When does breathlessness ease after bypass?

[stevetheadi]

Hi

I had a triple bypass three weeks ago. I've been home for two weeks.

I think it's going well, mostly. I go out for a 15 minute walk twice a day, occasionally get round the shops with my family, my wounds are healing nicely and I'm not in any pain to speak of.

I just wish I could breathe a bit more easily.

My breathing is quite shallow but when I'm sitting still I feel ok. But when I'm walking I find it quite difficult to hold a conversation irrespective of how slowly I walk. If I lie down I get very breathless.

I have a non-productive cough occasionally (although the cough sounds 'thick').

I use my spirometer every hour or so.

Does anyone in recovery or who has recovered know what level of breathlessness is normal at this stage? And when it might ease?

[BeKind28-]

Hello

We can all be different in how long it takes they do collapse our lungs when doing the op so can take a while to build it back up again

3 weeks is very early days and you should go at a pace you feel comfortable with

You mentioned about this cough which makes me think it might be a good idea to let your Doctor listen to your chest and lungs as it can be quite common to get an infection of course I am not saying you have one as I am not a Doctor like the rest of us but would be worth just getting that checked out

Let us know how you get on x

[stevetheadi in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you BeKind28-

I'll make an appointment with my GP. Thank you for your reassuring advice.

[BeKind28- in reply to stevetheadi]

x

[Donny64 in reply to BeKind28-]

Good advice, I had a chest infection after my op which caused shortness of breath etc but a dose of antibiotics soon sorted that out. Collapsing the lung is usual process and it does take a while to get it back to normal and yes it's very hard work using that machine which you have to blow through. It will all get easier and it sounds like you are doing very well. Take care and don't rush anything and you will be fighting fit in no time 👍

[stevetheadi in reply to Donny64]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. It's a long road but there is a (faint) light at the end of it!

[Donny64 in reply to stevetheadi]

Just keep positive mate

[BeKind28- in reply to Donny64]

x

[Sljp0000]

Hi!I would definitely ask your GP to get you an xray sorted. There are a number of things which could be happening from a chest infection, fluid around the lungs (very common after heart surgery) or even diaphragmatic palsy caused by damage to the phrenic nerve during surgery. I would want to be checked for a PE too.

I speak from personal experience from alm the above!

As BeKind says, get yourself to the GP. They should definitely want to see you with your symptoms.

Let us know how you get on.

Susie

[CyclingTime]

I don't think there is any "normal" as it depends how fit you were beforehand and also your own individual recovery.

If your concerned, get down to the doctor

[maggie80]

Good Morning, I'm wondering if you are using a lot of your energy up. Maybe, just go for a walk and take it easy. You'll get there soon enough.