Being admitted for a triple CABG at lunchtime today.

[stevetheadi]

I'm a bit anxious! Would appreciate a bit of reassurance. I'm worried about the post op pain mostly.

Update: it's been postponed until next week. Got the phone call as we were getting into the car to go to the hospital.....

[davebal67]

Hi Steve,

I am 10 months post cabg, the pain after the operation wasn't great. The opioids did help, each day the pain got more bearable. I finally could sleep on my side after 10 weeks. I walked every day and it took me 10 weeks to get back to walking pace pre op.

I had a incision infection in my chest that was treated by antibiotics and my leg was badly swollen where they took the vein.

I am now back cycling and done 650kms May and June.

It's definitely worth it and best advice is listen to your body and everybody is different.

If I could have done something different I would have asked for stronger pain meds for the first couple of weeks.

[stevetheadi in reply to davebal67]

Thank you.

Good to hear how well you have recovered. That's what I'm looking forward to, being able to walk up hills without getting breathless.

I'm a bit of a baby where pain is concerned so I'll definitely be asking for pain meds!

[080311]

morning Steve,

I am nearly 8 years post open heart surgery, I honestly didn’t have a lot of pain, at one point they came to give my pain medication and I said that’s okay I am fine, their reply was that’s because we keep it under control! I would say to you, do your breathing exercises and the coughing one, use the rolled up towel/ baby blanket to hold against your chest if you need to cough or sneeze. Do everything you have been told, no arms above your head no pushing or pulling movements, ( no mowing the lawn/ hoovering 😂) you have to let your sternum heal like any broken bones. I wish you lots of luck you will be fine, remember your medical team do this as their day job!

Best wishes Pauline

[stevetheadi in reply to 080311]

Thanks

That's very reassuring.

I've got a firm cushion to hold against my chest when I need to cough etc.

My wife will be disappointed to know I can't hoover (not that I ever did...) or mow the lawn though. There's always a silver lining!

[Suebedoo in reply to 080311]

My husband was the same although he doesn’t remember the first few days. The thing he found the hardest was the first time sat up in a chair but after that it was fine. He’s just had to have bowel surgery and the cabg was a breeze compared to that

[Brendybaby in reply to 080311]

As my surgeon said to me the morning of my quad,we do this nine or ten times a week,its our bread and butter...

[meadfoot]

Wishing you all the very best. Look forward to your renewed health. Hold on to that thought.

[stevetheadi in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you!

Op has just been cancelled though. Hopefully next week now.

[080311 in reply to stevetheadi]

Oh my goodness, afraid these things tend to happen quite a lot nowadays, fingers crossed that next week will be a goer. Sometimes you might be called back even quicker so don’t unpack your bag!

Best wishes Pauline

[stevetheadi in reply to 080311]

Fingers crossed!

[meadfoot in reply to stevetheadi]

Oh no, so much stress, so close then wham. Fingers crossed for later in the week. Maybe fate has intervened.

[stevetheadi in reply to meadfoot]

Maybe it's for the best. Gives me a few more days to get as fit as I can.

[Handel in reply to stevetheadi]

Sorry about the cancellation. As Pauline says, don't unpack your bag!! My hubby had his quad bypass in 2018. Afraid there were cancellations and it was 5th time lucky!! The cancellations were because some other poor soul had a greater need for surgery.

Just a reminder to whoever drives you home after your operation - Tell him/her not to go over speed humps, over pot holes and down drain gutters on the road 😂. Boy, did I get told off driving the 40 miles back home!!! A pillow or towel folded across the chest will stop the seat belt rubbing on the scar.

Best of luck and. fingers crossed for an early bypass date.

All the very best. Jan xxx

[Cee-Cee1]

Every best wish, Steve - I had my triple bypass 2 years and 3 months ago after an NStemi heart attack when I was 62. You won't be aware of anything until you wake up again after the op and will most like need to spend a couple of days in ICU. Although we're all very different, the only pain medication I needed after the op, even in ICU, was paracetamol and it did the job! I did notice some others required morphine patches for a couple of days, but as I say, we're all different and there's no shame in needing pain medication. I took the full dose of paracetamol, as instructed, for about a week after coming home (5 days after the op) and tapered it off gradually over a couple of days. Just do everything they tell you to do afterwards - they really know their stuff and it's a commonplace operation for the medics these days, and you'll be right as rain in a shorter time that you probably imagine. I was back to work, part-time, after four/five months albeit in a desk job (still part-time and loving it - I just keep my fingers crossed they won't notice!😂). If you're wife's collecting you on discharge, ask her to bring along a little cushion, or a rolled up towel, for under the seatbelt, you'll still be a little sore. Another thing I found really useful was a non-perfumed shower gel as your scar will be a little 'stingy' - Sanex & M&S do a few good ones.

When you get home, start with short walks round the garden, gradually building up the distance every day as it really works to get your fitness up again. It really pays off to keep mobile. As Pauline (@080311) has said above - no lifting anything heavy or pushing & pulling movements for a while. The surgeon advised me that I wasn't to lift anything heavier than a half-full kettle for six weeks to give our sternums a chance to heal.

You'll wake up one morning at home, or come home after a walk, and suddenly realise just how much better you feel, it's a gradual thing and I didn't really notice it happening - I was putting the aches & pains and slowing down to normal ageing. My 'moment' came after running up a flight of stairs without thinking while out to lunch, about 10 weeks after the op, with some cousins - I got to the top and looked back at them struggling up behind me! Almost two & a half years later I feel like a different person.

It really is a worthwhile operation, Steve and you'll get there! It would be lovely hear how you got on afterwards, once you're up to it. Sending you every best wish for today, Carol

[stevetheadi in reply to Cee-Cee1]

Thank you

Great to see how well your recovery has gone and how you coped with the post op pain. As you say, we're all different but hopefully I'll be able to cope like you did.

I am looking forward to going for walks and not having stop and catch my breath so often. To be able to walk up steep hills again. To go on a walking holiday or even just a weekend in a hilly city. The long term gains will be worth the short term discomfort.

P.s. Operation has just been postponed until next week......oh well.

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to stevetheadi]

Oh that's such a shame, Steve! I was admitted to hospital after the heart attack and, during the five weeks I was there pre-op, it was cancelled two or three times, it was so disappointing, but I appreciate there must have been emergencies that required them more than me. It was cancelled on one occasion due to my liver enzyme readings being too high the night before. They'll do a lot of blood tests prior to your op to ensure all's well.

You'll definitely find it breathing easier. The 'slowing down' came on so gradually that I genuinely hadn't realised just how out of breath I was getting, or how much harder it was to climb steps or basically do anything a bit more strenuous than usual, until after the op. That particular day I shot up the stairs without thinking about it really brought it home to me and gave me a real buzz. Especially when I looked to see my three cousins huffing and puffing on their way up behind me, the added bonus being that I'm the eldest by a year! 😂

You'll probably find it a bit hard to sleep for a week or so, you'll be a bit sore and if you're a side-sleeper (like me) you'll probably find that impossible for a few weeks! You might start to get a little bored in recovery too - someone recommended starting a recovery journal and it's a great idea. It's really surprising when you read back and realise how quickly you're getting better - it gives you a bit of a boost on the days when you might be feeling a little low.

Fingers crossed that all goes well next week and you're home recovering before you know it. 🤞

[Charl70]

hi Steve

I'm 21 months post x4 cabg ,pain after op was not to bad really ,didn't feel oxygen pipe being moved from throat ,slight discomfort when they remove drains and blood test needles ,was out after 9 days ,you must do your breathing exercises and coughing to help your lungs re ininflate ,get up and in chair after day or so once out of intensive care ,I found sleeping proped quite difficult but manged to sleep on my side after about 3 mths ,start your bhf exercises as soon as you can there online youtube ,walking gets easier everyday ,i plastered my first ceiling 6 months after bypass ,little tip try to come of painkiller in hospital and have paracetamol as quick as you can then it will be oug of your system quicker but everyone pain freshold is differnt ,also im not medically trained

Also have a pair of eye covers when in hospital because there's always lights on at night ,also hold pillow or rolled towel to chest whenever you cough or sneeze ,and get ready for daytime tv when you get home ,I was lucky as world cup in quatar was on so I didn't miss a game apart from England's first as it was time for my cardio appointmenand exercise, you get through op no probs just be kind to yourself for a few months after to get your strengh back

Good luck pal

[Dyllibobs]

Hi, I see that your op was re-scheduled, fingers crossed all will go as planned next week. I'm 10 months post cabg & currently in the Lake District getting plenty of walking in & enjoying life. I didn't find the pain too bad after my op, but I did take paracetamol often to keep on top of it. Don't be brave, take whatever you're offered if you need to. Good luck & let us know how you get on 😀

[DWizza]

Hi Steve, I had Nstemi heart attack 13th July 2023 and quadruple bypass 25th July 2023 . So 19 months post surgery and what journey . I consider it a rebirth ! Rehab wasn’t always linear , I made huge progress in the first 3-4 months, walking was my main goal , increased distance by 500m or 2-3 minutes each time until reached 5k then began to increase intensity for little stretches . Cardiac rehab class for 6 weeks , adjusting to the meds was a bit of a challenge for me , on my 3rd statin now. The early days post surgery were quite painful but it’s expected after being reverse spatchcocked 🤣. Coming home 5 days post surgery was a bit daunting. You have a rolled towel “ a teddy” to hold on to your sternum to press down if you cough. Get your bed sorted for a comfy sleep position . I had to have a bit of a step at the side of my bed ( quite high) so that I could get my legs to one side and slide out. I got stuck in a crab position first morning 🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼.

I rehabbed physicyreally well , started 5k park runs months and was riding my motorbike 3-4 months . Back to two challenging yoga classes and physical work round my small holding too, all with incremental steps though 👍🏻.

It’s a real journey Steve , physically and mentally . The physical side I found pretty satisfying, I didn’t realise the effect it would have mentally , think I had/have a touch of PTSD post surgery 😕. Some minimal lifestyle changes were made , I get tired sometimes but I’m 62 🤣 and have an afternoon nap . Booze doesn’t really do it for me anymore , I like s beer with mates and family but it does effect me the next day (only a couple 😕). Had a funny taste for months after op.

My op was cancelled twice , I was all prepped and nil by mouth from night before .. it gave me time to see others going through the procedure and leave hospital . It worked out ok for me as was in hospital.

Here’s a snapshot of the last 20 months progress. Became a grandad , bought a Harley sportster, keeping fit , love my farm and loving life 👊🏻

10 months post quadruple bypass

[devonian186]

We are all different. The pain is mental (we are not immortal comes as a jolt) and physical. Little problem immediately after the operation-which is considered "routine" and carried out by people at the top of their profession.

However I found I needed to take maximum paracetamol allowed 2x4 times a day which kept pain mostly perfectly at bay. I was very emotional and short tempered. I hope you have prepared for your return home because you cant just expect to carry on as you were prior to the operation.

For a few weeks you may find it more comfortable to sleep alone and may want access to several different chairs as what is comfortable in the morning won't be in the afternoon. Also make sure you follow instructions as regards lifting and exercise

[Turbo33]

Hi Steve I had quad bypass 10 year ago I found my legs where they took vains no problem chest was sore fore a bit coughing sneezing roll up a towel and place on your chest absorb intact but you will slowly get bk to normal every day you will feel that bit stronger its not all bad the friends you make in hospital will share the ups and downs hope this helps take care try not to worry

[DancingAgainSoon]

hi Steve I had a quad 7 weeks ago and generally have been pretty lucky with only the expected pains, which are limiting to what you can do. Depends on how old you are as to how this journey affects you too. Whatever happens just take it easy after the op, do what they tell you from how to wash to walking etc and don’t try to do to much as it knocks you for six.

Hope it all goes well.

[Dimelza66]

I'm two weeks following OHS, I was fearing the pain too.... but I didn't have any, I haven't used any pain killers for my ribs! The worst pain I have had has been a stiff neck from sleeping on my back! So we're all different, take each day as it comes, follow all the advice and don't let fear of what might happen hold you back ... Maybe it won't be that bad after all😉

[BHFANSY]

Hi Steve

I had a CABG April 23. Fully over it now back to cycling/gym etc. I would say the post op pain wasn’t as bad as I expected. The main issue I has was when I coughed There is a need to cough to clear your lungs in the days after the op and this can be a bit painful. The physio that came round a couple of days after the op showed me how to breathe deeply before coughing and how to support my chest by hugging a cushion when I coughed Overall recovery was ok but slower than I expected-took about 10 months before I felt I was right I did all the rehab and plenty of walking not much pain but lots of discomfort as my chest settled down It’s a big op and everyone is different in a way I was lucky in that it was an emergency so I didn’t have time to worry I hope it all goes well, this group is a great place to ask questions and share experiences but the other thing I would say is that the medical staff are the real experts so don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have concerns All the best Andy

[MountainGoat52]

Hi Steve,

Like many others I had little pain after the op. I found the removal of the pacing wires, drain tubes and other bits no problem, though the removal of the catheter was "weird" to say the least. I was sent home after 5 days with codeine, but never needed to use it.

For some time I did have aching muscles in my chest, but that is no longer an issue. I had an artery removed from my arm and I still sometimes have an aching wrist 6 years down the line, but an application of Ibuprofen gel sorts that out. There are thread veins and a loss of sensation where a vein was taken from my leg, but that is slowly improving even now. I suppose overall the "collateral damage" has been worse than the main event.

It took 3 months to get back to being my old self and another month or two to get fully fit. Overall the op was worth it as it has allowed me to keep walking the hills and mountains I love.

All the best for your op. You will be in safe hands. 😀

Gerald

[Mitchum]

I honestly and truthfully can't remember having any pain unless you count a little soreness. I had eleven "lines" in and out of me and there was only discomfort. Try to get your head around the fact that you will feel so much better but, please, live your life to the full. you will have a new one!

[survivorsguilt]

I had my complete Aorta and valve replaced and was also worried about pain. please be assured that you will be ok. I don’t know what I had whilst in ICU but after I was taken back to my room the next day my pain was completely controlled with two paracetamol every four hours. Honestly that was all I ever had. The only time it was a bit uncomfortable was when they moved me in. bed. Please don’t worry. do everything the physios allow and try to be as independent as possible as soon as you can. I started by lifting my own feet into bed and within three weeks I was walking up and down stairs and I am 86. The key is being positive. You really will be fine.

[gorillaqueen]

Hi I’m 18 months post surgery and yes it is painful but everyday is better. Very frustrating that yours has been postponed until next week especially as you were all set for the off. Good luck 🍀🍀for next week 🤞🤞all goes ahead and you will be home before you know it and back to normal 😊X.

[Eric_]

Hi Steve,I had CABG almost 14yrs ago. The pain was bearable using paracetamol 4 times a day. Opiods sparingly now and then as a temporary relief. The most difficult thing for me was standing up. I was so glad to have a large recliner to help me and also to let me relax in with support. I was up and walking within 5 days of the op. It took months of patience and focus to get back to normal activities but consistent gentle activity will get you there! All the best 🙂

[Donny64]

Listen to your body and do as you are told from the people that know. The pain was t good of you want the truth, especially when coughing. On a slightly light hearted note, I was in agony one night watching Peter Kay, as it hurt so much when I laughed. I had to stop watching him!!Lay on your back and don't overdo anything

[Nelson71]

it was more uncomfortable rather than painful. When you wake you’re totally not with it. I was on my feet (with help) as soon as I was awake. I was told I had the breathing tube in and to cough as hard as I could to get the tube out. It was out in less than 5 second. The only real pain I had was in my throat as they shove the tube in, you’re asleep and my throat was bruised. It was honestly no worse than tonsillitis but I had ice cream to help. They only gave me paracetamol after that and when I was out of ICU I didn’t really need that. You look an awful mess but it looks a lot worse than it is. Apparently the nerve ending go to sleep as they’re stretched during surgery so I didn’t feel a lot. As they regenerate I did have some twinges but nothing significant but they were managed with paracetamol. It took about 6-7 weeks to sleep on my side so I woke a couple of times a night with a stiff back. Sneezing and coughing wasn’t pleasant but if you hug your pillow then it’s fine. I kept clear of visitors for about 10 weeks as I didn’t want to catch any coughs and colds which wasn’t a hardship as you’re fairly weak. You do get exhausted easily so a shower chair is a must. Just make sure you do the coughing/breathing exercises every hour or so. Get out of bed and when possible on your feet. They have you walking after a couple of days so build up slowly but often. I’m 6 months out now and did 11km up steep Welsh hills yesterday, my brother was panting but I wasn’t even out of breath. The anticipation is genuinely the worst part of the experience. It’s not a walk in the park recovery but the alternative of no surgery is a lot worse. Although it’s a huge operation the team have done 100s of these procedures. They super caring and any problems they’ve encountered numerous times and know exactly how to sort it out. The removal of chest tubes, pacing wires is about about 10 seconds of weird sensations but if you follow all instructions you’ll soon be on your feet and 100% fit. Good luck and remember you’re a champ, everything will be fine. Your body is a lot tougher than you think and you’re left with really cool scars.

[SMR123 in reply to Nelson71]

thank you for all the information really helps as I am petrified surgery is in 4 weeks

[Bergid65]

I had a triple CABG exactly a year ago. I’m not going to be macho about the pain, I have a high pain threshold but this was a different level. The most uncomfortable part was the chest drains but they were removed a couple of days after when I got out of ICU. CV mouthing and sneezing were very painful and my sternum still has some pain today. Unfortunately I was in hospital for 3 weeks as I developed pneumonia. The worst pain by far for me is the emotional pain. I have never felt so miserable and low, I wouldn’t go as far as depressed. Pre op I was very fit (I just have bad genes) all the males in my family have died at a young age (50’s) of heart disease. A couple of months ago I was told that the CABG had failed and now I am waiting to hear what they are planning to do. I am dreading having to go through it again but I will, not keen on dying. Sorry I have nothing positive to say it is awful. I genuinely wish you the best of luck.

[nicknack999]

Hi Steve, some great advice on here, would especially like to echo comments from Charl70. I'm 5 months post op for 4x cabg. One thing I dont see mentioned which affected me greatly, yes greatly, while in hosp for 5 days after the op was - believe it not - the discomfort from constipation due to the pain meds. I totally lost my appetite for a week too, so that made things worse. Be mindful you get some fibre down you and drink fluids. Care and treatment on NHS was amazing. The op is a big thing for us but it is so routine for the amazing NHS staff. Here's wishing you well. PS. I'm back to full fitness now.PPS. Hardest thing post op after initial healing was getting the meds right, but now sorted after tweaking with help of cardiac team

[stevetheadi]

Wow!So many kind and genuinely useful accounts of how the op went and how people managed the pain.

I am so grateful to you all. You are all superstars!

I'll let you know how it goes.

[Snowflake01 in reply to stevetheadi]

I'll be with you on this one stevetheadi - I'm booked in for a triple in the next couple of weeks (fingers crossed for no delays). Great post and thanks everyone for sharing!

[stevetheadi in reply to Snowflake01]

There's so many lovely, helpful people on this forum!

[Ron0325]

Steve , I had triple 2 year ago , no pain, but of discomfort when they removed the chest drains but it lasted seconds , I was given paracetamol when my legs throbbed a bit where they harvested the veins, 14 weeks after the op I was up my first Munro , now on 114 Wainwrights and numerous canoe trips , I just took things easy and listened to what my body was telling me ,

[stevetheadi in reply to Ron0325]

Thanks

[Kelling]

As already stated, we are all different in every way possible. You need to take into account any meds you are currently taking for pain for that will affect any pain medication you may be given post opp. I had been taking (& still do) tramadol for pain in my arms due to an accident I had whilst serving in the Royal Navy. That definitely affected my needs when considering post op medication, so do please disclose everything when asked about current pain meds you may be on. Furthermore, it is of no ones benefit and especially yours, if you are not absolutely honest when asked about the level of pain you are in. So please do not think when advised here, folk did not need much pain killers - we are all different!

Keeping a journal, use of a rolled up towel before you cough and in the car as a passenger and eye covers are great ideas. Plus, take your own headphones (small jack) and a tablet with some downloaded films or eBooks, just to take your mind off "time". Sleeping upright for me, was a must for I usually slept on my side which made sleep almost impossible & when sitting up, try and use abbs & not arms for any strain on the rib cage can be uncomfortable!

There is no way in dressing this up, for me the pain was really bad ( I hope you want the truth and not a you'll be OK reply) and after being prescribed liquid morphine and only then did the pain become acceptable, however a sneeze takes the pain to another level! Now on to addiction - as long as you are sensible and adhere to your advice, the need for strong pain killers could only last 3 or 4 days although everyone is different, but if you need it, use it. You will need a good family doctor who will know you and what sort of person you are so have faith also for no one actually wants their patient in pain.

Even with the honesty, after four to six weeks things do get easier. Whilst waiting for the op try and locate the small books (somewhat like eye-spy books) published by the British Heart Foundation. Where I was they were readily available in and around the ward with each small booklet having their own subject like Before, After, Exercise, Relatives Concerns, Prognosis etc are worth their weight in gold. Please do read them they will do you a power of good.

Just remember, if you are offered pain killers and turn them down you may well not be offered them again in four hours. It's better to take them than suffer later.

Good luck and remember the op will help you to live a long life - the op is just one step - everything else is entirely up to you. I had given up smoking two years before and believe me that really saved my life for I could not have gone through a smokers cough as well!

By the way - everything here are my thoughts only and reflects only my own experiences.

[stevetheadi in reply to Kelling]

Thank you. Very kind of you to take the time to reply. Some extremely useful information.

[wjb2]

Hi i’m 2 1/2 years post triple bypass . not half as bad as i had imagined, my issue was the after effects of the anistheic , I have always had issues since been a child and being under for so long was not great, but after that i just followed what i was told as commented already. Now back out on my Goldwing motorcycle, weather permitting 🤞.

My scars are well healed and fading .

[quirk13]

Sorry to hear your op was cancelled with such short notice. Even more difficult when you had got yourself mentally ready

I'm two years post op. With pain control the recovery period is manageable, just don't try to go too fast. No lifting and build up walking slowly. Sleeping was difficult for the first few weeks. I had to sleep propped up in bed, I found a v shaped pillow really useful to support head and shoulders

Good luck for next week

[Bigscar]

I am The Guinness World Record Holder as the longest surviving triple heart bypass patient in the World.Op aged 31 now nearly 78 so nearly 47 years since op.In those days last century in fact a much more basic process compared to today.So take Heart excuse the pun I am here playing 2 sessions of walking football a week and bike riding, doing things I never thought I would be alive to do.Never thought I would reach 3 score and 10 so surpassed all my expectations of life to be 78.

[Billett]

Hello My post op pain was where i have nerve damage left hand side of my chest I still have it now 18 weeks after my op im most probably unlucky reading the other replies .When you get home and into your own bed dont forget to use loads of pillows to prop yourself up you will struggle to lie flat.Listen to your body it will tell you when to rest or if your overdoing it a bit take it a bit at a time some days you won't feel like doing anything other days you be great and you do miss the safety blanket the hospital gives you its a slow process recovery is but you will get there

[stevetheadi in reply to Billett]

Thank you

[Afibflipper]

I was just about to say I was late seeing your post & hope it went well - now you have to settle your nerves again for next week ugh 😩 - if I miss the next date then best of luck in advance - we’re all thinking of you on here

[stevetheadi in reply to Afibflipper]

That's kind of you, thanks. I'm just hoping that as others have said, the waiting is the worst bit!