I am a 53 year old waiting for CABG and would love to hear from other women of a similar age about their experiences.

[Tikkertocker]

I am a 53 year old active and apparently healthy woman and am waiting for CABG after suddenly getting angina symptoms in September. I’ve read a lot of tips on here and done a bunch of research but would really like to speak to someone similar to me about how the experience was for them, how long it took to recover and whether there’s anything I should be getting ready for (practically or mentally).

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I was 58 when I had my triple Bypass

I am not sure if you are still feeling a little dazed been told you need this op but I know I felt that way before it plus I was so anxious as I suffer with anxiety anyway and I wondered how I would be able to manage but I did and if I can anyone can

Is there anything particular you would like to know ?

The op itself was nothing at all as bad as I had let my imagination do overtime thinking it would be

I kept of Google and researching due to my anxiety and I came on here instead where all the members were wonderful supporting me

For me when I walked into the Hospital I felt in safe hands the Nurses you could tell were specialized in caring for heart patients and put you at ease

Once they had took me down the next thing I remember is waking up thinking I was in a spaceship to be honest that was all the drugs which they make sure that you are not in any pain

When you come out of ICU it won't be long before they have you moving around and yes you feel sore but again for me nothing like I imagined I would feel

Follow the breathing exercises they tell you to do and be prepared that for so many of us what hits us is we can not always become emotional and but take each day at a time come on here ask questions and everyone that has been through this will help

Practical things can be getting your bag ready of course , moving anything that is high up that you use often into lower places as we have to wait several weeks before we start reaching , get your bills and house in order so when you come out you mainly just have yourself to focus on , maybe make some healthy ready meals and freeze them as you wont feel up to cooking straight away unless someone is at home with you to cook

When it comes to how long does it take to recover we are all different some are up and just about back to normal quicker than others they say about 12 weeks but others can take longer we are all different just go at your own pace and if that is quick or slow you will get there in your own time

I hope you have got family and friends to support you and if so accept it as that helps such a lot for those that do

Let us know how you get on x

[sohotimes]

The best tip I received from a nurse in ICU after my op was to buy a very soft sports bra (no underwiring & not tight fitting) and to wear 24/7 to help discomfort with the chest wound. A friend bought me some and I started wearing them in hospital straightaway. It helped enormously, felt comfortable and snug, also the chest wound healed very quickly.

If you are on a hospital ward take in ear plugs for a good nights sleep and a very good sleep mask is handy as hospital wards are never dark or silent. If you are taking in a laptop use ear phones with it, so you don't disturb other patients. Personally I couldn't read anything as my reading concentration was zero which I blamed on the general anaesthetic, but watching movies/series online was fine.

I was fit before I went in- swimming 5 times a week and walking lots. After 3 months I was 90% and after 6 months 100%. I bought a home blood pressure monitor just for my peace of mind. I cried a little every day for months but I wasn't depressed or sad...again I blamed it on the general anaesthetic.

I found this website months after my op and it has been such a comforting positive experience.

I had a heart attack and was informed in hospital on my condition, I remained in hospital and had a quadruple bypass a few days later (I thought I was fit/healthy so a big shock). Basically no time to think or plan and thankfully I did not google it.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

All the best to you.

[Tikkertocker in reply to sohotimes]

Hello. Hope you are well. I ended up having a triple bypass almost two weeks ago and am now settled back home and feel like things are going well. Went to the GP yesterday to have my chest drain stitches out and the nurse suggested putting vaseline on my wounds. Just wondered whether you had any good tips on looking after your scars. Thanks

[Stanno]

Hi Tikkertocker, I had CABG x2 at 50 after a failed attempt to stent. I like you am fit and healthy which worked against me initially and delayed my diagnosis. I'd been having symptoms for 2 years by the time they tried to stent but the blockage was too calcified so was told I needed CABG x2 which I had a few weeks later in Sept. I was an emotional mess when they told me but the staff were amazing. I was lucky to have a room to myself when I was admitted and I put my faith in the staff to look after me which they did brilliantly.

I was discharged 4 days later and my recovery has gone very well so far. I'm about to complete cardiac rehab which has been a massive help and an opportunity to talk to others. I have a few niggles with sensitivity but I'm sure things will continue to improve. I went skiing at Christmas and I've recently restarted my cycling. I walk every day and my angina is gone. 🤗

You've had some great advice so far, I got some soft bra tops from Primark which I wear at home. Don't try to do too much to soon in the first weeks. Do lots of walking, I walked as much as I could before and after my op which helped with my recovery. If there's anything specific you want to know feel free to ask. All the best.

[Tikkertocker in reply to Stanno]

Thanks for the advice - amazing to hear you were out of hospital so quickly, never mind skiing. I am still using my electric bike (mostly on full power, but at least my legs are moving) to get to work and walking at weekends so hopefully I’ll be going into it fairly fit, or as fit as I can be. And thanks for the bra tips, this was on my list of questions!

[Tikkertocker in reply to Stanno]

Hello. Hope things are good with you. I ended up having a triple heart bypass just over a week ago. Like you I was discharged pretty fast. I just had a question about the scar. i went to the GP nurse today to have my ghest drain stitches out and she suggested starting to use some vaseline on the wounds. Just wondered what advice you were given, or if you have any good tips. Thanks

[Stanno in reply to Tikkertocker]

Hi Tikkertocker, I'm so pleased it's all gone well for you and you're back home recovering and soon to be enjoying all the things that were a struggle before. I wasn't really given any advice about the scar other than not to use any soap on it until the scabs had gone. I haven't used anything on it other than sanex shower gel although I know a lot of people decide to use bio oil. It will shrink back a lot so don't worry if it looks proud at the moment, I had a large bump at the top but it's gone now. Also I found it quite itchy for a time and then super sensitive. It's still a bit sensitive now but loads better then it was. I wore my walking tops which have a zip, that allowed the air to get to it. I wish you a continued speedy recovery 👍

[Tikkertocker]

Thanks. I have some big bumps too - especially in my leg, so great to know they will smooth out.