Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-02-2025 08:30

    My name is Milton Griffin I had the CABG SURGERY on 7/15 I was scared and nervous  but everything went fine, my problem now is changing my diet cut back on fried foods  and more fruits and vegetables I need more help in this category. 



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    Milton Griffin
    Laminate Technician
    Nor-Ral
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  • 2.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-03-2025 09:18
    It helps if your partner is a food Stalinist. I'd been a salt junkie all my life. ("Robert," my mother would say, "you're going to have hardening of the arteries." Always listen to your mother.) My wife had me quit pastrami, pretzels and pickles cold turkey. (Sometimes I have a pickle slice.) It's been 14 years since my OHS that I've been clean.
     
    Bob Levin



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  • 3.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-03-2025 11:07
    I had a valve replcement but they did find some mild coronary stenosis while checking me out. My dad had a CABGx4 and both my grandfathers had issues. I’ve always had high cholesterol and it seems to have gone down from medicine,l having my valve fixed, and eating like below. Here is what is working for me: I am counting calories at least until my body is done losing fat, and I am working out most days. I use an app called Lose It to count calories and nutrients and wear an Apple watch to track activity. There are many alternatives for each. I am loosely following medeterranian diet for getting at least enough fiber and protein. I don’t worry about the fat as much because focusing on those two things reduces fat as well and fiber should lessen the adverse effects. This includes oats most days and other whole grains, vegetables, and high quality meat. When I don’t have enough fiber, benefiber can be added to a lot of things. Beans and popcorn are high in both fiber and protein. It probably helps that I love cooking, and focusing on getting a lot of protein and fiber makes sure that I feel full.


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  • 4.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-29-2025 09:55

    Hello, Milton.  Glad you are past that surgery!  I am dreading it.  And fearful.  I live alone and don't have any family-- Is it possible to manage after the surgery without live in help?  I have a recliner and a treadmill.  I would so appreciate any comments or advice you could give me.  I am 72.  Lot of blockages.



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    Priscilla Kelley
    AL
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  • 5.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-30-2025 04:42
    Hi Priscilla,

    I had emergency quintuple CABG surgery immediately following a heart attack nearly 8 years ago when I was 67. I was lucky because I didn't have any time to ruminate about what that would involve, but I study everything and so I did a lot of research into CABG surgery while I was recovering.

    I can tell you that CABG surgery is quite common these days and the techniques used by the medical staff are highly polished. While it would be an overstatement to consider it as routine as hernia repair surgery (which I've also experienced), it has become relatively routine with many major teaching hospitals engaging in this and other types of open heart surgery daily. It is highly likely that the surgery itself will go fine, and I hope these words will at least ease your sense of dread about the surgery itself. You'll be fine just like the rest of us CABG survivors on this site, so welcome to your new family, sister.

    Now as to coming home, it would be easier if you had someone who could stay with you for at least a few days, or could look in on you, perhaps a neighbor or friend, in the early days, but it still will be possible to manage by yourself if necessary. The main issue is that you will be placed on sternal restrictions while your sternum heals over the next 6 weeks, including such restrictions against lifting heavy items, stretching your arms overhead and getting behind the wheel of a car. It might be useful for you to move frequently used, hard to reach household items to easier to reach locations before you go into surgery. As far as food is concerned, Earl Timmons on this thread had an excellent suggestion as it can alleviate the need to engage in food shopping with heavy bags.

    Please keep us posted, including post-surgery, and we'll have the opportunity to respond to any specific issues you encounter.

    Good luck,

    Ira


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  • 6.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 10-01-2025 07:57

    Priscilla, a thought about your recliner.  Prior to surgery and going home, test to see if you can get out of the recliner without straining your arms.  I found that mine sat too low and needed raised 3.5 inches to enable much easier exit.   Perhaps temporary use of sidewalk pavers to set the recliner on would greatly help getting up while you recover..



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    Arlyn Stewart
    White Oak TX
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  • 7.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-30-2025 05:09

    Priscilla. You'll do fine. I suppose I have been somewhat lucky. I managed to work hard enough on my walking to get released from hospital in just 4 days. However, I'm only 61 and was not in terrible shape going in. The biggest problem you'll likely have is getting to appointments and making meals. Since you wont be allowed to drive for a month, I'd line up friends or neighbors to drive you where you need to be for a bit. That said, you likely wont feel like going much of anywhere for a couple of weeks.

    My biggest problem is sleeping. I have never been a back sleeper. 3 weeks out from surgery I haven't slept more than 3 hours at a time. I usually go to bed early and by 1-2 am I am so uncomfortable I have to get up. Then I nap on and off in the recliner during the day.

    You will be uncomfortable, but not an invalid. A couple weeks out and you should be back to most routine things. Do your walking. I'm up to 1/2 mile so far.

    Just remember, the anticipation is worse than the reality.

    Good luck!



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    Earl Timmons
    Wilmington Delaware
    CABGx3 September 2025
    Johns Hopkins Hospital
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  • 8.  RE: CABG SURGERY

    Posted 09-29-2025 09:55

    My CABGx3 was 3 weeks ago. I am 61 and live alone. I have never cooked. So long story short I subscribed to a food delivery called "Factor" (https://www.factor75.com/). For about $10-$15 per meal, you can select from a heart healthy menu. Not a bad assortment of offerings. Microwave reheat takes 4 minutes.

    Worth a try if that's your only option.



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    Earl Timmons
    Wilmington Delaware
    CABGx3 September 2025
    Johns Hopkins Hospital
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    Original Message