Triple Valve Bypass op this week

Triple Valve Bypass op this week

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trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Monday 12th September 2016
quotequote all
4 years ago I had a heart attack (1 stent fitted) from which I recovered well I thought, but after some recent chest pains, I went to my GP and he referred me back to my cardiologist for tests. The last of those tests was a Radial Angiogram which confirmed what he suspected and as a result I now have a CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Valve) op scheduled for this week. I'm being admitted tomorrow and my op is on Wednesday. I'm not looking forward to it one bit despite everyone telling me that these days, ops like this are almost routine... In every other respect, I'm a fit and healthy non smoking 54 year old so hopefully recovery won't be too bad or too long. I would welcome any one else's experiences on this.

Today therefore is the last 'normal' day for a while and so what better than a good long blast in my M5 on a quietish Monday morning in Hampshire. As I am unlikely to be driving for a while it seemed like a good distraction for what's coming up. And it did the trick...

Not sure what to do with the rest of the day to keep me distracted but I'm sure I'll think of something.

When I'm able I'll update with more news.

MYOB

4,767 posts

137 months

Monday 12th September 2016
quotequote all
Best of luck. Heart disease is rife in my family. Those that are still with us are the ones who sought treatment, which included a couple of triple bypasses. Those that didn't consult their GPs or likewise, are no longer with us.

The point I'm making, is that you're doing the right thing. It's an unpleasant operation but if you want to live, some short term pain will be required! I feel for you and best of luck.

I would probably suggest plenty of reading material, or download films etc onto a tablet for the hospital stay. You might not be in any mood to peruse them, but best have them rather than not.

CoolHands

18,496 posts

194 months

Monday 12th September 2016
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Enjoy some last minute cream cakes thumbup

Black Flag

116 posts

112 months

Monday 12th September 2016
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Welcome to the zippy club......
I had bypass surgery in March 2000 and I am still here to tell the tale. Certainly wouldn't have been otherwise.
I believe things are a lot better now and recovery a lot quicker. I live a completely normal life apart from having to take various drugs but that's a small price to pay.
Good luck with your operation, you will be fine.

lj04

371 posts

190 months

Tuesday 13th September 2016
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My 84 year old father had a triple bypass 2 years ago. He was out of the hospital within a week. It took about a year before they cut his medication down to where he felt better

trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Tuesday 13th September 2016
quotequote all
Thanks all.

Amongst the many delights so far as part of my prep for the op tomorrow has been an (almost) full body shave which under any other circumstance would have been a lot more enjoyable!!!

Otherwise, so far it's all been pretty routine and I'm looking forward to getting to the other side.

MYOB

4,767 posts

137 months

Tuesday 13th September 2016
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Look forward to the next update. All the best.

Riley Blue

20,915 posts

225 months

Wednesday 14th September 2016
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Thinking of you today, OP and hope all is going well.

trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Thursday 15th September 2016
quotequote all
Operation was a complete success - I'm off the ICU ward and back in my room. At the moment it feels like I've run a marathon every time I get out of bed which I have done twice today. Generally uncomfortable but can see little bits of improvement as the hours go by. And now zzzzzzzzzzzz.

thatsprettyshady

1,820 posts

164 months

Thursday 15th September 2016
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Good to hear - enjoy the painkillers beer

Riley Blue

20,915 posts

225 months

Thursday 15th September 2016
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Great to hear. Easy does it for a while...

anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 15th September 2016
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trando said:
Operation was a complete success - I'm off the ICU ward and back in my room. At the moment it feels like I've run a marathon every time I get out of bed which I have done twice today. Generally uncomfortable but can see little bits of improvement as the hours go by. And now zzzzzzzzzzzz.
Just noticed this thread.

Fantastic news.

At least now you know each day you are on the road to recovery.

Just don't push it too much smile

Keep us updated.

MYOB

4,767 posts

137 months

Thursday 15th September 2016
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Welcome back! Keep the morphine pumping!

trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Friday 16th September 2016
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Today is Day 2 according to the way the medics measure days post op. Not a great night last night. The machine they use to hydrate the oxygen kept me up all night. It was a bit like Chinese water totrture. Unfortunately they've taken me off the morphine as that would have about the only thing that would have got me to sleep. Out of bed now sat up in a chair although at this rate I reckon I'll last about another 10 mins before I doze off. No pain at the moment just v uncomfortable.

9xxNick

927 posts

213 months

Friday 16th September 2016
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Any pain and discomfort proves you're alive. I had open heart surgery for a replacement aortic valve four years ago and the first week or so after feels pretty strange, but you're about my age and I found I recovered very quickly. I was in surgery on Saturday morning and was released to go home on Wednesday afternoon. Perversely, I found it to be one of the best things that ever happened to me - I have a more positive view of things now, feel fitter and have gone a long way towards working out what's really important to me.

trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Saturday 17th September 2016
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Thanks and that is a really interesting point. What is important?

Day 3 and I'm feeling marginally better and of the 20 odd wires, tubes and canulas that were in me, I have 3 left, so on that basis I have to be making progress. Appetite is completely off still so food intake is hit or miss..

Back to the importance of this, it was a shock when I had an MI 4 years ago and this is no less so. I can see some adjustments coming!

br d

8,388 posts

225 months

Sunday 18th September 2016
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Wishing you a speedy recovery trando, great to hear everything is going to plan.

trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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Going home today which is great news although I still feel very weak. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed!

likesachange

2,630 posts

193 months

Monday 19th September 2016
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Speedy recovery ! my dad had similar op 2 years ago and now feels that fit believes he can eat what he wants when he wants! theres no telling some people unfortunately.

fellow m5 owner


trando

Original Poster:

722 posts

170 months

Monday 19th September 2016
quotequote all
likesachange said:
Speedy recovery ! my dad had similar op 2 years ago and now feels that fit believes he can eat what he wants when he wants! theres no telling some people unfortunately.

fellow m5 owner
Agreed! Everything in moderation. Except cars of course.

Re the M5 - she's going to be tucked up in my garage for 6 weeks wondering what on earth I have done to her. I might have to start her from time to time but otherwise I will have to be good and wait until I'm ready before I take her out. She will be missed!