One year on from CABG - What a year!

[Mydog8it]

Last year at this time I walked into hospital for my 4 x CABG, expecting to be in hospital for 5 days. 8.5 months later I left hospital in a wheelchair.

My CABG op went OK, but in the recovery room and the following few weeks everything that could go wrong went wrong.

Cardiac arrest for 8 minutes, they couldn't do normal CPR due to just having CABG.

Stroke following Cardiac arrest

Collapsed airway so had to have tracheostomy for a few months

Temporary Kidney and liver failure so had to go on dialysis for a while

Compartment syndrome in left leg where they took a vein

Post critical care syndrome, where muscles have wasted away (RHABDOMYOLYSIS)

I think that's about all, and of course I don't remember anything of the first 3 months

I can just about walk for short distances now (30 yards) but still get out of breath due to EF<20%. Left hand doesn't work at all yet, right hand sort of works.

Only time will tell, but I'm hoping I can build my muscles back.

I'm a member of the 1% club the surgeon warns you about 😀👍

[Gardenview10]

So pleased to hear from you. As you know, Ralph had similar problems and was in hospital for 6 months, including stroke and tracheostomy which he still has. After 5 months he was finally able to syringe blended food into a RIG in his tummy. He got that out after 2 months at home and was able to eat blended food. Now he can eat anything properly.He's signed off from heart and stroke departments, so just ENT for trachy.

It took a while to get his walking back, but after almost 11 months at home he can do around half a mile 2 or 3 times a day. Keep up the physio and hopefully won't be too long until your muscle strength is coming back.

I bought some stress balls for Ralph to squeeze to get movement back in his hands and fingers, takes time and effort, but keep going.

Hope your wife is getting help and rest as well, and some treats days as it can take it's toll on us caregivers as well.

Take each day as it comes, make notes of everything and soon you will be able to see how far you've come.

Take care and keep posting.

Sue and Ralph x

[Pollypuss in reply to Gardenview10]

So sorry to hear this as it’s quite unusual. Very lucky to not have any after effects apart from continued upset stomach for a month and thought that was bad enough but he has been through so much it’s not fair

[Seal59 in reply to Gardenview10]

Lovely to hear an update from you and Ralph. I hope you are ok and Ralph continues to make progress.

[psethura]

you will be stronger than before as time goes.

[devonian186]

Come on, admit it, you are running your idea for a new TV medical series to the rest of us, before pitching it to executives!

You have been very unfortunate and having had a 4cabg myself nearly 3 years ago, I realise how fortunate I was.

[DWizza]

Flipping hell 🤦🏼… my 4xcabg was a walk in the park by comparison 🤣🤣.. what an anniversary to celebrate. 🍾👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Wishing you celebrate many more with regained muscle strength 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[T666]

blimey… very best wishes to you for a continued recovery and improvement

[OK10]

Wish you a speedy recovery.

[LaLa58]

wow! It’s stories like yours that make us feel fortunate. Thanks for sharing and sending positive vibes for continued small steps forward!

[Plum53]

Wishing you well going forward. Hope each step is a positive one to a healthy new you.

[Seal59]

Sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough time. I hope you keep making progress, you’re obviously a fighter.