Back in September 2022 I had a cardiac arrest and was very lucky to have had a paramedic nearby with some 14 years experience. This lady performed cpr on me and called for a defibrillator. I received one shock and regained consciousness after which I was taken to hospital and on 2nd November 2022 I had a triple heart bypass. I have now mostly recovered from my initial side effects but I still have some that have not subsided or have not been treated, as follows.
Although I have been reasonably active with walking, and doing a very light gym programme twice weekly, the soles of my feet and the underside of my toes still have a feeling of being cold and numb, my left leg (from where a vein was removed) feels numb and I occasionally feel a bit breathless when I haven't exerted myself to any real degree (for example walking around at home). I have a follow-up appointment with a vascular consultant in November this year when I will raise these issues.
Does anyone else have similar side effects or can anyone give me any advice as to whether or not this is fairly normal?
Many thanks in advance, Steve.
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deano999
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I'm 14 weeks post op for AVR and 1xCABG. Initially I had numb areas on my left leg but they have cleared recently. The coldness and some numbness/pins and needles can be caused by medication but worth mentioning.
I had a quad bypass Jan 22. I have a few lingering things but nothing that bothers me much
Left leg lower part where the vein was taken still feels a little numb/lacking in feeling. Left arm where a vein was taken the pad below my thumb is still numb and a tiny bit tender if I press hard(I mean small amount as well).
Other than that all good, back in to my cycling with no issues at all.
I still have numbness where they harvested the blood vessels for my op (left arm and right leg)... and that's more than 5 years down the line. I don't expect to get the feeling back. I get nerve pain in my wrist which I treat with Ibuprifen gel. Note I don't have heart issues, just cardio-vascular disease, so mild AIDs like Ibuprofen are okay for me. The ankle area on my leg is generally just numb.
The cold toes with lack of feeling to the underside could be down to the beta blocker you will no doubt be on, which will probably be Bisoprolol. If you suffered with cold toes and fingers before the op, you might have Raynauds. I've found taking Nifedipine (on prescription) helps this condition.
I would certainly refer your issues to your GP who may be willing to review your medication.
Hi, Thanks for your message. I didn't have the coldness feeling before my op. I am going to discuss this with my vascular team, as advised by my cardiologist.
Hi, I had a bypass 11 weeks ago & have numbness in my right thigh. They didn't take any vein from leg so not really sure what the numbness is from. However, I have noticed that the feeling is coming back now so not too worried about it. Reading the comments on here is does seem to be quite a common symptom post cabg surgery.
I had double bypass 2/5/2023 my leg still feels numb occasionally when lying or sitting, i still get tightness of chest when sitting in one position for to long and in bed at night although i have ct scan on Saturday so should know if I’m ok , I think everyone is different I didn’t hardly use pain killers I think it just takes time
Hi deano999 I had CABG last November and had numbness and weird sensation in my feet for quite some time after my surgery also what they call foot drop in my left foot, was unable to walk properly because of that but after a few months things got back to normal so I could ditch the wheelchair 😀 I also had numbness and cold in my leg from where they removed the vein, I think that is fairly normal and although it took a while it’s a lot better now. I was also getting breathless at times and like you even without exertion, this could be to do with recovery or medication, worth mentioning to GP or health professional. Hope you feel better very soon 😀🌞X.
Hey Deano, Thank god for that wonderful woman that done CPR and jump started you back to life 😇👋👋👋👋
Nearly my 8th Anniversary after Quadruple. I hate winter as after my op I noticed how easily my legs get so cold from the knees down. Then my feet can feel like ice suddenly and go white so I put them in a blanket. Then my hands can go so cold as ice and lose the feeling in some of my fingers, in the blanket or warm water they go. I have learnt to live with this coldness and my Brother suffers with this too and between us and the GP and Pharmacist think it is common with blood thinners. My nose freezes sometimes and I draw the line to putting the blanket around my head 😂 Blood thinners
Scars & Numbness - I still have numbness on my leg, chest and breast scars and was told it was nerve damage and tell myself it is a small price to pay for them saving my life. At the bottom of my leg scar near my ankle, I get a prickling feeling and if I touch it if seriously feels like needles.
Sorry, and yes, thank God for that wonderful woman (Gill) who was on hand to do cpr on me when I had a cardiac arrest. She did an unbelievable job with no hesitation! Without her I would be history now! Many thanks, Deano
Hi Muma, thanks for your information. Your symptoms sound familiar. One of my medications is Ticagrelor 90mg 1 tablet twice per day. Are you taking the same blood thinner? Take care. Very best wishes, Deano
Hi Deano, after my surgery I was put on Clopidogrel for ever and Ticagrelor for one year only as it is good for sticky blood. I am just on the one blood thinner now.
Hi Muma, thanks for that. I am on Ticagrelor but this is soon to be replaced by another anti-coagulant that I am yet to be advised of. Many thanks, Deano
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