Mended Hearts Open Forum

 View Only
  • 1.  Worried About Bypass

    Posted 02-25-2022 13:31

    Hello I am new member. I live in Darien Illinois.

     I had stents and first heart attack over 20 years ago . I know the horror stories of bypass surgery and fear of death from another heart attack for all those years to the present.

    Now for all those years, I have tried Chelation IV which seemed to work for two decades but perhaps I was wrong. 

    Recently got echo stress test and they found abnormal reading. I also know I had some blockages but I was able to live a normal life and activities for all those years. It appears it is catching up with me. 

    Now it seems I will be getting bypass surgery. Will I die? How much pain will I endure? How long is my rehab? Depression and hallucinations on top of this? 

    These were all reasonsI wanted to avoid. Tell me I will be okay. I know you have survived. Please reassure me I will too. Thank you.



    ------------------------------
    Godwin Wong
    Darien IL
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Worried About Bypass

    Posted 02-25-2022 19:41
    Hi Godwin...

    I'm at once a rookie and a veteran when it comes to heart matters having had an open heart bypass surgery three weeks ago. I'm innately curious and throughout this experience I have done volumes of reading of material from both medical and personal sources. I'll share some of it with you.

    My perception of open heart surgery is that they have made great strides in recent years of reducing the danger. There's a large and coordinated team at work during and after the procedure, with each team member highly trained in their specific area. And in the ICU and during the hospital stay they watch you like a hawk. It was probably a little easier for me because I have no fear of death because of my faith but my sense is that the odds that you will be OK are very much on your side. I think the current mortality rate is 1% or so. Also, I've been surprised at how manageable the pain is. I have unfortunately had the occasion to deal with a lot of pain in my life and in my experience this one is not that bad. Plus mobility is good. At this stage, two weeks out, I move freely around the house without the movement causing pain.

    It is a big time procedure no doubt and the first maybe 3-4 days in the hospital are no fun. You don't get much sleep as they are always coming in and out for a variety of reasons. But things improve quickly.

    I'm looking forward to feeling better, having more energy, and losing the anxiety that I could die at any moment. For me it was well worth it. I'm sure you will feel the same way. Soldier on my friend.

    Best regards,
    John

    ------------------------------
    John Audette
    Owner
    Audette Collection
    Sisters OR
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Worried About Bypass

    Posted 02-25-2022 23:25
    John, 
    thanks for your words of encouragement. You helped me ease my worries and fears. I guess you are right. Medical science has advanced more.
     Your story was one of first post I read on this site. You endure a lot of pain. I hope to be as brave as you. I don't really fear death just leaving my wife alone. I guess you are right. The odds are in our favor and recover will be quicker than the old days.
    God bless you, thanks.

    ------------------------------
    Godwin Wong
    Darien IL
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Worried About Bypass

    Posted 02-26-2022 11:19
    Godwin,

    To worry is natural but don't dwell on it.  You should do fine with good results following bypass surgery.  The first few days you will feel bad and be uncomfortable but this will pass.  You should be given a pillow, usually shaped like a heart, you can hold tight over your chest to help cushion the discomfort.  This pillow will be your best friend for a while.  There is normally a cardiac rehab program which goes for around 8 weeks following this surgery.  Be sure to do this program as it will help get you back to a good life.
    Some people do have some depression but I did not.  The first couple of days you could have some hallucinations because of the pain meds, some do and others don't.  I had 5way bypass 15 years ago and have been very active since then. I am 78 years old and these are my "bonus years" .  There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be sitting here replying to you without my surgery.  Please don't dwell on the surgery but look at the "bonus years" you will have and enjoy.  I wish you the very best.

    Tommy Broughton
    MH Chapter 28
    Richmond Va

    ------------------------------
    Tommy Broughton
    Powhatan VA
    (804) 598-4893
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Worried About Bypass

    Posted 02-27-2022 12:32
    Hi Godwin,

    My name is John, I am 51 yrs old and had my quadruple bypass surgery in April 2021 , I don't drink alcohol , non substance user or smoke and very active. I was told I had , had a heart attack without even knowing I had one from a echo test. All what you feeling is normal I went through it, but from my own personal experience it's a safe procedure, follow the advice from your support team give yourself the time to heal and you'll be back to your normal routine in no time . There will be good days and bad one, I still have some pain or other nagging things that worries me at time some are muscle pain and some are side effects from the medication always talk to your doctor and cardiologist if you not sure of anything  .....Keep away from google and the garbage from the internet, that will surely elevate your stress. This group had been very helpful throughout the 10 months and still is, now I am back in the gym doing light weight , walk or light jog everyday for an hour , control my diet and about 90% to where I was before the surgery. Stay strong and I wish you all the best .