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Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

  • 1.  Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-28-2021 19:54
    Greetings all. I had posted a few times about my experiences with multiple heart caths and balloon dilatations, stents. (5 caths in less than 16 months for the same artery). I ended up having double by-pass surgery two weeks ago yesterday, Was in the hospital 3 days and I'm doing well at home. I know everything is very individualized, just wanted your opinions on whether or not I'm moving too fast or about right.

    Last 5 days, I've worked up to walking the perimeter of our mobile home park sometimes twice a day, sometimes shorter walk in the evening instead of the full route. (2.5 to 3.25 miles a day for the past 5 days or so. I still get a little winded at times, but my pulse ox and pulse are still good, usually no more than 90 beats/min at the end of my walk and mid to upper 90's on pulse ox. I'm doing 1750-2000 ml on incentive spirometer now. I do rest quite a bit still. Most of the general aches are very manageable now, take 1GM Tylenol 2-3 times a days.

    I must admit the first day I walked over 2 miles, I was kind of whipped the next day and didn't do as much. I just don't want to overdo it.

    Any suggestions/comments/previous experiences welcome.

    Thanks!
    Dennis Danner
    Punta Gorda, FL

    PS, also trying to connect with folks locally who have had cardiac surgeries. I can't find a specific chapter in this area, SW Florida. If anyone knows of a chapter here, or if you live in the area, please feel free to contact me.

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-29-2021 09:41
    Hi Dennis

    Congratulations on your successful surgery!  You have a great attitude and certainly being able to walk as you have from the start reflects that success.  Yes, rest too. You didn't post your age and I wonder if your saphenous vein(s) were used for the bypass grafts?  If so, how are the site(s) on your legs?  Swelling, weeping?  And how are you managing with your sterniotomy incision?  Eating protein, leafy green vegs and fruit?

    I often looked after post-op OHS patients when I taught surgical nursing.  For someone with your energy and activity levels, I'd say you are doing very well for this complex demanding surgery.  You don't need to ratchet up your exercise, I think.  Rather I urge you to not stint on the rest times.  After having so many caths and finally getting the bypasses must be exhilarating.  Can you get comfortable at night to sleep? Much healing takes place during our naps and sleeping.

    Dennis, you may be a candidate for a "little post-op crash."  Folks who are faithful to using the spirometer, exercising as you do can just suddenly run out of steam.  If that happens, don't be discouraged. Back off a little.  It happens often. 

    Others may have other things to tell you.  Please stay in touch and let the group know how you're doing.
    Cheers
    Doris

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-30-2021 17:49
    Dennis, checkout this website for support in your area.  I had 5 way bypass over 20 years ago and live a fairly normal life.  Mended Hearts offers a great way to connect for your rehab and recovery.


    Blessings you to you and yours,
    Gary Price

    Sent from my iPad





  • 4.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-30-2021 18:48
    Good afternoon Dennis and all.
      If we haven't connected before I'm an experienced patient, Cabg X 4 -and Cabg x 2 . So here is some really great advise that really works and has no limits, it's  called ==MUSIC.   I tuned in when in the hospital ,Step down and until discharge;  It took me out of the hospital in my head. No BEEPING sounds etc.. Back  down memory lane. . Now any time I want to unwind or chill out or spent time enjoying just free time to do nothing . Now a days there are endless sites , Spotify, Apple  phone or computor. Now a fab place on video  YOU-TUBE. JUST SEARCH MUSIC. The world is open to you. Stress and News of the day disappear for that time. Try it. What ever will put a smile in your brain and on your face.
     Please let us know how this worked for you.
    Best regards,
    David Rosen  #206   Florida ​

    ------------------------------
    David Rosen
    Lake Worth FL
    (561) 969-7010
    DavidRosenLake WorthFL
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-01-2021 11:48
    My message # 6  missed the most important words  ===MUSIC --THIS IS THE GO TO ITEM.
    It seems that the text lines go to the edge of the page and
    do not show up to be read. now using  shorter lines of type as these are.
    Thank you,
    Rgds,
    David Rosen​

    ------------------------------
    David Rosen
    Lake Worth FL
    (561) 969-7010
    DavidRosenLake WorthFL
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-01-2021 11:52
    Thanks David. There is music in our house often! :)  Thanks for your post. :) 



    Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S9, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone





  • 7.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-29-2021 09:45
    Dennis- Sounds to me like you're ahead of the curve. Took me nearly two months post my OHS before I was able to treadmill/bike for 30 minutes, which I would need to do from previous experience in the local cardio-rehab program. (Do you have a program like that for your doctor to refer you to? Might be worth discussing.) Otherwise, listen to your body; don't overdo it. In cardio-rehab they wanted us exercising (walking, swimming, whatever) 30 minutes a day, six days a week. The goal was to feel like you were making an effort but resist the urge to push yourself to where you are stressing. If all goes well, you will be amazed by the progress you will make. (I'm 79, 10 years post surgery, still exercising at roughly the same level, and feeling terrific.) ​

    ------------------------------
    Bob] Levin
    Berkeley CA
    adelbob@comcast.netRobertRobert
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-29-2021 14:56
    Thanks Robert. Yes, my doctor has sent the referral for Cardiac Rehab. I was seeing them before the angina started again that finally led to the surgery. I imagine it will be another couple weeks before they get me in there. I see my cardiologist for a follow-up on the 12th. I'm 64 1/2. If I'm too tired, I do skip one walk a day or rest more that day. My wife was concerned I'm doing too much too soon. Just wanted to touch base with folks who have been there/done that. :)

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-30-2021 08:38
    It appears that there is a chapter near you #405 charlotte county

    Contact Role Phone Email
    Allan Edkins President (941) 833-3374 irisandallan@comcast.net
    Muncy, Karynne Secretary (941) 240-1704 learntocook@live.com
    Richard Braun  Vice-President (941) 639-8330 tzg.8330@gmail.com
    John Smith Treasurer, Past President (941) 613-1844 john@firsthorizonconsulting.com

    ​​

    ------------------------------
    Bill Cekala
    Orlando, FL
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-30-2021 16:04
    I live in Montana. Thanks anyway






  • 11.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-30-2021 11:14
    Is it just me or has this site been changed to display very small printing?
    I struggle to read it now. I turn my iPhone but have to keep widening it to read and lose my place. Do you know what happened and/or if this is permanent? I hope not.
    Thank you.
    Marilyn Mitchell




  • 12.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 04-30-2021 11:29
    Sorry, Marilyn, I can't help there. I have not noticed a difference on either Android phone or computer. Maybe something in your settings? Sometimes you do something inadvertently or something changes with an update and you never realize it til you use your phone again. Are you able to go to the local store where you get your service? A lot of times they can look at it and change something in 2 minutes to get you back to where you used to have it..

    Good luck!
    Dennis

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-01-2021 04:35
    Same issue here. It makes it hard to read!

    AP


    Sent from my iPhone




  • 14.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-02-2021 09:04
    Same small print here as well.
    Tommy B.

    Sent from my iPad




  • 15.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-02-2021 11:37
    So what do we do about this tiny print many of us are getting that is so difficult to read? Does anyone know who to contact to remedy this?
    Marilyn Mitchell





  • 16.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-02-2021 11:46
    All of a sudden the print is back to the size it was before. Thanks to whoever corrected the problem.

    Tommy B.

    Sent from my iPad




  • 17.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-03-2021 06:37
    Maybe Andrea Baer can help.

    Dear Andrea, 

    Is there an IT person at Mended Hearts that can correct this tiny print problem that so many of us have been experiencing in the blog?

    Thanks,

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-01-2021 06:13
    It's not just you, Marilyn.  I've been having the same exact problem and I thought that I must have touched something inadvertently to cause the issue.  The fact that you're having the same problem means that maybe it's not us.  Anyone else out there having this problem?

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-03-2021 11:19
    I am having the same problem with the print being so small. Please Mended Hearts National fix this problem.
    Mary Shaner
    Chapter 382
    Bellingham, WA

    Sent from my iPad




  • 20.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-03-2021 21:57
    Thanks for asking this. Hope it helps!
    Marilyn





  • 21.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-03-2021 22:21
    Just wanted to give some feedback, as I also had the issue with the small print. However it has been fixed since yesterday.

    AP

    Sent from my iPad




  • 22.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-10-2021 19:09
    Hi Dennis,

    Just came across your post in the MH forum of 4/28 (got behind in my emails).  I did a Google search and found the following on MH chapters in your area:  "For over 60 years, Mended Hearts has facilitated a positive patient experience by offering hope and education. We are proud to bring Mended Hearts to Charlotte County to continue their work in our community. To learn more, call the Mended Hearts information desk at the Southwest Florida Heart Center at (941) 766-4686, or email mendedheartpc@gmail.com."  You can also paste this link into your browser to go to their page:  Mended Hearts Program

    Joe Shocket
    Mended Hearts, Inc.
    Visiting Chairman, Chapter 28, Central Virginia


    ------------------------------
    Joseph Shocket
    Chester VA
    (804) 748-3681
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-11-2021 09:04
    Thanks Joseph. I have reached out to that e-mail address in the past and to several of the members I finally found listed in that chapter, and have gotten no response from anyone. I have an appointment with cardiologist and Cardiac Rehab both tomorrow. I will talk to them about it and see what they can tell me. There are signs in the doctors office about it.

    I appreciate your reply.

    Dennis

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-11-2021 21:41
    Hi good people. I just have something I wanted to run by you and see if others have had similar experiences. I'm sure many have. I am 4 weeks post op today. Still doing well, still walking at least 1.5 miles a days sometimes more. I am a little winded at times but no more than the past few weeks. I have begun to notice swelling in my ankles and feet the last day or two. my B/P is a little higher tonight. My wife listened to me and doesn't hear any crackles, (we're both retired nurses). I'm seeing my cardiologist tomorrow, was already scheduled. I'm not overly concerned, I imagine he will tweak my meds a bit, Metoprolol was 50mg ER pre-op, they have me on 25mg BID now. Lisinopril hasn't been re-started yet.

    My diet hasn't been great the last couple of days, we made hotdogs on the grill. I know, I know. I'll watch the diet, but I had never had problems with swelling in the past other than a little puffy at the end of the day which resolved by morning. 40 years pounding the floors as a nurse will do that do you. ;)  Just wondered if others have experienced swelling this far out. I don't feel short of breath in general, just a little with activity, which as I say is not really worse than what I've been experiencing. I'll be glad to see Cardiologist in the morning and get some answers, hopefully EKG and CXR.

    Thanks for any replies.
    Dennis

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-11-2021 22:27
    Sodium, Dennis, Sodium.  Have you thought about Sodium. Hot dogs?
    DE

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-11-2021 22:33
    Yes Doris, I know. :(  Just didn't think it would be a problem as I have never had issues with swelling before. I'm sure I will hear it tomorrow. I guess my heart is still recovering from the "trauma" of surgery? Maybe I was feeling a little cocky.

    Dennis

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-11-2021 22:44
    I'm having problems with sodium/water retention that I didn't  have preop 8 months ago. Weight shifts of 2 to 3 pounds a day depending on what I eat. I don't have heart failure, EF is good. It sucks. Can't explain it. Good luck.





  • 28.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-11-2021 22:54
    Thanks Doris. I know the surgery is a shock to the heart. I learned a lesson I guess. I am still doing so well exercising I guess I just didn't think splurging a bit on food would affect me so much. I'll keep you posted on what the doc says tomorrow.

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-12-2021 22:23
    Saw doc today, he said everything looks good, just reinforced about sodium diet, etc. He said you get a lot of extra fluid during and after surgery, and takes awhile sometimes to shift the fluids out into the tissues. He did start me on some lower dose Lasix and Potassium, said we'd keep that on for a couple of months and re-evaluate but he wasn't overly concerned. I'll monitor my weight, blood pressure and swelling and report back to him if any problems, otherwise see him again in 6 weeks.From what I've been finding, it's not that unusual to have some swelling after cardiac surgery for awhile. Starting Cardiac Rehab again Friday, I had the intake visit today.
    Thanks for your replies last night. Hope you are doing well otherwise.

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Danner
    Retired RN
    [Punta Gorda, FL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-12-2021 08:56
    It is very difficult to change lifetime habits, be they good
    or bad.  My mom, grandmother and her mother were horribly
    overweight and indulged in salty fried ham and sausages until
    the day they all dropped over in their gardens and bedrooms from Congestive Heart Failure during different decades of their lives.

    I never thought I too was addicted, did not own a salt
    shaker, but being a modern child, fell into consuming the 
    boxed and premade meals full of salt and additives.

    I raised my children on Spam.  Yes, the problems now for
    them persist today.

    Good luck with cutting back on the Sodium

    Mary





  • 31.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-13-2021 06:01
    I agree with Mary.  Cutting back on sodium is extraordinarily difficult, at least in modern Western society.  I am very diligent in attempting to minimize sodium in my diet but, short of becoming macrobiotic, I'm not sure that anything is that effective.  

    Sure, I have stayed away from fried foods and processed meats my whole adult life, but that hasn't positively affected my heart heath in any obvious way, quite possibly because I still get plenty of sodium where you would least expect it, like buying 4 ounces of grilled salmon, no sauce, to eat with some chick peas and raw cucumber for dinner, and one bite out of the salmon tells me it is loaded with sodium.  I swear, I'd be better off catching my own Hudson River contaminated fish off the pier near my house than buying cooked fish in a store no matter how healthy it's supposed to be.

    I've taken up eating salmon sashimi 3-4 times a week because there's no sodium added to that, but getting store or restaurant bought "healthy" dishes I've found to be a real crapshoot. In fact, I think I'd get better odds in Vegas.

    But try not to be too discouraged by my rant.  As my old doc used to say, "but you gotta live and, besides, there's always chemotherapy."

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-13-2021 07:07
    Ira, I got a few chuckles and a big laugh about your description of your salmon and chickpeas....Laughing is very good for heart health too...

    Someone said to me yesterday that DNA had me destined for heart disease before I even was old enough to find the salt shaker to use and misuse.

    That may be with 5 generations of Congestive Heart Failure in my family, and one that I had never looked at before.
    Sometimes just blaming it on the DNA and not beating yourself up is a good thing to do, positive and heart healthy for sure.

    I have a 4 hour stress test today, looking for reasons why my breathing is labored.  Fingers crossed not too much drama will follow the diagnosis.

    Thank you 

    Mary





  • 33.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-14-2021 03:55
    Mary, 

    I hope your 4 hour stress test went well.  Sounds like a nuclear stress test, which I had several months ago.  It was all hurry up and wait and, during the waiting, the nurses tried to feed you junk food, which I tossed but drank the orange juice instead.

    Laughter is something that I do early and often.  Finding the humor in life is even better than meditation for reducing stress.

    Bob, I do pretty much the same things as you regarding foods I purchase to bring home, but the store or restaurant prepared take out foods I also get, all of which are healthy dishes dishes at least in theory, are a real box of chocolate, to quote Forrest Gump.  You don't know what you've got until you bite into it.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-14-2021 16:45
    Got all my results this morning, Nuclear Stress Test was
    deemed even better than Average and come back for 
    medicine check, Isosorbide, in 3 months.

    This made my day, I had suspected that a broken
    chest plate done during my Open Heart was the 
    culprit for deep full breaths.  It has persisted now
    for 3 years but the Isosorbide has really made a 
    difference in opening up all those veins in my body
    to keep my Blood Oxygen at a nice 94 percent instead
    of jumping and falling with each activity I try to do.

    Thank you all for your Support and notes.  I really
    appreciate it...

    Mary







  • 35.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-14-2021 17:10
    Thanks for sharing this good news, Mary. Carry on!
    DE

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-13-2021 10:11
    I must respectfully dissent from Ira's remarks about control of sodium. As a kid my three basic food groups were pretzels, pickles and pastrami. "Robert," my mother would say -- a boy should always listen to his mother -- "You are going to get hardening of the arteries." My dining habits continued until adulthood and seven stents and one OHS later, it was time to cut down.
     
    No pretzels or pastrami since -- an occasional pickle,  confess. Salt free bread. Salt free tuna. Salt free peanut butter. (Seek and ye shall find.) NO CANNED FOODS. ONE MEAL OUT PER WEEK MAX.)
     
    I miss none of it.
     
    It helps to be retired and an obsessive and to be married to a dietary Stalinist.
     
    Bob Levin
    Berkeley
     
     
     
     





  • 37.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-17-2021 21:57
    I had my Five by-pass eight years ago already - wow - time sure goes by quickly.  I think my issue has more to do with sugar and how all the processed foods are loaded, to the point of making us almost addicted.  I agree with the comments on sodium and most likely have way too much in my diet.  Take care, Pete





  • 38.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-18-2021 07:15


    Hi Peter, 

    What I had to do was read everything
    at the bottom and side of the package
    of food I was purchasing or thinking
    of purchasing.

    Every box of something in your Market
    has info on sodium, sugar, carbs, and hidden
    ingredients like MSG or Natural Flavors which
    is a Buzz work for " Do Not Buy This. "

    Yes it is difficult, but what is cool is that you
    can get all that info before you go to the store
    from the internet, and therefore not have to be
    tempted once you do get into the store.

    Some people can successfully keep their food
    choices healthy, but it is more a decision rather then
    " Whoops, oh look at what is in my grocery basket
    today"  

    When I was 12, I started to put on pubescent weight
    and my dad gently told me that more people commit
    suicide with their spoons and forks then any other way.

    Thanks Dad...I have never forgotten that

    Good Luck 

    Mary





  • 39.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-18-2021 07:41
    Hi Mary
    What a wise man, your father.  And what excellent advice to us all.
    Gratefully
    DE

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 40.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-18-2021 12:34
    Oh Doris, I didn't think anyone would even
    find that mildly interesting...Thank you

    At one time I weighed 300 lbs.  I went to 
    Overeaters Anonymous, not sure if that is 
    even in existence anymore, and they told me
    when I complained how the bags of fried chicken
    and french fries jumped into my cart without me even
    looking that our problems are not what we are 
    eating, but what is eating us....

    I lost that 150 pounds until I packed on 25 pounds 
    during covid and have never forgotten that
    OA Advice either...

    Mary







  • 41.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-21-2021 11:17
    Thanks Mary,  I have been reading more regarding healthy eating and diet.  Concerns with too much of any one thing, like coffee or certainly diet pop.  For me it is also a balance between getting the exercise I need along with a smart healthy diet.  Cutting back on portions and cutting out that late night glass of wine will help also.  Take care and best wishes.  Pete

    ------------------------------
    Peter Olson
    Sartell MN
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: Post-op double by-pass 2 weeks ago.

    Posted 05-21-2021 11:48
    Thank you Peter....
    I don't drink, but that bag of M and M's late at night
    for a little soothing feel to the end of the day is part of
    the small parcel of things that go into our mouths when
    we think " its not really a meal " most times.

    Good luck Peter and healthy choices do get easier to make

    Mary