I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Hi Sheri,

Like Ira, I was also an emergency CABG case. No heart attack but the cath found to have 100% LAD, and 95%/85% in the LCA and RCA (not sure which was which). I was 56. I was also told if I left the hospital I wouldn't make it back. I had the mammary artery and haven't had any issues with it. But, 1-1/2 years later, I had pain again and had to have 3 stents. I was shocked and very upset. To cut a long story short, it was determined that I had coronary artery inflammation, causing cholesterol (even though my LDL was about 40) to stick to my arteries. My HS-CRP was very high and my MTHFR gene was also an issue. Upon advice from the cardiologist, Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, along with Omega3, turmeric, methyl folate and others drove the HS-CRP down to low risk. It saved my life. So far, at 61, no new blockages. My mammary artery and heart all seem to like the detour, so why not let your artery take a permanent "road trip" if that's what your cardiologist recommends :).

Joe 

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Hi Sheri,

Like Ira, I was also an emergency CABG case. No heart attack but the cath found to have 100% LAD, and 95%/85% in the LCA and RCA (not sure which was which). I was 56. I was also told if I left the hospital I wouldn't make it back. I had the mammary artery and haven't had any issues with it. But, 1-1/2 years later, I had pain again and had to have 3 stents. I was shocked and very upset. To cut a long story short, it was determined that I had coronary artery inflammation, causing cholesterol (even though my LDL was about 40) to stick to my arteries. My HS-CRP was very high and my MTHFR gene was also an issue. Upon advice from the cardiologist, Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, along with Omega3, turmeric, methyl folate and others drove the HS-CRP down to low risk. It saved my life. So far, at 61, no new blockages. My mammary artery and heart all seem to like the detour, so why not let your artery take a permanent "road trip" if that's what your cardiologist recommends :).

Joe 

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Hi Sheri,

Like Ira, I was also an emergency CABG case. No heart attack but the cath found to have 100% LAD, and 95%/85% in the LCA and RCA (not sure which was which). I was 56. I was also told if I left the hospital I wouldn't make it back. I had the mammary artery and haven't had any issues with it. But, 1-1/2 years later, I had pain again and had to have 3 stents. I was shocked and very upset. To cut a long story short, it was determined that I had coronary artery inflammation, causing cholesterol (even though my LDL was about 40) to stick to my arteries. My HS-CRP was very high and my MTHFR gene was also an issue. Upon advice from the cardiologist, Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, along with Omega3, turmeric, methyl folate and others drove the HS-CRP down to low risk. It saved my life. So far, at 61, no new blockages. My mammary artery and heart all seem to like the detour, so why not let your artery take a permanent "road trip" if that's what your cardiologist recommends :).

Joe 

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Hi Sheri,

Like Ira, I was also an emergency CABG case. No heart attack but the cath found to have 100% LAD, and 95%/85% in the LCA and RCA (not sure which was which). I was 56. I was also told if I left the hospital I wouldn't make it back. I had the mammary artery and haven't had any issues with it. But, 1-1/2 years later, I had pain again and had to have 3 stents. I was shocked and very upset. To cut a long story short, it was determined that I had coronary artery inflammation, causing cholesterol (even though my LDL was about 40) to stick to my arteries. My HS-CRP was very high and my MTHFR gene was also an issue. Upon advice from the cardiologist, Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, along with Omega3, turmeric, methyl folate and others drove the HS-CRP down to low risk. It saved my life. So far, at 61, no new blockages. My mammary artery and heart all seem to like the detour, so why not let your artery take a permanent "road trip" if that's what your cardiologist recommends :).

Joe 

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Good evening,

I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding CABG vs stents, and just wanted to provide an update…

I am having the CABG surgery in a couple of weeks. I am sure that it is the right decision for me, but I'm still extremely nervous about it! I really like my surgeon and physician's assistant. They're both incredibly patient and have over 20 years of experience with bypass surgeries. I know that I'll be in good hands. I need to do my best to stay positive and get through this!

Thank you to everyone who has responded! Your testimonies really do help! Soon I will be able to support others, too!

-Sheri

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Good evening,

I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding CABG vs stents, and just wanted to provide an update…

I am having the CABG surgery in a couple of weeks. I am sure that it is the right decision for me, but I'm still extremely nervous about it! I really like my surgeon and physician's assistant. They're both incredibly patient and have over 20 years of experience with bypass surgeries. I know that I'll be in good hands. I need to do my best to stay positive and get through this!

Thank you to everyone who has responded! Your testimonies really do help! Soon I will be able to support others, too!

-Sheri

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

------------------------------
SHERI Given
teacher
LVUSD
Agoura Hills CA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2025 05:20
From: Earl Timmons
Subject: CABG vs Stents

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

------------------------------
Earl Timmons
Wilmington Delaware
CABGx3 September 2025
Johns Hopkins Hospital

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 20:40
From: SHERI Given
Subject: CABG vs Stents

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

------------------------------
SHERI Given
teacher
LVUSD
Agoura Hills CA
------------------------------

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure

The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!

Sheri

This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.

I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure