Discussion
I guess this needs to be in the Health section, but figured it might get a little more traction in the P & P. And I did a search, but the last relevant thread was years ago, and is now in the archive and can't be posted in.
I'm staring at the prospect of a heart bypass, most probably a quadruple. Well, that or a heart attack...
Stenting isn't an option. This was attempted last week, but due to 100% blockage in a couple of arteries it wasn't possible. I am, understandably, pretty shook up, and not to put too fine a point on it, s
tting myself! Only myself to blame, I know. Years of drinking, a 60+ a day Marlboro habit (though I haven't puffed a tab in almost 20 years), a love of good (and bad) food, carrying too much weight and being a lazy sod have taken their toll.
So, given that I'll be going under the knife (if I don't cark first!), what's it like? I believe that there's a 98% success rate, and I should feel rejuvenated after my recovery. But, does it hurt? I know, I know. It's bound to be a little uncomfortable, but just what can I expect? Any experiences welcome, both good and bad.
And I promise that there will be massive life-style changes afterwards; it's a second chance, and I'm not going to waste it.
I'm staring at the prospect of a heart bypass, most probably a quadruple. Well, that or a heart attack...
Stenting isn't an option. This was attempted last week, but due to 100% blockage in a couple of arteries it wasn't possible. I am, understandably, pretty shook up, and not to put too fine a point on it, s
tting myself! Only myself to blame, I know. Years of drinking, a 60+ a day Marlboro habit (though I haven't puffed a tab in almost 20 years), a love of good (and bad) food, carrying too much weight and being a lazy sod have taken their toll.So, given that I'll be going under the knife (if I don't cark first!), what's it like? I believe that there's a 98% success rate, and I should feel rejuvenated after my recovery. But, does it hurt? I know, I know. It's bound to be a little uncomfortable, but just what can I expect? Any experiences welcome, both good and bad.
And I promise that there will be massive life-style changes afterwards; it's a second chance, and I'm not going to waste it.
pills said:
Believe me, I've read everything I can on this. I read that link in hospital 5 minutes after the stenting was abandoned, waiting for my wife to collect me.I'm more interested in real-world experiences, if anyone cares to share.
Hello, my dad was 70 when he had his quadruple bypass in Manchester. He’d never smoked, never been overweight and never drunk to excess. His symptoms were completely painless - he just felt sick when he was doing anything mildly taxing and that got worse with added breathlessness as things went on. He didn’t have a heart attack, so luckily there was no damage going into the operation aside from the coronary artery blockages.
Anyway, he didn’t have a keyhole procedure but the procedure was quick and he was in hospital for six days. He did have a bit of a hairy moment about 36 hours after the operation, “the heart doesn’t respond well to being handed”, apparently. So, he had an irregular / fast heartbeat and got filled up with saline to settle things down. Cue Olympic levels of bladder drainage etc.
Anyway, after that and out of hospital it was a bit up and down for the first few weeks. But a swift recovery followed, 8 weeks after the operation he was at my wedding and looked better than ever. And now he’ll be 73 in January. He’s back to playing golf three times a week and getting ordered around to fix things on the house just as before!
So, it’s all good (fingers crossed) so far. He was on quite a few pills after the operation and that disrupted his sleep and, strangely, the high dose of one of the things gave him a persistent cough. All of this has faded away as he came off the medications over time. He was lucky with the leg wounds too, as they were small, and that enabled him to do the physical rehab without too much discomfort.
I really wish you all the very best. My dad certainly views it as a second chance and I know we all do. We’re so thankful for the care and treatment he received so we can have him around for longer.
Good luck!
Anyway, he didn’t have a keyhole procedure but the procedure was quick and he was in hospital for six days. He did have a bit of a hairy moment about 36 hours after the operation, “the heart doesn’t respond well to being handed”, apparently. So, he had an irregular / fast heartbeat and got filled up with saline to settle things down. Cue Olympic levels of bladder drainage etc.
Anyway, after that and out of hospital it was a bit up and down for the first few weeks. But a swift recovery followed, 8 weeks after the operation he was at my wedding and looked better than ever. And now he’ll be 73 in January. He’s back to playing golf three times a week and getting ordered around to fix things on the house just as before!
So, it’s all good (fingers crossed) so far. He was on quite a few pills after the operation and that disrupted his sleep and, strangely, the high dose of one of the things gave him a persistent cough. All of this has faded away as he came off the medications over time. He was lucky with the leg wounds too, as they were small, and that enabled him to do the physical rehab without too much discomfort.
I really wish you all the very best. My dad certainly views it as a second chance and I know we all do. We’re so thankful for the care and treatment he received so we can have him around for longer.
Good luck!
I had a triple bypass aged 55 (3 years ago) and am now enjoying life to the full. Yes, I was anxious before it but you have to remember that the surgeon and the anaesthetist do this for a living and it is one of the most reliable ops around. I was in hospital for 6 days and soon after I was back home, I was up and walking and healing. The worst bit? Having to put compression stockings on and off every day for 4 weeks after the op. They were a bu**er to get on!
Otherwise, all good - never looked back.
Otherwise, all good - never looked back.
Just relate a small story about my aunt, she had a quad bypass must be 30 years ago. There was a chap on the ward awaiting the same surgery who was stting himself. She’d only had the surgery earlier in the day so the staff walked her down the ward pushing her drip to reassure the chap by demonstrating she was on her feet the very same day.
She got another 20 years before cancer got her.
tting himself. She’d only had the surgery earlier in the day so the staff walked her down the ward pushing her drip to reassure the chap by demonstrating she was on her feet the very same day.She got another 20 years before cancer got her.
I had a triple CABG in 1990, when I was 55 following a heart attack. It all went well - it seems. I am still here, just coming up to 30 years later.
After I was discharged and had restarted work, my biggest concern was knowing how much I could or couldn't do - I found these people were invaluable.
https://www.cardiac-rehab.co.uk/
No doubt there are similar branches around the country.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
After I was discharged and had restarted work, my biggest concern was knowing how much I could or couldn't do - I found these people were invaluable.
https://www.cardiac-rehab.co.uk/
No doubt there are similar branches around the country.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
My dad (71) had bypass surgery about six months ago. I think it was double bypass. Had the "open-it-right-up" version. The worst was the effects on his digestive system in the days following, despair on around day two after the surgery (it's a common thing) and some pain and itching on the stitched-up chest opening for a few weeks after. I think he was in hospital for around five days after the surgery and he caught a taxi home.
He didn't really have any symptoms leading up to it as he has some extra artery in there however the danger is that the crud in the blocked artery could break away, resulting in fairly instant death. Other blokes my parents know have had bypasses, one fellow (who was feeling the effects of a life well-lived) said the improvement was amazing and he wished he'd had it earlier!
He didn't really have any symptoms leading up to it as he has some extra artery in there however the danger is that the crud in the blocked artery could break away, resulting in fairly instant death. Other blokes my parents know have had bypasses, one fellow (who was feeling the effects of a life well-lived) said the improvement was amazing and he wished he'd had it earlier!
After hearing nothing from the NHS since the failed stenting attempt on 20th November, I contacted Papworth myself. Had a meeting with a consultant last Monday and am now booked in for a triple by-pass on 11th Jan.
That new Papworth hospital is some impressive place. A shame they haven't come up with a 100% non-invasive procedure; I'll have to grin and bear it. Still wishing I hadn't YouTubed the operation....
That new Papworth hospital is some impressive place. A shame they haven't come up with a 100% non-invasive procedure; I'll have to grin and bear it. Still wishing I hadn't YouTubed the operation....
Good luck.
Planned is much better than forced IMHO.
My step dad had a forced bypass after a heart attack and it was not great that way as had to sit on a ward for over a week waiting for a bed at heart hospital. Then of course all the testing again at new hospital and another few days waiting to get on the list then finally getting a date.
Was around 3 weeks from the date of his actual heart attack and I think that did not do him any favours.
The actual op went well, he was on post surgery ward for just after lunch time. They kept him there for one night then moved him back to his normal ward once they knew all ok. Then it was 4-5 days in hospital before sending home.
He did have a minor complication with fast heart rate as above and tried to do too much too soon this set him back as it was a lot of stress just when he didn't need it. Resulted in another short stay back in hospital for a few days due to breathless and not able to keep a decent heart rate. Had to wear a monitor for a week once home.
From what I have seen take it slow and steady for the first few weeks. Listen to your body and if you don't feel comfortable doing something just wait a day and try again. That's where my SD went wrong, he was told he should be walking loads and going up and down stairs at least 5 times a day etc etc… it was all just too much for him after almost 4 weeks in hospital but tried to battle through it rather than saying you know what I will try that tomorrow.
HTH!
Planned is much better than forced IMHO.
My step dad had a forced bypass after a heart attack and it was not great that way as had to sit on a ward for over a week waiting for a bed at heart hospital. Then of course all the testing again at new hospital and another few days waiting to get on the list then finally getting a date.
Was around 3 weeks from the date of his actual heart attack and I think that did not do him any favours.
The actual op went well, he was on post surgery ward for just after lunch time. They kept him there for one night then moved him back to his normal ward once they knew all ok. Then it was 4-5 days in hospital before sending home.
He did have a minor complication with fast heart rate as above and tried to do too much too soon this set him back as it was a lot of stress just when he didn't need it. Resulted in another short stay back in hospital for a few days due to breathless and not able to keep a decent heart rate. Had to wear a monitor for a week once home.
From what I have seen take it slow and steady for the first few weeks. Listen to your body and if you don't feel comfortable doing something just wait a day and try again. That's where my SD went wrong, he was told he should be walking loads and going up and down stairs at least 5 times a day etc etc… it was all just too much for him after almost 4 weeks in hospital but tried to battle through it rather than saying you know what I will try that tomorrow.
HTH!
I had a quadruple in 1991, still here and enjoying life.
Had the op on a Thursday, first walk on Saturday, out the following Tuesday.
No reason not to assume that all will be OK, both OPs and meds have come a long way since I had mine done all those years ago.
Hope all goes well for you.
If you want to talk then drop me a mail via my profile.
Had the op on a Thursday, first walk on Saturday, out the following Tuesday.
No reason not to assume that all will be OK, both OPs and meds have come a long way since I had mine done all those years ago.
Hope all goes well for you.
If you want to talk then drop me a mail via my profile.
My dad was never the same after he had it in 2001. Before it he was working a high paid job after he was unable to work or do anything physical. I suspect he suffered significant brain damage in the surgery. Basically high functioning intelligent before, after requiring constant care; I’ve wasted so much of my life looking after him.
My dad just went wherever the ambulance took him and has suffered for it repeatedly. I found him better hospitals but it’s too late now so he ends up going to the local one; which is absolutely terrible.
My dad just went wherever the ambulance took him and has suffered for it repeatedly. I found him better hospitals but it’s too late now so he ends up going to the local one; which is absolutely terrible.
I had a triple about 9 years ago.
You'll have a few days in ITU then on to a ward.
Get out of bed as soon as you can and walk. Just a few yards at first then build up. Aim for a walk every hour.
Take the painkillers they offer as they will help you move about more freely.
You have to convince the physios you are fighting fit and can go home! You'll get a better recovery at home for sure.
Good luck.
You'll have a few days in ITU then on to a ward.
Get out of bed as soon as you can and walk. Just a few yards at first then build up. Aim for a walk every hour.
Take the painkillers they offer as they will help you move about more freely.
You have to convince the physios you are fighting fit and can go home! You'll get a better recovery at home for sure.
Good luck.
I had a triple in 6 months ago, stenting was not successful, like you 100% blocked.
I went to Broadgreen Liverpool for the operation, it took place on the Thursday afternoon, I awoke on Friday morning in IC.
I can’t remember anything after the anaesthetist putting the canular into the back of my hand, just the pre op room was very cold and a warm blanket being put over me. Next memory was waking in the IC with my wife next to me.
I had three drains in my chest and a catheter. In IC they removed all the tubes prior to move to a ward. I was on the ward Friday afternoon. I did not have any pain, but I was on pain meds.
The ward had four beds, and was well staffed, I got up as soon as I could and started walking.
I was discharged on Monday evening and driven home by my wife.
I have since recovered and returned to work (twelve weeks after admission), the worst part was the leg wound, they harvested the vain from my left leg and started at my ankle to half way up my (inner) thigh.
I lost feeling in my left hand and wrist, but this was normal apparently and it has 99% returned.
I did attend cardiac rehab, which I found very useful. I have adjusted my diet, I walk a lot more
I went to Broadgreen Liverpool for the operation, it took place on the Thursday afternoon, I awoke on Friday morning in IC.
I can’t remember anything after the anaesthetist putting the canular into the back of my hand, just the pre op room was very cold and a warm blanket being put over me. Next memory was waking in the IC with my wife next to me.
I had three drains in my chest and a catheter. In IC they removed all the tubes prior to move to a ward. I was on the ward Friday afternoon. I did not have any pain, but I was on pain meds.
The ward had four beds, and was well staffed, I got up as soon as I could and started walking.
I was discharged on Monday evening and driven home by my wife.
I have since recovered and returned to work (twelve weeks after admission), the worst part was the leg wound, they harvested the vain from my left leg and started at my ankle to half way up my (inner) thigh.
I lost feeling in my left hand and wrist, but this was normal apparently and it has 99% returned.
I did attend cardiac rehab, which I found very useful. I have adjusted my diet, I walk a lot more
10 years ago, 57 had a triple bypass, non smoker but family history. Mother and father died at 51 and 53, I was up and walking after 4 days, forced myself to follow the doctors instruction, walk a lap of the ward, morning and afternoon. I went back to work 17 days, after the op. I work as a consultant for an oil major, they were great, I worked 10 to 2 for 2 months, 9 months latter got my race license back, still have it, still work at 67, just done a 3000 mile ride on my motor bike, ski most winters, totally normal life stile except for cholesterol tablets.
Sice the op I've spent 5 years living in Borneo, on my own travelling home at weekends.
It's uncomfortable for a few months, but 10 years in and my check up still says all OK.
Sice the op I've spent 5 years living in Borneo, on my own travelling home at weekends.
It's uncomfortable for a few months, but 10 years in and my check up still says all OK.
Thanks for sharing all the experiences, and the comforting words. Can't say I relish the prospect, but I relish the outcome of the prospect of doing nothing much less.
Slightly disgruntled that the NHS haven't come through on this. Having spoken to the consultant, I would have thought there would have been a bit more urgency.
Slightly disgruntled that the NHS haven't come through on this. Having spoken to the consultant, I would have thought there would have been a bit more urgency.
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