Heart Bypass Surgery

Hi everybody ---Is anyone here in this group from Ga?I have met some caring people here in this group.I went back to Dr. last week for check-up everything is fine except for my blood pressure -which is up ---as can be expected.The Celebrix helped the pain Thanks for the suggestionjust going thru a lot of depression -probally what`s happened and my surgery to.I know it`s early on Sun . morning but i just can`t sleep very much any more.I hope that each and everyone of you have a sppeedy recovery---God Bless You---Pauline

Hello My English is not the best so bare with me.. OK..LOL l have had a tripple aortic bypass in 98 and open single heart bypass 2000..and also have a bunch of stents.. l am also a Diabetic on Insulin ... l started out with just meds.. but then some stents came into the pic..and finaly l had sugery twice.. but l tell you been an hard road to recovery.. and now l fighting to keep my Hemoglobin up.. it has been down 4..then went up to 6..then stayed there forever.. My GI..doc's have been down and found out l am seeping as they call it..bleeding slowly from inside my stomac..well the doc. have been down 5 times int he past 6 months..loads of fun..not..with a Lazor to stop the bleeding..and that my friends is pure toture after you wake up..l hurts and l womit for a week at the time they do this.. l am now on Procrit 8000 units injections a week..to build my red bloddcells back up.. becouse my Aorta behind my Kidney is blocked over 90%...so l need another stent..but they can not do this before my Hemoglobin is up to 12... becouse of bloodthinners they give during surgery..and 4 weeks after.. right now l realy feel like a pincusion..l know l am used to the Insulin every day and now this for the wext 3 months on top of that.. right now l feel like l do notting but take pills..give myself shots.. and the ting is l have allways watched what l eat...l guess that did not help.. l am down to 110 pounds.. 50 kilo's..and l am 5.3.. 152 cm.. l am 59 yr old..spunky Norwegian..but l live in Kansas City..Missouri.. married 29 yrs.. 2 grown kids.. and their better halfs.. between my family here in the US and Norway l have an wonderfull support from.. l love to travel and meet new friends.. By the way planning on going home to Norway again in March of 2004.. was home in 2002 .. Looking foward to bet know you all.. Have a great Sunday .. Nutten

Pauline...that is just the pits! Hoping things improve for you!!! losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

In a message dated 9/11/03 7:34:28 AM Central Daylight Time, corameye@... writes: << I can't help wonder if the reason the doctor never did the valve replacement was based on that the valve was really not that bad or the the risk became to great when mom had irregular heart when they were perfoming the surgery, That is a good question to ask the SURGEON. Alternatively, he may have addressed that issue in his surgical notes which 'should' be available to her (or people she authorized to see her records) at the Hospital Medical Records Office. Tell her to PUSH those breathing exercises as long and often as she can. That will REALLY help her breathing capacity progress faster than any medications, not to mention preventing other complications like pneumonia from setting in. I note that you have a strong bias against Bypass Surgery. While it is true that 'some' patients' don't have as good a recovery as desired, MOST patients do recover with an improved quality of life. For those with high percentage blockages or blockage in the critical arteries (especially the Left Main), bypass surgery is a LIFE SAVING procedure. 'AL'

well they did the scan and there was not clot in the loung, guess sometimes it takes a little longer to recover for those 80 and over. they took the breathing tube out. now mom is doing some therepy. there is some concern still about her blood o2 level so they are monitoring her closer and she is practicing with the spiro meter. She is also getting treatment with a nebulizer and med to open her lungs up, she had some ice cream, good signs of improvement. I spoke with my sister inlaw who took mom for all the echo says she met the criteria of 70 percent blockages, I never like the idea of this surgery and from what i read not so sure if there is any factual evidence that the surgery increased longevity or medicare would not be paying to do a study on the Dean Ornish diet verses by pass on 2000 patients. I guess we have to wait to see how mom does over the next couple of months. I can't help wonder if the reason the doctor never did the valve replacement was based on that the valve was really not that bad or the the risk became to great when mom had irregular heart when they were perfoming the surgery, but at least the tripple by pass was completed. thank you gain for your imput

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Hi Everyone, I am new here. My 78yr old father Bill just went through a heart catheder procedure. There was one artery totally blocked, the doctor tried but was unable to unclog it. There was another one @40%. They are recommanding by-pass surgery. I am shocked by the news and still trying to accept the fact. He is scheduled to meet with the by-pass surgeon soon. Couple of questions in my mind: 1. Is it necessary to have the by-pass done right away? Doctors think he's not in immediate danger, looks like he's lucky that other arteries were supplying enough blood to sustain the muscle. The doctor said he is relatively healthy and his heart pumps good, it is a good idea to have it done now to prevent future heart attack and improve quality of life. I'd like to hear your opinion. From some of the messages I've seen so far, it is going to be an long road to recovery. 2. Bill has COPD, I am wondering how that weighs in on things? Anyone here gone thru by-pass with COPD? This board has already help me understand by-pass surgery better. Thanks. -steve

In a message dated 9/8/03 7:51:35 AM Central Daylight Time, corameye@... writes: << Personally i am never sure getting the whole truth from doctors, I thought the explanation about the thickness of her heart and,all of a sudden her valve was not all that bad was a cover story. Stu, To really understand what her condition is / was, you need to get copies of all of her TEST results and learn a little about reading / interpreting them. For starters, did she have a Heart Catheterization? If so, ask about the blockages, namely the ones that were bypassed. What was the percentage blockage for each coronary artery? Typically they bypass when there are more than one at or above 90%. Angioplasty (and stent) is generally performed in the range of 70 to 90%. The Left Main is especially important. Anything over 70% just about guarantees a trip to the ByPass Surgeon, Do Not go angioplasty route. If the Left Main gets completely blocked, it's all over. The catheterization should also give pressure gradients across the valves from which it is possible to calculate effective opening areas. For the aortic valve, if the opening is less than 0.8 sq. cm, valve replacement is generally advised. These numbers can also be obtained from a non-invasive echocardiogram, similar to what is used to look at babies in the fetus. When a valve is nearly closed, internal heart pressures rise and the heart muscle has to work harder to pump blood, causing the heart wall to 'thicken'. This thickening may subside IF the cause is relieved 'soon enough'. Generally, when the numbers say it's time for surgery, it is better to proceed than to wait. Waiting only makes things worse. An 80 year old in poor condition will most likely have a longer / more difficult recovery than someone younger BUT, if the underlying problems were corrected, she should eventually see a significant benefit, especially if surgery was performed before permanent damage was done to the heart (such as having had a 'heart attack'). 'AL' (been there, done that, twice)

Vancouver Washington I am feeling better as it has been 3 days since the surgery to remove wires. My youngest son and his wife (from Seattle) came Friday for the week end to help take care of me and things. :-) They left for home late this afternoon. I am okay but don't like this pain. Wish there were better drugs for pain control. Vicodin calms pain but does not make it really go away. They opened the same sternum scar to take out the wires. That is not the way they had said they were going to do it. Before they said they would go down *each side* of scar and make small incisions then snip wire on each side and pull it out. Changed their mind just before surgery as a *Different* surgeon (than did heart and leg) was to do this surgery *at the last minute* (don't know why). There is some confusion though. :-( Surgeon told my husband he took out 5 wires (yet he opened entire sternum scar incision all the way down). There are/were*12* wires as I had the x-rays to take to hospital and of course we looked at them. When Don told surgeon he KNEW there were 12 wires the surgeon then CHANGED it to he HAD removed 100% of the wires. We don't know what to believe right now. All I can say is PLEASE PLEASE don't let there be any wires still in there that need removed!!!!!

My motherinlaw still having trouble breathing they supspect there might be a clot in the lungs, she is scheduled for a cat scan but she was holding water, guess they put her on a diaretic, her water is down,but now trouble with the potassium level. Personally i am never sure getting the whole truth from doctors, I thought the explanation about the thickness of her heart and,all of a sudden her valve was not all that bad was a cover story. I tried to talk her out of the surgery in the first place, but my moterinlaw and sister inlaw had made up their minds. They are also talking about maybe having to do a traceaatomy, my spelling not so good, but I guess you can only have tubes down your throat so long before they have to make another breathing hole. the icu has mostly patients in the 80's , it seems like a lot of them have some set backs. I am very nevous about the outcome. I appreciate the input I will print some of them and relay to my sister inlaw she making most of the decisions. Thank you Stu

Sadly the way we got the answer is that on Weds my hubby Bill had a heart attack and was life flighted to the hospital where they do the heart caths. They ended up needing to do an angioplasty and insert a stent in a previous graft. He's home and doing well now though dreading the next part. In a previous post I had mentioned that Bill was concerned about the clicking in his chest that the doctors dismissed and told him repeatedly it was normal a part of the healing process... Not to say that the same will be true for everyone, but I as his nosy wife had a copy of his recent chest x-ray in my possesion and got it out held it up to the light and to my untrained eye it looked as though there was a wire just hanging out of place. I took it to the nurse who took it to the cadiologist who happend to still be on the floor, who then took it to the cardiac surgeon who came in followed by his entourage and after about 15 mins of does this hurt and feel here cough take a deep breaths. And then after another 20 mins of thier absence they came back with their verdict. Bill not only had one wire at the bottom of the sternum broken loose but also a wire undone further up the sternum. And that the wires had pulled through the sternum in such a manner that now he must have the whole mess removed and the plastic surgoen come in and graft a flap to replace the whole thing. NEVER DULL... The moral of this, ask ask and ask again till you get an answer hugs jennifer and bill

please send to me privately thank you Rose

Good morning : ) I hope this can go through. I'm not sure if we can send attachments or not. Found this artical a while back, when researching for my 4 year old grandson who "was" Autistic. With so meny here having depression I thought it would be good to send this and let you see how neurotransmitters work and how to get them working normal again, with out using "drugs". If this doesn't go through I'll send another post and let you know those interested I can send privetly if you want. nancy

In a message dated 9/6/03 7:13:08 AM Central Daylight Time, corameye@... writes: << They didn't have to do the valve replacement but at the same time he mentioned that do to her taking pressure medicine for a long period of time the her heart became thick. This happens often with patients who have valve disease. The cardiologists like to postpone surgery as long as possible, using blood pressure meds, but the down side is that the heart muscle thickens. The (valve replacement) surgeons like to operate before this thickening happens. Having been down this road, I now think the surgeons have the right idea. I'm surprised he did not replace the valve since that is the common cause of thickening. Did he say if her Coronary Artery Disease was the cause instead? Did she have an Echocardiogram before surgery? or a TEE (TransEsophageal Echo) ? The TEE give a more definitive picture of valve operation than the standard echo. After they remove the ventilator, it is VERY IMPORTANT for her to do the breathing exercises with the Incentive Spirometer. This will help reinflate the lungs and drive out fluids. Insufficient lung recovery can lead to pneumonia. She does NOT want to go there (voice of experience). After my second surgery (for a valve job) I was told to do the breathing exercises for 10 minutes every 2 hours, which is more than the standard recommendation. This was good advice. 'AL' (Bypass and Valve Replacement survivor)

The story for what its worth and any information you share would be appreciated by my wife Maxine and my self. My mother inlaw who is 8o years old had her surgery last wenesday. She was going in for a tripple bypass surgery and maybe the valve replacement. we were informed of her progress at different intervals in the waiting room. she was doing fine half way through we were notified they didn'thave to do the valve but they had to do the tripple by pass. The operation took a bit longer then usuall, they ran into a couple of glitches. The had trouble finding some appropriate veins. I know the had to take one from her arm one from her leg and I think A mamamory. after about 8 hours in surgery the doctor came to the waiting room to talk to us in a consultation room. He explained about the veins and one of the other reasons for the delay was my mohter inlaw developed irregular heart beat and they had to get her heart stabblize her berfore they continue. The doctor say every 50 or so patients there sometimes are surprizes. They didn't have to do the valve replacement but at the same time he mentioned that do to her taking pressure medicine for a long period of time the her heart became thick. and he said the next 12 to fifteen hours was critical to her survival, My mohter inlaw remained in the recovery room for quite some time from the surgery started about 8 in the morning on wen. and ended about 6PM she remained in revoery over night until the following night before they trnsferred her to icu. She is still on the breathing apparatus they are trying to ween her off itit now saturday morning. this is where it is at now. I would appreciate any input Stu

Hello Mac, Have you been on anti-biotics lately? Or had a long course of anti-biotic therapy? Anti-biotics may kill off the 'good' bacteria in your digestive tract, allowing Yeast to grow wild. This can cause a number of unusual reactions including Chemical Sensitivity. Do a web search under "chemical sensitivity" and you will find more references than you can ever read. Many (most?) Doctors do NOT believe chemical sensitivity is a real problem and will tell you it's all in your head (or worse). Gulf War syndrome and increasing numbers of people sensitive to chemicals in their environment are increasing awareness, if not acceptance, of this problem. You may want to read the book by Dr. William G. Crook (yes, that's his real name) called _The Yeast Connection_ published by Professional Books in Jackson, TN in 1983. The typical treatment for excessive yeast in the body is Nystatin which comes in pill, suspension, and power forms. A manufacturer claims the power is the most effective, expecially if there is yeast in the mounth and / or esophagus. I believe the latter condition is also referred to as 'Thrush'. The Environmental Health Center in Dallas, Texas is probably the largest center for treatment of chemical sensitivity. There is a society of Environmental Medicine Physicians (they have changed the name of this specialty a few times) and they have a list of practicioneers around the country. 'AL'

Vancouver Washington I posted here several weeks ago asking about chest pain/burning feeling. Since bypass May 12 2003 and resulting leg incision infection surgery June 2nd there has of course been lots of pain in this 58 year old body. I am so thankful for pain medicines but one should not need them forever. 2 weeks ago I was at wound clinic having the leg wound checked. Have been using a *plain* cloth type pad that when inserted in wound turns into a gel that absorbs drainage and lets a wound heal from the inside out instead of scabing over. Had been using this type gel for the past 2 1/2 months and wound has become very small and healing nicely. Doctor wanted to try a new type pad with a small percent of silver in it. I told her I was *metal senitive* which I knew from 15 years ago when I developed ear infections from pierced earings. I had worn ear rings for 20 years with no problem then these ear infections came out of no where. Did not matter what type post surgical steel, white gold, yellow gold ect. all metals were still causing infections. Finally I gave up the ear rings. The doctor from wound clinic said this was a *different type* silver and should NOT cause any problem. Within 24 hours the silver had gone into my bloodstream (from left leg wound site) and travled to the left ear and caused infection. Toughed it out over the week end and was then able to get in to doctor and be perscribed antibotic for the infection. By then infection had caused big Red throbbing painful ear and many weeping blisters all over ear. Infection had went down side of neck to throat area. Antibiotic has cleared up that infection and ear sores have scabbed over and are healing. I *FORGOT* to tell doctors of this allergy before Heart surgery. :( When they asked about allergies I only thought of the *medicine type* I have like to sulfer and certian type antibotics. They say had I told them they have *other type* of material they could have used. BECAUSE of all this the Cardilogist has decided the buring all along the chest incision is being caused by the *metal wires* even though they use a *special type*. He said if I don't let them go in and remove the wires the tissue will not heal and pain will NEVER go away. Sooooo tomorrow is the day to have them removed. I need to be at St Vincent Hospital in Portland Oregon in the morning by 5:00 a.m. If all goes well there will NOT be an overnight stay or they said perhaps just one night. Will post results after this is over and I feel well enough to get back online. Looking forward to being *pain free* in the near furture. :) Karla from Vancouver Washington

Well here I am entering my 6th month post four heart caths,(one stent) "cabg",and gall bladder removal. I'm still doing cardiac rehab on a maint. basis,twice a week,keeps me exercising,as I tend to get lazy.I still have the "skin stretched across the drum" feeling in my chest,moderate pain at times,and some shortness of breath. My biggest gripe now is a weird,sulfur like taste and smell. My heart doctor,GP,and lung doctor look at me like I'm looney,but it is there.Sometimes,like right now,it is so bad it gags me and seems to burn my eyes. I have searched the web for clues, but no luck. My next stop is going to be a Ear,Nose & Throat doctor. Sorry I got a bit testy with the guy that said,what I thought, to be disparaging things about our great country. I know this is a non-political board and I respect that. I wish all good health and speedy recoveries.....Mac

Hello all.I`m from a small town in Ga. and I know they have no heart bypass rcovery support groups near here .I had my cabg.July 21.2003.and i have found more support here than anywhere.i had my surgery in Gainesville ,Ga which is about 70 miles from where I live and i have to say ---excellent hospital and heart care to I have had no problems except for lots of pain but I called DR. Sat. he ordered Celebrex so it has helped.Thank you for telling me about that.my hopes and prayer`s go out to all of you and hope you all have speedy recovery----Pauline

Does anyone know if within your city or town, if there is a Byapss Recovery Support Group to meet and discuss all the things that we discuss online? I called two hospitals here in Roseburg, Oregon and found out that there is NONE. The hospital personnel I spoke to have never even considered having such a group. They have Diabetes support groups, AA support groups, AIDS support groups, Cancer support groups, you name it they have as a support group... all except BYPASS RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUPS. With any luck I might be starting one at the largest hospital here within the next couple of days. It is so easy to do too. All you need is at least 2 people who have had bypass surgery who would like to see the formation of such a group and the hospital will take care of everything from reserving the conference rooms to do the advertising in the local paper to generate interest for others within the community. Where we live there is not many people online so it will certainly benefit them by having such a group for them to meet with maybe once a month. You can be sure that I will announce to the live members that there is this group to join online to discuss issues between meetings. But, it would be nice to meet others face to face to support following their surgery. Just wondering if anyone from this group has ever asked if there is such a group within their community. I bet there isn't. Or, there are very few support groups. When I was speaking to the people at the hospital they had no idea that the bypass patient had so much to deal with following their surgery. I guess they figure that it is like have your tonsils taken out or something. When I mentioned DEPRESSION to the guy at the hospital his response was... "Your'e kidding?" He is going to check with his boss and see what can be done now to get things started. But, let me know if anyone has heard of a bypass recovery support group in their city where you can meet face to face once a month or so. Thanks, Ed Gundy CABG x 4, June 2, 2003 Roseburg, Oregon

Some of the new members and those just joining might be asking this question. Think, if you will about how you were feeling when you found this group. You needed help, were crying out for answers, support, understanding. If you had found this place last week when all the decussions were flaming a member because they made a mistake, and who appoligized, by the way, how would you have felt? Would you look to such a group for help, for support. I don't think I would have. What I would suggest in the furture is if you have a disagrement with a member, email them personnaly. There is no reason the rest of us have to be involved. THis is after all "Bypass Surgery Recovery Support". Not who hates who, who did what, or what if's. Just a support group of people sharing the same needs. Please, lets get back to what were about. Chuck

I don't know much about the US health care system but I now know a lot more than I ever expected to about the British one. It seems that it's quite normal here to wait for 12 to 18 months to have a bypass operation. We don't have to pay because everyone makes contributions to the National Health Service via deductions from their salaries. Some people do pay private insurance premiums via organisations like BUPA and are able to jump the queue. Some people, when they find out how long they will have to wait for a free operation, use their savings or take out loans to be able to be treated more quickly. [It seems that in the US people get bypass operations within days of first having an MI or angina. Is that the case?] I am not dissatisfied with the British system but it's not perfect by any means. In my husband's case his surgery was done 6 weeks after his first MI - but I think he was unusual and the only reason it was done so quickly was because he was considered to be an emergency case. I think the concept of emergency is a bit different here! A quick timetable of what happened: First heart attack - followed by a week in hospital. Then 2 days at home. Second heart attack. Unstable angina. 5 weeks spent in 2 different hospitals waiting first for an angioplasty, [which, when they did an angiogram, they found was not possible] and then for a bypass. All this was covered by his contributions and we didn't have to pay for anything. Any comparisons or comments from anyone in the US? [Or perhaps from anyone else from the UK?] Sylvia

Hi, First to quickly introduce ourselves, My hubby had a CABG X4 on the 12th of May the day after his 54th b-day. He's having problems with depression, fears as simple as falling asleep and whether he will ever be as he says normal again. One thing thats agravating him is the clicking he has in his chest. He mentioned it to the surgeon who said it was just a part of the healing process. But then I read the post in here after doing a search about it being a sign of the wires maybe loosening? I'm not sure what to think now. He just finally went for his evaluation to get insurance aproval to start a cardiac rehab program (12 weeks 3X a week) at our local hospital. I'm really hoping that will also do him some good emotionally as well as the obvious physical benefits. I'm thrilled to find this group and look forward to reading posts of suggestions Hugs Bill & Jenn

Chris, I was home a day and a half and had to go back to the hospital for about another week because I had trouble breathing. Love that oxygen! I am and have been a really shallow breather and had to work to get my breathing up. Its been five months and I still need to use my coachll every once and a while. Hope your husband is feeling and doing better. zippered down the middle losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

Politics shoud not be discussed here, but there is a great need for reform of the health care system in the United States. Why should the very poor and the very rich receive the best care. Why cannot our taxes be raised to where we are all included...That is the QUESTION. Juan

Although I didn't hear from anyone concerning my questions about swings in BP and sweats (plus another problem which was shortness of breath)....I now know what was going on and am posting this in case someone else needs the info. My husband went into atrial fibrillation which meant a trip to the emergency room. I'll give you the short version: after going to TWO emergency rooms, they finally did a tap and the equivalent of more than a gallon of fluid was extracted from his chest cavity. Little wonder that he was having problems! He's now in some pain from the irritation caused where the fluid had built up, but he's doing MUCH better. So if you or yours is having a similar problem, you might have this possibility checked out.

From John: "For you in the U.S., have a great Holiday. and for you in other countries thank God you don't live in the USA and have a great day.........John....." HEY JOHN, this is NOT political, this is about YOUR recovery, you poor, poor baby. America is a wonderful place!, John. It is your homeland. It is a country which has allowed you to gain your education and apply your skills - and mouth off like you do without fear of retribution. You are free to go to church, the synagogue, the mosk or stay home and watch CNN if you choose. You seem to blame the United States for your medical condition. Hey, there are no mass graves outside of Carlsbad. When you take mom to the Mall or out to dinner you don't think that a car bomb might kill you both. Your neighbors have not disappeared into the darkness of night. I'm so sorry that you are not getting free medical care, so so sorry - and you don't have to wait while they work their way down the list to get to your case. But you do have to be responsible enough to take care of yourself when something goes wrong, like drive a car somewhere. And when that free doctor in his country goes home at night he probably works on his resume so that he can come to the land of the free and practice his craft. We've all had glitches in our recovery, John. We help each other get through it as best we can. At times we offer advice. And I have some for you. Get the hell out of the USA, leave, go anywhere in the world you want, just get your sorry ass out of this great country. The sooner the better. Art Harding Plano, Texas

did any of u see any 80 yr old on the ward getting operation did anyone of u have aorta work

I've just looked at the update site and saw this message from Friday. We should be planning a welcome back party! Sylvia 29-Aug-03 01:23 PM - Jim Raber : 8/29/03 1:05 PM We have a slight delay in getting out of here but not a serious one. They started Ramona on some new medicines last night and want to give her 24 hours to make sure they are working correctly. The doctors have signed the paperwork to dismiss her at 8:00 AM tomorrow unless there is something they don't expect. My plans are to be here checked out of the hotel and ready to travel so we can begin the trek home. We hope to have a leisurely drive tomorrow and still make home by dinner time Sunday evening. All her medicines are not oral so they have taken the last of the IV lines out. This is a relief to her. She was disappointed in not getting out today but this is for the best. I'm eager to get her home but only when everything is the way the doctors want it. We've had a long climb up this hill and we want to do whatever is necessary. My next update will hopefully be from home on Monday. By then Ramona can sit down at the computer and do her own. I am grateful for all your prayers and concerns. With all that was done on her heart and with the condition she was in when we arrived, this is indeed a gift of God.

Any words of wisdom or "experiences to relate" about drops in BP after surgery? My husband had a quadruple bypass 3 weeks ago today. He's had lots of trouble with two things--(1) swings in perceived temperature (although his actual temperature doesn't vary much) which bring on periods of chills and numerous sweats, and (2) an occasional drop in blood pressure which is accompanied by complete exhaustion. His BP is usually running in the normal range, but then bottoms out at something like 92/60 (or close variations thereof). Other than these two things he's doing pretty well.

www.all-organic-food/flax.htm This page tells about some important facts that will be useful to us for our return to health. Love, Edith

Glad you are home, Jan, and on the mend. Sorry that you had to have an extended stay at the hospital. Hope you recovery goes smoothly from here on.

Group- I have recieved notices from some web-masters that e-mail sent by 'me' contained a virus. I assure you that I have sent no attachements (other than my resume) to anyone. I did send a warning to this group which mentioned the name of the virus, and I believe that may have been picked up by one stupid stupid software program. In another case, there was an attachement name mentioned which I do not recognize. What happens is, that if the virus gets in anyone's system, it can then 'spoof' (or abuse) e-mail addresses in that computers address book. I believe that this is what happened. So, if you don't expect a file attachment, be careful before downloading! Harold

Homocysteine is an artery - clogging factor when produced by the body in large quantities. One therapy for this is (I believe) folic acid (B-3) . The condition is called homocysteinuria . Based on this , but not having the condition, I decided long ago to include a little folic supplement in my daily routine. Not scientific, but my cardio doc did make a note of it in my records. I am not sure, but CRP is possibly related to inflammatory process. So taking a little aspirin might be of help. Not to mention meditation, relaxation, etc. Harold

In a message dated 8/21/03 5:52:01 PM Central Daylight Time, corameye@... writes: << anyone know any elderly who had operation My *guess* is that the recovery for 80 year olds is HIGHLY dependent on their general health and condition going into surgery. Also, their frame of mind and will to live will have a GREAT affect on their outcome. It is not uncommon for elderly Valve Replacement recipients to respond quite well since valve replacement generally results in greatly improved circulation. This is especially true when the patient has the drive to follow recommended exercises to regain mobility and stamina. Elderly patients who have been sedentary and remain sedentary following heart surgery may not do as well. I know one 83 year old man who never seemed to respond well following bypass. He was either not willing or able to exercise (walk) much and never regained his strength. 'AL'

Dont hardly know where to start. MMmmm, age i guess, i'm a 48 yr old male. It's been quite some time since i last posted. I am wondering if i should be on any meds at this pointexcept for a daily aspirin, and my depression meds. See i feel quite abandoned by the heart doctors. Surgery was done on an "i got no money or insurance" basis. Within 2 weeks of leaving hospital, i had a follow up visit with surgeon, said everything was fine. No mention of any meds needed. No mention of anymore appointments. Then follow-up visit with cardiologist, same thing, everything was fine, no mention of any meds needed. He did however, suggest getting help for my depression. AND no mention of another appointment. To me it was like he was saying, that's it we arent doing anymore for you, cause you have no $$ or insurance. Oh and i had had a heart attack with an angioplasty (stent put in) performed at the time (approx 3-4 weeks before the bypass). i have seen the word reocclusion mentioned, is that something i should be concerned about? It wasn't a medicated stent. More importantly, just what the heck is a reocclusion? I know that this was never mentioned to me by any of the doctors. Physically a part of my chest are still numb, like the feeling of having a novocaine shot. i can actual prick this area with a pin/needle and not feel any pain. Is this normal? I also am tired all the time, and doing anything requires great effort on my part. But this may be due to the depression. It has been suggested that i file for SS Disability, do any of you folks have suggestions on filing? I would love to see comments on all of this, cause i'm just wondering where i shoul;d be at this stage of the game. Sorry this is so long, it feels like i'm whining again.

I'm a 2x cabg patient 3 months out now. I also have CHF. I'm feeling ok but the mind wants more activity than the body can deliver. One of my reasons for joining this group is to find out how others pass the time. any suggestions appreciated. Larry

This is my first posting to this group. I had a mild heart attack 2 months ago and spent 9 days in the hospital. I was diagnosed with triple artery CAD and atrial fibrillation. Medication has not helped and I have severe angina. I recently had a thallium stress test which showed parts of my heart are not getting enough blood and the ejection fraction is low. Anyway, my doctor has been vacillating about how to treat this. It seems he wants to avoid bypass surgery because I'm still fairly young (54) and women often have more problems after bypass. Right now, I am scheduled to go to the hospital a week from Thursday and he plans to try and do several angioplasties with stents on the three veins but he is still holding open the option of a bypass. My question -- does anyone have any experience with having angioplasty done and then ending up with a bypass done later anyway. Although I don't look forward to a bypass, I wonder if it would be better to just get it over with since it seems to me I might end up with a bypass at a later time anyway. I have several severe blockages (60% or more) and some of them extend a long way in the vein. I would appreciate any thoughts about this, words of encouragement, etc. Judy in Arlington, Virginia

Dear Nancy, I don't have High Blood Pressure either but will be using a mild medication for it for maybe the rest of my life even though I don't like it. It was necessitated by the insertion of a stent into one of the two of my Bypasses that collapsed 4 years after they were done, resulting in 2 heart attacks 3 days apart. Once the cause was found the stent corrected one of the causes. The stent requires more even blood pressures than occur naturally. Now whenever I am tested, by anyone in a white coat, so I'm uncomfortable my pressure records at about 20 points higher than it otherwise checks out. ( the other stayed open when they used the catheter within it ). If this keeps the stint open and functioning longer then it is a benefit to me to take as directed. Hope this explains a possible reason. It would be beneficial for you both to read the books by Dr. Dean Ornish. They are in libraries and can be found in paperback as well. If you aren't familiar with his work, then telling you that he has patients that couldn't have Bypass because of the extent of their health problems. His books show the benefit of life-style change. He has documented all his research and has helped many whom other Cardiologist offered 'no hope'. One other thing is to read the archives on this list. There is a lot of information stored there. It is much easier to learn about handling Heart Disease now than it was 10 or 12 years ago. Now using www.lukol.com ( a master search engine gateway that includes 9 other search engines, including Google. Sincerely, Edith

I also had depression and would highly recommend that you get treatment. I went to a psychiatrist that specializes in depression after a traumatic even like surgery and he mostly sees patients 60 and over. I take prozac and it seemed to help some even though I still feel depressed at times especially because of the constant pain and my stomach's inability to tolerate advil. Depression probably goes with this type of surgery most of the time. My dr. had someone evaluate me while I was in the hospital and then I was able to continue seeing someone after that for a couple of months. Ann

Hello All, I have a quick question. I had a triple bypass approximately 17 months ago. I had a ton of complications and ended up spending close to three weeks on the telemetry unit. I never had a heart arrhythmia prior to my heart attack and 3X CABG, but I have now had Atrial Fibrillation on an almost daily basis since my release from the hospital. The docs said it was normal to develop heartbeat irregularities after bypass surgery, but that they would subside as time passed. Now my cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist all agree that my Afib is here to stay. Virtually all of the medication I now take are to control my Atrial Fibrillation, which they do relatively poorly. Even though I have recovered fairly well from the bypass (two of the three grafts are still open, including both mammary arteriesonly one saphenous vein closed up within the first year), the Atrial Fibrillation is a real drag on my quality of life. So, the question is, has anyone else in this group developed any kind of permanent atrial or ventricular arrhythmias as a result of a heart attack or a CABG surgery? Wishing you all good health, CABG Boy

OH OH....Im mostly in air conditioning but live on the west coast of florida known for the humidity...wonder if thats part of the problem..expecially being a yankee transplant :?

Hi everyone. I had my "cabg" 3/31/03. I am feeling pretty good lately. I'm out of rehab,am staying on maint. for a few months. I'm wearing a 24 hour monitor as I type this. Had a stress test about two weeks ago,they wanted a heart rate of 131,I got to 126 and my leg cramped. There was a bit of a problem with read out,so I'm wearing the monitor.All in all,I feel better every day. Still some scar soreness,and a litle short of breath at times,but considering the alternative,I'm not bitching. To say I wasn't scared shitless, the first 2 months, would be a big lie. I'm 65 and this was by far the hardest thing I've ever gone through. I'm still taking 7 different pills, plus a baby asprin.Having put my body thru 4 heart caths,"cabg",and gall bladder removal in less then 100 days,still boggles my mind.Without the support of my wife,family,and this message board,I would have been lost. Thank all of you who gave me encouragement along the way. I wish all of our friends in the "cabg" patch speedy recoveries,and better health in the future. I'll check back in from time to time,and give a update,till then I will be on the side-lines reading the post. Thanks again...Mac

1st my apologies. I was sending messages but didnt hit the send...duhhhhhhh....I to have extreem pain and soreness in my upper back,shoulder,left arm. That is what brought me to the MD in the first place and walla CABGx4 with a carotid endartectomy to boot on 6/16. The pain drove me nuts even afterward. I got so scared something was wrong (since its the same symptoms of the bypass) I went to the ER and was admitted for 4days. After lots of tests ending up with another catherization the cardiologist said its muscle spasms affecting one of the grafts and gave me another med. The MD claims the shoulder pain is artheritis and wants to do a cortizone shot..Anyway its nuts. I went for a stress test and will get the results on Monday. I also went to a physical therapist that is known by friends. He claims therapy for the arm and deep muscle massage and mild therapy for the chest will help more than any meds. All the muscles, tendons and rib cage and lets face it the whole area has been tramatized. I can empathize with those having these pains...Like I said it drives me nuts..Other than that Im slowly recovering. I walk, nap...and last night took my first lovely hot bath..Does weather affect anyone else..Its been raining here and seems to make things worse....Any comments appreciated

Vancouver Washington Hi I read your post awhile back that said you had to Return for Surgery to have the *Wires* removed from your chest AFTER a LOT of complaining to your doctor. How LONG after Surgery did the wires start to bother you? Was it weeks or several months? How long before the doctor was willing to *Listen* and then finally remove the wires? What were your symptoms? Was there a *Burning* in your chest area. What kind of pain/discomfort? I mean *above and beyond* the Normal kind we have after Bypass surgery. I had Triple Bypass 3 months ago and spent a week in Hospital. Had NO problems at all with the chest incision UNTIL the 2nd month. Did get a huge infection in one of the long leg incisions while still in the hospital and had to return 3 weeks later for another week hospital stay and have Leg surgery. :-(

HI Toni! I had bypass surgery in Oct. 2002 and still have chest pain and have pain in my shoulders and back. If I sneeze it really hurts my chest. Taking a deep breath hurts also or coughing. My doctor says it might not go away. Might have to take pain medication for it from now on. I take advil and then it often gives me stomach pain so its hard to know what to do. If I don't take anything, then I wake up about 2a.m. with pain. I am 61 and feel now than before the surgery. Guess I just don't appreciate the fact that I am still here. I had six blockages and 4 bypasses as two arteries had two blockages each and were bypassed with on piece of the leg vein. Good luck and let me know if you find something that works for the pain. I do exercise 4 or 5 times a week and use weights about once a week. Ann

Hi Toni, I had my triple bypass March 24 of this year. I still have the breathing pain and still need to used my coach2 or my breathing gets too shallow. And I am still not comfy trying to sleep on my side. Also, I knew I was having a heart attack by the pain in my jaw. Think it's a woman thing? lol. I am hoping that time, diet, and walking fixes all this. Hoping for the best for you, Michal who has lost all her siggies!

Hi, We are a French family and we will live shortly in the USA But our 13 year old daughter has a CHD (Single Ventricule (just left ventricle (without right ventricle)),Situs solitus,Transposition of the great vessels,Atrial septal defect,Atresia (valve atrium/ventricle),Coarctation of the Aorta.) We would like to know the valid insurances that they is necessary to take for our daughter because we do not know very well the insurance company in the USA and which is the insurance policy which I must take for my daughter and approximately the price. Thank you very much for your help daumal.christian@...

In a message dated 8/10/03 12:43:27 AM Central Daylight Time, triplebypass_ct@... writes: << I still have a great deal of difficulty in falling asleep at night due to the chest/leg discomfort that I'm experiencing. Likewise once I do fall asleep, it's only for an hour or two max before I'm bolt awake again. Are you taking PAIN medication? If not, talk with your surgeon and / or Primary Care Physician about controlling your leg pain. MANY CABG patients find that sleeping in a recliner is more comfortable than a bed for the first couple of weeks until the sternum begins to heal and does not move when you roll over. MOST(?) Heart Surgery patients find they sleep only 2 or 3 hours at a time for several weeks. NAPS are GREAT. ENJOY ! Walking is the best way to restore mobility and endurance. Do as much as your body feels comfortable doing, then rest. Breathing is improved by using the Incentive Spirometer you should have received at the hospital. I was told to do the breathing exercises for 10 minutes every 2 hours to prevent Pneumonia and to fully inflate my lungs. The Mantra on ValveReplacement.com is : WALK, WALK, WALK, BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE, NAP, NAP, NAP 'AL'

How much and how far can I push myself 2 weeks post op. Surgery was done due to clogged arteries with no symptoms. How far can/should I walk? I am an active person who needs things to do. Can I tie up my tomato plants?

08-Aug-03 06:15 PM - JimRaber : I am at the Clinic waiting for the next visiting period in ICU so I can see Ramona once more before going back to the hotel. This has been a remarkable day. When I got here this morning they had removed the respirator and she was awake and alert. Before I left from the 4:00 PM visitation period they came in to remove her chest tube. This is way ahead of the schedule we were told to expect. Obviously, she has some discomfort but they are keeping pain under control and she is doing really very well. She was joking with the nurse as I left. Both the cardiologst and the surgeon are really pleased and I think surprised at her progress. Ramona's answer is simple: "It's all the prayer!" The next couple of days are still very critical but we feel as though we are at the center of a miracle. God has been good. Thanks so much for your prayers, good wishes and expressions of love. This has made a difference. Ramona's attitude is fantastic. I'll get another update in tomorrow.

I had bypass surgery in October, 2002 and completed cardiac rehab at the hospital. Since then, I have developed chest pain, shoulder pain and back pain. I have burning pain in my stomach. The stomach pain started 3 days before the surgery and has been with me most of the time since. I take maalox and/or pepto bismol at night so I can get to sleep. My left leg is swollen at the ankle (not much) and feels numb. I have stuck it with a needle and it does have feeling just feels strange. In the last month my leg has begun to hurt at night and after I ride my bicycle. I would really like to know how others with this surgery are doing and how long it took to get over it. I was told I would feel much better after the surgery and while I didn't really feel bad before the surgery I sure do now. It was explained to me that I had been feeling bad for so long I really didn't notice but if I had this surgery I would be surprised how much better I feel. Now I feel like that was just not ture.

We are keeping up progress reports at www.thestatus.com. Simply select patient information and type in RABER. The password I have chosen is butterfly1.

Merci Beaucoup

Hello all. Had an angiogram Tuesday, was hoping for the stent solution but it's bypass time on the LAD. Now hoping for the off-pump version but waiting for the verdict. Nervous is the word. Julian

Hi to all, Tomorrow I "graduate" cardiac rehab.(16 weeks). I stongly suggest that if you have rehab available in your area,do it. In the past two weeks it seems as if I am returning to a state of health I have not enjoyed in years. I'm a 65 year old male,non smoker for ten years,very light drinker. Since Jan. 03 I have had 4 heart caths,"CABG",1200 cc plural infusion drained,and my gall bladder removed. I am thankful to have found this board,and all the info,and advice I've gotten from it.My wife (my rock) and I are going camping this week end,so you know I'm feeling good. So to all you newbies,hang in there, it does get better,go thru the crying,and all the other down feelings,and one day you will turn a corner,and Whamoo, you will be a new person. Trust your own instincts,if it don't seem right to you, it may not be. No one knows their body better then you,yourself. Put up with the doctors,and be nice to the nurses,and you will make it. Goodluck to all...Your Friend..Mac

I wish you both a speedy recovery...Im just out of hospital again..will fill everyone in later....

Hello everyone Finally I am going into hospital tomorrow. My OP a triple heart bypass is Friday and I would like to thank you all for you support and good information and best wishes I have recieved in the last 6 weeks so once again Thank you. I will be back so watch for my next post when I am into the recovery stage and dancing LOL LOL. Bye for now take care each and everyone Jan from the UK

Art, you must have a good 'sniffer'. What tipped you off? The specific parameters that were mentioned? I believe I had 'autologous' transfusion... that means they gave me back my own blood . Doc told me at some point. But too long ago and outside some of the other parameters as well. Regards, Harold

, Goodluck tomorrow,and God bless you.....Mac

Some of you may remember my story of emergency of November 2002. I'm headed back to surgery tomorrow morning early at the Cleveland Clinic. We are keeping up progress reports at www.thestatus.com. Simply select patient information and type in RABER. The password I have chosen is butterfly1. It looks as though I will be having three heart valves repaired and/or replaced and three (possibly four) bi-passes. You have all been very supportive and I wanted to let you know what is going on with me at this time. Thanks for your prayers and concerns.

I work in a leading market research company and we are working on a research project regarding blood safety. Specifically, we are looking to speak with individuals over 21 years of age that have received a blood transfusion while in the hospital for heart bypass surgery within the last 6-12 months. As part of a nationwide research study, patients will take part in a 30-minute telephone study. Patients can take part in the survey from the privacy of their own home or office. Interviews will be held throughout the day in early to mid August. A gift in the form of $100 check will be mailed to each patient within 1-2 weeks from the interview. If you are interested in participating in this telephone research study, please contact MFR toll free at 1-877-871-1400 and tell them you are calling about the "Blood Safety" project. Any information gathered from patients will be kept in strictest

For those of you who watch what you eat...Here's the final word on nutrition and health, and it's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies: 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Canadians, British or Americans. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the Canadians, British or Americans. 3. The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Canadians, British or Americans. 4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the Canadians, British or Americans. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Canadians, British or Americans. 6. Ukrainians drink a lot of vodka, eat a lot of pirogues, cabbage rolls and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Canadians, British or Americans. CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Triple Mid May 2002 Lost weight after Op, but all put back on now + more. I am only 10 Stone (UK) so probably needed to put on more. I feel great these days but at only 39 years old maybe I'm lucky. My chest wound took 12 months to heal properly with a further op 4 months post op to remove the chest rings which reacted badly with my body. Back pains for about 5 months but they gradually wore off. People ask me if I now feel better post op compared to before I knew I had Cardio Disease. I have said "just similar" up to now, but with getting back into shape following this (great) Scottish summer I now feel better than for the past few years. For those recovering after surgery, I at 38 felt I was never going to be the same person ever again, but I can truthfully say that I now, 14 months, post op, feel great and full of life again. My only negative is that I have the odd little cigar now and again, which is bad I know, and I await the emails of disgust! Happy healing Guys Colin Blairgowrie Scotland

I just got back from a conference in Chicago and was reading all the messages. I had to check my lobes out to see if mine were smooth or if I had creases. Mine are creased, but not having looked at them or inspected them specifically for this feature before I am not sure if them have always been this way or not. I enjoyed reading the comments though! Very interesting. Barb

Ok.....now what does this mean! My left ear has a crease......the right one doesn't!! Had CABGX4 5 years ago and it is obvious I have heart disease etc........the crease concept was known many, many years ago as my Mom used to talk about it and check everyones ears. I'm 68 so this has been around for some time........has anyone done a search using "google" to see there is any sound medical talk about this?? Also Edith.....I never noticed any ridges on my nails before surgery but about 6 months after surgery I noticed a very definite horizonal ridge in one nail. Thinking that perhaps something happened to that nail during surgery etc I didn't think too much of it.........BUT I still have it and I have to keep that nail really short as once it grows it is a definite split into two "sides" and catches on everything. I have done a couple of searches on this but have never come up with anything definite.......seems strange it is just one nail........... Wonder is always sleeping on one side could cause a crease??? Carol

Hi Ed, I've heard that one too, and wondered about it also. I don't have the crease, but my son-in-law has them. That's why I worried. He has no signs of Heart Disease, but both his parents did. ( My daughter has made dietary changes that her in-laws teased her constantly about while they were alive. ) I've wondered if anyone else had lengthwise fingernail ridges before surgery that went away afterwards. Also the shape of my fingernails changed = like they were shapping into claws, instead of open and slightly rounded surface, but returned to normal sometime after surgery. Started to re-shape again to a lesser degree just before the heart attacks. But now they are normal. Used to always have cold hands, but now they are always warm. There is a lot of benefit in restored and improved circulation. Did anyone have any differences occur in their hair? Before my hair only grew to about 3 inches beneath my ears, but about 4 or 5 years ago it began getting fuller and is now very long. Maybe it the abundance of nutrients I take and the influence of nutrition. I take it as a sign that things are really improving. My leg scar is now pale, and my daughter teases that I have a run in my stockings when I wear shorts. The other day at the Farmers market a friends mother got excited when she saw me in shorts. She had Bypass also, and had never seen anyone else with the leg scars. Guess we belong to and unusual club. When my daughter had Scoliosis surgery they told her she was a member of the Turtle club ( because of the body cast ). I remember the "friendly visitors" that came to visit while I was in the hospital for bypass saying that now I was a member of the "zipper club". Guess there is more humor in bypass than I realized. Now that it isn't scary anymore, a lot of things are a lot funnier and more humorous. Thanks, for your question, Ed. Good food for thought. May your health be fantastic and your life long and happy. Love, Edith that my instructor made that still rings in my ears to this day.

I've had 4 heart caths,"cabg", and my gall bladder removed in the past four months,now I have to worry about ear lobe creases. No way. At age 65 I have creases all over my body,my ear lobes are the last thing I want to think about. Just kidding,I have ear lobe creases,soI guess this is the end of me. Bye cruel world....Mac

Smooth here

Back in my college days... so many years ago... I remember a statement that my instructor made that still rings in my ears to this day. I hope all of you check this out and respond honestly to the question to see if it holds true for today. I want you all to look in the mirror and look carefully at your EAR LOBE. Now here is the question. Does your ear lobe have a crease across it or is perfectly smooth? I will give you the significance of this question to all of us when I get a hefty number of responders to the question. The answer, and how it relates to us could prove to be very interesting to you all. Thanks, Ed

Thank you guys for the feed back. I guess from time to time, we all need to know, that someone else out there, is sharing our pain. Most of us have a loved one to support us,but no one can get inside your body (or head) and know what exactly you feel from day to day. I served two tours of duty in Nam, but I was never as scared as I was with "CABG". The uncertainy of it all,can be over-whelming at times. Thanks again for the pep talk. Well I'm off to cardiac rehab, I'll do my workout with more vigor today. Cya.....Mac

Hello to all and welcome to all the new posters to this wonderful board. My question is, I'm now at 113 days "cabg" post op. The area just left of my chest scar and the scar itself,about 4 inches in diameter,is still very sore.Sometimes it feels hot,prickly and brittle.It is hard to describe it. My doctor says not to panic, that I'm still in the healing process and that it may take months more to finish healing. They spripped a vein out of the left side of my chest so maybe that adds to the discomfort. I thought maybe I broke a staple or something. I don't want to distrust my doctor,but sometimes I get the feeling that he is so busy getting to the next patient that he is just trying to get me out the door. Are any of you that are past 4 or 5 months still having any of these feelings. I'm 65 and was in pretty good shape till I started down this road,now I feel like crap,80% of the time. Geez I'm grumpy today,sorry. Thanks for any input you may have....Mac

Stannis, as Ed told you everyone has there own time frame to recovery. I thought for awhile the pain would never go away and I hated the feeling losy everyday, but eventually everything seemed to get better. It just took awhile and although I had my bypass in October of 2002, I still have occassional pain and tightness in my chest. I'm only a few years youger than you and a small breasted woman also. With time and a lot of support you will start feeling better and things will start getting back to normal. Just hang in there, things will get better. Best wishes from Kay at joracing33.

This afternoon I had my six week check up with my surgeon. He gave me a clean bill of health and am allowed to go back to work. He did say that I cannot lift anything for another six weeks to allow the healing of the sternum. He also took me off my Lopressor. I told him about the side effects I have been experiencing and he told me he was going to write a letter to my cardiologist and my family doctor stating that I am going off of the Lopressor. He wants me to reduce my dosage in half for one week and stop taking it. If anyone is experiencing dizziness, tiredness, and a general BLAH feeling it could be your beta blocker doing this to you. I also had to leave him a copy of the prescriptions I am taking along with anything else I am taking. On the list I wrote CoQ10 Enzymes and Cayenne and he did not question me on these two when he looked it over. Fortunately I have an open minded surgeon when it comes to alternative health. Thanks to the Cayenne I feel better than I have in a very long time. I bet I can walk miles....at least that is how I feel. To do it may be another story... :-). My BP was 116/78 and my heart rate was 92. While I was there I stopped in to the cardiac unit at Sacred Heart Hospital on the campus of University of Oregon to say hi to the nurses there. I have never met a greater bunch of people in my life. It was so strange to visit the unit after six weeks. Like walking through a dream. My scars are healing well without any Vitamin E at this point but I will be using E starting this weekend to allow them to heal better. I just wanted to fill you all in on why I am celebrating tonight. I am really looking forward to getting back to work on Monday now. Sure glad I joined this group several days ago so that I can hear from others who are experiencing the same things I am. Have a wonderful weekend, Ed 54-4x CABG Oregon

Hello everyone I am Jan and I wrote to the group saying I had a heart attack early June and was going to be took back into hospital soon for a triple heart bypass. Yes I am from the UK but my illness and operation is the same wherever I come from, I see most of you are from the USA or maybe all not sure but I was advised my a group member to ask if there was a group closer for me to contact well so far I have found nothing that comes close to the respect and knowledge I have found from this group, I have several questions still to be answered and my date for my bypass is the 8th August. My question today is directed to the female gender of the group but maybe the men can answer part b for me. What does the scar for me as a woman look like and how quickly does it heal? Part b Any good tips concerning the scar???? So please let me stay in this group it is so helpful and the people very nice too. Take care Jan

Hi Rich's wife, I can relate to your husband, had similar symptoms. I also had similar fears. I wasn't too upset about how the scars looked (I swear "they" used a fork to see if I was done yet by the look of one group of scars) because (1) I was alive and (2) I had breast cancer which left me with two scars which I've covered with tattoos. It is important that your husband talk to his doctor about what he is feeling both physically and emotionally. I think if Rich reads some of the past messages on line he will find others who have gone thr and survived the same things. Also, I know my walking did improve my mood so may be it will help him too. Hoping for the best for your both, - Michal z stapled down the middle Countess Talks Too Much Type II D&E & rx "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

Hi, My husband just had 3X on July 7th. He was in the hospital for 18 days due to complications with some of the meds they put him on because he became a diabetic after the heart attack on June 28th. Has any of you became diabetic from your heart attacks? This is my first experience with anyone that has had heart surgery. I have read alot of the posts and see that some of his reactions are the same as many of you. Can you tell me how long the mood swings and depressions will last? I am being very understanding with him and trying to assure him that I will love him no matter what and stand by his side. He saw himself in the full length mirror for the first time yesterday and this totally upset him. Today he saw one of our granddaughters for the first time since he was hospitalized and after they left he was upset. I just want to help him and say the right things. Also he is having a hard time fallng asleep. He is worried that the twinges and pain that he is having will be another heart attack. We didnt' really know he was having a heart attack. The only symptoms he had were a jaw ache and slight pressure in his chest. Thanks for listening and I will be reading more of the posts to see if other questions can be answered. Rich's wife and support.

Hello all, My 68 year old mother had triple bypass on July 8, 2003 and had carotid artery cleaned out only 2 weeks prior to that. She did perfect with both surgeries and got discharged from the hospital after the bypass July 14. She is now in a rehabilitation hospital as we live approx 45 min away from town. My question is: Did most of you go through some type of rehab? Was it inpatient and for how long? Did anyone just go home and try to structure some diet and exercise program on your own? My mom is a real fighter and loves to be active. She says she could do at home what she's doing in the rehab hospital. I believe she would be better off mentally at home. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks for your help. concerned daughter

Dan: I had CABGx4 at age 45 as a former marathon runner, I'd take 15 years right now if offered to me. Consider yourself lucky. Dave

Hi to all in the group, I had mine done 5 weeks ago, Iam 51 and feeling like 30, best desicion I ever made. looking forward to go to work soon.I still feel some pain in my sternum but doctor say thats normal considering they just cut it open. Iam doing 30 minutes on the tredmill every day and no angina. I hope I have been of some help to any body out there. Feel Free to ask me any question.

I use vit e and aloe. I feel as though my scars healed faster from my breast surgery than they are healing from the heart surgery but then, the heart surgery was more traumatic to my whole body. - Michal z stapled down the middle Countess Talks Too Much Type II D&E & rx "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

Hi, I am sorry that you are scared and I know the feeling. My brother is two years out from his bypass and valve replacement and he is doing great. He walks for an hour everyday and I can't walk that fast and never could. I am three months two weeks from my surgery and most days I see some improvement. I realize that I need to eat correctly and that I still need to use my coach 2 for breathing exercises. Allergies have really gotten to me this year. Recently someone mentioned skip beats which my doctor had mentioned and now I believe my doctor. Hope we never need that breathing tube again!!! - Michal z stapled down the middle Countess Talks Too Much Type II D&E & rx "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

"CUDOS" To all support persons, we need you, we depend on you, we test you, WE LOVE YOU! (Dedicated to: my husband, Alan who has been here for me from the beginning and who would do anything for me. He has never said a harsh word. He has encouraged me, supported me, held me, changed my dressings, rubbed my back, combed my hair, taken me to doctors visits, cooked, cleaned, and the list goes on..... Alan and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary on August 17th 2003.

Hi, I just joined this group. Glad to find the group for sure. I had a quad bypass on June 2, 2003 after having two heart attacks on May 27th. Instead of the normal stay in the hospital I had a myriad of complications that kept me in for a total of 15 days. I told my wife if one more thing happens just shoot me. Since I have been home I have been reading as many books as I can find on heart disease, the surgery and rehab as I can from the library. There are some good ones out there but, most of them are technical and from a doctor's perspective. I did find one from a patient's perspective and his recovery from two different surgerys six years apart. Good reading! He has now completely reversed his disease and has been clog free due to excercise and diet. If anyone is interested in the name of the book email me and I will get it for you. Talk about mood swings!!! I have cried more in the past five weeks than I have in the past 50 years. I have also been angry at times. Especially in the morning when I am reminded of all this when I see my chest in the mirror while shaving. The nurses at the hospital told me that they see about 50% of the patients return for another surgery because they do not change their lifestyle after discharge. They believe for some reason that "I have a new heart" and they go back to the same old lifestyle that landed them in the hospital for the surgery to begin with. That is NOT going to happen to me. Looking back for the past six months prior to the attacks I now see that I had symptons that I just plain ignored. I had shortness of breath, exhaustion, slurred speech, loss of memory to name the main ones. Hopefully I will start my rehab next week. I have been doing a bunch of walking all around the house. I even went out and drove two days ago locally and visited with some business accounts for a total of four hours. Sure paid for it the next day by being very worn out. I am just curious how many of the members are doing their own rehab at home vs. with a structured rehab program at a hospital. I have a treadmill and a weight resistance machine at home and throught I could do some additional working out at home in addition to the program at the hospital to recovery faster. I was surprised to find out that there was no support group in my small rural town here in Oregon and am very happy to find one here with you guys. I am really looking forward to getting your emails about our ordeals and your recoveries. Ed Gundy Roseburg, Oregon edgundy@...

HI: Im new to all this and glad to find this group. I had a quad bypass on June 16th along with the cathroid artery (the one in the neck). All this came as a huge suprise as all I had was some mid back and shoulder pain. I tire easily and now I have chest pains. So far they tell me all is going ok. Im going to try to backtrack all these posts to get some imput. I feel all alone and scared. Guess thats normal too.

Wow, "guys," my anxiety level is high. It's like mom and dad arguing. I had my first day back at work, four hours only. Maybe that is why I still feel anxiety. The slightest pressure feeling in my chest, the slightest ping near my heart, the ouch in my left arm and I was sure I was doomed to croak right there in Starbucks. My doc told me "no caffeine, not even decaff," no pastries, no sodas...ack, is was so hard. The caffeine part is the hardest but I did at least enjoy the aroma which before my heart attack had lost the ability to smell for the most part. So my new song is that it is better to be able to work than to not work at all. Saltless in California, - Michal z stapled down the middle Countess Talks Too Much Type II D&E & rx "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

Jeff said: One of the e-newsletters I get says that 1 Jan2000 will be the worst-ever day for viruses. Instead of the average of 4 or 5 each day triggered by the date, they estimate there could be hundreds, although most will be essentially the same few basic types. Even though I update my DAt files every moth and check weekly to see if there are interim updates, I plan to leave my computer off from before midnight on the 31st until after midnight on the 1st. ----- This sounds like good advise, Jeff. I have a question, though. If the virus is arriving by email, then wouldn't it be still in your mailbox waiting for you when you went back to open your accumulated mail? Not a computer whiz kid here by any means....Linda

Karen wrote: As you say no one seems to believe us.... as we don't have an outward appearance - like a cast - or a wheel chair....I think people should be able to look at me and see. ------- Actually, I think I have a distinctive look with a migraine. Bloodshot eyes, pale face and occasionally people think I've been crying. I look in the mirror and see it's very hard to hide. I can see it. Other people probably think I'm having a bad day or something---not too far off the mark.....I think someone who has them can recognize them in others instantly. I always know when my daughters have them. Unfortunately 2 of my 3 do get them. I do know what you mean though. It is invisible to alot of people that don't experience chronic pain or love us dearly. ------- Karen wrote Isn't it good to just know there is someone who DOES UNDERSTAND !!!! ----- You bet. It's wonderful that we have this list not just to gripe, although we have our share of that and deservedly so, but to share information that may help another. I'm so grateful for that and for the occasional shoulder. Thanks to each one for listening and caring. Blessings, Linda

1. IBM does not issue virus alerts. 2. Any e-mail message that (a) shows signs of having been forwarded a lot &/or (b) says to forward to everyone you know is immediately suspect. 3. True virus alerts do not have that panicky tone...

Thanks for bringing that to my attention!! Now I feel like a bit of a goose... I got a virus in my computer last week, and now I'm super vigilant about it all. That's a great site you provided the link for, I'll always check there in future before getting on the bandwagon! Annie.

Good morning, Yesterday was BAD again .So what is new??? I took 2 Wygesic.....They helped for about 4 hrs. then it was back...This time I took 2 Feoraset.. I am afraid to take the same thing everytime as I am worry it will damage my liver or kidneys, or one time just NOT work. It is 9 A and I feel it...What should I do...go for a walk - take a pill or use my Imatrex???? I decided to go back on the estrogen as my Dr. was very concerned about my bones,heart,brain if I didn't.Also MY Headaches have been ferocious since last Thursday when I went off.Just not manageable.I did find that it isn't estrogen causing mine. Thanks for the Virus advice site. ! bookmarked it. My Husband had a Migraine yesterday.Can you imagine the 2 of us WITH MIGRAINES, Not a pretty picture.He depends on ASPIRIN to relieve his ..at least he didn't start vomiting which is usually what happens with his.He missed work -had to call in - He has about 6 a year I didn't have to work last night.. My grown son relies on Excedrin Migraine...Yes both of my adult children have inherited these things. Linda,how is it going today ??? Karen We CAN make it thru just one more day !! :)

Hi Group, I joined this group nearly 2 years ago when my dad first scheduled for his CABG surgery and chickened out of it at the very last minute. Since his condition (shortness of breath but never had heart attacks in the past) became worst, his doctors urged him to go through with the surgery on 6/11. His surgery took place at the University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They did a triple-bypass and put him on dialysis after the surgery because his kidneys are not working very well. On top of that, he has diabetes and high blood pressure. They took him off the ventilator after the second day and kept him in the ICU. On the fifth day after the surgery, one afternoon, his blood pressure and heart rate suddenly declined and the doctors have put him back on the ventilator. He has since been on the ventilator and they are still doing the dialysis on him. During all this, he is conscious but he's been restless due to the fact that he's been lying down for nearly 3 weeks and discomfort from the tubes. My question to the group - is this a standard procedure for someone in this type of situation, to be kept in the ICU for nearly 3 weeks? Also, when he's restless, the nurses would give him sleeping pills so he can rest, is that right? My family is concerned because when we asked when he will be moved to the regular wards, the answer given is "when he gets better". Sometimes when we visit him, he'll be highly sedated and will not even open his eyes when you call his name. Is that standard procedure to prevent patients from being restless? Your opinion/thoughts/guidance will be much help (even though the surgery is not done in the US) for us to understand the situation. Thank you. Amri

Thanks for the shoulder Linda, ,,,,,,,, Yesterday I used 2 Imatrex .....which relaxed it a bit ..at 3 I had to be at work..At 6 I had a MONSTER.. I took 2 Wygesic and used the Migraine Ice Pad that I just bought.About 7:30 it began to feel some better.I turned off all the lights I could ..and nervously waited........I wish there were a magic pill we could take once a day......... Don't we sound like druggies..... Any thing to stop this pain for a little while.....to feel "normal" As you say no one seems to believe us.... as we don't have an outward appearance - like a cast - or a wheel chair....I think people should be able to look at me and see...Only Mom can....People expect us to act a certain way....do this do that I say I can't ...maybe one day a H/A is a good excuse...after that .....When I just can't think I avoid people....... Isn't it good to just know there is someone who DOES UNDERSTAND !!!! Karen

Karen wrote: I am so very tired of this........ I go nowhere, I see nobody except my husband. Sometimes I can't stand to look at my computer.... for the light.... I don't like to be around people when my head is hurting and it so rarely isn't. When it isn't then I am usually in some world of fog. I feel like a social outcast... My best friend is my beautiful gorgeous Tabby ,Shy TI. He snuggles and purrrrs ... It will be 9 years Jan. of 2000. WHY don't they just disappear ?? Can I cry on your shoulder and you can cry on mine.... Today is a real down day....Thanks to Mr. Migraine. Head to Head,Heart to Heart, Karen

Curious as it may seem, our bodies do not monitor the oxygen level in our blood to determine breathing, but the carbon dioxide level. This is why you yawn, or need to breathe if you hold your breath too long. If you breathe straight oxygen (flushing out all the CO2 from your blood), you can stand there with no urge to breathe again until the CO2 builds up again in your blood. (And if you take in a lungful of helium to make squeaky noises you feel really weird because your lungs are full but nothing is happening to that breathing monitor.) Hiccups (caused by a spazzing of the vagus nerve) are cured by holding your breath 'cause the CO2 build-up "re-programs" the nerve that's shutting the door on your trachea (causing the "click"). Similarly, too much exertion or irregular hours induce migraines due to the CO2 build-up and the resulting dilation of the blood vessels...

Oh, you guys are shattering all my illusions. I had such hopes. It worked for my grandma. Maybe it'll still work for me. At present I have had a migraine for 5 days straight. I am so out of it from all the meds I've needed. I can't wait for this one to be over with. This is a hormonal HA and lately nothing seems to rid me of them. I just have to wait them out.The usual meds just don't seem to work as well for these migraines. Linda Message: 2 Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 08:44:37 -0600 From: "karen holverson" <kren@... Subject: Re: Digest Number 373 Same here Linda - I went through the change at 42 in 1988.....they started DAILY in Jan. of 91 and they have been my constant companion since..But I hear that said allot... Sorry, Karen

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my Cardioligist, (second visit in five months). This time as was the case the first time I went, I find out everyone there has an appointment time of either 12:15 or 12:30 PM., EVERYONE. I show up at five minutes to 12:30 and ask the receptionist how many are ahead of me. She says "everyone in the waiting room and those out in the hallway. I make a quick head count and it come to 37 people not counting spouses and drivers. Some had arrived early to be the first in line, knowing the system better than I. One had actually come in at 9:30 for the 12:15 appointment. Now here is the RUB. These doctors probably saved our lives, gave us another chance, gave me back the stregth and vitality I used to have to get on with my life. Gave me the understanding to appercite every minute that I have left and not to waste any of it. Yet, I am expected to give up a whole day, what with the drive to and from home to the office, then sit or stand for 3 to 4 hours waiting to see a doctor that might spent 5 minutes with me, if I'm lucky and he doesn't have an emergency during that day. Well, I'm sorry, I don't feel like being treated like cattle. I don't have the patience to sit and wait anymore, cause being a thinking individual, I am capable of telling time and trustworthy enough to be there on time. I even thought to bring a snack even a bottle of water, but no, I am told you must suffer your time in the waiting room, without refreshment. No children are allowed, not enough seating (20). Can't bring more than one person with you as a driver or nurse. As I said, got there at 12:25 PM, checked in, 37 people ahead of me. Left shortly after that to go eat lunch with my driver. Checked back in at 1:30, was told doctor had just arrived, six patience in rooms, 31 in waiting and hallway. Check back in after doing some shopping, 3:00. Eight in exams rooms, 12 in waiting room. I ask what time they closed, thought I might come back just befor closing time, (got a nervous laugh from the people that had been wainting for half a day). Checked back in after doing some more shopping at 4:15. The waiting room was empty, doctor had left, receptionist with a smirk says, "the doctor looked for you, said he just didn't have the time to wait, that he had only had a snack since lunch and was hungry. Sorry" No new appointment, No refills that I had requested when I arrived, No compassion for being a cow at all. Just SORRY Am I wrong here?

88 days ago today I was in the recovery room,half in,half out, of reality. CABG saved my life. I had peaks and valleys,and expect to have some more, but we are leaving for a week at Ocean Isle,NC tomorrow. So to all you people, that are just getting started, on the come-back road to good health, hang in there, it will get better. My chest still feels like I survived an attack from an ax murderer. My strength is returning,thanks to cardiac rehab,and my wife coaxing me to do a little more each day.She was/is my rock. Some nights when sleep would not come, I would turn to this message board for comfort. Just to know that one person out there, was going through the same thing,gave me the courage to go on. Only those who have had their chest cracked open, can truly understand the journey we are on. My best wishes to all of you . I'll che