How long does it take!

[Helpmyheart]

Hey, please could anyone tell me their experiences of recovery after quadrupal heart bypass. I had this done in February, complications and infections took me back into hospital again after three weeks from being discharged. The infection was in my chest wound, I spent another three weeks in hospital on drips, having negative pressure vacs attached and all sorts. After three weeks the hospital then informed me that my sturnum was moving and the wires were "dancing!" I had to be operated on again, wound cleaned, wires removed and replaced and closed back up again. (horrendous in itself but after the original operation, I was and still am in pain. No feeling in my chest plate) When they removed the drains after the secound operation, one of the sites became infected. I stayed in hospital for another two week. I still didn't feel well but they discharged me. Two weeks after this my chest wound site got infected AGAIN. I was discharged from hospital a week ago with another VAC box and antibiotics! My recovery seems to be taking so long, has anyone else experienced this and got any tips on how to cope. I've not been to work since February, yes I get SSP payments but as my contract at work is zero hours, I'm struggling very much to make ends meet. Still awaiting PIP decision.

How long should my recovery take, should I be feeling better by now?

Any help or tips greatfully received.

I do hope anyone else experiencing such difficulties is managing to get support and help, take care.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Everyone is different after these ops some are back to normal within months others it can sometimes take a year it all depends but as you have had some complications which I am so sorry to hear you may have to be patient and just wait do what you have been told to do and remember this is you and it will take however long it takes but you will get there

I understand the money worries and Pip can take for ever if it gets awarded and this will not help struggling with money so if it were me I would talk to my local citizens advice they can go through everything write to people that you may owe put things on hold and leave you with enough to live of without struggling till you are able to go to work again so see if you can get to speak with them

You will get back on your feet though just do not compare yourself to how quick or slow others did remember you are you an individual but still you will feel and get better and be back to a new you x

[CyclingTime]

It's hard to say how long your recovery is should take as you have had so much more than just the bypass.

I had a quad bypass with no issues and it took the textbook 12 weeks to get back to s relatively normal state. Back to work and fully exercising, gardening etc

So let's assume you are a little past that start point now, so not long

[Sljp0000]

It's really rubbish when you have complications after CABG . Not only are you dealing with the enormity of major surgery you have to contend with all the 'extras' as well. I kept reading how others were running miles 10 weeks later and how life felt great again. Of course, I was really pleased for them but it did demoralise me thinking I was different and useless. I had complications after surgery, not the same as you but still incredibly serious and its been (and still is) an uphill struggle. I think its important to take a day at a time. Don't try to analyse anything, don't beat yourself up for feeling the way you do. It's OK to feel angry, sad, upset. It's OK to have bad days. Slowly, over time, you will start to come to terms with what has happened and will start to feel physically better. Don't expect too much too soon.

Be kind to yourself.

Take care

Susie.

[DWizza]

Hi , that really is a sh1t show of an infection and start of your rehab. I had Nstemi and quadruple CABG july 2023, I thought my chest wound infection was stubborn to clear up🤦🏼, 3 courses of antibiotics, daily photos sent to constants as I was dealt with remotely. You’ve had a proper bad run of it! As other posters have said , we all recover differently, sadly you’re having a some issues . Your sternum moving , jeez ! Any idea what caused that ? I was terrified of undoing my sternum in the early days , used to jump out of my skin to f I heard a click as I was getting out of bed for instance 🤦🏼. Hopefully , now the infection is clearing up your body will be able to focus on healing the other parts instead of fighting infection as well.

I swear that my nutrition hrr egg lied me knit back together , good lean proteins , skimmed milk (pint a day) , cut out ultra processed foods , made my own breads ( bread maker to make doughs, no sugar , way less salt) , extra virgin olive oil , avocado, salmon , eggs . Plus following the physios protocols , arms in a tube if lifting anything (pots pans kettles , then getting heavier as I felt stronger), walking and increasing the distance by 5 mins or .5 Km up to 5k. Then increased the intensity on certain stretches.

Everyone will say that there is no rush , but we put pressure on ourselves and feel the pressure from external sources as you are. You will have to accept that to make your body heal it will need the goid nourishment and the right mental outlook. That’s a different aspect , I’m sure I had/have a touch of post my surgery. If you need some reassurances or have questions that you can’t get an immediate answer to try contacting the BHF nurses on line chat or phone call. They are superb ! I’ve used them quite a bit on my rehab (my rebirth 🤣). They helped so much , gave me instant relief to some of my concerns and great advice and direction.

👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻 Wishing you well

[Nelson71]

sorry to hear about your awful situation. I think everyone recovers at different rates so you can’t compare yourself to anyone else. Personally 3xCABG in December 23 I thought it was taking ages to get better. However my surgeon said I was way ahead of the curve. I was scrupulous about cleaning my incision sites. I used clean hot water from the tap soaking ultra strong kitchen roll. I wiped one area and threw that piece away. Then dabbed the area dry with another piece. The wounds (I had chest forearm and thigh to ankle incisions) and they’ve all healed very nicely. I never lifted anything heavier than a kettle for the first few weeks and only emptied the dishwasher (slowly)?after about 6,weeks and again it’s healed very well. I exercise every day without fail building up very slowly from 5x 5 mins to 5km+. I had decent core strength pre surgery so used my stomach muscles to get me out of bed, chairs etc to protect my sternum. You’ve had enormous bad luck but you must have patience and realise your journey is not the same as everyone else so don’t compare to others. My recovery has been phenomenal and six months on I feel wonderful. My energy level is huge and sometimes I cannot sit down as I’m busting with energy. I’m not boasting but just to say keep your eye on the future and the end result is certainly worth all the sh*t you’re going through. You’re a real battler to get through the worst of everything. Things will get better, good luck with future and hopefully you’ll get through all this maybe later but it’s better than never. I was told my situation was so severe if I’d not had surgery I wouldn’t have lived another 12months. We’ve got your back and sending you our prayers and best wishes. ❤️

Chest incision

[devonian186]

I do not know your age but I would say that even if the operation had gone well you might still be struggling. We are all different and age and previous health would be big factors.

However you have had a number of complications to put it mildly. Are you naturally impatient so did the sternum wires move because you tried to do too much as seems to be the case now?

You need to take things gradually. What is your current level of activity?Have you got a set of notes from your Consultant as to what sort of things you should be doing? Have you any follow up appointments coming up soon, if not discussing it with the Consultants/secretary might be helpful.

[maggie80]

You've been through it. Look after yourself. It will take time to recover. I had a quadruple and a heart valve replacement Nov'21. I didn't know until my hubby told me, I was back in theater the next day I had a blood leak. I was in hospital a week. I was 75 at the time. It took sometime to recover. Every one is different. I still enjoy walking and going out on my e bike. Try and get some advise about money. Don't be worrying. Take care

[ADemLondon]

There's not much I can add here except you need to keep an eye on your wound and if you feel things are not improving get back to the hospital. In the mean time keep taking pictures and send them to the wound review team, they can give you some pointers. While out of the hospital you are back to your GP for anything minor. Those wires should not have moved at all after they put them in, who knows why they moved. As per others advice when you are able, try walking a bit. Don't become impatient, your healing process is what it is and you can do only so much, so don't hurry yourself. All the best for your recovery

[TrevT]

That sounds horrendous! I also had CABG in February and have fingers crossed that my post-op check up isn't cancelled on 27th June (I know 5 1/2 months...). I also had an infection in the wound which was treated by 2 courses of antibiotics via nurse @ GP surgery.

I still have discomfort and pain around my wound and with my chest. This is just about bearable but they are other issues (leg & foot pain) which drive me into chronic pain.

All i can say is take one day at a time, and sometimes an hour at a time. And celebrate the small victories - when you achieve something you had stopped doing before surgery (for me that is walking my dogs, cutting grass, looking after horses more & more). Some days i take two steps backward.

I notice you're waiting for PIP decision and have a zero hours contract. I know nothing else about your circumstances but there are other means tested benefits that may be available, might be worth talking to CAB or similar