BS: Make way for the Bypass!

Subject: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 02:32 AM

Well, after 6 angioplasties and 4 stents, my Cardiologist has said that it "might be time to consider a Bypass", and here's me who can't even afford to have my driveway extended!

Anyway I'm in for the "dreaded" on Tuesday next.......

Fingers crossed guys!!

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 02:39 AM

Good luck & take no U-turns.
Barry

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Anglo
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 02:52 AM

It's been done before, and many of us survived - and are even glad of it. So I'm with Barry - Good luck and happy landings!

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 03:25 AM

There are a huge number of success stories with bypasses - I know of many people who have had them, and afterwards they're flying. You will too, Bugs. Will be thinking of you on the day -

Bonnie   xx

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 05:38 AM

One of our regulars at M'Head had a bypass a month ago wan did a floor spot on thursday - PURELY Routine surgery these days , but best of luck any way !

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: John O'L
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 05:50 AM

In a couple of weeks you'll be extending your own driveway. No sweat. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 06:55 AM

I had a three way by pass and lived. Just don't sneeze!

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 06:57 AM

I have a husband and a brother-in-law who had triple and five way bypasses respectively in the last couple of years and they're fine.

Just make sure you have a cushion (or a cuddly toy) to clutch to your chest if you need to cough.

Subject: RE: Make way for the Bypass!
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 08:19 AM

Your turn in the barrel Bugs! I had a quad back in '97 and look at me!..................Uh, not a good example.............Actually I am. The bypass was very successful and the problems I've had aren't related to the success of the surgery. Kendall up there was worried too and now he says it was okay. I warned him about the sneeze and let me give you the same as he did!

They're now doing bypasses here robotically as they did my mitral valve. Unfortunately it just isn't universal yet. Here's the same advice I gave Kendall......... When I had the quad by-pass, they went to great lengths to explain prior to the surgery about "What to do if you have to cough." They explained all the details of holding the pillow over your chest, arms crossed, etc. Then they said that this was traumatic to the surgical incision (read: chopping your breastbone in half with an ax--actually they use a nice little POWER SAW!!!). Then, as soon as you are off the vent, the first thing they want you to do is COUGH. Now I know this is to keep your lungs clear and prevent pneumonia, but you'd think they could come up with a "Lung Sucker" of some sort so you wouldn't have to wouldn't you? So you cough for them and they say, "Again...a little deeper this time." You wish at this point you were stronger so you could get out of bed and kick their collective asses.

After this comes the cruelest joke. You feel a sneeze coming on. All of a sudden, in that nanosecond before you sneeze, a whole series of thoughts fly through your brain which can be summarized by, "If a cough liked to kill me, this is gonna' be a motherfucker.......and the SOB's never MENTIONED sneezing!!!" After the sneeze, when someone has picked up the quivering blob on the floor that used to be your body and returned it to an upright position, thought #2 hits-----"Sneezes always seem to come in 3's." Uh-huh. Two more sneezes later, you are barely alive and wondering where you can steal some morphine when a nurse walks in and, after a check of your vitals, says, "Okay, now cough...Have to keep those lungs clear don't we?" You try to remember anyone you've known in the past who might be willing to drop by the hospital and beat this bimbo to a bloody pulp.

And why do they all say "we." Like, "We have to cough....We have to get our exercise....We have to take our shower." The main practioners of this plural art are always the most unattractive women you have ever met and you want to say, "Honey, I wouldn't get in a shower with you if I was being attacked by Killer Bees."

Of course there are bedpans......How the hell can you shit lying flat on your back? Actually you're arched backwards. So they whip the sucker under you and then leave......and don't come back......and in the meantime a group of friends walk in.........right then.............

And get a note from your doctor if they use wire and staples to hold your sternum together because you will set off metal detectors stark naked. I'm serious here, especially in this day and age.

I really enjoy the part where you try to move around with all the stuff hooked up. Especially fun is walking down the hall with your IV stand held by one hand, your catheter bag half full of piss in the other, and your ass hanging out. Very attractive.

Bugs my old friend, you'll do great!!! Get someone to post to us as soon as you can so we know all went well. And if it doesn't, well, what the hell.....I can start a joke thread about you!!! I can call it Weird Fucker Croaks in Western Oz.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 10:48 AM

Although I haven't had to have it done I know quite a few people who have and the most amazingly universal phenomenon is the improvement in each person's face color. Gone is the pallor, the gray undertone. And they invariably say that they feel a great deal better than they used to.

'It only hurts for a little while
That's what they tell me, that's what they say
It only hurts for a little while
And all your heartache will pass away"

*G*

So go for it. Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Peace
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 10:53 AM

You'll be up and doing things in two days--latest. Heart surgery for bypass stuff today is about as complicated as getting a front incisor capped. However, if you hear the surgeon say, "Man, this is the worst acid I ever had" just before you are put under, request that the op be done another day. You are gonna be fine.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 10:55 AM

Hey welcome to the zipper club !!

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:02 AM

My own doctor had a 6-way done a few years ago! (I wonder what the record is?)

My wife had the entire heart replaced...in just over 3 hours.

They really are doing amazing things now, and you get to lie about for a bit.

*re:sneezing....it's the Doctor sneezing that worries me!)

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:14 AM

The robotic stuff is amazing.....Two pencil sized holes and you're home in 3 days and back to normal activity levels in three weeks! No sternum sawing or rib spreading...........and you can sneeze!!!

Tell ya' Bill, although I would worry about the Doc sneezing, you really have to experience this one first hand.....ask Rita...LOL

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:28 AM

I dunno about the record, but my brother had nine (9) of them done back in 1996.

If he can do it you can do it. I mean, you can live through it; the doctor will do the cutting. No, wait, that's not quite it either.

Oh, hell! You know what I mean. Just hug the Teddy Bear when you cough.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Peace
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:30 AM

Forget what he said. Hug the nurse when you cough.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Hawker
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:47 AM

best of luck, hope all goes well, it'll be me too one day!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 02:18 PM

They got the robotic thing here, just a couple of months after they put my new valve in. Here I am, a year later, and I am AMAZED at how much I am doing, every day. So much more than I have in years.

It's gonna go great and it *does* get better...hang in there and thanks for letting us know! Lots of good thoughts and thanks givings coming you way.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 02:22 PM

"Hug the nurse when you cough." *grin*...you gotta be careful...there are some big male nurses about these days who might take exception!

I want it in my contract that I get to choose.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 02:40 PM

Maybe the male nurse might like it.

This isn't like that bypass in the beginning of "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" is it?

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 03:24 PM

9? did you say 9? Hell, all I got was three and I'm not even on an HMO.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: gnu
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 03:27 PM

Thoughts and prayers, Bugsy.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 04:44 PM

Essentially, zipper scars are the body piercings of an older generation. Wear yours with pride!

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: EBarnacle
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 04:57 PM

As is says in the guide, Don't Panic. Good Luck

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 05:15 PM

Do you have your towel???

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 06:11 PM

Hug your pillow, cough a lot, and the leg will hurt worse than the chest.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 09:47 PM

Thanks for all the good wishes peoples!

My surgeon has basically told me all the things you guys have mentioned here, though not as eloquently as 'Spaw!

As masochistic as it may sound, I'm actually looking forward to getting it done. I've been putting up with exertion related chest pain for too many years now. It'll be great to play 9 holes of golf without using my GTN spray twice per hole.

Mrs Bugsy says she'll pass on any news once I've gone in (though she's not very good on the 'puter). They phoned me from the hospital yesterday and said that, due to the shortage of beds, they'll be bringing me in on Tues am and doing the op Tues pm. They say I should be home for the weekend.

Thanks again for all the positive feedback.

CHeers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 09:16 AM

best wishes from this side of Oz

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: JennyO
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 09:33 AM

Another bit of good luck from the Sydney side of Oz!

And whatever you do, don't let the Vogons read you any of their poetry!

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 09:35 AM

Good luck Bugsy,
best wishes
freda

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 12:08 AM

Thanks, OZCATS!

I was talking to my brother in UK the yesterday and he told me that there have been great advances in surgery. He reckons you don't have to get pissed on rum or even bite on a leather strip anymore. Apparently you go to sleep and they do it whilst you are UNCONCIOUS!!

CHeers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 12:12 AM

Wow, that's new.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 11:18 AM

Bugsy - those are advances in anaesthesia. They still sharpen the knives on a piece of sandstone. Well actually, it's the front door step but it gets washed twice a month!

Good luck with the op and only listen to jokes that you know the punchline to.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 11:46 AM

And they're sharpening the knives, too? Talk about luxury.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 12:04 PM

And washing to doorstep, too! I've heard that in some places the doctor even washes his or her hands, but I don't believe that stuff for a minute.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Peace
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 03:07 AM

Buncha pansies. Next they'll be wearing gloves and stuff like that.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Azizi
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 06:32 PM

I'm not in the zipper club, but I know some people who are. They came through the surgery and post op time well [except for some "Oscar the Grough' moments]. And they are doing well now. I wish the same for you.

Positive vibrations!

Azizi

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: rock chick
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 06:37 PM

All the best, and remeber a bypass is always helps to extend the previous roads taken in life XX

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 08:38 PM

Lots of good thoughts coming your way...

LQF

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 06:24 AM

Well, just back from the "pre admission" palava. I'm going in 9.am tomorrow and having the op early pm.

Mrs Bugsy will try to post here and let you know "What's occurring". Be patient with her though as she isn't very computer literate and hasn't tried to navigate around the "Mudcat" before.

Hopefully, I'll be back on board in a week or two.

'til then, thanks for all the good wishes and PM's.

Luv Ya's all!

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 10:59 AM

Deep, slow breaths, Bugsy, and try to keep your mind full of images of what you will be doing AFTER the procedure. We are all here for you and tell Mrs. Bugsy to take it easy and not fret over getting back to us until she has the time and feels up to the challenge.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: GUEST,Desdemona
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 01:23 PM

Best of luck! My mom had a double bypass 2.5 years ago, and her health has improved remarkably; think positive!

~D

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Alba
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:46 PM

You are in my Thoughts Bugsy.

Looking forward to hearing from Mrs Bugsy. When she feels up to the task that is. Remember to look after you too Mrs B. Two makes the healing go smoother... smile

All will be well, of this I am sure.

Love and Light and Healing Thoughts,
Jude.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: tarheel
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 10:07 PM

It's a piece of cake,bugsy!!!i had mine last august!
feel like a new man...
good luck and keep the faith,bugsy!
tar...

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 07:22 PM

Hey Mr. and Mrs. Bugsy,

   I've been thinking about you all day! I am hoping that all went well and you are resting easy.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Sorcha
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 12:02 AM

Think my mom was in hospital 5 days

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 11:19 AM

Still thinkin' 'boutchoo.

:) Michelole

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 08:59 PM

Hi everybody, well it's Mrs Bugsy here, the op is over and I went to see poor old Buggsy and was quite shocked as to how bloated he was. (He's not a little bloke at the best of time's but this was ridiculous)I couldn't believe how many tubes you could stick into one person at the same time. He took the pillow advice from you and was clutching it accross his chest (whilst asleep) with both arms - god help anybody who try's to take it away from him!!! They were going to remove some tubes yesterday so I am hoping he will be feeling a lot more comfortable today. Main point is - all went well he just needs to get over the recovery period now and we shall be back in business. Not looking forward to the next 6 weeks, he will be snapping his fingers and ringing his bell for service, I am sure. Still he's worth it.

Thanks for all your advice and thoughts, it means a lot.

Cheers

Mrs Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 09:13 PM

Just as well it was only a Bypass then...

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 10:06 PM

All very natural Mrs. Bugs....and good to hear!! THe first 48 are rough but it gets better. I remember when they started removing the tubing....it seemed like there were miles of it. He'll look more normal, in his case not really all that good, in a day or so.

I want you to know that I considert you a saint. Bugsy and I have known each other here for many years now and I think that women who marry guys like us should be granted sainthood......It's either that or you and my wife are just incredibly stupid. Can't be that...........

All my Best,

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 05:36 AM

Well, I got home this afternoon and was told that I could only spend about 15 mins maximum on the 'puter.

'Spaw! You never mentioned Fuckin HICKUPS!

I'll fill you in on the gory details in a day or two - Those that are interested that is.

'Til then, thanks for all the positive thoughts and good intentions


CHeers ( he wheezed)

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 02:14 PM

Goodonya, Bugsy!!

I remember those miles of tubing pulled out, too, AND, them not advising on any kind of support, i.e. bra, for women having such surgery. I thought my boobs were going to deflate when they pulled it all out!

Take it easy and don't expect yourself to do too much for a good while. It's best not to push it!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: gnu
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 03:20 PM

Great to hear from you, Bugsy. Ditto what kat said. Continued thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 07:02 PM

hiccups? Now that's just plain mean!
Feel better, Bugsy.

No Bra For Support, kat? The weight doesn't pull on the stitches? i will have to have breast reduction sometime soon in preparation for the routine open heart stuff bound to come.

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 08:57 PM

SINS! Bite yer tongue, womon! May you NEVER have to go through such! And, yeah, the weight pulls on the whole slice, all the way to the bone which has to knit together, but they don't tell you that! I didn't even have a bra with me when I went in the hospital. A regular bra wouldn't be very good as it would make the actual stiches hurt like hell, rubbing on them, BUT I intend to send the surgeon who did mine a print out from Cardi-Bra and urge him to use them for his female patients. That link, btw, is thanks to Sandra in Sydney in my "I hate bras" thread.:-)

Back to you, Bugsy!**bg**

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Alba
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 09:50 PM

Good to see that you are Home safe and sound Bugsy.
Let the Healing begin..*grin*.
Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and look forward to hearing from you again when you feel up to posting.
Warmest Wishes,
Judi

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Bugsy
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 10:45 PM

Well, it's now 10 days since the op' and I can't believe how good I feel! I'm still a little fragile, I read jeffp's thread yesterday and bawled for a good 20 mins. I also find that I tire easily.

On the plus side, the pain is almost gone, I feel an inner energy I haven't felt for years and my son reckons I look in better health than I have for ages.

Thanks again for all the good wishes and prayers, I'm sure they helped immesurably. (better stop or I'll be bawling again)

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Make way for the Bypass!
From: Hawker
Date: 08 Jul 06 - 09:37 AM

Great news Bugsy, soon be firing on all 4 cylinders and turbo charged too!
Much love and kind thoughts Lucy