Postcardiotomy Syndrome (PCS)

2007-09-30 23:51:33

Hello, all. It's been a while since I've been able to catch up on reading some posts. Thanks to Rita and Ed for your encouragement regarding my mother (who has been suffering from pneumonia and pleural effusions after her bypass surgery almost 6 weeks ago). I have new info that I thought I'd share. Overall, she feels a little better -- no pain when taking deep breaths, and the actual "surgery" pain is virtually nonexistent. (Hooray for that!) Unfortunately, she continues a cycle of normal temperatures and low- grade fevers (never going above 100.5 degrees). Her surgeon's nurse practitioners decided not to "tap" the fluid in the pleural effusions, and to just give it time to be absorbed naturally. She has another appointment on December 11 to see if it has lessened. BUT, this fever/flu-ish thing has been a concern. Today, her doctor told her (over the phone) that he believes she has Postcardiotomy Syndrome (PCS). I've been searching for info about it all evening. I've been able to find very little, but what I do find is very consistent with her symptoms. She's been advised to continue taking a larger dose of ibuprofen, three times per day, to help with the inflammation. I'm curious to know if any of you have had experience with PCS (it can also go by several other names) after bypass surgery. I know Dressler's Syndrome has been discussed at length on this list. Does Dressler's occur only when there has been a heart attack? Mom had bypass surgery, but never had a heart attack. (My head is spinning...) Thanks in advance for any info you may be able to provide! Take care. Jen

Breathinng Exercises

2007-09-30 19:04:00

Hi Michal. You mentioned breathing exercises in a few of your e- mails. Can you post details of these as I was not given any and I would have to say the most difficult post op problem I have had is the breathing difficulty. It is difficult during the day but more so when resting, it is hard to fall asleep and I don't sleep more than a couple of hours at a time.

[BypassSurgeryRecoverySupport]  "nabumetone"

2007-09-30 10:10:03

Hi Ann, I'm on 500mg twice daily. So my total dosage is higher but this way it is spread out*. I realized after my surgery what a shallow breather I was (am). I had sort of ignored it before but I remember thinking that I had to remind myself to breathe. Now I realize that I need to do these exercises if I want to breathe (yet here I am on the computer holding my breath sometimes). *Maybe you could try splitting your pill in half. Of course asking your doctor first. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

8 Months

2007-09-30 03:19:41

Yesterday was my 8th full month since my "cabg". All in all I'm feeling pretty good.I'll be 66 on the 19th of Dec.For those of you, who don't know me,I've had 4 heart caths,"cabg",and gall bladder removal all in a 3 month period,ending in May of this year.I still have some chest pain,but it is getting better each month.I try to go by months instead of days. Right after my surgery,I was thinking I should feel better each day,it don't work that fast. When I learned not to want to much, to fast,it relived a lot of my tensions. I picked up an intestinal problem after the gall bladder surgery. I blow up from just about anything I eat. Gas can really make you have heart pain type symtoms,at least that is my case. My doctor said that being put asleep so many times in a short period can also screw up your system. I'm still on 8 different pills,which I find to be a real pain in the rear to take everyday.I was never really sick before ,so it was a real shock to have to go thru all of this. I did 16 weeks of cardio rehab,which really helped me. This board has also helped me to cope with all uncertainy that goes thru your head.Just to have an outlet to people who have gone thru this is great. I wish all of you speedy recoveries, and the happiest of hoilidays.....Mac

Count your blessings

2007-09-29 22:45:51

Dana, I know how you feel. Its been ten years since my four way bypass surgery. I remember I used to walk outside in the yard and all at once I would start crying.I wasn't sure of the reason although in the back of my mind I knew it was because of the trauma the operation had wreaked on my body and my mind. When I would start to get depressed I would count my blessings. You know the old saying that theres always someone worst off then you. I would think of my loving wife that had put up with me, worried about me. I would think of my children who loved me and whom I would get to see again. I worried that I would worry about dying and not enjoy what time I had left. However the days turned into weeks and months and now its been ten years. Today I went for a checkup with my cardiologist and he told me its looking good and my heart is stronger then it was the last time I went. He said he don't want to see me for another six months. What beautiful words to hear. I came to the realization long ago that we all have to pass one day. However worrying about it doesn't help anything or anyone. Ask the Lord for help with your anxiety and you will be fine. I'll pray for you. Larry

ladders

2007-09-29 20:25:34

Hi Whiskers, At eight months I can go up ladders and reach over my head. That is such a relief. I still have problems bending over...the blood rushes to my head...so I have uncomfortableness when I need to do something on a low shelf. I still weigh too much to go on my haunches and then try to get up again. I would tip over! ;o} And I need to prop myself up in bed if I haven't been doing my breathing exercises (which I haven't). At home I try to do a little, rest a little and that seems to help. Here is to improved health for all of us! losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

"nabumetone"

2007-09-29 13:54:06

Hi Rambling, I am 61 also and had my surgery when I was 60. I still find it hard to believe that I am this age. Wow, where did the time go! Any way, I take "nabumetone" and take it twice a day and not as needed. For me it doesn't seem to work like a "pain" killer unless I use it daily. Still, if I have sinus or headache I need to take a Tylenol. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

flashback

2007-09-29 07:15:22

oops sorry i didnt include with previous..Yes for me as far as flashbacks. It with Dial antibiotic soap that I used post op. If I smell it it brings the whole thing back to me. Your not alone

Flashbacks

2007-09-28 18:40:22

Hello Gang! My one year anniversary of 5xCABG at the ripe ol' age of 38 (yes, 38!)is coming up on December 17th. I've been doing pretty well. The thing is, I'm now having flashbacks. Has anyone else had this? I'll see a commercial on TV for something (usually holiday related) that I watched in the hospital, and the whole experience will come flooding back. I had to have some minor surgery about three weeks ago and the SMELL of the tape on the IV brought it all back too. I'm starting to dread the holidays. Last year I was released from the hospital on Christmas eve. Although I was thankful to be alive, the whole season SUCKED! LOL What am I supposed to do about this??? I keep telling myself to just "get over it". It's not working. :-s Dana

Insurance Coverage

2007-09-28 12:22:27

For those of you who hear about graet medical coverage in canada it is true to a great extent but strangely it covers the cost of surgery but no rehab. A person can go for multiple surgeries but it won't pay the $155.00 it costs for 6 months of rehab.

To All Who Replied

2007-09-28 09:38:51

Thank you to all who posted their personal experiences regarding the message for Ann. Medically I think I am lucky as I have been given pain medication, take only when I have to, I have also been put on medication for Dressler's Syndrome (pericarditis) and I guess they are helping. I am probably doing too much trying to get ready for Christmas but I don't know what too much is. If I go by how I feel almost everything seems to be too much and I guess that is what my problem is - I want to be able to do everything that I used to do like climb ladders to decorate and not get tired when doing the chores or when I am shopping I have a lump at the top of where the mammary artery was used which puts pressure on the neck and makes it hard to breathe when lying down, Normal who knows and the doctors don't answer questions. Leg is totally numb but it doesn't cause me problems so I don't worry about it. I am 48 and had the surgery (triple bypass) 3 months ago. Frustrated not depressed.

poll....sort of

2007-09-28 00:19:17

Last week was the first year annivery of my first heart attack. Since, I have two angyoplasties, a third that wasn't completed, and double bypass. As much pain and mental agony aside...I'd do it again. I mean there is only one other choice, long sleep in a pine box. I have problems motivating myself to exercise, and if my wife weren't so suportive I would be eating bad foods. I do go to the gym, I do work around the house, I am performing my job at work satisfactorly and coping for the most part with the daily stresses. When I was recovering, I thought I'd never be where I am now, but every day I got stronger and hurt less. True, I did overdo some things, it's hard to accept limits on ones' physical abilities. There still are aches and pains, the cardio doc kinda shrugs them off, so I guess it'll bother me for a while longer. A month after the bypass, I started coughing, lot. My insides hurt so much, and I couldn't get rid of it. Antibiotics, OTC cough suppressants, nothing worked. Finally an allergist gave me some Clarinex, it helped, I still cough, but nowhere near as before. I think someone once mentioned the heart meds may be a cause, but I'm sure not gonna stop them. I guess I'm saying...don't give up, no matter how bleak it seems.

Message for Ann McCrae/not ann

2007-09-27 20:00:49

Hi Whiskers7, We are all different. I think that quite a few of us were back to work at 3-6 months. I've seen some posting about wearing sports bras until you heal. My doctor had me on a medication for the pain in my hips and it seems to have helped the pain in my chest. The walking and the breathing exercises have helped me the most. One thing I can say for sure, is that if you are lifting something too heavy or trying to do something that is too stressful, your body will tell you loud and clear...at least mine sure did. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

Message for Ann McCrae

2007-09-27 14:19:53

HI Ann, If you have time and if you know, could you post a brief outline of what a female can expect in respect to pain, soreness, abilities etc. between 3 and 6 months post-op from a 3 x CABG surgery using both a vein from the leg and a mammary artery. I am not due to see my doctor until Feb. 2004. Many thanks.

Poll Expires on Sunday

2007-09-27 12:56:47

This will be the last time I mention it for this poll. If you have not taken the POLL for this month it is going to expire on Sunday night and then we will see the results as it will be emailed out to all of us on Monday. There has only been 22 responses to this months poll. Far more than that was made to the poll last month so I know you are all out there who can also contribute to this months poll. Thanks! Ed

Digest Number 816-

2007-09-27 00:50:30

Ann........ I can totally understand your feelings as I have almost identical ones. Before my surgery I was doing everything in life that I wanted to....dancing.....hiking..(walked three or more miles a day)...and basically enjoying life. Never once had any angina....no shortness of breath ..nothing that would indicate I had heart problems. One day I developed a pain in my right shoulder and went to dr when it didn't go away after a few days. From there I had a exercise stress test...and then a heart catherization. I never left the hospital as the dr said I would be dead in a week if I didn't immediately have bypass surgery which I finally agreed to after a couple of hours of tears etc. I was told I had three arteries that needed to be bypassed and not being a doctor I felt I had no options. After surgery had major organ failure and spent week on respirator. It took full year to get to a point where I felt I was going to live. Since then (5 years ago) I have never recovered to a point of being able to do any of those things I used to do before surgery. My sister who has blockages much worse than I did chose not to have surgery and instead went the route of diet and exercise (Dr Ornish) and today at 77 is doing things I can only marvel at. I would never tell anyone what to do as far as heart surgery goes.....I am NOT a doctor but if I knew back then what I know today I believe I would have at least spent some time to determine if I had any options at all. Five years ago had I had lots of symptoms and problems connected with blocked arteries I would not have hesitated to have the surgery as I have too much to live for. So Ann.....I do understand how you are feeling......I was also told that I would feel so much better after surgery.....at the time I laughed and told the dr I couldn't possibly feel any better as I was feeling great.......he looked at me like I didn't know what I was talking about. And yes I was depressed.....and bitter......about having this surgery but after five years I have to just let it go and do what I can to make life a little bit more pleasant for those living close to me......everyone remarked on how my personality changed and I had become a real "witch"..... But it finally hit me that I had to let it go and get on with life........ I don't normally talk about my problems with this surgery but I did want you to know that you are not alone in your feelings....... carol

Pain, depression, sleeplessness, cardio-rehab

2007-09-27 00:11:26

It has been exactly 3 months since my unexpected bypass surgery. Since I was in ICU for 12 days prior to the surgery and too sick to know what was going on my husband spoke to 2 cardiologists and the surgeon and made the decision for me to have the surgery. I strongly believe that he made the best decision he could based on the circumstances at the time. After the type of night I had last night - only 55 minutes of sleep because of so much pain in the bones of my chest right up to the base of the neck (at least that is what it feels like)and also when I am reclining it feels like something is being pressed against the base of the neck and I can't breath I wonder if the right choice was made. But then I look at how the experience has made me so aware of things like my blood pressure and instead of popping heavy doses of medication I do all I can to keep it down and now I take a very low dosage of medication. I have diabetes and I am so careful of what I eat that I have been able to go from taking 3 kinds of meds twice a day to 1 kind twice a day. Our weather here is awful but every day I bundle up and go for a 40 minute walk because I know it is good for me. I now do everything I can to help myself. I still feel rotten but I believe in time and with endurance if I persist everyday I WILL feel better and do better. For those of us who need encouragement go back and read Rita's messages. She is positive and has a sense of humour despite all she has been through. For those females out there I thought I'd pass this interesting info. I started re-hab to day and out of 75 participants I was the only female. For those of you who have access to rehab I would strongly recomment participating in it. I found it forces you to try stuff as you are in a group situation and you don't wnat to be the only one not doing the activity. Gail

Digest Number 815

2007-09-26 19:04:06

Although it has been five years since my CABG my leg is still numb right along the scar line (which is from knee down to ankle) and for about 2 inches on each side of the scar. I was told that the nerves most likely were affected when harvesting the vein therefore to expect the numbness to never go away. Also have slight swelling at ankle......... As for supplements versus prescribed meds.........if I could find a supplement that did exactly the same for me that my drugs are doing I would switch in a heartbeat providing it could be proven and they were 100% safe. I'm always leery of supplements but then on the other hand with the proven side effects of most meds I would take the route of least problems. I won't bore you with my side effects problems but just say I felt a whole lot better before being put on all my heart meds.......lipitor was particularly bad causing severe muscle problems etc.........before surgery I was only taking ace inhibitor and diuretic for BP lowering.....aside from some feelings of fatigue I didn't notice much. Now I'm like a zombie from beta blocker which is at it's lowest dosage.........so in time if I live long enough I'm hoping there will indeed be answers coming from supplements that will satisfy the FDA and the medical community. Have a great Thanksgiving!! Carol

Supplements, etc

2007-09-26 05:39:04

As the resident RN, I want to offer my opinion on supplementation, etc. You should know a bit of my background. I have been a nurse for 13 years. My most recent years have found me "retired" from clinical nursing to stay home to raise my kids. Prior to that, most of my clinical experience was in cardiac nursing with emphasis on pre-bypass education and post-bypass care. During my entire tenure on cardiac units, I always felt there was a lack of care once we sent patients home (especially when we started sending open heart patients home 2 days post-op!). Hence, I started this group - to fill a need for bypass patients and their families. During my attempt to stay home with my kids, I began a home based business selling supplements. I chose a company to work with that was focused greatly on cardiac health. I am no longer involved in this business, however I still take certain supplements personally. So, that being said, you know I can see both sides of the supplement debate. I know that there are instances where supplements are a perfect solution, and I also know there are instances where prescription medications are the only solution. The key in making a decision to try something "natural" is to let your doctor know what you are planning to use. Now, most doctors will not give you a full endorsement of taking nutritional products (they just aren't wired that way). However, before taking ANYTHING (including over the counter remedies for other conditions), I strongly encourage you to inform your doctor of your plan, and to at least get a "it can't hurt you" out of him/her! This is highly important, for two reasons. First, if you are on prescription medications there are instances where the supplement can either reduce or potentiate the effects of your medication. Second, while supplements are "natural", this does not mean they are SAFE. You must be very discerning about claims made by supplement providers. They are not regulated by the FDA in the way that pharmaceuticals are, and anyone can post a website claiming anything about a supplement they want to sell. As with anything, do your research! I am a firm believer that if something is safe and can help you, then by all means give it a try if that is what you prefer AND if your doctor is aware of you taking it. To your health, Ann, RN

Recovery from surgery

2007-09-26 05:08:17

To all who mentioned how long recovery took - thanks for the info for those of us who are still "newbies - between 4 and 10 weeks post- op". It looks like that it takes about a year despite what age you are. Gail

Fwd: Re: [BypassSurgeryRecoverySupport] Severe Indigestion 3 weeks

2007-09-25 19:14:13

Note: forwarded message attached.(forgive my English) l did not se the first message on reflux dease... but that can be very sirois .. l have that and medications is very imporant for reflux dease...you can get bleeding ulsers from that .. l did and fighting this all the time.. It helps very much sleeping up high .. and l stay away from all kinds of spisy foods .. coffee ..tea..any kind of coka cola..sprite .. mints.. and so forth.. l know it is boring... but better than that burning all the time ,, Rita

Severe Indigestion 3 weeks after 4-way Byp...

2007-09-25 18:08:45

Seeing a GI Doc is the thing to do. Here are some tips to minimize GastroEsophageal Reflux: Raise the head of his bed by 6 to 8 inches. Don't wear tight clothing around the waist Eliminate all sources of CAFFEINE such as Coffee, Cola's, Chocolate Eliminate mints and mint flavored foods Don't eat for 2? hours before going to bed How did the Upper Endoscopy go? 'AL'

Especially for the newbies

2007-09-25 07:21:37

You can also find STORIES and FORUMS such as Pre-surgery, Post-surgery, etc on www.ValveReplacement.com The opening and closings are the same for Bypass and ValveReplacement. 'AL'

stroke after 4 bypass

2007-09-25 07:05:46

My father just had a 4 bypass surgery on October 27 he is 74 years old and in good health till this came about out of the blue.He smoked all of his life up till now and he ain't getting them anymore!!Anyway he returned to the hospital on November 14 due to a bleeding ulcer from the blood thinner they had him on.Now they say they can't give him a blood thinner due to he could bleed to death and if they don't give him the thinner he can have a stroke.My question is has anyone else had this happen? thanks Rose

pain and soreness

2007-09-24 17:29:35

In a message dated 11/12/03 9:19:01 AM, edgundy@... writes: MELATONIN Hi Ed, It is my understanding that people taking certain anti-depressants cannot take melatonin. I take Paxil and I think that it and Zoloft aren't to be used with melatonin. Also, I was wondering if you had discussed your use of serrapeptase with the cardio doctor. Sleepless in Fairfield. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

Doctor Visit Tomorrow/A few Questions

2007-09-24 14:28:33

Hi all...haven't posted in a while...as some of you know i post for my hubby...the computer illiterate one...lol....anyway....tomorrow is his 2 month check up with the surgeon....He has done great, up to walking 2 miles a day now...up and down hills...like he said we have to live in a hilly area...lol...the only lingering pain is right at the sternum...does this seem to be a common area of pain??? The rest is feeling great...We are hoping tomorrow the Doc gives the all clear to go back to work...because frankly i don't think i can take much more of him....gaining weight here, cooking me breakfast every morning and baking...geez....what boredom does...lol...so i have a few questions....the first one i asked already...does the pain in the sternum area seem to last the longest??? And when were some of you released to return to work??? Oh and i have one comment on the sleeping thing...when he first came home he had to sleep in the guest room as it had a regular bed...a few weeks ago he returned to our bed (depressed me a little, got kindof used to the whole thing)...sorry...have to add my little asides...anyway...after he returned to our bed which by the way was a waterbed he has slept better than he had since the surgery...he says he feels like he is sleeping in a giant heating pad....the heat at night has really taken the soreness and stiffness away....so maybe adding some heating blankets or something to your beds would help....just a thought.....Hope it helps....And thanks ahead of time for any replies to my questions.....Debbie & John...who's afraid the computer may bite....

Ed's experience with Cardiologist

2007-09-24 08:37:47

Just wanted to comment that my experience with the surgeon and cardiologist were very different from Ed's but then again I live in Canada if that makes a difference. My first visit after the surgery - 4 weeks post-op - each of the doctors spent more than an hour with me trying to figure out why I had so much pain and so much trouble breathing and the cardiologist even did a CAT scan to make sure the heart was working well but both of them missed the most obvious which was the pericarditis or Dressler's Syndrome. The cardiologist then did a persatine test and then referred me to a lung specialist but I did not get to see her for another 7 weeks. This comment is meant to reinforce what Ed has said - tell your doctor how you feel and keep telling them until they listen.

Questions about Sleep Habits and Pain

2007-09-24 03:39:28

To Everyone Who Reads This: I am interested in finding out how much others sleep on a daily basis. I am almost 3 months post-op and still do not sleep 6-8 hours at time. I find I can only sleep a couple of hopurs and this continues both day and night. It is frustrating as I miss the evening time with my family and then I am awake all night. Also do some of you find you can go a few hours with very little pain and then all of a sudden it seems like there is pain throughout the sternum and upper chest area. I am asking this as I am wondering if I need a more frequent dosage of medication to control the Dressler's Syndrome. It is so much better than before I was on the medication but it seems to wear off in the evening and the pain comes back and I have trouble climbing the stairs. I take the medication at 8am, 1pm, and 6 pm and then not again until the next morning or is this pain common to all bypass patients In Ed's comment about Dressler's Syndrome he mentions it responds to celebrex but in case there is someone out there who is already on celebrex like I was for arthritis(taking it continuosly for the past 6 years) make sure the doctor gives you something else. In my case the drug used to treat Dressler's Syndrome was indomethacin and a 5 day dosage of prednisone. Also worth mentioning is the fact that I also read where it says that Dressler's Syndrome is very rare - only 1% of patients get it but if this is so- how come it is so common amongst those of us in this group. For more about this read ED's previous comments. Thanks for reading this. Gail 3 x bypass Aug 21, 2003

new -- low-grade fever

2007-09-24 02:17:45

Hello, all. I'm new to the group -- I've been "lurking" and scouring the archives for the past week, but this will be my first post. My 59-yr-old mother had a single bypass on October 24. We were pleased with the fabulous treatment she received at the Cleveland Clinic, and she returned home less than a week after surgery (tomorrow, she'll have been home exactly 2 weeks). My father was home from work to stay with her for the first week and a half, and I'm here this week. I'm thrilled to have found such a supportive group to help ease our minds through this time (although I'll admit that some of the horror stories I've read have freaked me a bit)! We're curious about low-grade fevers. The info we have from the hospital mentions that she might have one "after surgery." But, how LONG after surgery? She's only gotten as high as 99.8, but that's WITH Tylenol and Darvoset. We're waiting for a return call from the doctor, but I'm almost more interested in hearing your experiences. She has also started having a sharp little pain on her left side, when she takes a deep breath. It seems to be in the area directly behind the hole for one of her chest drain tubes (which doesn't feel warm or appear to be infected at all). Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks in advance for your words o' wisdom. Peace to you. Jen

Thanks to Ed Gundy

2007-09-23 12:17:46

Hi Ed, I just want to say thanks for your committment to the support group. I sleep for short periods of time so I check the message board frequently and I noticed you manage to address everyone that posts something, even when you were away you took the time to update yourself. It's people like you that make going through a bypass not quite so difficult because we know there are others out there experiencing difficulties as well. You are so right about Pericarditis or Dressler's Syndrome. I was diagnosed by a cardiologist in Emergency as having it and admitted for treatment but 5 days later my own cardiologist took me off the medication and sent me home. Six weeks later when I saw the lung specialist she put me back on the same medication and again 5 days later I am much better. To think I suffered those 6 weeks needlessly so I agree with your venting about Dressler's Syndrome and the need to educate the cardiologists. Gail 3 x bypass Aug 21, 2003

Severe Indigestion 3 weeks after 4-way Bypass

2007-09-23 04:47:12

My father had bypass surgery on 9/15/03. He's 72 years old. For the first 3 weeks he seemed to be on a great road to recovery. On the 17th day he started with severe indigestion. After 39 more days of indigestion, he's lost 23 lbs. because it is so painful to eat and drink (even water). He says it's like an intense fire in his belly. The doctor prescribed a double dose of Nexium and that hasn't helped after 1 1/2 weeks. Has anyone experienced this problem and have any recommendations? This seems to be his biggest problem. Although he also has depression, anxiety, chest pain, shoulder pain, constipation, sleepless nightes, etc. This Friday he had a pace maker & defibrillator installed. I think if we can help him eat, the other problems may start to diminish. Worried daughter. Karen

Report to Sender

2007-09-22 21:15:28

In the time I've been here I've only noticed myself mentioning it, so apparently not. But yes, I've had it bad ever since my 3X CABG. Gets worst before lunch, then rarely again during the day. Cardio took another ultrasound of my carotid but said it didn't sound bad and he had no further ideas. I'm just kind of learning to live with it.

Leg Swelling

2007-09-22 20:23:37

Hi, I am also a diabetic and I am now 10 weeks post-op. I recently went to the doctor about the leg swelling because it was so painful. She recommended a diabetic stocking with mild compression and it has worked wonders. This is the 5th day I have not had any leg or ankle swelling. I just wanted to say we certainly do all heal at different rates. I am still quite sore but for the first time I have managed to go for short outings to a store or for groceries. Just now I finally have the breathing problem under control. Gail

Sleep = Depression

2007-09-22 18:33:18

I dont' have trouble sleeping . I was nite owl to begin with but now I am falling asleep earlier then before surgery. I do get depressed but that is due to the mounting medical bills I do not have health insurance and this is what gets me down.. Humm I take lopresser for to lower my blood pressure but didnt know it was for depression and I just read where it said was for anxiety attacks , boy my daughter has been wanting me on something for that now I can tell her I am.. Sure doesnt work for me that way. But works good for the blood pressure..

Live support in Roseburg, Ore..how'd it go?

2007-09-22 12:37:45

Ed, understand you had the live support group...how'd it go? Harold

atrial septal defect repair

2007-09-22 00:14:53

Has anyone had this kind of surgery? I'm 28 years old and just had it 10 days ago. I feel myself getting stronger, but still get very depressed from time to time. Last night I told my husband that doctors screw up all the time and what if I never feel normal again? Today I'm doing much better. But...does anyone have this problem? It is impossible for me to sleep in a bed at night. The pain is unbearable. The only place I can comfortably sleep is in a recliner. I'm pretty dependant on my pain pills and take them exactly 4 hours apart. How long does it take to recover from this? I feel like 10 days is a long time. I should be able to do something. I can't cook, can't bend over, get short of breath. It's a ridiculous chore to take a shower and leaves me exhausted. I don't wear makeup or do my hair anymore because it just takes too much out of me.

pain, difficulty braething etc.

2007-09-21 23:05:19

For those of you who have read my previous messages regarding severe shortness of breath and pain and suggested the cause might be pericarditis/ Dressler's syndrome I just want to let you know that I saw a lung specialist today and she immediately put me back on the same medication tha tI was given in hospital fo pericarditis. I am 10 weeks post-op and the medication after 5 doses has made such a differemce. I am not having trouble breathing 100% of the time and the pain is much less, now it is probably more like what post-op triple bypass surgery pain should be like. I did not accept the first medical opinion that it would get better on its own and I am glad I didn'totherwise I would not be seeing the improvement. The doctor does not think it is pericarditis, she feels it is neuropathy from the diabetes as I already have it in other areas. I am being sent for more tests on Nov 24 to make sure her diagnosis is correct. The medication is called indomethacin. Gail (Breathless Wonder)

what did you do??

2007-09-21 11:53:18

i had by pass in 1995 with 6 vessel replacement. but due to some other long term problems diabitic, artrihis, weight, and diticiisheis. up til the original on set of my chest pains i was a very active working fella doing about 16-18 hrs, a day 6-7 day a week. but when i first came home i was doing great as could be wanted according to the drs. was off work for about a month then went back to just running the office work for about 4-6 hrs a day. then in about two months after surgery i had some set backs that came an went. after seeing some more drs. said ti was common to have set backs at first but would get less. it was due to depression???? make it quick end to this story is depression 7yrs later a common factor??? plus for about the last 5-6yrs i have been on disabliity because they found part of the heart was more damaged in the original start then they thought. my real question is is depression common??

pulmanary valve

2007-09-21 06:03:37

Has anyone here had this valve replaced?

10 weeks post-op pain

2007-09-21 00:28:27

Is there some one out there who is close to being 10 weeks post -op from bypass surgery or can remember how they felt at this point and can answer this question? Besides pain in the sternum I have pain in all the small bones and collar bone as well as pain in the entire upper chest area and also in the middle of my back. Because I have a lot of shortness of breath (my husband calls me the breathless wonder) I'd like to know if the pain is normal or perhaps related to the breathing problem. I am still waiting to see a lung specialist. Perhaps if some one has time they could outline their recovery since none of the information I have seems to focus much on the pain. I live in Canada and the post-op follow up appears to be different. I saw the cardiologist once and the surgeon once since leaving hospital. The care is left to the family doctor. Thanks for the help.

Message for Ann

2007-09-20 18:28:56

Thanks for the words of encouragement. It has been a very long 10 weeks and the first time I have ever been sick (48 Yrs old) other than mild angina the previous year prior to surgery. I have never been in hospital before either. At least I now know the recovery takes much longer than I was led to believe after finding this group. Thanks, Gail

back to basics...

2007-09-20 13:07:42

HI, everyone. I just joined the group. I had my operation 5 weeks ago and my 4x bypass went well. I feel a lot better (I'm 61 and had a bad year of angina fatigue up to the operation here in London UK.) I find the postings here are interesting but a little too specific - I just want to compare my experience with others and get an overview of how things can be expected to go in the next 6 months. E.g I gotta get back to work in January! Any chance we could just get back to basics? How soon did you feel good again? How soon did your incisions heal up? My leg is healing up nicely, but my chest is still sensitive and tender. How soon does it settle down? Do the scars remain pink or go white and tough? This is an English winter starting: should I plan to go and lie in the sun somewhere? Or is that a terrible idea? I feel gratitude to my young surgeon and wrote him a really nice letter - is that normal? Maybe those who are upbeat about their surgery could comment to help those of us new to the Zipper Club.

Another Article-Serrapeptase

2007-09-20 11:06:45

The silkworm holds a treasure beyond the luxury of exquisite textiles. It's called serrapeptase (AKA Serratio Peptidase or SP, DanzenTM, AniflazymTM SerraZymeTM), a powerful protolytic enzyme that dissolves all nonliving tissue, including blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. The mighty enzyme offers a viable alternative to salicylates (such as aspirin), ibuprofen, and NSAIDS as well as steroidsa boon for those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis and a wide array of other autoimmune diseases that affect the inflammatory response, including ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, uveitis, allergies, and some forms of cancer. While steroidal and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may offer temporary, symptomatic relief from pain, swelling and inflammation, they may also be immunosuppressive and known to hold dangerous side effects. Serrapeptase, on the other hand, eases pain and swelling with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and no gastrointestinal side effects. The immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. The physiologic agent is isolated from the microorganism Serratia E15, an enzyme naturally present in the silkworm intestine which allows the emerging moth to dissolve its cocoon. Clinical use of serrazyme as an antiinflammatory in Europe and Asia spans over twenty five years. Treatment includes chronic sinusitis, elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions (the enzyme breaks down protein fibers, allowing mucous to thin), sprains and torn ligaments, and other traumatic injuries, idiopathic edema, as well as postoperative inflammation. Studying postoperative swelling and pain reduction of the upper ankle joint, a test was carried out in 3 randomized groups of 66 patients, each with fresh rupture of the lateral ligament treated surgically between December 1986 and April 1987. The group receiving SP saw a 50% decrease in swelling on the third postoperative day. Decreased pain, for the most part, correlated with reduction in swelling. The SP group became rapidly pain-free. The two control groups, using traditional elevation of the leg, bed rest, with and without applications of ice, had no reduction in swelling at that time. (Esch PM, Gerngross H, Fabian A, Fortachr Med,107(4):67.8, 71-2 1989 Feb 10) Another multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out to investigate the clinical efficacy of SP in 174 patients who underwent Caldwell-Luc antrotomy for chronic empyema. Eighty-eight patients received 10 mg SP 3 times the day before surgery, once the night of the operation and 3 times daily for 5 days after surgery; the other 86 received a placebo. The degree of swelling in the serrapeptase-treated patients was significantly less than that in the placebo-treated patients at every point of observation after surgery up to the 5th day. Maximal buccal swelling throughout all the postoperative points of observation was also significantly smaller in size in the SP group. No side effects were reported. (Tachibana M, Mizukosi 0, Harada Y, Kawamoto K, Nakai Y. Source: Pharmathera-peutica, 3(8):526-30 1984). Additionally, SP in a 70 patient, double-blind controlled trial treating breast engorgement saw SP improve breast pain and swelling in significant numbers of the treatment group with no adverse reactions. (Kee WH, Tan SL; Lee V, Salmon YM .Singapore Med J, 30 (I) :48-54 1989 Feb) Researchers in Germany have used SP to treat atherosclerosis since serrapeptase helps to digest atherosclerotic plaque without harming healthy cells lining the arterial wall. The hardened, narrow arterial wall is considered the cumulative result of microscopic trauma with inflammation occurring in the presence of oxidized lipids serrapeptase works on both inflammation as well as dissolving the avital plaque. Unlike cholesterol-blocking drugs, serapeptase clears the avital tissue from the arterial wall without interfering with cholesterol synthesis. In fact, when taking serrapeptase, cholesterol levels may rise as it is dissolved from the arteries to be eliminated from the body (cholesterol in its pure state is an antioxidant and a necessary component of steroidal hormones and the major organ systems in the body). Medications blocking cholesterol biosynthesis hold the threat of liver, eye, lung and other soft tissue damage. While studies with SP in the treatment of coronary artery disease are relatively new; some literature reports SP as being superior to, and faster than, chelation. The late German physician Dr. Hans Nieper used serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients, reporting that serrapeptase also dissolves blood clots, and causes varicose veins to shrink or diminish. Dr. Nieper told of a woman scheduled for hand amputation and a man scheduled for bypass surgery; both recovered quickly without surgery after treatment with serrapeptase. In addition, widespread use has included fibrocystic breast disease and carpal tunnel syndrome. The enzyme is also used to facilitate the therapeutic effect of antibiotics in the treatment of infection. In urology serrapeptase has been successfully employed to treat cystitis and epididymitis. Serrapeptase is available as SerraZyme in 10 mg enterically coated tablets that are equivalent to 20,000 IU activity. Recommended Usage: For inflammation is 1 tablets three times daily on an empty stomach. For arterial blockage 1 tablets twice daily or as directed by your health professional. (In acute conditions, your health care professional may recommend that you take 2 tablets on an empty stomach 6 times per day). Copyright, Julia Busch 2000

interesting article - serrapeptase

2007-09-19 23:16:48

This is just one of MANY articles online about this supplement. In England it has been used for many years as a clot buster. In fact, one of the members of the group informed me that she received it as a clot buster. Compared to the cost of the clot busters we have here in the states I bet it was much cheaper and there are no side effects. Read on and gather your own opinion. I for one will be sticking with it for some time to test it and then have a blood workup and see what it, and all the other supplements I am taking, has done for the "old" body of mine. I will say this however, after only two days of use, my chronic sinusitis has eased up substantially. For the first time in years I did not wake up with a sinus headache this morning. Usually my sinuses are completely stuffed in the morning. Today however, I woke up and was able to breathe freely without the accompanying headache. For the first time in years I did not need to take my morning sinus pills to relieve the pressure and pain. This is one of the benefits of serrapeptase. So far so good after only 2 days. Ed

Thanks for all the postings

2007-09-19 17:21:25

HI Everyone, i just wanted to say thanks to all of you who take the time to post messages. It has been 10 weeks since my triple bypass using a leg vein and a mamary artery at 48 yrs of age and it has been vey helpful reading the problems other people have had. I still have a lot of pain, especially the upper chest area and a lot of trouble breathing for which I will be seeing a lung specialist next week. I can't seem to sleep much so i am on the computer a lot and look forward to reading all the messages.

Check out On A Rock In Rural Iowa

2007-09-19 14:55:49

Hi all....I just thought this was so neat so i thought i would share....Debbie Click here: On A Rock In Rural Iowa

Loose wire floating around

2007-09-19 04:44:24

Hi Donna, Wow, sure hope you are on the road to health now. What a trip you have been through. Hugs, well gentle ones for sure. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

Bills - charity care

2007-09-18 21:43:02

I am off insurance since the summer. Same problems. My e.p. doc (checks out ICD - defibrillator implant) charged me nothing for my last check up. Rare experience. I don't know if there is a similar hospital in your area, but I went to Deborah Heart and Lung Center in N.J., where I applied for 'charity' (free) care. Deborah is known for providing that. You have to ask about how to apply for charity care at your hospital(assuming you can't afford what they are asking). Good luck ! Harold

What to do when you get a cold or flu

2007-09-18 21:19:40

Now I have this cold, cough, runny nose, aching and generally feeling bad and I have coughed and sneezed so much my chest is sore to the touch. I tried Theraflu a couple of nights and my legs hurt so back I couldn't sleep. Do you think the flu or a cold is harder on someone who has had bypass surgery. I don't remember feeling this bad before with a cold. I wonder if some of my medicine may not like the cold medicine I am taking? Anyone else have experience with this. Ann

Some ?s

2007-09-18 12:37:10

I had 3xCABG +AVR almost a year ago. They opened my chest 3 times in 24 hours. I had PPS (post pump syndrome) and ICU Psychosis which lasted 12 days. I was discharged after 14 days. I was re-admitted 4 days later with CHF because the discharge nurse did not listen when I questionedthe lack of a diuretic, I had 6 weeks of Rehab which was great and felt I was well on my way to a good recovery. Then I was told I had PAD (peripheral arterial disease) Both legs were operated on with Bypass grafts placed between the groin and knee, 3 each leg. The last surgery was 4 months ago I still do not walk well. There is a certain awkwardness, and steps are a problem. I am using an exercise cycle 2 times a day for 15 minutes. Both legs are numb from the knee down. I was told by the surgeon that the nerves get damaged in the surgery. I am thinking that this is also the cause of the awkwardness in walking. I finally admitted to depression and Tropodone is the med I am taking.. It seems to be working. A plus is that for the first time in almost a year I sleep at nite. My questions: Does anyone have experience with Tropodone? Do the wires in the chest get infected or rejected this far from surgery? Is It common to have random pains in the rib cage, ie. the area of muscle surrounding the rib cage? Does the numbness in the chest ever go away? My surgeon's answer to everything is it will eventually go away I appreciate all of you in this group a lot even though I don't post often. Its good to know I am not alone in this. Stay well and God bless Guy

The Bills?

2007-09-18 03:35:08

After my insurance company paid on my hospital bill, well it left me with over $36,000 to pay out of pocket. I do not know where or how I am going to find that kind of money. The hospital said the smallest amount they would accept a month was $1,800. Is there anyone out there that is going through this too? Is there any where I can turn for help? If I would have known that they were going to do this to me nad my wife, I would not have had the bypass operation.

Q's and thoughts

2007-09-18 01:19:39

Hi all, I am now at seven months. The blood still rushes to my head when I lean over to pick up stuff off the floor or restock items on a low shelf. Granted, I am not using that stoop we were shown in the pamphlets when first got out of the hospital. Is any one else experiencing this? Will I ever be able to just lean over and touch the floor as before? Also, when I lie down at night it feels as if the blood is rushing to my head and I've noticed that the outer neck "cords" are tight. Same questions. And as an aside, I was thinking about a friend who had this surgery in the early 80's. His scars were major and darn scary looking. I think that we are so lucky to have scars that will turn into thin little white lines before we know it. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

painful scar still after 7 months

2007-09-17 23:45:58

Hi everyone, I am a 45 year old woman who had a right atrial cardiac myxoma removed on March 17, 2003. I still have quite a bit of pain in my sternum area. I saw the surgeon last week and was told that my body may be rejecting the wires in my breastbone. Has anyone else had this problem? I have pain during the night that wakes me up and of course alway think that the tumor is growing back or that I am having a heart attack. The current suggestion from the surgeon is that the wires may have to be removed. Would appreciate any feedback . Thanks.

Getting over it

2007-09-17 13:36:23

Welcome Larry, This is a good group for sharing your experiences. Many of us have suffered with the chest pains when coughing, sneezing or even yawning. Depression also seems to be a side effect of this surgery. It has been one year for me and I still have pain and get upset at times about the whole mess. Glad you are doing good. Let us know what worked for you and what didn't. Ann

New Pain

2007-09-17 03:59:39

Yes, ED, I have pain on the left side when I take a deep breath or sneeze pretty hard. Coughing used to make it hurt also but I haven't noticed it causing pain in sometime even though I don't cough often I do occasionally without any pain. I don't do anything for it. The pain last for only a minute or less and I just figure its nothing to worry about. When the surgeon checked my numb leg and the other pain I have that he thinks is Dressler syndrome, he told me that the pain on the left side is usually where the tube was inserted into your lung for the bypass surgery and could take some time to go away. It would be interesting to know what you find out about it. My cardiologist prescribed Rafelin (?) might be mispelled for the chest pain. He did not want to use Vioxx or celebrex but I don't know why just said this was better in his opinion. It does work and you only take it once a day if you need it. I need it less and less all the time; however it does not stop the pain when I take a deep breath like you are talking about. Ann

IBS

2007-09-17 03:33:22

Hello to all,this is Mac checking back in. My Dresslers seems to be gone.thanks for the tip on Celebrex. Now to add to my 4 heart caths,"cabg" x 1, and gall bladder removal,all.since 3/33/03,I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The doctor says {that all the trauma that my body has been thru,plus the stress factor},that my digestive system has got out of sync. He has me on Hyoscyamine 0.125mg three times a day. Have any of you had bowel troubles from the stress and trauma of open heart surgery. I had no problems prior to this,hell I could eat a Volkswagen {with enough ketshup},and never had any gas or bloating problems. Other then that,I'm feeling better each day. Good luck to all of you and I wish you all speedy recoveries....Mac

Talking Cholesterol

2007-09-16 19:09:54

Hi all...this post has really nothing to do with my husband who had bypass surgery...Amazingly enough he has very good cholesterol..But i see by some recent posts that some of you are taking herbs to lower your cholesterol...I have a good friend who just found out her cholesterol is extremely high, she has a heart murmer..they said if she doesn't get her cholesterol lowered this may led to having to have a valve replacement..Now you can imagine she doesn't want to do this one...They wanted to put her on an rx to help bring it down but she wants to try to do it herself without taking any drugs...So right now herbs seem to be the way to go for her, at least they could be...So my question is...what would people recommend to take to lower the cholesterol??? And why those particular herbs and of course how much??? Or d you have a good web site that could tell me what she should try...Of course she doesn't have a computer so i will be the "source of information"...Thanks alot....Debbie

Thanks for the dialog

2007-09-16 17:18:13

Thanks to those who replied to me. It helps to know I'm not the first nor the last person to have bypass surgery. Though I know in my heart (no pun intended..<smile better health, it still helps to hear from those who have preceeded me. I am enjoying "directing" my wife with the lawn mowing and garden cleanup. She has a great sense of humor and laughs when I point my finger and say "over there, you missed a spot!" She tells me "payback will come!" We bought one of those automatic blood pressure machines (sphygonomometer...whew, did I spell it right?) and I'm getting my pressure and pulse taken while the digital thermometer rides under my tongue. Ahhh, the wonders of modern science!! That darn breathing exercise device is a doozy. I wheeze and whine after working out with it. I'm not coughing up anything, but the wheeze after exercising is a "sternum buster"! Thanks for bearing with my whining. It's good to have a forum where I can "vent". Take care all and thanks again, Jim

Cholesterol Test

2007-09-16 08:16:39

Two years my cholesterol count was nearly 300. Four weeks ago my cholesterol count was at 190. In another 2 weeks I will be taking another cholesterol blood test to see how things are progressing from my herbal intake. I will be sure and let the group know what the next score is. Currently taking, Zocor - only prescription besides the aspirin tablet each day. CoQ10 Hawthorn (started today) Cayenne Pepper Kelp, Lecithin and B-6 (all in one capsule) Folic Acid Odorless Garlic L-Phenylalanine Ed Gundy 2 MIs May 27, 2003 CABG x 4, June 2, 2003

Why Healthy Butter is Better

2007-09-15 21:10:30

hope this is ok to send. I know Ray and I are on the Atkins diet and it says use butter not margarine. this artical tells you a lot about butter and why it is better then the margarine. nancy

Can ejection factor improve?

2007-09-15 17:31:57

I'm a 45 year old male with a previous heart attack, CHF, and a 2x bypass last April. A heart cath done before surgery showed a 10% ef. My doctor started me on Coreg last month and still refers to the 10% figure. With a new blood supply to my heart and regular exercise, can that figure improve? I still tire easily and get short of breath. Larry

Fwd: PUMPKIN

2007-09-15 16:00:22

losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much

Chris/Dad Trach

2007-09-15 06:40:18

Hi Chris, From a nursing standpoint, I am assuming they are discussing the trach option based on how long he is on the vent, and how long they expect him to be on it. To have the ET tube (what he has now) down his throat for too long can cause damage to the soft tissue, so the trach is done to give the throat a rest (and prevent damage). Not knowing his whole history/case, this is just a guess on my part, but that is usually the case. They are reversible, and it is IMO a good option. Glad to hear they are decreasing his vent settings, that is a good sign. Ann, RN

Hello from new bypass person

2007-09-15 06:00:54

Hi, I'm Jim. I live in the Detroit, Michigan area and had a double bypass 2 weeks ago. I was "surfing" the internet in my vast convalescence time and came across this group. I've been home for 10 days and have been mending and healing with no complications that I know of. I wish the "funny feeling" around my sternum would change. The weather here is very fall-like but the sun is shining brightly and inviting me out for a walk. I've walked around the block once 3 days ago and promptly took a nap...<smile I might be a poster child for intervention as I did not have any angina or heart attack. My family physician observered my high cholesterol, controlled it, and then sent me for a stress test. The stress test showed a questionable spot. A catheterization showed 95% blockage in 2 unstentable spots. 3 weeks ago I had NO idea I'd be the recipient of a double bypass and that I'd be recovering at home for the next 2-3 months. Today I am thankful for early detection and action. I hope things continue to improve and get better. Well, I'll finish now. I do get lonely during the day while my wife is at work. The television is getting extremely routine and boring. I cannot drive for another 3 weeks. I know... Poor Me!!! No, I am grateful for just me! Jim

Tracheotomy and update on Chris's Dad-soliciting feedback

2007-09-14 22:47:46

My Dad has been on the ventilator for the last 5 days. Its been reduced to 40% from 100 and he seems to be fighting his pneunomia much better now that he's not struggling just to breathe. The docs are still concerned about him getting enough oxygen and are now discussing a tracheotomy. From what we are told this is reversible when he begins to breathe better. Does this seem like a good move at this point? What questions should I ask his doctors? Concerned son, Chris Thanks

Seasonings

2007-09-14 17:44:15

Does anyone have any information on the products Nu-Salt and Mrs. Dash - whethey they are OK for someone on a salt-restricted diet? I've heard that sometimes salt substitutes can be as bad as the salt itself. My Dad had a double by-pass a few weeks ago and has to have only a very limited amount of salt. But the food tastes bland to him and I'm trying to find out what else he can put on it.

any suggestions for sleeping positions

2007-09-14 10:24:26

Hi, It has been 8 weeks since I had 3x bypass and I was able to fall asleep easier as it was not so difficult to find a good position but just over the past 4 days I have noticed that when I wake up I am in a lot of pain it can no longer just be called discomfort. Is there a position that perhaps works better for sleeping or might the increase in pain be due to the return of the pericarditis. Thanks for any info. Gail

vitamins

2007-09-14 03:39:06

Hi Julie: Nice meeting you...Heres what I take daily Fish Oil Vit C Multi vitamin/mineral pill CoQ10 B6 B12 Folic Acid The meds they have me on are Zocor Vioxx Toprol Cartia Triamterene I do have high blood pressure thats controled with some of those meds. Gosh just looking at the list :):) but other than the pain I feel good. Dr has me going back to work 12/1...Its taken me a bit longer recovery than some but progress is being made

So Much Pain Today-Has Anyone Felt this way

2007-09-13 18:29:21

Today is Our Thanksgiving, I live near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I rested all day so that I would be able to go with my family for Thanksgiving Dinner. I sat at the table for one and a half hours and noticed how painful my chest area and back between the shoulders became so I moved to a different position on the couch and also went for a little walk around to see if that would help. It is now 4:00 in the morning and I have still found no relief, no position seems to be comfortable . I finally tried pain killers and a sedative which have not helped either. It is 8 weeks since triple bypass surgery. Any suggestions

Dressler's Syndrome (Severe Pericarditis) Diabetes vs Healing

2007-09-13 09:30:00

Hi, I'm still quite new to the group so I was looking through messages posted since late sept and just wnated to share my experience and pose a question. I too suffered from Dressler's Syndrome after the surgery but I had already been on Celebrex for 4 years prior to the surgery as well as enteric coated aspirin. Had also been on Vioxx. The pericarditis was so severe I ended up back in hospital for 7 days on prednisone(100mg a day) and indomethacin and then sent home on enteric coated aspirin 8 x 325mg a day. The pain is much better but I still get very short of breath for no reason like just sitting in church this morning I had to leave after 20 minutes. It has been 8 weeks since surgery. Has anyone with Dressler's Syndrome experienced this shortness of breath? I am also a diabetic. The chest surgery has healed fine but the bottom section of the leg incision will not heal. I have been of 2 courses of different antibiotics ans now I am on a prescription cream which contains both an antibiotic and cortisone. Gail

Bill's response to pericarditis

2007-09-13 09:29:40

My pain is definitely to the left side and can be in the upper portion between the shoulder blades. It can be so intense that even resting for hours leaning forward over a table doesn't help and then othertimes it is much more tolerable. Right now I spend the bad days hoping the next day is better. I also am getting very little sleep because of the discomfort which can't be good.

message

2007-09-12 21:22:43

Did I post my first message correctly, it appears to be there but not sure if I am doing it right

Shortness of Breath

2007-09-12 20:36:08

Hi, My name is Gail and I am a 48 year old female who was experiencing angina symptoms when I went to hospital on Aug9, 2003. My previous history included high blood pressure and diabetes. The angina could not be stables and so I had triple bypass surgery done on Aug, 21, 2003.The first 4 weeks of recoveery went very well and I was able to walk at a good pace every day for 45 minutes as well as do house chores but then after a nap I woke up with shortness of breath which comes back every day when I try to do something like make a sandwich or walk to the car for an appointment. All tests come back showing the heart is fine. Also I have a feeling of constant pressure like pain to the left of the incision beside and above the left breast as well as there is a hard lump just below my neck and just above the incision. Has anyone experienced any of this. Thanks for your help.

Debbie-husbands quick recovery

2007-09-12 19:35:00

Debbie, Just curious. It is great to hear good news on the board about a quick recovery. How old is your husband and what kind of shape is he in, if you don't mind sharing? I sort of believe some people just heal better. My own experience with my bypass was one of fierce determination to get back on my feet, and try to fight the sometimes depressed feeling as best I could, and it seemed to work. Best wishes to your husband....Bill

back pain

2007-09-12 07:24:40

Hello! I had my bypass surgery in August '97. Since then have had a pain in my back on the left side under my shoulder blade. Have met one other person with that same kind of pain in the right side. Has anyone else experienced this?

Chris' Dad-Help

2007-09-12 06:04:54

I'll try to lay this out the best I can. My Dad is 62 about 75 lbs overweight, has had high BP (controlled by meds) since his 30s and is a type II diabetic. About 2 weeks ago he failed a stress test. Followup tests with dye and catheter (sp?)revealed significant blockage in 3 main arteries which required bypass surgery. While conducting these tests, some plaque must have dislodged when the catheter was poking around and gave my Dad a mild stroke. He had slurred speech and numbness on his face for a couple days. The hospital (Presbyterian, a U of Penn affiliate, in Phila), did some tests and deemed him ok enough to do the surgery. This was nine days ago today and he is still in CCU with pnemonia in both lungs and issues from the stroke. This of course is problematic becuase he is unable to cough consistently to break things up. The hospital has been giving him breathing treatments where they make him breathe in some smelly stuff thats supposed to break the fluids loose. This has not really worked. Because of the fluid situation, he has been unable to receive liquids or foods through his mouth because the docs feel that the stroke must have caused some harm to his ability to swallow properly and the food and liquids would end up building up with the other fluids. What can be done to remove the fluids? They tryed extracting them with some type of instrument to no avail. He is so weak from the pnemonia/stroke that he has not been able to do his breathing exercises. His speech is also very weak-either from the stroke or the pnemonia or both. He can barely sit in a chair and after a hour or two he needs to go back in the bed because he can't keep his head from slumping forward. Now today a turn for the worse. He will be put back on the ventilator because he can not get enough oxygen and he is really struggling to breathe. Is this a good move? What are his chances at this point. I've heard that once you go back on the ventilator its hard to get off.Does anyone know or have a similar experience to my Dad? My family and feel very helpless and question whether than hospital staff is doing all that they can. Has anyone else gone through these types of complications and if so can some advice be shared. We are getting desparate-he is too young and is the favorite grandfather of my 3 kids. Chris in PA

Our Photo

2007-09-11 19:09:59

Just in case you are wondering what this ugly mug looks like, I posted a photo of Dawn and I on the group's site. Dawn is the good looking one on the right. I am the left-over! Have a great Day!!! Ed

October Poll so far!

2007-09-11 18:22:03

For all of you who have posted your responses so far for this month, thanks again. Here are the results so far as up to 8:30 AM Pacific Time USA. Thanks, Ed Gundy

[BypassSUpport} Poll? can you resend?

2007-09-11 12:00:39

Ed, I have to admit, I didn't see the poll. I'd be happy to repsond if you would be so kind as to re-send to me. Thanks! Harold

Thanks for responding to the POLL

2007-09-10 23:44:26

For all of you who have responded to the poll, I want to thank you. For those of you who have not responded to the poll or are new to our group ( I see we are growing by leaps and bounds by the way ) please take only a couple of minutes and respond to the poll to as many of the 10 responses you feel fits you. Choose as many as you want. If there is no response that fits your category... please send me an email and let me know what it is. You can email me at edgundy@... . I will use the results from this poll at the first meeting of my LIVE support group on November 3, 2003 to show the members of that group that they are not alone in their feelings and show them your responses. So... please, if all of you can respond it would truly be terrific. Thanks, Ed Gundy Roseburg, Oregon CABG x 4, June 3, 2003 MI x 2, May 27, 2003

Urgent need for information

2007-09-10 22:17:32

As I write this it is about midnight. I am writing about my 70 year old father who had a double bypass a little more than two weeks ago. He's been doing well so far. But the nurse told me to watch for signs of edema. He'd had some in his left leg (the one they took the vein from.) But now I'm seeing the same in his right leg. The nurse is coming tomorrow, but I don't know if this should wait. I just want to know if this is the kind of thing that can wait until tomorrow morning or afternoon. The swelling is not very severe. I'd appreciate any information or advice any one could give me.

Faith running low

2007-09-10 16:24:50

I'm seven months out of 2x CABG and starting to wonder about my place in the universe. I'm type 1 diabetic and had a "silent" heart attach sometime in late 2002, diagnosed with congestive heart failure early this year and had my bypass in late April. My cardioligist says that my 10% ejection factor will not improve and I shouldn't plan on ever working again. Now my days just sort of run together. I don't have much money and it's just sort of a day to day existance. I used to strongly believe God spared me for a reason but now I'm REALLY starting to wonder why. I have trouble taking interest in anything, although pre-op I had several hobbies. I don't even have a decent sex drive. It's as though my nervous system is dead. Thanks for letting me vent. Larry

6 Months after

2007-09-10 10:52:26

April 11, 2003 at 10:10 pm I had my heart attack and was admitted to the hospital via ambulance to later have cabg on April 15th. I did real well and returned home that saturday (8 days later) everything seemed to go well until recently. I'm having a hard time dealing with everything. I think everything just went toooooooo fast and i really haven't had time to think it all out with anyone who has the same feelings I have. I have never been sick in my life and now I can't do half of what I could do before. It's hereditary and I'm adopted. I never was even told to go to rehab and I think I should have. Maybe some of you could help me get on the right track with these feelings. Thanks and May God Bless Terry

Question for the group! (Muscle Pain)

2007-09-10 01:13:09

Hello Debbie, Understanding that depression and crankiness are common reactions following Heart Surgery is a good first step. Giving him a little space and quiet time alone (while keeping an eye open for more serious developments) is a good idea. I know I did want to have to see or talk with ANYONE for the first couple of days and I would get tired very easily for several weeks. Muscle pain is also VERY COMMON following OHS. Remember, they open you up like a clam shell, stretching your chest, shoulder, and back muscles more than they have ever been stretched. MASSAGE often provides more relief than pain pills. Also, the hospital should have provided some information on simple stretches and exercises to help restore mobility and relieve muscle pain. If your insurance will cover Cardiac Rehabilitation, I highly recommend it. If not, at least go visit a rehab class to see what exercises their patients are doing and perhaps get some tips / recommendations from the rehab nurses. I found the 'arm cycle' machines (alternating forward and back every other minute or two) really helped restore my arm / shoulder / chest muscles. 'AL' In a message dated 10/2/03 7:52:18 PM Central Daylight Time, Debus04@... writes: << what i can do when some of these emotional things happen, like not wring his neck right now while this anger/depression thing is going on...lol...and what i can do to help with the pain...which brings up another question.sorry Ed this was in answer to you and then i post a question...but when my husband first came home he really didn't have alot of pain, now after a week home the pain is increasing..has anyone had this?? And does anyone have any ideas for helping this, besides the pain killers?? Like heat, does that help?? He says it feels like it's more the muscles in his chest....any ideas??? ok..Ed...sorry about that....i think your support group is a great idea...Good luck to you.....Debbie & John

Hi....

2007-09-10 01:02:21

Hi group, I am a 38yr. old female who had a double bypass last month.I am still in recovery and kinda going stir crazy so I thought I would say HI and see how long it took others to get back on your feet and back to daily life...

Question for the group!

2007-09-09 09:57:15

Hi all, The support group I have started here at the hospital in Roseburg, Oregon is just one month away from our first meeting. I would like to toss a question out to all of you to help me with the content of the first meeting. If you were going to a LIVE support group meeting for the first time, what would you want to take away from that first meeting at the end of the night? Do you want to hear how others are sharing the same pains and emotions that you are experiencing? Do you want to know what the surgery was like? Real Details!!! Do you want to learn more about nutrition or excercise for a full recovery into the future? Or... (fill in the blank)!!! Thanks... whatever help you can offer will be greatly appreciated in my first meeting planning. Ed

Numbness

2007-09-09 06:49:23

Hi again...It's been 2 weeks today that my husband, John, had double bypass...He told me today he has had 2 episodes of numbness...Each time they were in his hands and feet, no legs or arms...The first time was at the beginning of the week and he was standing talking, felt like his feet went to sleep....Today it happened again when we went to Home Depot and he was walking, we didn't walk far so it wasn't that...The numbness goes away but it something that just started...I was wondering if anybody else has experienced this?? I looked in all of the paperwork that they sent home with us but i can't find numbness...His 2 week checkup since leaving the hospital is next Friday so we can ask the Doc then...but thought i would ask you for an idea of what this is...A year ago he did have a small stroke with only lastly effect was a little numbness in his fingers and toes, this is more toes and fingers....No other symptoms of stroke, in fact considering it has been 2 weeks he is doing great....gets tired, sore...but doing great....I'm really proud of the effort he hasput into recovering from this....Thanks for any ideas....Debbie & John

SSI

2007-09-09 01:32:34

Hello everyone, my experience with SSI has been very different. When I applied for it, CHF ejection factor of 8%. I was granted 100% almost immediately. When hubby had the 2nd open heart and still ddint get any better, the doctors agreed that it was something he would have to learn to live with, there was nothing more they could do. He applied to SSI. At this point he had not worked in 18 months. I was on the phone with our case office at least once a week. At first they were going to turn him down, and I pointed out how stupid that was, over and over again. It took about 8 months, but he did get 100% SSI and he got is backdated from 6 months after his first open heart. So it can be donw without a lawyer, you have to get very involved and dont back down. Actually I think that is all the lawyer does. Alice SUNCREST

vioxx

2007-09-08 19:01:21

Hi Bill: Im a CABG x4 as of 6/16/03. Its been up and down. I was put on Vioxx after I ended up in the hospital due to the back and shoulder pain. I got real scared I was having a heart attack. I had shoulder and back pain before the operation but not like since. Anyway all went well and Im on 25mg of Vioxx a day. Its a realtively new painkiller used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and some other stuff. I have since also been going to a physical therapist. The pain has lessened but I feel its a combo of both. I think when they go to close you up they just throw everything in and let it settle. I hope you get some relief from the pain. I thought at one point I was going crazy. Oh you mentioned hospitals. Im in Bradenton Florida and went to Blake. Its a high rated heart hospital and I was OK with the care. I did go to the cardiologist today and just to be on the safe side they are doing a halter monitor. He has me out of work until 12/1. My recovery has been a bit slower and the drs seem a bit more compasionate...Im broke from co pays from all the meds but we have roof over head and eating :):):)...hope this helps... Stannis

update on my dad

2007-09-08 16:08:01

Two days ago I told you that my dad was having trouble with his incision healing. Well, he went to the doctors yesterday and this is what they did. (He went to Hershey Medical Center) The doctor said he had too much granular tissue in his incision, so he put silver nitrate in the incision and that's supposed to burn up the tissue. They're pretty confident this should do the trick. I'm hoping it does. If this doesn't work they said they would have to cut him open and redo the incision. I'll let you know if this works. Janelle

ssi disability

2007-09-08 09:34:57

Hi Larry and welcome to the group. All I can tell you about SSI disability is its nuts. The VA declared my hubby 100 percent disabled and cannot work. He applied for SSI and was declined. We have now gotten a lawyer to apeal. From what we heard unless your on death bed you always get turned down the 1st time....Hes on a bunch of meds that say right on the bottle do not operate machinery...The ssi told him he can drive a truck...oh by the way ssi does not process your claim first. They hire other companies to do it...the people who make the decisions do not have medical training...good luck.

Experience with SSA disability

2007-09-08 06:46:50

Greetings to all. I am a 45 year old male who has had a heart attack and 2x bypass surgery. I also have CHF with a 10% ejection rate. My heart doctor has written a letter to social security stating that there was no posssibility of my working again. I agree, since my hour a day of walking wears me out. Yet SSA turned down my disability claim. I see idiots every day that claim a "bad back" and draw, yet someone who desperately needs it gets rejected. My question is, has anyone else here with similar problems had any dealings with the government and should I get a lawyer and risk a chunk of money or continue on my own? Any help welcome. Best wishes Larry

Chronic Pericarditis

2007-09-07 19:57:12

Hi, I just found this great group. I am a 59 year old male and I had open heart surgury 19 years ago at age 40 using a mammory artery. I guess I had the usual recovery. I was somewhat depressed to begin with, but I got over that. I started walking short diatances after about 2-3 months, then longer and then started jogging. I continued to run for getting up to 5 miles four times a week and this continued for about 12 years. My feet finally started bothering me and I stopped running and have been not done much exercise the last 2 years. Anyway, although I was only 40 at the time of the open heart, I was very determined and hope this might offer some encouragement.....just keep on keeping on. I wanted to say that after the surgury, that I continued to have a constrictive constant left chest pain tht lasted about 9 months and it was referred to as Pericarditis. Anyway, over the last three months, this pain has come back and worse, and I just had the stent procedure and STILL have the pain. The day after the stents, the Dr says he thinks I have chronic Pericarditis and put me on Celebrex and today just switched me over to Viox. He is now scheduled to another MRI/stress test in Jan. I have to assume the stents were needed. Can anyone help with any suggestions or experience with Viox? Also, where are the best Drs and hospitals for diagnosis and treatment of this?? Best wishes to all in this group.

Hello, I had emergency OHS last month.

2007-09-07 15:32:07

My name is Rich, I am 32 years old. Last month I suffered a aortic dissection and had to have immediate OHS. I live in West Virigina, and was flow by helicopter to Johns Hopkins in Balitmore. My surgeon and everyone else was great. I had to have part of my aortic arch replaced and now have a St. Judes valve . I was diagnosted with Marfans syndrome with a slighty enlarged aorta as a kid. I knew someday something like this could happen, but I didn't expect it at my age. Its been almost 6 six weeks and I am still recovering at home. Still getting used to the ticking in my chest ( I am very thin so its loud). Well I just wanted to share my story and join this grup for support. My longtime girlfriend and family have been extremely helpful in helping me in my recovery. I will be going back to work next week. When this happened I had only been working for my new company for a few weeks, so I don't have health insurance yet. So now I am waiting to see if I can get medical assistance (fingers crossed). Well,I hope everyone here is doing fine. Rich

Incision not healing

2007-09-07 05:10:40

I just wanted to know if anyone had trouble with their chest incision healing. My dad had his surgery back in January and his incision keeps getting infected. He is diabetic, so I think that's some of the problem too. He's going to the doctor tomorrow. Janelle

Sticky stuff

2007-09-07 01:45:36

<why don't the nurses use that to wipe some of that off before they send you home??? This nurse always did! :-) In defense of nurses everywhere, however, we are stretched so thin these days - given more responsibility and less help - that sometimes these are the aspects of care that get left in the dust. Just a side-effect of a health care system (in the US) that is in a shambles. Ask your doctor for some packets of "Adhesive Remover" next time you're in the office - or just stop by and ask for a few. If they do EKG's in their office, then they'll have them. Its really the only thing that will remove that icky gooey stuff. After using the adhesive remover, use a warm washcloth to clean the area, as the remover can be abrasive to sensitive skin. I've been a bit quiet on here lately, but do read the posts - Summer kept me busy around here! Your resident RN, Ann

A Question

2007-09-07 00:55:55

I posted 2 days ago about my husband coming home from the hospital..Well we finally got him home yesterday after nearly 2 weeks in there..But now i have what your going to think is a dumb question...Since he was in there for quite a while they must have put 50 of those heart monitor electrode things on him....Anybody have any idea how to get all that glue off of him without hurting him??? They are far enough away from the actual incisions but he is covered...itches, sticks to clothes...you guys know what they are like i am sure....So anybody have any ideas??? His skin seems extra sensitive right now so normal scrubbing hurts too much....He is doing good, and each day i can see an improvement in what the extended time on the ventilator caused...In fact my fear is now that he is feeling so good that he is already pushing himself, in my opinion, too hard and too fast...He is taking your suggestions of needing to take regular naps..and i can see where they help alot....Thanks again for the help even with the dumb things....I am on another group for canine bone cancer and i have to say these groups are great for support and help....Debbie

My mom

2007-09-06 20:00:50

Hi all! I just joined this list. My mother had triple bypass surgery back on Jan 22. She still isn't herself and I was so glad to find this group. I wish I could get her to use her computer. I think it would do her good to talk to other people who have been through what she has. By spring she was having considerable pain in her shoulder. It was so bad. If she used her arm wrong, the pain on her face was unbelievable. Her doctor did an MRI and said that it is arthritis. She's been taking Alleve, and maybe she can use the arm a bit more but not much. She still needs a pain pill or 2 a day. It was just so strange how quickly it came on. Then again I don't know much about arthritis. I need to do some more research. Here we are 8 months later and I was hoping by now she'd be better. She still has days where she says her whole body hurts and she won't even get dressed. She's going to be 69 in Oct. She also has been having some pressure in her chest. Her internist is sending her to another cardiologist next week. He said he didn't want her to have another heart attack and have to go through surgery again. She said she would never even consider surgery again. When she had her heart attack and subsequent surgery, she was in FL with my father for the winter. Just one week after she was released from the hospital, she made the trip back to KS in their truck pulling their 5th wheeler. I had flown down for the surgery and was so glad to have her back home. Scary times indeed. Anyway, I am trying to read this groups archives to see what all of your experiences with recovery have been. I so wish I had thought to look for this group back when she first got home. Melissa

"Cough CPR" - more inacuracy

2007-09-06 06:35:18

I can't stand the inaccuracies: The article stated: " Every year in the industrialized world, one out of 1,000 people die from sudden cardiac death. Most of the time, the culprit is a type of heart attack brought on by a sudden problem with the heart's rhythm - ventricular fibrillation." They have it backwards... heart attack typically brings on (is NOT brought on by) ventricular fibrillation. Harold

the Atkins diet and cholesterol

2007-09-06 02:44:16

Hi Marcella, I don't know what the cholesterol ratings should be. Can you explain that to me?? And are they better since being on the Atkins diet or not?? Looks like Al's surgery has been just a about 1 1/2 years ago. Rays surgery has been 2 1/2 or more years ago. Ray is 6'4" and used to weigh 260. He is now at 232 and doing really good. Health wise he checked out A+. Maybe cause it has been longer since his surgery, or could be he is doing so well on the diet that his Dr tolled him to keep it up. We don't eat a lot of fat meat. Our steaks are pretty lean. We do leave the skin on the chicken and eat it broiled really good. We eat a lot of vegetables, broiled mostly or steamed. We do have our egg omelets on my days off with bacon or sausage. We both take calcium, potassium, vitamin C and Ray takes a multi vitamine. I can't take the multi vitamine cause it constipates me. : ( I've lost 12 pounds so far in 5 weeks. Might be 6 weeks. Will have to ask Ray when he gets back. Can't remember just how long I've been on this diet. "Wow" 32 pounds. That is wonderful. I can't wait till I lose that much. It is coming off slow but coming off. RAys Dr said for me to stick with it also and drink lots of water. He said men always lose faster then women but to hang in there it will go. So I am. Ray only takes one Zocor a day for his heart. His Dr took him off everything he had been on and said he didn't need it any more. Should have the results from his blood work tomorrow or the first of next week and then I can let you know where he is at in that area. Have a good week-end nancy

Bypass Surgery 4 Weeks Ago

2007-09-06 01:56:31

I had two bypass surgeries. The first surgery was 8/27, and the second was 8/29. The first surgery was unsuccessful because the artery in the leg as too large, and the second was sucessful using the artery from the arm and the mammary. I had a congenital coronary anomaly. I seem to have pain of some sort every day. 1 1/2 weeks ago, I had horrible pain in my kidneys and rib cage whenever I took a deep breath. The kidney pain seems to have cleared up, but I have terrible pain in my ribs and across my chest now when I take a deep breath. My bp and heart rate are fine. I am also still experiencing numbness and pain in my left arm where the artery was taken all the way to my finger tips. Has anyone else experienced this pain?

welcome Donna

2007-09-05 16:50:25

Welcome to our group. I hope it gives you as much comfort as it did me. You have been thru a whole lot. Shingles itself is nasty. Im glad you have family support. It will make a difference. Like Ed said each day will start being a tiny bit better than the previous. Some days the best you will be able to do is stay in bed and that is fine. But do try to walk. Go easy on yourself. Treat yourself like a loved one in your family you are taking care of. Do as much as you can and no more. Its the little things now that might make you feel a tad better. I and I hope you will take the time to read old posts. I saw myself in many of them. It was very comforting to me to know I wasnt going bonkers and the only one. Were all different but the same. I dont know as much medically as many here but we all contribute in our own way, just as you will...Im rambling on because I cant sleep tonight. Ask as many questions as you need to. If it regards any female stuff you are welcome to email me privately and Im sure that goes for the other women here. Im glad you found us....Welcome again

2 months since triple by-pass and heart attack

2007-09-05 10:07:02

Hi all, I'm new to this board. It's been 2 months now since my heart attack and triple by-pass. Since then I had a yeast infection under my right breast, started with the Shingles on Labor Day,very very painful, I till have scabs that haven't healed, had the flu, was hospitalized for dehyderation. And my incision hasnt healed completely, nor my 2 drain holes haven't healed either. Finding my self to have new or different kind of depression too