the Peak District so looking forward to getting back into walking again.
I'm one of life's most devout scaredy cats. I don't like needles being stuck in me, going to the dentist, going on aeroplanes, big dogs or climbing up ladders. When I was in St.Thomas' hospital in London five years ago awaiting my CABGx3 I couldn't work out why I was unusually calm. I'd normally be clinging onto the ceiling with fear.
It came to me eventually that I realised I had no alternative but to put my trust in the hands of all the skilled medical professionals that surrounded me. Do the same mate, and as soon as you can post op. let us know how you are progressing.
Following your story with interest and good wishes. I am on the waiting list for a triple bypass. Ì have 90% blockage . However since commencing meds I feel better and am at the stage where I'm questioning the justification of that level of intervention at this stage. I've had two minor strokes apparently already that showed up on an MRI.I really admire the mindset you have adopted and your youth will sustain your recovery.
Lots of good advice here :). I had a triple bypass at St George's, Tooting about 12 weeks ago and while I'm still not 100% (recovery time varies between patients) I will give you one very specific piece of advice. It's not pleasant, but make sure that your bowels are moving well, before you are discharged. Painkillers will bung up your works, and the aftermath is... sub-optimal...
It all went really well, thank you so much for asking. I had the quadruple bypass and so far all is well and recovery is going well. Took a while to get over the op and to sort out medication but now over the worst of it.
I started to go on walks as soon as I was able and have gradually built up my goals (currently on 6k steps a day) and I started the weekly cardiac rehab class a couple of weeks ago which I am loving. I feel the best physically and mentally than I have for about 30 years (I'm 50 this year).
I returned to work in mid December but have gradually been increasing my hours so almost back to full time. That's the bit I am struggling with, although I feel great, I do get incredibly tired and whilst keeping an open mind I am really worried and struggling to comprehend how I can work full time again, certainly in the long term. But that's the thing isn't it, cross each bridge as you get to it and all that, my outlook on life has certainly changed and I am willing to give things up in order to go part time and then retire as early as possible to focus on health and life.
I was drawn to your post because I was told yesterday that I need a triple bypass and I am quite scared. As I think you were at the beginning.
I'm 67 and not in the best of general health and I worry that I might not survive the operation.
I haven't had the pre-op or talked to the surgeon yet and I'm sure they will stress the positives and I know I should focus how much better I will feel in the end.
Totally understand how you feel, I had all the same worries etc but after I spoke with the surgeon it was all different. I suspect you are probably in the position I was where it feels like you are waiting forever for someone to explain it all but you will eventually get various people discussing the different aspects with you and it will put your mind as ease, they are the experts and know how to deal with us and they wouldn't do anything to you if they thought you couldn't handle it.
That said you will still fret about having the op, that's perfectly natural for anyone, but on the day you just let them get on with it, you will be well looked after (and don't shy away from asking for things and advice). There were points after the op where I was uncomfortable but I was never in any real pain which surprised me, you figure out how to deal with things and get in the right positions etc, you will have no energy at first but all of a sudden it all gets better.
I know it's hard to accept at the moment but like the surgeon told me, it really is just routine to the surgeon etc, it's no big deal as they do it every day so if he isn't worrying then neither should I. I was quite taken aback by how he normalised it all but he was absolutely right. He put it in perspective to me when he said quite blatantly to stop worrying as yes there are risks as with any op but statistically there was far higher risk on the drive to the hospital.
I hope it all goes well for you, you will see from the posts on here that although it might take a while to sort out the right meds and get back to normal etc, not one person has ever said they wished they hadn't had it done and for most it's a whole new beginning and outlook on life, embrace it and treat it as a positive and you will be fine.
I found out late November that I need 5 arteries bypassed, can't be stented.
I had the pre-op mid December and am now just waiting for a call with a date.
The pre-op consists of weight, height, blood test, chest x ray and echo scan (allow 3 hours). Prior to the pre-op I also had to have a lung function test and an echo scan of the arteries in my neck.
In the pre-op you also have a long discussion with a cardiac nurse who explains everything and can answer any questions about the operation and what to expect following it.
Then it's just a case of sitting back and waiting.......
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