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Open Heart Surgery

Posted , 30 users are following.

linda90335
linda90335

2 weeks ago I had extensive tests done on my heart and was told I would need open heart surgery to repair hole they have found. I never thought at this time of life I would need to have an operation like this. Has anyone had any heart problems or had an operation? If so please let me know how you are doing.

thank you

linda

3 likes, 58 replies

58 Replies

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  • Timo007
    Timo007 linda90335

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    I had a triple bypass at 55 years in 2011. They found 3 badly blocked arteries luckily before I had a heart attack, so open heart surgery and take a vein from the leg and bypass the blockages. 3 month recovery and then I went back to work as a sales rep. Lost some weight and eat a little lean meat and chicken and lots of fresh fruit and veggies and feel 10 years younger!

    It is major surgery and I'm sure your scared, I sure was, but these days with modern technology it gets better and easier for the surgeons with each passing year. A positive mental attitude (which you may have to cultivate) will be your best friend. First month or so of recovery can be a bit tough but that's where this forum can help.

    good luck and I hope you recover as well as I did.

    cheers Timo (Paul)

    • linda90335
      linda90335 Timo007

      Posted

      Hi Timo,

      Glad you recovered well from your bypass. I will take your advice and try to develope a PM.

      Have a goo day

      linda

    • scott62679
      scott62679 Timo007

      Posted

      hi Linda

      I was informed after having 3 stents 2 and a half years ago that all arteries were completely blocked. im 47 yrs old with a family history of heart disease. ive accepted the fact surgery is needed ( triple heart bypass )but feel very anxious and currently waiting for appointment for surgery as a priority. How long does it take from surgeon saying its needed to having the date of surgery. kind regards

      scott

  • derek76
    derek76 linda90335

    Posted

    I had my aortic valve replaced at the age of 78 in 2012. I went into with no worries although the chance of not coming through it was about 18%. On the other hand if I had not had the operation I would not have got through the next year. It's like getting on a plane you just trust the pilot.

    Such surgery nowadays is routine. I can honestly say that after the operation I had no pain and resented being given paracetemol. Day two I was hauled out of bed by two physios and marched along a long corridor and up two flights of stairs and back to bed. That was tough!

    After that It is a matter of getting through three short daily walks for a week or two and gradually building up your strenght again.

    A neighbour in his mid 80's had a triple bypass and aortic valve replaced. He had to cope with two flights of stairs to his flat. I have a lift but always made the point of walking up the first two floors and taking the lift for the last two.

    • linda90335
      linda90335 derek76

      Posted

      Hi Derek happy to hear you are diing well. I an feeling less apprehensive now.

      Thank you.

    • derek76
      derek76 linda90335

      Posted

      I actually get more worried about going to the dentist!

      My post operation problem was going into AF and being on some nasty drugs until having a successful cardioversion four months later.

      Any idea how long you are going to have to wait for your operation?  I had a 54 week wait after seeing the cardiologist.  A friend in America was diagnosed and operated on three weeks later.

      My tests were very drawn out. Five week wait to see a cardiologist after initial diagnoses of aortic stenonis elsewhere. A seventeen week wait for a stress echocardiogram. Seven weeks for an angiogram before that hospital forgot to refer me to the hospital doing the surgery and then a twelve week promise for surgery stretching out to nearly six months. All of this with me pushing them all the time.    

    • linda90335
      linda90335 derek76

      Posted

      Hi the cardio said on 4 feb 2015 l would get a letter in 2 weeks but as you knowthey drag their feet. At the moment I am waiting to hear from the royal brompton.

      It mudt have weighed you down just waiting to hear when your operation will be.

      I just want it over and done so re cooperation can begin.

    • derek76
      derek76 linda90335

      Posted

      It puts your life on hold and you can't make any plans or go away in case a letter comes.

      It is supposed to be no longer than 18 from consultation to operation. When I qouted that I was told that had been 'suspended' at the present time.

    • linda90335
      linda90335 derek76

      Posted

      At the moment my life feels like it is on hold. I am packing at the same time to move.

      Do you need to have your heart consrantly checked?

    • derek76
      derek76 linda90335

      Posted

      Now I just have an annual echocardiogram to show that the valve is is working properly.

      My long term problem is very erratic hyperpentension.

       

    • linda90335
      linda90335 derek76

      Posted

      I undrstand i too suffer from high blood pressure too. Glad you are doing good...
    • derek76
      derek76 linda90335

      Posted

      Mine has not been properly controlled in 14 years. I had high hopes when I got a referral to a Hypertension Centre last year but their tests have not found any reason for it and they have not suggested any better medication.  
    • nikolay21066
      nikolay21066 derek76

      Posted

      Hi, Derek,

      My cardiologists keep telling me that I need an aortic valve replacement because of heavy aortic regurgitation ( a leaking aortic valve ) not stenosis.  The problem is that I can't find a patient with my diagnosis who has undergone such a srgery and is still alive. Do you know any? Can you help with some advice?

    • derek76
      derek76 nikolay21066

      Posted

      Whether it is regurgitation or stenosis it is the same operation.
  • linda89207
    linda89207 linda90335

    Posted

    Hi Linda, my husband had a triple bypass 2012 he was so fit after he wanted to do everything straight away but with a lot of pressure from me he did as he was told to do by the cardiac team and after three months returned to his gardening and everything else except lifting heavy items which he still refrains from hope everything goes ok for you just follow there instructions and you will be fine and they are only at the end of a phone line if you are worried about anything.
    • linda90335
      linda90335 linda89207

      Posted

      Hi Linda thank you for your valuable advice. Glaf to hear your husband is doing good.
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