Quadruple bypass follow up

[HealthyBigHeart]

I’m relatively new to this group and first time posting. I suffered a heart issue at home, shortly followed by a cardiac arrest once paramedics had arrived back in June. Various tests showed I needed a quadruple bypass. Was kept in hospital for 9 days until surgery happened.. I sailed through the surgery and feel very lucky things went so well. No pain, discomfort yes, healed really quickly.

it’s now 13 weeks since surgery. I’ve still not had any cardiac rehab. Seen cardiac nurse once. Had my follow up with specialist who discharged me with no more follow up required. Is this normal? It just feels like I went through major surgery and no one is checking up on me.

[Rhinos67]

Hi

I think it varies around the country. I had surgery in April 22 but didn't start rehab until September. It was a combination of ensuring that my sternum was stable enough for exercising and a long wait list to see the Cardiac rehab coach.

Maybe ring your cardiac nurse, mine was great and answered lots of questions that I had

Joanne

😁

[HealthyBigHeart in reply to Rhinos67]

Thank you for your reply, sorry for my late one. Because everything around the surgery happened so quick I think I might be a little impatient? I’ve still not heard anything. I chased up a few weeks back and was told there was a waiting list and there are 39 people before me. One thing for sure….when it is offered I will grab with both hands.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

So pleased to read you have made such a wonderful recovery

I would feel like you this can't be right one follow up and they have discharged me

I think as said different areas different circumstances can vary and maybe with you doing so well they do not think there is anything else at this time that they need to follow up

However I would ask my Doctor and see if they can explain and I would ask my Rehab Nurses hopefully you have a contact number when to be expected to be able to join their Rehab Classes as I imagine you know they will benefit you so much

Let us know how you get on x

[DWizza]

Hi, I had a heart attack in July , quadruple bypass on 25th and recovering very well 2 months later . I had to follow up on the cardiac rehab program, my discharge paperwork included notes on what to expect on discharge to home, it stated that I would be contacted within 2 weeks by cardiac rehab program , that didn’t happen so called the numbers on my info to discover that my name had been omitted from the list , typical NHS admin error ! I kept phoning my local hospital cardiac rehab too (I was under St Thomas’ in London but live on rural Kent) . I eventually got on the local program , a home assessment then invite to attend the level 3 cardiac rehab program. You might have to do some pushing to get yourself on the program . Don’t give up on it , make the phone calls , don’t trust that it’s all in hand . Wishing you a speedy and comfortable recovery ❤️‍🩹

[Gribbin]

Hi there... I must have been a few weeks ahead of you...exactly the same for me... emergency, held in hospital under close observation...all still a bit of a blur.I was discharged on Sunday, after the op on Wednesday, I guess the couldn't wait to see the back of me... must say I was glad to be in my own bed, peace and quiet... just nervous without a nurse on call.

Very little contact with the hospital since... went back about 8 weeks to be formally discharged from their care to my GP.

GP has been my main point of contact and has been brilliant at chasing Rehab and Counselling for me. At one point I was signed on to the rehab twice!

Rehab is great too, a chance to try your new body out in a controlled environment, and ask questions. It's my last session of 8 on Wednesday and I am going to miss them. Your GP may help get you on a local rehab group.

I was also given numbers for my cardiac ward, so could ask them for advice. I was given the local rehab number too so could follow up on classes and also ask them any questions.

I was pleasantly surprised how much support has been there for me... there's also the BHF contacts too.

You may have to be a bit pro active, but they will support you once they know you're engaged... they get alot that don't show up and drop out which must be frustrating for them.

Good luck with your recovery.

[tonysmithpi]

I had a Cbg 3 in May of 2021. I had ONE phone call from a rehab nurse who asked me three questions. Ihave had nothing since, a check up after 6 months and discharged. Thats 'Rehab' in the modern NHS I think !!!

[CyclingTime]

Well I must admit I had cardiac rehab. Initial visit at week 6 to see the rehab nurse at the hospital, they then gave me a link to online exercise videos that I had to do and report on, they called weekly for review for 6 weeks then I was discharged from them

I had a meeting then with a cardiac consultant who gave me a checkover (cursory!) and the okay to crack on with whatever exercise I wanted as hard as I wanted to heart rate wise.

Suggest you maybe try and get an assessment before diving in to any big exercise regime. All gets good quickly though, I am 18 months after and off on a 270 mile four day bike ride next week!!