Big Scar Recent News.

[Bigscar]

I am coming up to 78 and nearly 47 years since my Triple Bypass at St .George’s Hyde Park Corner for which I am Guinness World Record Holder.

I play walking football and ride my bikes to keep fit, recently I’ve been a bit sedentary building works at football site so football cancelled. So today I did my toughish bike ride up a hill that gives some relief in the middle to get my breath back but never stopping.

10 mins after took my BP 123/66 66 beats per minute. About 20 mins after 119/67 66 beats a minute.Checking on google the 2nd reading was Normal but mentioned about BP medication which of course I’m on. However still feel that is an incredible result. My surgeon The Late Great Mr Parker told me I would not be rid of the problem.Although on loads of medication still can’t believe Im still here at this age being capable of doing things I had to give up at the time of op.

To survive till now I also was lucky enough to miss out on the blood scandal I have a rare blood group B Rhesus Negative . I’d had my pre med and op cancelled my blood sent to Scotland for a lady in a road accident.Second time lucky and no blood issue which seems to have been happening at that time.

Lastly is there anyway I could get a monitored exercise test to see what my heart rate is at extremes which would be of interest to me and maybe to the establishment! I know years ago I had one test and was injected with something that was supposed to quicken my heartbeat but my stubborn old heart refused to budge.

[DodgyTickerMum]

Wow! What an inspiration you are - to all those here currently awaiting surgery, or recently had ops. I’m a year post valve replacement this weekend and I certainly couldn’t cycle up hills at the mo - and I’m 50! Clearly, I need to seriously up my game at Cardiac Rehab this week!

I believe there is such a test as a ‘Stress’ Echocardiogram - where they monitor you whilst you’re cycling. Whether you would be able to get one (through choice), is another matter entirely. Worth discussing with your Cardiologist though, if it’s something you want to pursue. Keep us all posted!

[fishonabike in reply to DodgyTickerMum]

a "stress test" like this can also be done using a chemical stimulant instead of the cycling

[DodgyTickerMum in reply to fishonabike]

I only know of the cycling version as my Niece has had that type. I don’t know that I’d be brave enough to sign up for the chemical stimulant test. My heart’s erratic enough all by itself! 🤦🏼‍♀️

[fishonabike in reply to DodgyTickerMum]

i did it that way and i was fine, it is well monitored and they are well prepared to cope with any problems

[DWizza]

This is what we need to hear !!! 🤣🤣🤣 what an inspiration to us all 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[CyclingTime]

There are a few sports labs that do that kind of testing, I think it costs about 350-400 to get it done. A saw a guy on one of the YouTube cycling channels getting it done and also the GCN guys along their channel.

If you go to the GCN channel you will find a series Dan Lloyd is doing about those tests and improving/maintaining fitness once you reach a certain age

[gorillaqueen]

Good morning Bigscar I’m now 19 months post triple bypass and remember your support when I joined the forum pre- op as I was terrified. You were a true inspiration and along with others on the forum helped to ease my nerves. Good to hear you are doing well and escaped the blood scandal.

Unfortunately for me I may have not been so Lucky as I had transfusions in the 70’s after childbirth and did contract Hepatitis so that is being investigated. We share the same blood group. I feel so grateful and thankful to my surgeon and his team that I can still enjoy life even though I’m having some problems at the mo due to being diagnosed with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma only days after being told I needed the bypass. This puts me in a bit of a catch 22 at times with regards to meds and treatment, also working out which one may be causing my symptoms.

I feel blessed that I’ve been lucky regarding my health care and that I still have a reasonable quality of life despite my health issues. I do hope you are able to have the stress test. I wish you continued good health and please keep us updated. Best wishes 😊🌞X