BS: Bypass surgery

Subject: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 10:33 AM

I know from reading various comments here that there's a few regulars who bear the scar of a heart bypass.
I'm currently facing the same operation and I'm finding conflicting information regarding the benefits, or otherwise, of "off-pump" proceedures, stenting, etc.
Whilst stents would seem the obvious choice, in my case the length/extent of one of the blockages makes it difficult to ascertain how successful it might be. The consultant seems to be steering me away from stents towards bypass and I'm not in a position to offer an argument one way or the other.
So I suppose I'm really just looking for any advice from personal experience and, given that I'll only be hearing from survivors,as oppose any other type, I'm hoping it'll encourage me.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: beardedbruce
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 10:56 AM

4 Plasties and 9 stents here- anything to avoid the bypass.

The new "mini" bypass seems a lot less invasive, but with having my heart stopped once, I tend to avoid a second restart.

Check around to find someone who will attempt the stents- they wanted to do a bypass before my first two, and then later. But I "shopped" the films around and found someone who could do it with stents.

Feel free to PM.

Bruce

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: bobad
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 10:57 AM

I should think that your consultant's advice would be more informed than any you might receive on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 10:58 AM

No doubt bobad, but it's nice to hear other peoples experience and keeps a sense of perspective for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:15 AM

Bruce, I understand your aversion the open heart surgery. It may be unavoidable in my case. The angiogram shows a long stretch of artery that is completely blocked and there's no way of knowing if it can be opened up sucessfully. I have the choice to gamble that it can be done, but I'm also advised that, even if it can, these proceedures are often revisited and frequently require bypass as an ultimate solution.
Like you, Bruce, I'm understandably less than keen on having my heart stopped and have read a bit about possible damage to brain function whilst undergoing treatment on life support. Hence my interest in "off pump" methods, also an option offered to me, where the surgeon works on a beating heart.
My memory is bad enough without further impairment!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:16 AM

You might ask around to see if there is anyone using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System. That's what they used on Spaw when no one else would touch him as it was too dicey. They didn't have one here, yet, when I had my new valve put in, but if they ever have to do anything else, I will lobby for that, as the least invasive, before submitting to a second jump start as bb mentioned.

Regardless, please keep us posted as you are able and good health to you!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:21 AM

I saw the robot in another article I was reading!! Not available in North east UK as yet. Looks weird! Like R2D2 working on you!!
I'm expecting to be getting fixed this side of xmas, but no date yet. I've an imminent meeting with the surgeon and a final decision on my treatment will be arrived at then.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: olddude
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:22 AM

I have many friends that when through it. Although not fun at all .. they are doing so well. My buddie Garry hikes and fishes and works out in the fields ... He said after his it was like a lead weight off his chest. Just has so much more energy ... Now he had his is 1989 .. and is still just crusing ... I think if your docs tell you that you have to have it done I would listen. The alternatives is not pleasant to think about ok ... No surgery is fun, I had a ton of surgeries but things heal and today they are so darn good. I don't think your doc would tell you to do it if he thought he would lose you ... listen to your docs ok

We will all be there for ya

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:35 AM

One of things that is spurring me on is the knowledge that I'll eventually come of out this feeling better than I've felt in a long time.
This thing has crept up on me, sapping my engery and my lust for life and made me lazy and disinterested. It's taken a mild heart attack to get my attention and the realisation that I can get my life back.
Thanks for the support.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:41 AM

Been there. Done that. Worked fine. Much less trauma than I had expected. If you have a bypass, be prepared to be stopped at airports by metal detectors.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:51 AM

Nice snappy response there Dick!! No nonsense! I like that.
"It aint nothin',just a flesh wound!"
I already seem to set those bloody airport devices off anyway! Must have too much iron in my blood!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 11:54 AM

I'm about 14 years post quadruple bypass. In fact, I am still doing quite well, and would not even think about it except for seeing the chest and leg scars. During my last cardio check-up the doc was telling met that the incisions these days are much smaller than formerly, and expected recovery time is also less. Speedy recovery to you no matter your choice.

Mr. Greenhaus, your surgeon must really have loaded you up with lots of staples or such. I've never set off the metal detector at airports or courtrooms.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 12:02 PM

Maybe something to do with Greenhaus gases??
Sorry, couldn't resist....

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 01:13 PM

I've already got a fairly sizeable scar on my stomach from childhood surgery which looks like it was performed with a blunt spoon.
Maybe I could get the surgeon to follow the line of my existing scar and, once healed, I could get a zipper-grip tattooed at the top!
I'd look like a pyjama case!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 05:20 PM

I was telling Lou Killen last year that it's our generation's version of body piercing.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 05:35 PM

That's exactly what I always threatened to do IF I ever had to have heart surgery, but now I have, there is NO way I'd let a tattoo needle anywhere near that scar tissue!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 05:40 PM

I was a secretary to a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and a Cardiologist, for over 5 years, 'C'. In that time, I was booking up at least 20 major heart operations a week. We never 'lost' one single patient. The majority of operatios were bypass ones..and they all turned out well.

It was one of the joys of my job waving goodbye to tired, drained people, pre-oop, then waving hello to those same folks, post-op, when they came back for the check-ups, with colour in their cheeks and huge smiles on their faces. We even had one lady who walked all the way up the stairs of Regent's Park Underground Station, just because she could! And that was 10 days post-op.

Gareth (Rees) had the most difficult job one time of having to match up a vast tatoo of Jesus, spreadeagled across this chap's chest..It was far more difficult than the main surgery. :0)

I also got to watch a Bypass Operation, and trust me, you'll be in good hands, surrounded by highly skilled and very professional and caring people. It was amazing to watch, and I always felt especially close to that patient afterwards.

The worst part is this part, the waiting and worrying...but before you know it, the waiting will all be in the past, and a far more comfortable and energetic life will be there for you.

I wish you much love and as folks have said, know that you're being 'held' by folks here in Mudcat and let us know how you get on, won't you.

Hugs
Lizzie :0) x

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 06:56 PM

I had three arteries completely blocked and one other at 97% blockage........Quad By-Pass was the only route. If your heart is in good shape and this is a problem related to cholesterol then you are right to question it but to tell you the truth, a bypass is still the best fix. Most of the people I know with a real problem and have gone the stent route have gone back multiple times for stent work and wound up with a bypass anyway. Cholesterol was never my problem....as a matter of fact my presurgical number was 144 and even today its only 104. Smoking.....pure and simple. Enlarged heart, atrial fib, reduced lung function, emphysema, COPD.......Also ulcers!!! But hey......I loved those damn Camels!

In '97 I had a quad by-pass using the standard open procedure. Went fine except due to other problems I came out in A-Fib which I still have. We've tried zaps and an Ablation which helped but its still there although reasonably well controlled with meds. Then in '99, as if I needed something else, my aorta split apart from the arch to the femoral branch. Somehow I survived this one (John Ritter didn't) and as it could not be repaired, I was lucky that it became stable although weakened (good old Camels!). Then in 2001 I had to have my Mitral Valve replaced. Luckily I was in the right place at the right time and the surgeon who was doing the testing of the DaVinci took me on. I was the second valve and the first mitral valve ever done with the robot and it was GREAT!!! I left the hospital in three days! A few years later I added an implanted defibrillator. I also take 9 different meds a day, some of them twice a day.

And with all of that and more, I pretty much seem normal.....or as normal as I ever get. I can't walk a mile anymore for a Camel but that's a good thing! Now let's talk about you!

I can understand how and why you're worried but try and get past it. It seems there isn't a DaVinci around you so that leaves the open procedure. I won't shit you, the first few post-op days suck but it goes better and faster after that. They've been doing these things for years and in today's world, they're pretty low risk. Techniques have changed and although it is still a major surgery, it isn't near the big deal we make of it. Ya' know, every time someone tells me about somebody who's having open heart surgery and how worried they are for the guy, I ask, "Why? Does he have a lousy doctor?....Hey....He'll feel so damn much better that a few months from now you'll be wondering what all the fuss was about."

And that's what I say to you....Spaw suggestion #1......Do you have a doc you trust and believe in? If not, go find one! Don't ask a bunch of assholes on a music forum...LOL........Seriously, do you believe in and trust the doc. If you do then take his or her advice......simple as that. Once you make that decision and if the bypass is the recommendation, then take Spaw's suggestion #2.

When I went in the first night and they ran tests for hours it became obvious that I needed surgery immediately and I felt like I was rtiding an elephant downhill. And THAT is Suggestion #2---Get a good grip, sit back, let that elephant roll, and do your best to enjoy the ride! Some of it is going to be a bit rough, some will be a breeze.......but in the grand scheme of things it will all go by pretty fast. Hold on tight and don't fall off the elephant.

You're about the jillionth person to have a heart bypass and while it may be your first, you'll belong to a huge club. We had to give up on the Secret Decoder Rings what with the bad economy and all.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: kendall
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 08:27 PM

Stents do -plug up in time. I had a three way bi pass 6 years ago. My problem was/is triglycerides.
The worst part was the healing. My chest was opened up and to have to cough knowing it was hell was even more hell.

I was a bit numb for a long time but that seems to be leaving.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 08:48 PM

This is really a scary subject but it's nice to hear members (who are still with us) speaking frankly about their experience.

C-Flat-

Best of luck with whatever choice you make, but make one soon!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: bobad
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 08:58 PM

If you can, opt for a MIDCAB as opposed to the standard sawing through the sternum and cranking the ribs apart - much less traumatic.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Oct 10 - 04:19 AM

Thanks guys!
It's really good to hear such positive opinions from those who know what they're talking about.
I'm a very confident person in my professional and personal life but this thing has got me rattled. Something I've always taken for granted and never paused to give thought to was the muscle constantly beating in my chest. Not any more. Since my heart attack I'm aware of every flutter in my chest and feel like I'm living on a knife edge.
I appreciate the good thoughts and wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 27 Oct 10 - 04:37 AM

I can understand your problem. I was taken ill rather suddenly with endocarditis (ulceration of the heart), complicated by a congenital bicuspid aortic valve (as opposed to the regulation tri-cuspid!). I was on antibiotics for 42 days and given a single bypass and aortic valve replacement. If I'd have known what surgery was involved, I'd have flipped! Fortunately, I was out cold anyway and woke up in hospital to find a load of concerned relatives around me. But, hey - I'm still here vexing people, and organising bits of Sidmouth!
Yes, the scars on my chest and legs are a nuisance, and I have Depuytren's Contracture in my left hand which mars my concertina playing (not so my melodeon playing). I'm still alive and licking, and feeling VERY positive. Hold on to that thought! Trust your consultant!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Pig William
Date: 27 Oct 10 - 02:47 PM

Just to add to the store evidence of life after bypass...

I was diagnosed with angina, then fairly soon after that I had a heart attack. The angiogram showed that my blockages were too extensive and complicated for stents, so there wasn't really any choice but a bypass.

I had a quadruple bypass at the Royal Brompton in London in 2006, just before I turned 45. I won't claim it was enjoyable, but I'm very glad I had it, as I now feel so much better, with no chest pain etc. It's taken a while to get back to "normal" but that's been mostly the drugs and also the loss of confidence which you mentioned.

Hope things work out as well for you as they have for me - good luck, whatever you decide.

Cheers, Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: ragdall
Date: 27 Oct 10 - 05:05 PM

Perhaps you can get more information from your cardiologist to help you better understand why s/he believes that a bypass is the only way to correct the problem(s) in your heart? If you can get a second opinion, do so, for your peace of mind, if nothing else.

In June my husband had a stent installed part way down in an anterior descending artery which was 90% blocked. The stent was installed through his wrist, the recovery time was several hours. He seems to be doing fine.

The angiogram showed two other arteries which are 20% blocked near the ends of the arteries. We were told that stents cannot be placed in those locations and he'll need bypass surgery if/when the blockages reach 50%.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Oct 10 - 05:59 PM

The diagnostic diagram shows the right side (RCA) initially with a 50% narrowing but then a short way on is completely blocked 100% all the way round one side, cutting off any supply to the various spurs ("Inf septal(1) and (2)", and "Marg (2) and (3)".
Three other narrowings of 60%, 70% and 30% to various vessels on the other (LAD) side.
The 30% doesn't yet need treatment, both the 60% and 70% narrowings could easily be stented.
The complete blockage runs around what looks like just over half the surface of one side ( or one quarter of the whole circumference) and is problematic. It may be possible to stent but the docs can't be sure.
I'm feeling considerably mentally stronger about this just from bleating on here and listening to others experiences and, the more I look at this in a clear light, the more obvious it seems that I'm going to need a bypass.
Sorry if you've read all this and thought "what the hell??", it's just part of my way of processing. I need to lay it all out and stand back to "see" it.
Time to strap my balls back on and get on with it!
Thanks to all of you, and keep the anecdotes coming! They're more helpful than you can know!
C-flat (Merrick)

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 10:48 AM

Update.

I'm going into hospital on Sunday 5th Dec and the next morning am scheduled to have a bypass.
I feel ok about it having spoken at length to a genius young surgeon who's worked all over the world doing "off-pump" proceedures and still looks about 12 years-old!!
My own doctor reckons I'm very lucky to fall within this guys catchment area as he's something of a wizard and confident enough to independantly publish his own figures!
It also means I'll be done and home before xmas and have an extended holiday from work while I get back in shape.

Thanks again for your kinds words of support.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 11:01 AM

C-flat we will be thinking of you. A friend of mine had a triple bypass back in 2005 and now years later he has never felt better. He retired a few months ago and bonus was he had quality of life to look forward and enjoy it.

Take it steady, Good Luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 11:23 AM

Have a speedy recovery from a successful procedure. - John

I have considered July 29 as being a re-born birthday for the last 14 years. (I almost said I was born again, but I guess that's a whole 'nother connotation.) Maybe you'll do the same for for December 6.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: beardedbruce
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 11:35 AM

Speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 11:43 AM

May it go well and the outcome be better than you ever even dreamed of.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 11:54 AM

LOL......Ya' know Merrick, it may sound a bit odd to get a laugh and a smile over someone having heart surgery but I am personally very happy to read your last post and see how far you've come and how much more confidence you have in the decision. You have found a "Cutter" you trust and a quite impressive sounding one to boot! You'll be well on your way to back to "boring, old, normal" by Christmas and I'll bet it will be one of the best you have ever had.

Thanks for the update and the good news. Now finish getting yourself strapped on that elephant, get a good grip, and enjoy the ride as best you can.

If you have someone who can update us post op, that'd be great but otherwise we'll wait for you to get back. We'll all be here with all our best thoughts for you and yours!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 08:35 AM

Thanks folks!
I look forward to resurrecting this thread in December to tell eveyone how easy it was!! Haha

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 08:52 AM

I had the opposite problem in that I wanted a bypass as I thought it a permanent souloution, but my cardioloist wanted to fit stents. He won and was right. The moment the operation was done I felt a million times better than I have felt in years. The ones I have had fitted contain some medication to stop any chance of them blocking up.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 08:52 AM

good news

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 09:03 AM

I'm glad you got sorted so successfully Silas.
My surgeon was quite clear that, in my case, stents would help the angina but not stop me from dying of a heart attack!!! Pretty straight talking I thought!
I hope I feel as much benefit from my proceedure!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Bugsy
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:41 AM

I've had several stents inserted over the years, all about 2 years apart. About 5 years ago (I've lost track of exactly when it was now) and after the 5th or 6th stent, my specialist said, "I think it's time to think about a bypass." To be honest I didn't have to think about it for more than a moment, and I was in having the procedure done within a fortnight. It was the best move I ever made. As soon as I woke up, despite the soreness, I knew that my quality of life was going to be better.

I must say, I was encouraged no end by a letter that 'Spaw sent me outlining EXACTLY what I dad to look forward to, before, during, and after the procedure.

I tell you, after reading that, ANYTHING would have been a walkover.
(If you've still got a copy of the PM in question 'Spaw, please pass it on with my blessing!)

You'll laugh til your sides hurt. That'll take your mind of the other bits.

Good luck with the surgery, We'll all look forward to hearing from you at the other end.

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:52 PM

As matter of fact Spaw and I have exchanged the odd PM, along with a couple of other catters, and without wanting to embarrass Pat, he's just one of nicest, most supportive, tell-it-how-it-is people around.
Thanks for your good wishes too, Bugsy!
Just the waiting now......




.....hate waiting....

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 03:23 PM

ACtually, coughing during recovery can be a problem; doctors suggested that I keep a pillow handy to press against my chest. Abby Sale was kind enough to send me a teddy bear for that purpose.

Maybe with all the bypasses going on, we should start a Mudcat fund for Teddy Bears.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:05 PM

Yeah! I like it! Mudcat "Huggy" Bears!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:07 PM

Can I have one that looks like a cross between Cheryl Cole and Nigella Lawson?

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: bobad
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:10 PM

Maybe someone can find a stuffed catfish which can be passed around to all the bypass recipients - more comfortable than a banjo anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:13 PM

A sort of "Bypass-the-parcel"?

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:16 PM

Dick, that reminded me of my Cabbage. I am asthmatic. I was worried about having an an attack during recovery. During the three days I was in hospital, I was give respiratory therapy tree times a day. I hadn't the trace of asthma for about two years thereafter. Thankfully, no real major problems since; the occasional minor bout, yes, but easily controlled. Thanks for dredging up that memory.

PS: I still have the red, heart-shaped chest pillow they gave me back then.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:28 PM

At the hospital here where I got my new valve, they gave me a red valentine heart-shaped pillow to use for coughing, but I like the idea of a Mudcat teddy better!

It sounds as though you are in good hands and all will be well. It's great you are visualising ahead about telling us all how much better you feel, etc.

I made a collage of pictures of my family, pets and affirmations and put it in a frame which was placed right beside my hospital bed. It helped me to stay focussed. At the top it said, "On the road to Wellville" and somewhere was something about being "in the pink." Mudcatters, who wanted to, wore pink on the day I had surgery, May 10, 2005 and some even sent me a couple of very special "pink" gifts.

I also had tapes of visualisations and affirmations, very specific to surgery which the surgeon was great about. I "went under" listening to one of them and "came to" listening to another. They really helped me a lot and I was pleased he was so open to my using them.

I don't remember most of being in there except for having to walk farther and farther when I didn't want to do anything and that our daughter brought our dog for a visit along with my not quite two year old grandson! Good medicine, both!

Oh, and the first night after, Edna Ritchie's (Jean's sister)voice carried me through the night. I played her tape over and over, her sweet, clear voice gave me such comfort. I hope you will be able to carry some music with you for listening.

The other thing which was helpful, though I am not a religious person, is the hospital had a non-denominational, non-any-particular religion, spiritual channel of music, affirmations, and visualisations, from what I can remember. Considering it is run by the Sisters of Mercy, I thought it quite nice of them.

All the best to you and I do look forward to hearing how well it went!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: GUEST,C-flat
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 07:24 AM

Just a quick report, 2 days after surgery and I can just about operate this bedside computer. EXHAUSTED but doing well. speak soon. C-flat-on-his-back

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: bobad
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 07:51 AM

Way to go C-flat, knew you could do it - keep on chooglin'.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 08:36 AM

It's so good to hear from you so soon after surgery, well done. Fantastic news.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 11:05 AM

Great to hear, C-flat. That exhaustion will last a few weeks, and you'll gradually regain your strength. Don't push yourself; ease into your former routines...a long, happy life will be yours.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 11:15 AM

Wonderful!! Thanks for letting us know!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 01:39 PM

C-flat, your surgery is a walk in the park compared to some. Tom (Curmudgeon) had a valve job, tune-up and some electrical work and now he'll never play football [US] again...(not that he ever did before). Translated, that's his aortic valve replaced, tri-cuspid valve repaired, a double bypass and installation of a defibrillator/pacemaker.

And his doctors made it seem like it was every day surgery...

You are joining a huge club and it's great that you can do a lot of research and finding out people's experiences beforehand. Your doctors will have you good as new!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 01:00 AM

also managed to say hello to mick heywood who has been recieving good-will messages on a parralel thread, and passed on the good wishes. not gwtting my hopes up, but theres a chance i might get home friday.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 01:14 AM

very good news - they don't keep anyone long in hospital anywhere these days.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: ragdall
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 03:14 AM

C-flat,
Thanks for letting us know that all went well. Take it slowly and heal thoroughly. Your improved health is a wonderful Christmas gift for you and your loved ones.

Please continue to let us know how you're doing?

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 05:41 AM

Good luck with your recovery C-flat. Did the surgeon explain how the blockage happened and whether any dietary changes need to be made to help minimise the likelyhood of it happening again?

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: gnu
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 07:07 AM

Helluva way to get out of Xmas shopping. Hope yer doin well.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Bugsy
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 06:40 PM

Good for your mate!

Now take it easy, and don't be alarmed if you find yourself bursting into tears over seemingly Innocuous incidents. It comes with the "zip chest" and tends to fade over the months.

Have a wonderful Chritmas and enjoy the family.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: Janie
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 05:33 PM

Haven't posted much, C-flat, but have been checking in as I have had time. Glad to hear the surgery went well. My Mom had the 12th anniversary of her by-pass surgery on the same day as you had your surgery. New leases on life are grand occasions!

Rest up and hug those bears!

Subject: RE: BS: Bypass surgery
From: C-flat
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 10:06 AM

Hi again,
love the reference to "zip chests", I'll be using that! And what is that all about with the "high-emotions"?? I've been tearful over the soap operas?? I don't even normally watch that stuff but lately I'm like a big blousy girl with the tv, a cup of tea and a biscuit, and a packet of "handy-andies" over a storyline about a crash-landing piece of Manchester Public transport!
My wife is begining to worry that my new Post-Op' DVT Support Stockings may be more of a "lifestyle" decision than a medical one.

Bonzo3legs, with regards the reason for the blockages; a simple "predisposition" would be an answer, given that all the male side of the family were dying young of heart-related problems until recent advancements (30 years) began to produce survivors. The truth is that that would only be part of the answer because there were many choices that I didn't take that could have greatly lessened the problem and a great deal lot of more that I took huge delight in taking whilst "turning a deaf ear" to the obvious harm. It would be hypocritical to begin to trumpet the benefits of healthy living to others just because I've been given a second chance, so I won't. I always used to believe that I would rather "enjoy life to the full" but as you get older you realise that the people using that expression the most are enjoying life the least and looking for happiness in the wrong places.
As it turns out I'd rather just "enjoy life". Especially the "life" bit. So an excercise regime is currently being drawn up. It has suitably modest goals and the levels of expectation you might reasonably expect from one with so little affinity with the training shoe.
So watch out for the new, improved, and lycra-clad C-flat!
I may even go down to a B?
I'd better go 'cos I'm starting to get misty eyed again at the prospect of "Strictly Come Mincing" on tv tonight.
Oooh those frocks!!!???!!!