Hi everyone. I'm new here. My boyfriend has recently been under the cardiologist for tests following mild angina symptoms and is now booked in for heart bypass surgery. It's all happened quite quickly and is a lot to get your head around as we certainly werent expecting it. His surgery is scheduled for 3 weeks time. Would be great to hear some positive experiences youve had. Many thanks 🙂
Heart bypass surgery : Hi everyone. I'm... - British Heart Fou...
Heart bypass surgery
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Bluey73
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Hello 
I am not sure which is the best it happening so quickly like your Boyfriends is or knowing you need one and having to wait quite a while but either way it is so normal for it to be a lot to get your head around and you must both be feeling in shock
I had a triple Bypass I was quite terrified to say the least and I built all sorts up in my head and yet when I got there straight away you could tell just with the Nurses let alone the Doctors and Surgeons you were in safe hands
Once you are put to sleep you know nothing and you will wake up in ICU as your Boyfriend is young there is no reason why he won't have a good recovery and within a few days he will be back on the ward and they will have him moving about as soon as they can and before you know it he will be back home and starting his recovery
If there is anything particular you want ask now or as things move along keep posting and we will do our best to share our experiences with you and what we did
Easier said than done I know but please try not to worry and see this as a new beginning and lucky it has been found and something can be done
Let us know how he gets on x
Thankyou for your reply - I find it really comforting to hear these positives stories & I hope you are doing well after your surgery
Hello
There are so many positives to this surgery even though we tend to see the negatives but so many on here have had Bypass surgery and are living life to the full and I am sure soon your Boyfriend will be to
Like I said as he starts his journey anything you are unsure of or want to know just ask and we will be happy to try and help
He will be fine x
I would like to echo everything Behind has said. Don't get me wrong, it's not easy and there will be ups and downs, but just support him as much as you can and grab hold of every positive that comes out of it. Forget the negatives. I have totally changed my lifestyle in nearly every respect and am enjoying a perfectly healthy life without all the demons I used to partake in and have joined a gym where I keep my fitness levels at a good standard. Don't rush anything, make sure he does as he is told by the people that know and he will be fine. I'd love to hear an update in a few months. Take care 👍
Hi, I'm +10 days from CABG x4 (mid 50s with mild angina symptoms). All gone very well, stayed a little longer in ICU whilst stabilising levels, but still out of hospital on the 5th day. Very positive experience for me and looked after very well by the hospital. Takes a week or so after that to start getting stronger again, just take it easy and pace the recovery.All I can say is trawl this forum for as much advice as possible and prepare yourselves as best as possible. Great forum, loads of advice as you about to probably find out!
Wonderful- so pleased you are doing well & thankyou for your reply to my post - I am starting to feel more at ease already, reading these comments
I always found it positively distracting to think about practical things, including seemingly trivial things like buying a v-pillow (Silennight, others are available!) for recovery at home. Couldn't do without it, helps to find multitude of more comfortable postures.
Hi I'm 3 weeks out of triple bypass and have had some complications with chest infections and wound infections but am getting stronger every day 😁 it is a very big operation but in the long term will be worth it . My mother lived for 29 years after hers in1987 . I would say a eye mask for the hospital might be a good call I found it difficult with all the lights a night time . Snacking food like yogurts and rice have been good since I got home along with dozens of pillows for the bed for support in bed.. I have very little memories of icu more like a dream but I know I felt in safe hands with all the staff hope things go well for uou both x
Thanks for your reply. I'll get him an eye mask in case he needs one. All the best with your recovery. I must say the cardiologist, surgeon and all the staff we have seen have been amazing and are good at making you feel at ease about things.
So pleased to read you are feeling a bit stronger 💪
Hello, it's coming up to 12 months since my bypass surgery. I had a heart attack & was kept in hospital for bypass surgery 9 days later. I was back home on day 4 after surgery & made a good recovery since ( did an 8 mile walk last week 😁) The best advice I was given was to listen to my body & take one day at a time. The thought of the surgery was worse than the surgery itself so try not to worry ( I know that's easier said than done) Let us know how he gets on x
I can only echo the comments made here. I had triple bypass surgery back in March and hopefully recovering well. I had to learn to be a patient patient and understand that this is major surgery not an ingrowing toenail and that the body takes time to recover. All will be well and encourage him to take part in all the support available afterwards including the Cardiac rehabilitation classes which I'm now participating in.
I am 5 years on from CABGX4 and all of my experience has been positive. Didn’t remember much of the first 5 days as had to go back to surgery with a blip but all dealt with efficiently.
It’s been said on here before but follow the rehab advice, the first stroll around the garden was hard but wonderful when you realise you can do more with no pains.so important to follow.
My aim was a holiday and 3 months later a trip to Cornwall with coastal walks and 2 months after that Vietnam (a sign on one island said do not attempt this climb if you have a heart condition).
I didn’t by then and the freedom to do that was life changing.
Keep looking at this forum as it will give you loads of positives.
As the surgeons will tell you this is a serious but regular operation. They know what they’re doing ,thankfully!
Thankyou & great to hear you are doing well, we have a couple of holidays booked (October & December) the surgeon said if he recovers well he should be ok to go as the October one is in the UK and we can just take it steady, the December one is abroad, but the surgeon said there's no restrictions on flying post surgery, so we are hoping we can still go on the December holiday too
You have given me hope as I asked surgeon about flying and he didn’t really answer just said these things take time I looked on BHF website and doesn’t say much x
I am 11 months since my surgery. I am doing brilliantly. First 12 weeks I built myself up by walking only. Now I cycle 50kms per day and I am currently enjoying my cancelled holiday in Paphos.
Apart from the residual pain following the surgery especially where they took the vessels everything for me has went to plan.
So glad I did the bypass as I will not need any meds post my 12 months except low dose asprin.
Bluey73• in reply to
Wonderful, 50K cycling that's amazing. We did wonder if he would be reducing/stopping his meds post surgery, so good to hear you've come off yours now
Hi Bluey, it’s great that he’s in the system and got a date 👊🏻. I had a totally unexpected Nstemi heart attack July 23th 2023 , aged 61 . Was fit & strong but had been feeling very tired and for months and found I couldn’t do my farm work & my training 🤦🏼. GP did blood tests for testosterone, thyroid , B12 , sugar etc all came back normal .. 6 weeks later 🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼.
I had quadruple bypass on 25th July 2023 , was in hospital all the time, (stenting not possible) came out 5 days post surgery. He’ll need help for sure, getting out of bed , pillows to sit up etc. My sense of taste was manky for a few months , things tasted sour , meds /anaesthetic etc. My meds were reduced , bisoprolol was reduced from 3.75 to 1.25. I’m on my 3rd statin , they were giving me issues , now on 10mg Rosuvastatin dose and good lipid figures . Rehab classes , I smashed them 🤣. I did loads of walking , just added .5km or 5 mins to gradually increase distance . I reached 5k and then switched to increased intensity for stretches . Stick to the protocols given by the physios , everyone kept saying take it easy , used to annoy me greatly. I rested too, you have no option. Recovery isn’t always linear , I had a stubborn infection in my chest wound , 3 rounds of antibiotics cleared it up. The effects of the statin practically shut me down, felt awful (aches pains , fatigue , cognitive impairment, felt cold all the time ..). Stopped my statin for 6-7 weeks and felt great , achieved 5k park run goals and a 10k trail run. Back on my motorbike within 3 months.and yoga classes after 6 months , made sure my sternum was properly healed .
I love my rebirth and celebrate every month post surgery with a collage of photos , here’s my past o e , will be posting 11 months collage soon 🤣👊🏻. The mental aspects take a bit longer to heal , I’m sure I had a touch of ptsd post event. I definitely get tired more , meds have an effect , some small lifestyle changes to what I thought was already a decent healthy lifestyle have helped ( minimal ultra processed foods, make my own bread , mainly med type diet , chicken & turkey lean mainstay protein , salmon every week , avocados & extra virgin olive oil, minimal booze)
Post quadruple bypass surgery
Your reply is very interesting. I know nothing about heart bypass apart from what I have learned on the forum. I am interested to know where those scars are located and their significance. I expected a chest scar. You have done very well!
With a triple /quadruple they can harvest veins/arteries from arms/legs and use the mammary artery as a first choice as they just redirect it across . Top line pre surgery , I tidied myself up in 2017 and lost weight then rebuilt muscle. Bottom line and bottom left column post surgery , right column post surgery 👍🏻
Pre & Post quadruple bypass surgery comparison
Thanks for the explanation and photos. You have done really well and your lifestyle changes certainly seem to have helped recovery! From what I have read some people take longer to recuperate and get back to exercising after having a few complications but the replies on here are very reassuring and positive for the person who posted the thread. Take care.
It’s all very individual, I took lots of inspiration from others experiences , good and bad. I was also pleased that my surgery was cancelled twice while I was in hospital . It meant that I was able to see my ward mates go through the pricedure and come back in the ward and see them progress to discharge. There is a bond with fellow hearties 👊🏻❤️
Glad you are doing well, thanks for taking the time to post your reply, really good to hear all these positive experiences
Your message is so inspiring thank you I’m having a CABG on 29 th like you they couldn’t get stents in following my NSTEMI May 23 I am thankful for every day I’m still here and hoping for a successful outcome next week
I’m glad it’s helpful, I’ve had loads of help and advice from this forum and want to help others . Pictures really show my journey , they inspire me to keep going and I hope not “impress “ others but impress upon them that we can still live a good life while managing our individual situations. Wishing you all the best and a swift, comfortable rehab . I won’t forget you , your op is on my wedding anniversary 🤣👊🏻
I had one two years ago, totally transformed my life. I'm as fit now as when I was 25 and I am 61 now.
It's a big operation yes, but I recovered quickly and 12 weeks later I was back at work. I have had no side affects from the operation at all. Positive enough 😁 ?
Oh yes positive enough for sure...he's 50 & to hear this is very comforting, well done & glad you're doing well
Hello
I expect that the shock of this sometimes feels like too much for you to cope with. You will have your really strong positive days and also your moments of despair. I did last year when my husband had to have a triple bypass - no time to plan or to think - it was done as an emergency. However, looking back I am so pleased and grateful that he had the operation , all of the staff were so so kind both to him and to me. He recovered really well and just one year later he is almost back to more than his original self. If there is one thing that I can recommend for you personally it is to rest as much as you can whilst he is in hospital because you need lots of energy once he is discharged to help get him back on his feet again. I think that it is far easier being a patient than being a carer looking on - I felt so out of control and at times like I was on a huge rollercoaster - it is a natural experience for us all and we do get through it. Your boyfriend will be fine and you will be too. 🥰
Thanks for your reply, it is a lot to get your head around, although we moved house a few days ago, so that has kept our minds distracted from the thought of the surgery, glad your husband is doing well.
Thank you!
It’s great that you have a big distraction to keep you busy - wish you well in your new home lots to look forward to.
Take each day one step at a time 😀
Enjoy your weekend and the sunshine ☀️
Look forward to reading your progress.
It's six years tomorrow since I was discharged from St. Thomas ' hospital in London. World class care from everyone from the tea lady to the surgeon following my triple bypass. I was truly amazed at the care l received. Yes I was scared but I put my trust in everyone at St.Tommies.
You will soon become aware of the great support you'll get from the good people on this forum. Everyone has their own story to tell, as we all mend at our own pace.
Best wishes.
Alec .
Thanks Alec, must say the care he has received so far has been exceptional. I am pleased I joined this forum, it's great hearing everyone's experiences. Glad you are doing well.
I’m 55 and had mine 7 weeks ago after unsuccessful stent . Starting to feel the benefit, more energy, less headaches and healing well.
I won’t minimise, the recovery is tough so he will need a lot of patience and support.
Tips..
Get a one cup water boiler I couldn’t life my kettle for weeks! It was very frustrating having to ask for a cup of tea all the time.
I couldn’t open dishwasher, oven or lift anything at all for weeks.
I couldn’t open drawers or reach hangers in bedroom and again found it hard losing independence. Got a open shelf and stored clothes on that, so I could get dressed independently .
Psychologically it’s tough and the meds can have an impact. I got angry I couldn’t do things and frustrated a lot ,so be prepared for that too. I got told off a lot my medical staff for expecting to be back to normal quickly.
As the previous poster has said it’s hard caring for someone after this so be prepared and ask for support from others.
Everyone’s recovery is different but I hope that helps and all goes well.
Thanks for your reply, I can understand that psychologically it must be very hard as well as the physical recovery. Glad you are doing well, it's still early days for you & I'm sure you will continue to feel stronger as the days pass by.
Good point on the water, I used a flask during that period of time!
I had chest pains back in 2019 and turned up at A&E to be told I'd had a heart attack. By the end of the week I had a quintuple bypass and was in a ward recovering. I think that being that quick I had no time to worry, it all just happened. I followed orders from the docs, nurses and did the cardiac rehab that was offered and I recovered well. Regards
Giant68
Thanks for your reply - Glad to hear you have recovered well, sometimes my boyfriend wishes he was told it needs doing right here & now so he had no time to think, but we had an imminent house move pending, so I think having a few weeks to get settled & prepare has probably been best for us.
Not much to add to all the other replies really. Some people recover really well and quickly but for others it’s tougher and slower. I was the latter but a year on I’m feeling good with a totally different diet and no alcohol. Just a couple of bits of advice that may help. I bought a wedge to sleep on once home- I found it a massive help as it was too painful to sleep flat for about 6 weeks. Take the offer of a cardiac rehab programme if offered- mine was fantastic. And finally, don’t be surprised if recovery is more painful and slower than you get told; that’s normal and nothing to worry about. And one more thing- tell him take the painkillers without fail, and don’t stop taking them too soon!
Oh, and if he gets the chance for mental health counselling, take it. I did, and it’s been really useful. The trauma of the operation can be much more than you’d imagine (not for all) and the counselling helps you understand and manage your emotions (has done for me, anyway).
Im just over three years triple bypass. I didnt get much chance to dwell on mine coming but several days was enough !!. The fear of having it was way more than the actual experience. Surgeon team and ICU team where 110%, ordinary ward staff no so, but that just gives you the intention to get out asap.!! The scars are now mainly superglued so theres little evidence of a scar, just the 'zipper' down the breastbone. He'll be fine and will find he can do things that he couldnt for some time before. Just support him as best you can through the mental and physical after effects, but they dont last long.
Thankyou, much appreciated, hope you are doing well. I like the term zipper
that was me nine years ago. Had angina went for an angiogram and had a double bypass the next day. It’s a fantastic operation and gives you a new lease of life. Good luck😊
yep it’s shock to be given the news and in many ways i was lucky in the fact i had a massive heart attack and was hospitalised straight away that was 5th March 22 my surgery was 21st of march so i was in my mind in a place of safety and there were still covid restrictions in place around the country.
As some as already mention you know nothing till you wake up and my recovery was tough but not as tough as i had let my vivid imagination convince me it would be like. I was well over weight and very unfit , so if i can get through it any one can. I was 70 in april 24 and still ride my motorcycle regularly for three and four hours at a time, active in our garden ( which i hated before my surgery) .
Give him lots of support but don’t molly coddle him. For me the survivors guilt was hard to deal with, but with the help of my wife and my cardiac rehab nurses i learned to deal with it and very rarely do i get more episodes.
me in my happy place
Hi Bluey,I had a double cabg last year and we bought a second hand recliner chair!! It was a godsend. Your partner will be quite stiff and sore in the sternum area for a while so will be told no bending or stretching, no heavy lifting and no twisting. Getting in and out of bed is difficult and you are advised to lie on your back for a while too. I found the recliner chair such a good buy. I slept on it for months. We are all different and maybe your partner will recover really quickly. Our bed is high and so I struggled to get in!! Then the turning over was painful. Best to sleep on your back till your chest isn't so tight. It is a huge operation but life saving too!! I wish him all the luck in the world. Take care. X
Hi
I have had a 3-way by pass at 53 its was done within 3 weeks. The surgeon said You will probably need more surgery in 10 yrs, its been 18 yrs now and touch wood a few minor hiccups along the way. ie had a echocardiogram yesterday waiting for results. I came out of hospital stayed with a friend for a week then looked after myself hard going as I do not have any relatives but got there. Thing have changed since I had my op. YES keep posting and asking questions, ALL the Best.
I'm 12 months on, it'll be much less of an ordeal than you can ever imagine, and he'll be like a new man afterwards!
Thanks, sounds good
After hearing the surgeons say so many times that it's a simple procedure, I actually realised that it really is to them.
Make sure he takes his time for the first 4 weeks or so. The nurses really drilled in to me to take pain medication before things get painful, too.
I think that was one of the best bits of advice!
My mrs had a triple bypass and I was the main care giver, I was present before and after the operation. Believe me you need to be there especially post operation.
Good Luck I’m having mine on 29 th June I’m petrified but good to read the replies helps me too xx
Same happened to me. It all happened very quickly, but that was 28 years ago and I'm still here. A good healthy diet and exercise I would recommend.
You hav'nt mentioned your Boyfriends age!, I had mine in Feb, 2015, I'm now 71, was down for the much quoted"triple" but only got a double in the end, a bit like getting Silver, I'm kidding.
Cleary I didnt in the event need the triple, yes it was a rather scary prospect, lost quite a bit of weight in the months awaiting my slot. I Googled a lot about it and view a few OPs (moslty American) but very informative.
I had my Op done at The Royal Brompton in London 60 miles away, under surgical team lead by senior consultant Mr Anthony de Souza. I cannot stress enough what an amazing team of people they were from Surgeons, to Nurses and mael Ward orderly's who helped me with showers, truly all wonderful people.
My anxieties were also were also put at ease as soon as I walked into the small ward and warmly greated by a couple of guys who were just getting over there Ops and provided huge reassurance, by the end of my stay there I was doing the same to other new arrivals.
I was in for a week, takes a few weeks before you can sleap normally and several months of so to get up to strength and your emotions can be a bit fragile but you quickly. I was lucky being able to work from home and actulaly back at my desk within a day so.
I've since had a Pacemaker fitted so pretty much whole package now, I feel fine, I think the benefits of either procedure depend obviously on how seriously such procedures are needed, Im not sure the immediate benefits were obvious but have obviously given me a much longer outlook so to speak
Good Luck to your Boyfriend on becoming a member of the CABG Club
.
Thankyou for your reply. He is 50, started with very mild angina symptoms which resulted in a trip to his GP for advice, he was referred to a cardiologist for tests and following an angiogram told he needs surgery. A few days later had a consultation with a surgeon and was told he could choose a date for his surgery, earliest being 19th July, which is when he is booked in for it. He has been told he needs a quadruple bypass. The support on here is really helping and I am grateful to hear everyone's positive experiences, glad you are doing well.
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