bypass

[Simbasim]

I have just been told I need a quadruple bypass, anyone been through the same procedure.

How long does recovery take, what can I do or can’t do, I use the gym can I still go and do light exercises, any advice would be appreciated

[Survivor1952]

Not exactly the same issues but still gone through OHS, in my case AVR and CABG.

It was about 2 weeks post op before I was able to really start walking any distance, just found it too tiring to go very far.

At 12 weeks post op I'd been doing rehab classes for 5 weeks and I did my first 5km Parkrun. The rehab classes are basically a form of gym class with exercises that can be gentle or a bit more if you feel up to it. You are monitored for heart rate during the classes.

After 8 classes the free ones finish, in my area if you want to continue, and I have, they are a different time/instructor and cost £4 a week. Very little cost for maintaining the sort of activity that is beneficial.

As for the Parkrun, it is free, you can go at your own pace and there is no competition except yourself. In 8 weeks I've taken just over 4 minutes off my best time and set 6 personal best times! I'm fitter than I have been for years, my weight is down to around where it should be, and I've done far better than I was told I would when in hospital before my surgery.

The only issue I have is my chest muscles can still be a bit uncomfortable at times, coughing is uncomfortable, but even that is improving well, I'm now 20 weeks post op.

[Simbasim in reply to Survivor1952]

Thank you so much, I am terrified never had any health problems then hit with this, but progress is going to be slow but sure I assume

[Survivor1952 in reply to Simbasim]

I had a silent heart attack, less than 10 hours later I was in hospital unexpectedly, 5 days later I'd had PCI (2 stents), 3 1/2 weeks after that OHS. 6 days after the OHS I was sent home so just over 5 weeks in hospital.

I'd been unwell with breathlessness and lack of stamina for 6 months prior to that. Before then I'd not been ill at all so mine came completely out of the blue.

[Heyjude31]

Hi Simbasim, I had a quadruple bypass 2 years ago. It will hit you hard for a while, if like mine it came as a total shock. When you go into hospital make sure you have some distractions, whether that be books, music, or other hobbies that you can do while in hospital. Also, always make a note of any questions that come to mind so you don’t forget anything. When you go into hospital you will be in the hands of the experts. In the hospital where I was pre-Covid they were doing 4 bypass surgeries a day,it may sound strange, but I was told by the anaesthetist that these surgeries are ‘routine’ which I still am surprised by. I was in hospital for 6 days and home on day 7, armed with a list of medications. I struggled with some of the meds due to side effects, but lots of people are fine with the meds. If you do get any side effects and struggle, don’t suffer in silence, there are many alternatives that are suitable. The important thing is to take your meds.

I was told not to lift more than half a kettle for the first few weeks. To exercise gently and walk every day, working up to 30 minutes. It was very gradual for me, but it worked. I was also told not to lift my arms above my head. It may hurt a little to cough for a while, but it is important you do breathing exercises and clear your lungs, I used to hold a cushion in front of my chest. Take it steady when sleeping, I slept sitting up in bed for a week until I felt comfortable sleeping on my side or back. I was able to drive after 6 weeks.

For some of us the psychological impact can be harder than the physical, that was the case for me. Two years later I am so much better. I still get the odd down day, but being with nature helps me. I have just spent today in the garden putting it ‘to bed’ for winter. I am grateful every day, my family are brilliant and my cardiac surgeon remains forever my hero!

I am sure there are things I have forgotten, and naturally I am not medically qualified, but these are my experiences. When you are offered cardiac rehab, grab it! It was one of the best things for me. I am sure other hearties will be along with their thoughts. Take care, and all the best. Let us know how things go. Judi

[Mitchum]

My brother-in-law had a quad by-pass about 40 years ago. Within months he was back gardening and now, at the age of 84, he still does gardening for his numerous pensioner neighbours!

When I asked a doctor friend of mine about his future all those years ago, he replied, "his future is better than yours"! He did as he was told for his recovery and then determined to live a "normal" life. And he has!

[Forest_bather]

My Dad had a quadruple bypass 5 weeks ago. It also came out of the blue for him but he sailed through the op and is recovering really well (he's more than 10 years older than you). He was provided with a very comprehensive week-by-week guide to support his recovery and has been visited by the cardiac rehab nurse at home. It sounds very big and scary when you're the one faced with it but his experience has been very positive. He was given specific post op exercises to do every day, and they have made a big difference. He still has to avoid heavy lifting for a bit but is back to doing many of the household tasks and has been going for daily walks. He will start the cardiac rehab classes in a couple of weeks. He was told 3 months to be 90% recovered. His biggest tips would be to keep a positive focus (even though it's not always easy) and to follow all the post op instructions. Sending all good wishes your way.

[Simbasim in reply to Forest_bather]

Thank you and hopefully your dad keeps on an upward trajectory