Triple bypass shock

Hello , sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Similar to you about 24 months ago I got pains walking uphil or after a meal etc and was diagnosed with angina. A nuclear perfusion scan didn't show up anything special but after another year the angina pains got more regular and frequent so went back to doc and had angiogram which showed I needed a bypass op urgently. I did not have muxh time to worry about it as two days later it was done. And the surgeon said 'just in time too' as I had the dreaded 'widowmaker'. I had quadruple bypass with a donor vein from my right leg and the mammary artery being used. (As I'm a 70 yo male no problem there) One year on I have done several sessions of rehab and after a slow recovery with problems of the leg donor vein wound healing slowly I can now walk and use my exercise cycle almost as good as 2 years ago. Don't worry but get it done soonest and you'll not regret it. The bypass operation is generally well established, although of course not without risks. I suggest go ahead and get it done as soon as you can and while not expecting a quick recovery (I tried to run before I could walk!) it does take time to recover. but it also depends on many factors. Go for it. Pray about it and don't worry as that will never do you any good. Let us jknow how things go. Roy

Hi!

Ok, yes, can totally understand your shock, but take heart! My dad had a quadruple bypass done 25 years ago and like you, had virtually no time to prepare. He started having some chest pain and one day, drove himself to the GPs. 3 days later, he was in and having the op. Ok so yes, it is a big op (no surprises there) and the recovery takes time, but it can also totally change your life. Your cardiologist will probably know lots of patients who have gone on to have a normal life afterwards.

In my dad's case, it took him about 3 months to get fully up to speed and he radically changed his lifestyle. He had no further problems for nearly 22 years, until last year, had a minor heart attack and a stent fitted. Rehab completed and he's now back out walking the dog every day for 2 miles.

Heart disease is no fun, but with treatment and a good mental attitude, you should be able to get back to a normal life. You just have to be prepared for a recovery period and go easy on yourself.

You can do this!!!

Have now got my head around this and realise I need an operation but I have extreme worries about just how major this is. If anyone who has been through it could let me know what I can expect in terms of pain, after effects and general well being as well as mental state , I would be extremely grateful

I hope that your surgery went well. My dad was diagnosed with pneumonia and the eventually congestive heart failure. They went in to see if they could stint him but he came out with nothing. There were too many blockages. I was the first one in the room when he woke up so I was the first one he asked "what did they do?" I had to tell him there was nothing they could do and surgery was the only option. He just looked at me defeated and said he figured. A week and a half later he went in for the triple bypass. I told him I loved him and kissed him and that's the last time that I really saw him alive. I can't go on