Finally a date

[MotherPeach]

After waiting months for a date for my bypass the day has almost arrived. I am terrified. I'm being admitted on Tuesday and due for surgery on Wednesday. Panic has set in and I feel a wreck. I know others have been and are going through this but how do I keep my anxiety at bay and stop worrying about dying. Be great to hear from anyone who has successfully come through a bypass. Thank you 🙏

[Cee-Cee1]

Hello MotherPeach - just writing as one of the many members of the this forum who have had a more than successful bypass operation! I'm a 63-year old female and had a triple in February last year after a heart attack the previous month. It's completely understandable that you're worried and anxious, you wouldn't be human if you weren't, but I can honestly say that I feel better now, in the eighteen months since the operation, than I felt in quite a few years preceding it. I'd been putting the tiredness and general weariness down to the aging process and now feel as if I've been given a new lease of life. The surgeons and teams who'll be looking after you are amazing and, yes, it is a big operation but one which they carry out so many times in so many different hospitals, that it's almost become routine for them. The surgeon who looked after me actually told me this.

If I were you at the moment I'd start planning for anything you may need when you get home again. I know they're not particularly good for us, but maybe a few ready-meals in the fridge, or some home cooked batch meals in the freezer. Things that you may need in the bathroom, some non-perfumed shower gel or soap (your wound might be a big 'stingy' for a short while afterwards). Just some plans that might help to take your mind off the op for a while. Look at it as a plan for your recovery - like a lot of others, I recovered a lot quicker than I ever imagined I would.

I won't tell you not to worry, that would be silly, but just to send you every best wish for your operation and for your home-coming with a whole new happy and healthy future to look forward to. I'm sure a lot of other 'hearties' will be along soon to tell you of their successful ops. Carol😊

[MotherPeach in reply to Cee-Cee1]

Dear Carol thank you so much for your response it's exactly what I need to hear. I'm so glad you feel so much better following your surgery and am hoping for similar healing myself xx

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to MotherPeach]

Thank you, MotherPeach - I genuinely do feel as if I've been given a new lease of life and, once your recovery's started, I'm sure you'll feel the same. It takes a wee while, but a much shorter time than I thought it would take. I was also very pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as painful as I expected it to be either, yes, it is painful, but I managed with just paracetamol even in ICU the morning after the op (I can't take codeine or any morphine derivatives), I did take the full paracetamol 'rations' for a week afterwards though gradually cutting down to needing none after about a fortnight. I was back at work (part-time) only four months later and I probably could have gone back even sooner, but I was sneakily enjoying the lovely weather in the garden and felt like a bit of a fraud! It's almost as if you wake up one morning, or do something you haven't done for a while, and it hits you like a blinding flash just how much better you feel and that feeling stays with you. Well, we're all different, but that's what happened with me anyway and hopefully you'll feel the same.

Good Luck on Wednesday, although you really won't need it - these surgeons and teams who perform our ops are second to none. It would be lovely to hear how you get on. Carol xox

[MotherPeach in reply to Cee-Cee1]

Your story is so positive x

[devonian186 in reply to MotherPeach]

Can I agree with CEE CEE? These are experts in their field performing what are pretty routine operations these days. You need to prepare for coming home, follow the instructions you will be given, don't try to lift too much, be prepared for disturbed sleep patterns and that you will likely be emotional.

If possible you will need a choice of comfy chairs and I found sleeping alone was essential in order to get comfortable.

Have a stock of paracetamol in and don't try to do too much . inevitably you will have good days AND bad days. Get your entertainment sorted, whether its tv radio books a tablet etc. Have lots of easy to get into sloppy clothes ready so you don't over exert yourself or stretch too much

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Really pleased for you that you have a date

You have had some good advice already but as a nervous wreck I was petrified when I had my date and a few days before I was going in

Then I asked myself if I don't have this done what will happen and I knew the chances were I would die so then I told myself so my worst fear over this operation that they would not do if they didn't think I was fit enough an operation they do every single day because they are experts and I will be in safe hands they are stopping anything happening to me not going to cause something to go wrong and keep reminding myself over and over again helped me as well as coming on here and getting support

Before you know it you will be back home recovering and updating us

Take each day at a time plenty of distraction when the negative thoughts come in think of the positive ones and how they outweigh the negative ones and how lucky we are to have such wonderful Surgeons that can give us a new lease of life which will be you in a few days

You are going to be just fine x

[MotherPeach in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you so much for your supportive words 😘

[BeKind28- in reply to MotherPeach]

x

[Bishop1]

Good luck for Wednesday. All at the hospital are so used to doing those operations, you'll be in very experienced hands. Looking forward to hear how you recovering. Prayers and hugs for you x x x

[MotherPeach in reply to Bishop1]

Thank you for your message and telling me what I need to hear 🙏

[Heyjude31]

Hello MotherPeach, it is a very anxious time for you, which is totally understandable. As others have said, the surgeons are the experts and these surgeries are carried out every day and for them they are routine. Please be kind to yourself, take it one day at a time, listen to everything they tell you in terms of exercise and among other things only lifting no more that half a kettle to start with and you will well on the way to recovery. I am two years post CABG x 4 and grateful for every day. Take good care and we will be here to support you whenever you need us 🙏

[MotherPeach in reply to Heyjude31]

Thank you your positive story is wonderful to read x

[PurpleEdge]

Hi Motherpeach,

I'll be following you very soon, I'll be looking forward to your first update after the op.

Complete with new plumbing and ready for a smooth and steady rehab you'll be on your way home by middle of next week. A bit sore but getting better everyday.

You'll be in great hands, hands that do it every other day.

Chat again

Richard

[MotherPeach in reply to PurpleEdge]

I will definitely keep you updated and thank you for your positive words x

[Dexter19]

Hi I had a double heart bypass 3 years ago .I also have other medical problems so was petrified when I had mine done . I am glad I had it done when I did as covid 19 caused us to go into Lockdown a week after my surgery . Still here to tell the tale .

[Dyllibobs]

Hello MotherPeach, I had a bypass 10 weeks ago & I honestly feel absolutely great. Obviously it is worrying & we wouldn't be human if we weren't afraid of the surgery & risks but It wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I came home 4 days after the op with minimal pain. I remember the night before the op worrying about dying but then just thought that I had no choice but to have the op & what would be would be. I know that sounds blasé but that's how i coped with the worry. My surgeon told me it's a routine op these days to them & chatting to him really helped me. Also, the nursing staff were amazing & we'll equipped to deal with our anxieties so that was a huge help. I really wish you the very best & look forward to your update post surgery xx

[MotherPeach in reply to Dyllibobs]

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Reading that you have recently come through this has helped x

[KaduFlyer]

I’m a week after CABGx3 and now back at home recuperating.

In simple terms, your surgery, whilst a big event for you, is bread and butter for your surgical team.

They do it day in day out with their eyes shut (not literally). They’ve seen different outcomes and dealt with different issues so you’ll be in the best hands.

Ignore the stats because they’re only averages but it’s very unlikely anything will go wrong on the day. If it does, the surgical team will deal with it according to ensure a positive outcome.

My own thinking was simple. I wasn’t worried about dying (obviously I didn’t want to die) but once I was under the anaesthetic the next thing I knew was the nurse waking you up - I knew I wouldn’t know if I had died so it didn’t matter to me.

Try to relax, breathe deeply and engage with the experts. I found talking to nurses, doctors, anaesthetists, even having joke with them all helps.

This time next week you’ll think it was a dream and be well on the way to recover.

I won’t wish you luck as luck shouldn’t play too much of a part but all the very best and wishing you a healthy outcome.

[MotherPeach in reply to KaduFlyer]

Thank you for your positive words they are much appreciated x

[Rogo23]

You have this , look at me two and a half years ago cabgx4 , followed by six weeks weak, and then six weeks later walking in the Snowdonia range.It's daunting but they do it every day, just remember follow the rehab, do the walking and the breathing exercises, and you will get back to you, probably slightly better.

Good luck, Dan

[MotherPeach in reply to Rogo23]

Thank you 🙏

[Jcdg]

Good morning Motherpeach

I’m 12weeks post op (cabg) I was a wreck before op but got some great advice and support from others who been through the same , getting things ready for after op kept my mind busy , food supplies , plenty of pillows to support you , I found button through tops really helpful !

The nursing staff will support you so ask the questions write them down if needed , the breathing exercises really helped

It is scary and it’s ok to feel anxious but please don’t bottle that in , talk to family and friends

Wishing you a speedy recovery, take care and look forward to hearing from you afterwards 🥰

[MotherPeach in reply to Jcdg]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and being positive x

[maggie80]

Hi, I had a quadruple and a heart valve replacement. Nov'21. Do not worry, you'll be fine. It takes a while to get over the operation. Try and let it go over your head. As though it's not happening to you. Take care.

[gorillaqueen]

Good morning MotherPeach I had my triple heart bypass last November and like you was terrified. I did not have to wait long for my surgery but the thought of it terrified me and I did consider not having the surgery, however my husband and family all pushed for me to proceed and we’re very supportive.

I arrived at the hospital the day before my surgery and spent the night in a “ hotel” adjacent to the hospital as there were no beds and did not get a lot of sleep. On the morning of my surgery although still worried I felt quite calm and just got on with it so to speak. One of the team came to speak to me before I was taken to the theatre and he was very reassuring and told me not to worry that they would take good care of me, he also told my husband and family the same.

I spent 8 days in the hospital and the staff were amazing I can’t thank the surgeon and his team enough I’m so grateful to them and all the staff, I feel so much better than I did before the surgery. Yes it is scary and recovery has its ups and downs and takes some time ( different for everyone) but you gradually get your life back and start to feel stronger etc. I have just decorated my lounge which is something I would not have been able to do before my surgery. I would recommend cardio rehab after surgery I found this really helpful and the cardiac nurses are amazing so helpful and supportive. I can’t take your fear and anxiety away unfortunately but please try to relax and be positive ( I know that’s not easy) I found meditation and breathing exercises really helpful, look forward to the future I wish you good luck and you are in safe hands. Please update us as soon as your able. Cheers to a new you 🍾🥂😊X.

[LadyZ13]

Morning MotherPeach

Today I am 16 weeks post-op for open heart surgery - it was an ASD repair rather than a bypass but they still used part of my heart to repair itself, so a bit of grafting and stitching...

The waiting is the worst. Once you're through and you open your eyes on the other side there's the huge relief that you've come through it and then straight back off to sleep to let your body heal. The team around you know exactly what they're doing and you'll be extremely well cared for. The brilliant thing about being an OHS patient is that you've got nurses and doctors with you and popping in all the time so you'll never feel remotely 'forgotten about'!

They wouldn't be going ahead if there was a significant risk, honestly. It's a huge huge scary thing but once you're through Wednesday's op it'll be a huge weight off and you'll be able to focus on recovery and building the life that you want post-surgery.

Keep us all posted - we'll be thinking of you xx

[MotherPeach in reply to LadyZ13]

Thank you your reply made me tearful x

[Sunnysummerdays]

Good luck mother peach... very positive stories to support you..your stronger than you think mother peach,all the best and you're in my prayers, keep us posted 🙏

[MotherPeach in reply to Sunnysummerdays]

Thank you so much 😊

[APC65]

I had triple bypass in february this year. Like you I posted on here how terrified I was just before the op.... and like you got the most amazing responses and more support I could have ever hoped for. It feels ridiculous now - but in days before my op I planned for dying rather than planned for living- my time would have been better spent buying a V pillow( to help sit up and sleep) post op bra (extra support helps 24/7 ) getting my reading glasses updated, and ensuring healthy food in the house.

Happy to chat anytime.

Best wishes

Anna

[MotherPeach in reply to APC65]

So I have got 2 bras from the bhf and have been filling up freezer. I have a boomerang pillow that I have had since my children were born and use every day but maybe I should order a new one! I've been looking online at flights to Tenerife for my husband and I for a 3 night stay in early December and thinking about a holiday with both my sisters next June to celebrate my sister's 60th birthday. However I have also done my will and am worried about whether I should write a letter to my loved ones in case I don't make it. I've been feeling that I'm not ready to die because there's so much more I want to do and imagining my family trying to cope without me. I'm a long term type 1 diabetic (47 years) and only 53 so am quite young to have cad as severe as mine is. I have triple vessel disease but amazing collateralisation which is keeping me going. I've been waiting a long time for my surgery and my anxiety has gradually been building up and up. Very mixed emotions: hoping for a new lease of life but also terrified of not getting through it.

[Heyjude31 in reply to MotherPeach]

Hi again MotherPeach, me again! I am type 1 of 40 years so I can relate to how you feel. Again if it’s any consolation they do I believe about 4 of these surgeries a day, so it is routine! I can even remember written on my discharge notes that my surgery had been ‘uneventful’ I can remember thinking it was a strange word to use but was very grateful and made me smile! I am sure yours will be the same!🥰

[LadyZ13 in reply to MotherPeach]

I did all of that 'deadmin' too - my husband and I did our wills and I wrote letters to the 4 most important people in my life, and I even drafted a blog post for my husband to post as a goodbye to everyone if I didn't make it!

It might sound a bit morbid but it had two functions. First, it helped me process all my fears and confront my own mortality head on, which took courage but gave me strength. And second, I meant that when I was wheeled off for the op, I felt totally calm because even the worst outcome was planned for and my loved ones would get a goodbye and know what my wishes were. It was an act of love and it made me feel like I'd done all I could for them. It's very confronting to do all of that, but it gave me all the peace of mind I needed.

But. It won't be needed. So do whatever makes you feel the most calm and secure xx

[MotherPeach in reply to LadyZ13]

Thank you 🙏 x

[APC65 in reply to MotherPeach]

Hi- I absolutely ' get it' the shock that you could be soo bad. I'm 58... fitand well, non smoker, always cook from freshetc etc... I had 3 arteries all blocked.. LAD 100% others a mere 90! I too had collaterals. I redid my will and yes I wrote letters for my children too..... I guess it helped with preparing mentally . I was never the type of person to write a journal, but the night before the operation I started keeping one as someone suggested it might help..... re- reading extract from 12/02/23the day before my op..... ' ' why am I putting myself through this? The answer is simple - for my children, I will do anything for them and in putting myself through this ( the op) I am giving the best chance for me to have a long life ahead of me and for me to be here for them when they need me'..... Nothing takes the fear away, but you can reframe it!

Take care

[TAVIshock]

It is a scary moment but I am sure all will be well.Try to cheer up a bit ! Hope you have a rapid recovery and transformed health.

warm best.

Tavishock

[Safeangel]

MotherPeach

I wish you all the best and your fears and anxiety are only natural and I think when the time comes for me to have my operation I will feel exactly the same...

There are people who have come through this process and can give you all the information and guidance.

I just want to say you are in safe hands, you will be a new woman with a new lease of life and I look forward to hearing of your update soon.

Take care and relax ❤️

[Puscifer23]

Hello - I’m now five weeks post CABG x 3 and I’m feeling stronger by the day. The surgeons and anaesthetists were amazing and you don’t even know when you’re going under and you’re in recovery before you know it. Deep breathing exercises to relax beforehand but just focus on the years ahead of you after surgery. It’s major surgery but is now routine. I would have had no quality of life without this operation so I’m really glad I’ve had it done. Good luck with the operation and be strong.

[Shazzy46]

I had my surgery 5 weeks ago. I was anxious too because I deteriorated quickly and was given short notice for my op. I knew it had to be done but kept thinking of rhe worst case senario. The other patients were very supportive and said these surgeons do this all the time. The night before I wrote letter to each of my family which tired me out so I slept OK.On the morning of the op I was calm and the anaesthetist team were so lovely. Before I knew it I was a sleep and back in ICU. The staff in ICU and HDU are amazing.

The early weeks are challenging, sleep is difficult. I bout soft back sleeper pillows from Dunelms which has helped. Also no one told me about wearing a bra, I read about it and have just started wearing one 24/7 and it makes a big difference with the pain in the sternum. I also have a recliner so I can put my feet up and get pkentybof rest. The cardio nurse is very reassuring and will help with your recovery. I can honestly each day gets better.

Good luck!

[momander]

HiI had a double cabg in January this year. I was kept in hospital for 15 days before it as they wanted me on the in patient list. I was absolutely petrified but had a lot of time to process it all and be at peace with it. This operation was to save my life and give me a better quality of life. I have a faith too and was very lucky to have the support of a lovely hospital chaplain. 8 months on and I've never felt better. The operation is massive and the recovery has many ups and downs but you get through it. I feel so blessed to be alive and I cherish every single day I have. You will be absolutely fine I promise. Good luck.

[looseylaw]

He cardio teams are excellent, you won’t know anything about it, I can’t even remember being put under. Relax as it is a routine operation for the team, although a major operation for us, just do as you are told after and remember you have a second chance.

[George249]

Hi, hello, mother peach almost 5 years ago I was in your sour shoes. Put your faith in those people who have nothing but your best interest. I was an urgent case with triple oh how I shyte myself, even wrote my will. But here I am tapping this response to you, there brilliant girl, just go for it. You'll be amazed what they can do, love & my very best wishes, love Paul xxx

[Jako999]

Great to hear your going in. I never had the chance really to worry about thing as my 4x cabg was done following my HT, a massive shock as I didn’t know anything was wrong.

Take your mobile phone and record your voice as normal (read out of a book) play it back and see just how fast it is that you can’t really tell the words, read it again but slow it down by 50% and do the same again, then slow it down by another 50% this time the words start to have a meaning and you understand what is being said. Your bypass op is very similar just a blur of what May go wrong and a bit of what may go right, just slow it all down like the reading and suddenly the words in your head will mean something different. The big one you’ll hear at the new low speed is “what if” which is a negative but “what if I live” I’ll have all those extra years and so on you’ll soon get the hang of looking at it in a different way.

The main thing is your getting another chance at life and with out the op you already know the future and it’s not good.

Everything will be fine, in a weeks time you’ll be home posting “ that was so much better then I thought it was going to be”.

All the best.

[MotherPeach in reply to Jako999]

Thank you so much for your compassionate words you have said it all brilliantly 🙏

[Cee-Cee1]

Morning MotherPeach - just to say I'm sure we'll all be thinking of you today. Don't forgot to bring your phone charger and maybe a few magazines with short stories - you'll probably understandably feel too nervous to read a proper book! You'll be absolutely fine and very well looked after by the wonderful cardiac staff. And remember that your new 'accommodation' is only very, very temporary and you'll soon be home again to start your recovery and looking forward to new adventures! 😊 Carol xox