Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Another NEWVBIE here!

    Posted 04-14-2025 12:41

    Greetings,

      My name is Carmine, 60y M. I had a stent place in my RCA almost 9 years ago. At that time I was told that I had 2 other blockages of 70% and 50%.  I stay pretty active. Recently I have been feeling winded quite easily so went to my cardiologist for a stress test...WHAM! He saw something and scheduled me to go to the cat lab that week.  He could not do anything for me, next visit was to the cardiothoracic surgeon.  The result, I have a TRIPLE scheduled  next week and am scared shitless!  The surgeon actually looked at me and said with a straight face "you are healthy and not very old, you will recover well".  I was like....if I am healthy why am I talking to you?  Just trying to make some humor out of all of this.  But honestly, I served 22 years in the military, 7 deployments....and have never felt this scared or helpless in any situation EVER!  Any words of encouragement would be valued immensely.

    Thank you!



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    Carmine Faul
    Analyst
    Toney AL
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  • 2.  RE: Another NEWVBIE here!

    Posted 04-14-2025 16:49

    Carmine,

    Trust your surgeon, plan to complete your recovery with the same deliberation as a deployment. Cardiac Rehab for three months following your surgery. Then plan your favorite activities such as golf, trail walking, swimming and life fitness machines at your local YMCA. 
    Stay close to family and friends and other open heart survivors for mutual support and friendship.
    Best of luck,

    Vic



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    Victor Fabry, Founder
    Healed Hearts of New Jersey
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Another NEWVBIE here!

    Posted 04-15-2025 09:52
    Carmine-
     
    Being scared is normal. I was 69 when I had my OHS. It's nearly 14-years later, and I feel terrific. I walk and stationary bike. I lift light weights and hit a heavy bag. Post-surgery, I would not have believed how much better I would become or -- perhaps more importantly -- how much I benefited emotionally/philosophically. I tell people "I don't recommend it. But you can get  lot out of it." It's hard but STAY POSITIVE.
     
    Bob Levin



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Another NEWVBIE here!

    Posted 04-15-2025 10:56

    I was also surprised when at age 78 the cardiologist said I needed surgery.  The surgeon said similar to what you narrated, that success was better than 97% and in three months I'd be back to normal life.  He detailed a 4-5 day hospital stay. 

    I was also surprised when on the afternoon of the second day, the cardiologist PA came by and suggested a possible release the next morning and sure enough, he came in and said you're outa here.  I'd done good.  Was off the vent in two hours.  Walked the necessary distance and passed the breathing test on day one.  Showered by myself on day two.

    Recovery and cardiac rehab went well without issues. Now eleven months post surgery, life is normal as the surgeon had outlined.  Frankly, I knew I was getting winded and experiencing a little angina when exercising and that something was wrong with my body and that it wasn't going to correct itself... and thus if normal life was to be regained... it was in the hands of the cardiac team, the doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapist.  They did a great job. including easing concerns.  I hope yours are eased as well.

     



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    Arlyn Stewart
    White Oak TX
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Another NEWVBIE here!

    Posted 04-15-2025 15:40

    Carmine,

    Everything you are feeling is quite understandable. I know exactly what you are experiencing. I went to a hospital for a cath in February 2020 (at 56 years old) and was told after the cath that if I left the hospital, I wouldn't make it back. They gave me IV heparin and IV Nitroglycerine (causing the worst 24-hour-a-day headache ever)  because I was 100 % blocked LAD, 95%, and 85% with the others. 4X CABG was planned, but one was too small to repair. I had to wait two days for an OR to open up. The surgeon said my arteries were like cement. Anyway, CABG was the exact cure I needed, though I ended up with 3X stents less than 2 years later. While I know going for surgery is a scary situation for us all, as I reflected on my situation, I realized that the most frightening part is I might have put that cath off a few days, and it would have been over. I am delighted that you have discovered an issue in time, are in the care of a surgeon, have a plan to fix the problem, and this is the beginning of the rest of your life. So, in my book, you dodged the bullet and are on your way to better days ahead, my friend! 

    Also, don't worry about feeling 100% recovery too quickly. It took me months, and I was very active. Today, I am glad to walk up any hill without feeling anything. Start planning for all the great things you will do after your recovery. I wish you all the best, and you will enjoy a walk outside after the surgery soon! 

    Joe Scuralli



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    Joseph Scuralli
    Wayne
    973-696-5809
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    Original Message