By pass surgery

[Billett]

I have an appointment with a surgeon on Wednesday to do a double bypass and mitroil valve repair and anything else thats deemed necessary so can anybody enlighten me on what to expect ive read all the documents on the procedure but there is nothing like hearing from people who have had it done

[Traveldreams]

good luck, I’m waiting for similar surgery. Do you mind sharing how long you have been waiting? I will be interested to see any replies to your post.

[Jem64 in reply to Traveldreams]

I've been on the list since June. After telling me Ive had two strokes and need a triple bypass I feel abandoned. Nobody has been monitoring me. I've made changes...ño alcohol ..less carbs...cayenne daily.. I can yawn now without carotid pain and no longer breathless.I'm also on meds and they appear to be doing the job. I don't feel my current state merits that level of intrusive intervention.

[Traveldreams in reply to Jem64]

It’s definitely the feeling of abandonment that is most stressful for me too. Not knowing whether the pains and twinges are serious or not and whether the original issues have worsened while I’ve been waiting.

I hope everything goes smoothly, please keep in touch x

[Billett in reply to Traveldreams]

Its been 7 months Since my heart attack but knowing i need this surgery about 6 weeks

[devonian186]

I have read your profile. From what I can gather you are going in to hospital and having surgery the same day. You will then likely be in for around 4 days.

Be prepared for delays-unless you are having this done privately. If on the NHS, then if more urgent cases come down you will be bumped down the list and as each operation varies considerably in complexity you may end up not being operated on that day.

I was down for a triple and ended up with quadruple and you seem to suggest that other things will be attended to at the same time.

As there are lots of tests etc then time went fairly quickly and when I woke I was offered morphine but didn't feel in a lot of pain at the time but was VERY thirsty. It was difficult to talk and getting water was a little problematic.

If you can confirm if you are private or NHS I can then describe the aftermath of the operation and coming home, which is where I think you will need to concentrate.

[Billett in reply to devonian186]

Its NHS surgery

[devonian186 in reply to Billett]

After the operation there is no denying there is discomfort, rather than pain, as you have lots of tubes, most very quickly removed and likely a catheter and lots of sticky things put on from which to take readings. These get ripped off (ouch!) and frequently you will have blood taken-some nurses are better at this than others. They will try to get you moving around quite quickly. My over riding impression though was of a very well run department with the worst part being the food (I am a vegetarian) very traditional comfort food, and the boredom. (take in a radio/book/tablet etc)

After four days they will likely expect you to be well enough to leave and will give some sort of test, which in my case was walking up a flight of steps.

I think most people are unprepared for going home. Everyone is different of course but the older you are, or the less fit, or the more major the operation, the more likely it is that going home will cause its own problems.

You will be given instructions like using a pillow to cushion your chest, trying not to cough, not lifting anything remotely heavy etc. I found a padded gilet to be very useful to protect the chest against seat belts etc. Wear easy to put on clothes. Its a struggle to even put on trousers and fasten them or pulling on a pullover over the head and tying shoelaces was impossible.

You will likely be restless and i found it useful to have a range of chairs available at home, as what I found comfortable in the morning might be problematic later. I also found it much easier to sleep by myself as I was restless, found it difficult to get comfortable and would get up in the night for an hour or more at a time. Have easy access to a toilet. Baths are very problematic for some weeks-have showers.

Have your entertainment close at hand. Avoid heavy books. Eat frequently but lightly as that will relieve the boredom. Go for walks as advised but don't try to do too much or you will pay for it.

the sternum cut was undoubtedly painful at times, but was kept under good control in my case by taking the max dose of paracetamol allowed; 2 tablets 4 times a day. suddenly one day after 6/8 weeks I found I had no need for any more.

You will likely be very moody, anxious, angry, restless. This seems to be normal.

I found it helpful to keep a health diary and it was encouraging to see that although there might be no apparent change day to day-and you might go backwards one day- over the course of a week I could do much more than at the start.(I am 70)

You will see your GP and someone will need to change dressings or remove ones put on at hospital. After 6/8 weeks you will likely be called back so they can assess you and test your Ejection Fraction.

If you weren't feeling that bad before -and so many say they had felt perfectly ok before the HA-you will likely not notice much difference after the operation. Those who have really struggled, or had severe angina or perhaps had been feeling tired but didn't realise why-will likely find they feel appreciably better than before, after 6/8 weeks.

Do the exercises prescribed, in particular regular walks.

Good luck

[Billett in reply to devonian186]

I definetly have the discomfort post op and its going to bed at night i most dread because of the feeling of wheezingand need to cough

[maggie80]

Hi, I had a quadruple bypass and a heart valve replacement, Nov 2021. It takes time to recover. Good luck with your operation. Keep intouch.

[Billett in reply to maggie80]

I had my op and been left very but allin all its gone brilliant sore

[Mitchum]

I had a coronary artery bypass and a mechanical mitral valve procedure 20 years ago. Is it possible the surgeon could repair the valve? This would be better for your recovery and would also eliminate the need for Warfarin which you would have to take if they give you a mechanical valve, although looking at your age I suspect they would opt for organic.

Just do as you are told after surgery and regain your life as much as possible. Good luck!

[Traveldreams]

wonderful to hear from you. How many days did they keep you? Please keep us updated, it’s nice to know that someone has had their op. Grateful for the update.

[Billett in reply to Traveldreams]

I was in for 5 days now i am home sleeping is a mare wake up very stiff and sore but get through the day with the aid of painkillers

[Traveldreams]

5 days was good. I’m sorry that you’re so stiff. Although my dad had the same op it’s difficult for me to judge a ‘normal’ journey as he was in for almost 8 weeks so had been weaned off painkillers etc by the time we brought him home.

Hope you manage to sleep better in the coming days. Thanks for sharing your recovery journey.