Heart Bypass Surgery

Hi Has anyone experience severly reduced kidney working and size after their bypasses. My dad has been told that his kidneys are reducing in size and are not operating as properly as they should, is this something to be worried about? What actions did anyone who experienced this take? Richy

Do any of you notice any changes to your health when it starts to get warmer? Have noticed the past few days Im getting very breathless again and cant stand for long when shopping. Rang up my Dr today to see if i needed to get checked, as i have to have the Stress Echo on the 6th Dec, she said for me to *take it easy*...and ring them every 3 to 4 weeks to let them know if I'm dead or alive and to say how I'going!!!!!!!! I had to get the girl to *repeat* the last bit to see if i heard right!! gzzzzzzz What happens if i dont ring??? do they come and check to see if im still here..LOL Cheers Annmarie

Gail my heart goes out for you dear, you certainly have had your share. Hope the Cortisone helps you feel a little better each day, and you will not be incapacitated for too long. Take care dear, Huggggggggs Annmarie

anyone ever try dean ornish eating plan

Hi all. JUst got released today from the hospital after a 3 days stay that was unless. I am still having chest pains (BTW, today is 4 months exactly since the operation) and I passed out Saturday. So into the hospital, had anothe nuclear treadmill stress test; EEG; and CaT scan, all saying "we found nothing". Wanna bet they will find my address to bill me?? I am REALLY getting depressed with the constant chest pains and the quacks...ummm....doctors finding nothing wrong. Logan

I see where that message repeated 3 times but i got no SENT message on this end till the 3rd try.

Sorry I dont know of any group....If you find one please let us know. Some of us have stents plus the bypass. I had a quad bypass and about 9 months later 2 stents. Good luck. Stannis

WOW, after reading the replies to my question of a group for stents I can see that they are not the ultimate answer! I went to Boston Scientific ( the maker of mine) and saw they are running a lot of trials on the endurance of these things over time.It seems they do become blocked in time, some sooner than others.I see rehab was mentioned in one reply and am not sure what this entails. Is it a exercise program? I was never much for exercise routines, did mostly walking in the past.I will have to go back and review some of the previous messages, as you suggested, to see what others have to say.I am 78 and may be one of the older ones in this group.Never had trouble with my ticker till recently when I noticed the "out of breath" feeling when I exerted myself. Then the chest started to pain slightly in different areas, nothing in the arms tho. Have been taking meds for high blood pressure and cholesterol for couple of years. I guess it takes an angiography test to really see what is going on with the coronary arteries even tho my doctor seems to think that other noninvasive tests should also show blockage.

What incompetence! I've been waiting a whole week for a STAT referral to GI doctor for bleeding. Figured weekend might slow down process, but began to really worry when 6 days arrived, so called yesterday @ 9:30 am, and went thru answering machine options to referral dept. Left name, birthdate, phone....all info requested and question as to why I hadn't received STAT referral. No answer/callback. Not yesterday. Not today At 5:30 pm today, I called and skipped the machine options to hit O and speak to someone. There are two offices for this medical group. I go to the one in Euless which is a sub office. My hubby goes to Bedford. It just so happened that he was in the Bedford office where the referral desk is located. While I was speaking to a lady who told me that the referral clerk was not at her desk but it looked like she had problems contacting me due a phone number preface that was written down wrong. But the referral has been there because this lady couldn't contact me. I told her that was BS!!! That I have had to give my phone number every visit. Had to verify correct info every visit. My records are there....and no one could look them up? And that it was further BS because I had called YESTERDAY and left my phone number on voice mail for the referral clerk. AND still no call! I hung up and caught my husband as he was in the parking lot. He went back in to get my referral. So I have it, but it's too late to call and make an appointment today. This has me really PO'd. I intend to let this woman's supervisor have it tomorrow. Sounds to me like someone is not doing there job. Connie, who is fuming! Connie Turner

Hi. I missed the first part of this conversation but the name Sewickley caught my eye. I was born is Sewicley Valley Hosp. in 1939. I Lived in Ellwood city Pa. I now live in the Pacific North west. By way of intro, I am a 65 year old retired insurance agent. I had a quad bypass in 1990 and have just had a second quad done this month. I am the fellow who asked about pee call. the reply was that maybe I should look in to Prostate problems. Yes in fact I did have Prostate cancer earlier this year. Did Seed implant, all seems to be on the mend. this quad seems to be giving me more problems than the first or I don't remember the problems with the first. Dj

Connie hang in there - I started having problems 4 weeks after bypass and eventually all problems were solved 13 months after the bypass when they had to open me up again and work on the sternum. During this time I also had anemia- they could never find where I was bleeding from but now al,ost 15 months since bypass and I feel so much better. My chest is still sore but not what I would call painful.

I had high blood pressure before my bypass in 03 and then it was higher, on meds, after and still higher after the stent in 04. The heart doctor has shifted and added more medications. I did notice when I was in cardio rehab that my blood pressure went down after exercising. And I was depressed before the heart attack etc and have been on meds since forever. I was just saying to myself the other day that I hadn't burst into tears for weeks and, yesterday there I was in a flood. Unfortunately, my boss sent me home because of it (without pay of course) which doesn't help. I ended up washing my bedroom floor which made me feel much better. I have two dogs who are 8 who still haven't gotten the message and two boy cats who seem to be having a contest. Oh well. They are my house mates. Michal Zippered down the Middle Flattened on the sides.

Bogie Just had another trip...hahaha..l tried telling myself and relax to go back to sleep....no use...lol so here l am zipper friends.... l fell asleep at 9.30 pm...guess l hit the pillow to early....was so tired l could not hold my eyes open...HAH now they wide open....lol OK..l am plying on here for a while...having a cup of tea...none caffien kind... Hugzz Rita Morning Girlz/ Fellow Zipps and gota pee-ers. Man Oh Man.....I thought men were the only ones who got up to go. My body has changed so much since the bypass. Connie..live like you are. If someone comments on anything...ask them if they had a bypass. Live like you can and enjoy it. Rita, Connie....try telling yourself you are going right back to sleep, as soon as you are done with the bathroom and hit the pillow. I think we train ourselves to think we won't go back to sleep fast. I'm trying to think the other way. I'm gonna fall asleep as soon as I hit the pillow again. Sometimes it works. Have a good day girlz!!

Hi, I am another new guy who has been watching your group for about 2 weeks. More about me later. I am confused about one thing though, I thought my heart was in the upper chest, what are the Doctors doing messing around down south with things that would cause me to have problems controlling my urination pattern( I don't mean that pattern) I mean freqency and time pattern. dj

It's been 19 months since they split me open, all in all I'm feeling pretty good. Today I put a 5 gallon water bottle on the water cooler, as I was hoisting it up,it slipped, I caught it without spilling any,but my chest really is sore tonight. I'm wondering if I may have twisted a wire, or whatever it is that they put in there to hold you together till you heal. I hate to go to the hosptial,because once they get you back into the system, they don't like to let you go. I'll be 67 on Dec. 19th, and I will not be sawed open again. I'm still alive and kicking, but this has been one helluva 19 months. Have any of you had trouble with your wires,clips,whatever, and what is involved if a wire gets damaged. Thanks for any info. Good health to all.....Mac

Margaret, Most definitely, the whole world is praying for a end of Iraq situation/war.... And I will have special prayers for your family. What state is your son-in-law from or the same as you? Take care Donna

Ann....do what you must....I understand 110%. My family has asked me to "cool my jets" at times too. It's just unbelievable the amount of stuff that we can find out. Not all is good!! So.....have a nice Holiday season....relax....take the Xanax......so what....is it gonna kill us? You will always be in my daily prayers.Chin up and forward we go. Merry Christmas too. Please and Thanx, Bogie

It must be something in the air. Im going thru all those tests too. Plus just had a echo of my caroid. Tuesday the dye stress test and next monday echo of the heart. Im scared because of the still lingering back pain. I wont find out the results until the 18th. I wonder if they realize the stress just waiting for the results are....Anyway from here just carrying on like the rest of us. My prayers are with you all.

In a message dated 11/7/2004 2:57:43 PM US Eastern Standard Time, ramblingrays@... writes: Took my blood pressure and it was 189/100 and I was not upset or anything so I am wondering about the stress part but since I feel ok maybe that's what it is. Good luck to you and all the great folks on the web site. I plan to check back in Jan. 2005. Ann Ann I became immune to my blood pressure meds and they changed it and I have been fine since I guess sometimes they have to change it around I didn't know that could happen you prolly just need a med change ... Rose

Hi all and especially to Cheryl, This By-Pass Forum is for everyone, and that includes you!! Please don't let me or anyone else stop you from posting here if that's what you want to do. It benefits all of us to vent our feelings. Donna

Hi folks, Theirs been a lot of talk in this group lately about depression and how to counteract it. Well, here's just another little something else to get depressed over. This article is from HeartCenter Online. You can sign up for a free...thats not so depressing...email subscription. I've included a small excerpt and the link to the web site. Depression interferes with exercise stress testing Oct 28 (Reuters Health) - People with depression who have suspected heart disease don't do well on exercise tests, Canadian investigators report.......... Symptoms of major depression include lack of energy and fatigue. These may impair exercise performance during treadmill stress testing, and thus interfere with the detection of heart problems, according to a report in the American Heart Journal. www.heartcenteronline.com/myheartdr/home/research-detail.cfm? reutersid=4811&nl=4 Bill Southern California

3 1/2 months out from my CABGx3 and still having chest pains and sleepless nights. Is this normal? Also rebroke 5 ribs in the past few weeks at work, falling down stairs wearing a 40 pound backpack vacuum. Also thanks to all who helped with medication links a while back, but still no luck getting any meds, but I DO receive tons of collection notices daily. At least SOMEONE is sending me mail :P

Thank you for the good information and nice email. Most of my blockage was on the right side as far as I can tell from the angiogram pictures. The left one had two places one 50% and another 70%. That was the two that were bypassed by the mammary artery. At least when the surgeon was explaining it to me it seemed that way. One piece of the leg vein was also used to bypass two blockages on the right side. They were 85% and 90% and looked like a real long blockage with a tiny space inbetween. Then the other two were bypassed with the rest of the leg vein. The numbness in my chest isn't painful just feels funny when you touch it. The leg on the other hand swells and aches, especially when it gets cold. Actually the bextra that I have been trying this past week seems to help that also. I am afraid the bextra may cause me problems down the road but it sure is nice not to have that arthritis pain all the time. As for stents, what I read seems to indicate they really don't help that much and they are not very safe so guess I will do some more research. Just opening the blockage might be a better option but think that is the old way of doing it. I did have that done in 1991 when I had a heart attack. I was lucky to have had only one closed artery and no heart damage then as I was very close to the ER when the pain started and actually had the heart attack in the ER. I was 49 and they thought I was having an anxiety attack. That was probably because I suffer from anxiety. Might have checked the gall bladder had it not been for the history of anxiety. The ER doc was surprised it was a heart attack. I am a very physically active person, not overweight but I did smoke until 1991 so that may be the reason for the first heart problem. The blockage I had before the 4x bypass seemed to have started between 1999 when I had a thallium stress test that showed everything was good and 2002 when it showed restricted blood flow to the lower part of my heart. An angiogram showed that I had 6 advanced blockages. So, now I wonder if the rest of the arteries that were not bypassed have not blocked and that's why the thallium stress test is the same as before (restricted blood flow to the lower part of my heart). The only way to know for sure is another angiogram. My cardiologist was going to do that but after I got upset (with anxiety you can probably imagine my reaction upset is a very mild term for what I felt). I was in the heart hospital in Lubbock when I had that test stress test and my blood pressure went to 195/110 in about two minutes. The nurse there was wonderful. She talked to me until my blood pressure went down to a safe level and then walked me to the car. She sent my distressed husband to get the car and told him not to hurry. He was very worried because after the last angiogram they told him I would not make it another month without the bypass surgery. Mine was very similar to President Clinton's it seems. At least the pictures of his angiogram they put on TV look almost like mine. So my husband had visions of that happening again and he really was pushing me to stay in the hospital and have the angiogram the next morning. The next day the cardiologist office called me and said the doctor wanted to see me in his office that afternoon. When he finally got to me, he said he had reviewed all my blood work, chest x-rays, sonogram, ekg's , etc. and they all looked very good, he said we did not need to do the angiogram right now unless I wanted to know and it was obvious to him that it was too upsetting to me so he thought we should just watch it for now and see what happens. He did give me nitro spray and said if I got the chest pains or pains in my jaw and shoulders to use that spray and see if that relieved it. If it does, he thinks I should get in to see him and let him do the angiogram right them. Several of his patients are doctors and he told me I was worse than those patients and they were a physicans nightmare usually. He is considered to be the best cardiologist in Lubbock but he has way too many patients and he is so patient it takes him until 8 p.m. to see all his appointments usually. His office staff stay on him about moving it along. I appreciate the time he takes with me and don't mind the wait as I know he is giving so much of himself to all of us. You are to be admired for having the strength to get your education and raise your children alone. I was a single parent for 12 years and my children (2) were pre-school when I went back to school to get an education so I could feed them and keep a roof over our heads. I know what a struggle that can be. I probably had depression on and off all those years but didn't have time to think about it until the bypass surgery. The depression I had after the surgery really scared me. A panic attack was easy by comparison. I took prozac for about a year but really think I got over it in about 6 months but just needed the security of the medication until the psychiatrist told me I could always go off it and then take it again if the depression returned. I didn't see him very often (every 4 - 6 months) so that's why I just kept taking it until I saw him again. It was comforting to know I could stop and then start again. Don't know why that didn't occur to me at the time. My insurance did not pay for counseling just assessment for medication so that's why I didn't see him much. My primary doctor can prescribe the medicine he just wanted me to get an opinion on what would be best for me to take since I already take xanax for anxiety. The psychiatrist was not happy with me taking xanax even though I only take .25 mg about 20 tablets a year just when I have anxiety or panic. He still advised against it so I just ignored that part. The xanax works and works fast and I just prefer to get over those attacks in a hurry. The heart hospital had no problem with giving it to me when I stressed out over the stress test. Only thing they gave me twice as much as I usually take so I was mellow when I left there. The nurse that was so kind and talked to me for so long was wonderful. Most are good but she was extra special. Thanks again for you good information. Keep walking. Ann

HI All, My latest round of complications with the heart started off with routine blood tests, then a stress test, then a nuclear stress test and that led to an angiogram. Results of the angiogram showed I need another bypass surgery. Looks like 2 new blockages. Since it is not an emergency situation at the moment like it was for the 1st bypass surgery I have opted to wait to have the surgery until after the New Year.The original grafts are still fine so that is good. I have diabetes which continually causes me complications even though I monitor it very carefully and never eat anything I shouldn't. It appears the diabetes is also causing the heart problem. I was also sent to the endochrinologist right away but there is nothing that he can do as everything test wise looks great. For now I can still go for a daily walk and use my exercise bike and be home and able to participate in Christmas including shopping for my kids so for that I am very grateful. Gail

Cheryl, It makes me so sad, to read what you say: I wouldn't be depressed if Social Security would give me money. Do you really think that is what is causing your depression? Every American has paid into the SS, but not everyone deserves to have it before Age 61-65. They do have to seperate the lying people from the people that really need it. Don't get me wrong, you and all the others here who have undergone By-pass deserve to get SS. We are alive, which we should be thakful for, the miracles that the Drs perform, to save our lives. Probably none of us would be able to put in a 40 hour or more week of work. I know I could not, when would I take my naps....lol I'd like you just to step back a sec, realize what your depression is about, you deserve a chance to live and YOU got it, as all of us have! You won't be able to fight with SS, and convince your lawyers and drs, unless you believe in your self and know your limitations. A attitude adjustment is in order. the AA list is some from Joan Londin from Good Morning America - Attitude Adjustment....and you will succeed !!! Take care, Donna

Good Morning Rita, See I am not the only one awake. I think I posted more replies now than I have done in a long time. I still get so tired using the computer. Will send a private e-mail later today. Happy Halloween to all of you, for those of you giving out candies enjoy yourself, no one home today to help me so I will not be doing it for the first time in 26 years being married. MY husband wouldn't buy the candies because he worries about me trying Gail

Hi there, was wondering if anybody else has had problems with any part of their lung not re-inflateing again after By-Passes. The CT Scan I had showed I still have that problem, as it showed just before I left the hospitial 20 months ago. Also have asked earlier if anybody that had a damaged heart..what do they take to help them and does it help much????? Have to see my Cardio on Thursday and would like to have some ideas, as thats holding me back still. This problem has gone on now for over 10 years and its wearing me out. Thanks Annmarie.

Hi All and Wlecome to the group, Connie!! I too was soo angry reading your posts, like they say, YOU are the employer, the Drs. are the employee..... And YES, that guy should be reported on, whether it is to the hospital, board or his boss, somebody should know about him, to help others too..... Reading about Blood Pressures, I too will have to post, think mine is fine, I do have a cuff too. It won't hurt to double check. My last surgery was August 24, 2004. Debridement of my complete sterum, scraping down the bone to get rid of infection that has plagued me since ByPass- July, 2003. I've also have all wires removed, because of infection. I have quite a large indentation from my normal chest line from the surgery, some will fill in but not all, I'm sure. Not going to look good for scoop neck tops or swim suit. But what is important, IS HOW GOOD I FEEL, it's wonderful, I got my energy back, but I still take a nap every day, even if I'm not tired, I still fall asleep for a couple of hours. My chest is mostly numb, my boobs are misalighed, even though I've had a mastectmomy, the space is larger too. Too many surgeries and tightening of my chest, I guess. I do take most of my pills, 10 of them...at night, just dump them all in, and go to bed...how do they know where to go anyway.. I do hope everyone will get to feeling better and soon. Donna Roseville, Mn Age 60

This has been a wonderful "talk" about sleeping and jumpy hearts. I don't feel so alone, tired, but not alone. I know as I get quiet to go to sleep my heart seems to do the Samba with weird rhythm. I too can't go to sleep on my left side and neither could my mother (she had emphazma). Have completed cardio rehab and am trying the ladies work out express. Thanks for the sharing on the sleep subject. May be tonight we will all get a good nights sleep. Michal

Welcome to the group Connie. I was also angry when I read what your cardiologist said to you and how you were treated. My cardiologist is from Kuwait and was educated in Greece. He is in his 40's and very kind and patient. I know his wife has high blood pressure and is younger than him and she takes the same blood pressure medication that I take (diovan hct). He takes the same pain medication that he gives me. Relafin for osteoarthritis and other joint pain. He believes in treating the whole person and never suggests my concerns are unimportant or insignificant. He is always in a hurry but does take time to answer your questions. My internist is from Lubbock and has been a friend to my husband since childhood. He is not well but a very dear person. I fear he will retire soon and dread having to find someone else. We are here for you. Everyone here is really great and you sound like you have some very serious heart problems so keep going to the doctors until you get it all fixed. You should not be breathless or tired all the time. Take care of yourself and don't shut-up until you feel good. Ann

Yup Ms. Connie....nobody cares but you.....and us too. Out in the world things are not fair. Over the last 2.5 yrs I have noticed the gap that extends between women and the Doctors. It's real...and it stinks. If we were privey to know how many ppl died/injured as a result of a Doctor's opinion, we would be shocked. I was told by my first Doc, (I'm a 47 yr old male) that I was to young for all that crap. He would dismiss almost everything I said by saying, it's all in my head, I'm to young , it's from worry. Just relax. I would be dead, if I would have stayed with him a moment longer. I have been helped and guided through some of the worst times by.........God. (it's my belief) Your treatment, from that Doc, was real bad. If it could be proven, it would cause him much trouble. As with many of the "happenings", they are covered up by the system. I keep telling myself, don't be afraid to ask away and be stern. I'm the Captain of my team(life) and I employ ppl to help ME. If I say this hurts....than this hurts!! It's hard to find a good Doc. Ask away and don't be shy. As far as your man goes.....I'm sorry that he's not more understanding of your ills. I try not to over load my wife with too much of my troubles...but without her I could not do it. I am Blessed indeed. I try to remember....nobody can understand how WE feel but our own kind. We do understand. Chin up and forward we go.

Hi, I'm new, and my name is Connie. I am 54, and underwent a triple bypass on August 10. I was pleased with my progress up until about 3 weeks ago. Slowly, not only did my original symptoms reoccur, but additional ones! I had been able to walk all day long without shortness of breath, and could walk and talk at the same time, which I couldn't do before. I never really had a heart attack or pain in the left chest before the surgery. The pain was in my right chest, and my jaw. I found my jaw locking up frequently. Now, the shortness of breath is back. Not as bad as it was in the 2 weeks before my bypass....but it's there. I find myself blowing/puffing out when I walk. I'm also having the indigestion, and nausea again. And once again, I want to spend more time asleep than awake. I had gotten rid of that fatigue after the surgery. The new symptoms are: In the last 3 weeks, my left arm/hand has become VERY HEAVY/ACHY. I find myself holding it with my other hand, or putting it in a pocket, or placing it on my chest when I walk, to ease the discomfort. It's also very swollen. I have sharp pains that shoot up the arm and into my neck....doesn't seem to hurt the heart. This didn't happen before the surgery. I'm swelling to the point I can't wear a watch or rings. My right leg/foot is also swelling badly. It feels so tight....like the skin will burst. I gained 6 pounds from Saturday night until Wednesday morning, when I seemed to lose most of it. Wasn't doing this much edema before. I'm having dizzy spells. I will be fine one minute, and then the next, I have a weakness that comes over me, and I grab something because I feel like I will keel over. It's gone as quickly as it came on. I saw a new cardiologist yesterday. He put me on lasix and potassium to help the edema. He also doubled my Altace. I'm scheduled for a resting nuclear test and heart sonogram on 11/3, and the 3 mi treadmill nuclear on 11/4. My blood pressure, which had been doing great....was 178/109 in his office yesterday. He asked me to purchase the cuff/digital monitor and record it 3 times a day, and to bring the machine to each visit to make sure it was in synch with his cuff. He thinks possibly that one of the arteries has come loose, or that the two in the back that they didn't bypass which were @ 60% blockage, may have worsened. I saw in my medical papers that I picked up from my gp that the reason they didn't stent those two were that they are small and that it was risky. I never knew the reason before, and it had not dawned on me to ask, because....I was pleased with my progress up until recently. The new cardiologist wants to try to get my blood preassure down, get rid of the edema, and check the heart sonogram, and nuclear tests before resorting to another angiogram. I guess that makes sense. My question is, have any of you had these type of problems after the bypass? Arteries that came loose, or clogs in others that resulted in having to go right back in? I'm a little worried about having anything done if it's those back 2 that were 60% clogged in August. Seeing the word RISKY kinda freaked me out. But so does the thought of having another bypass. I know it will happen again in 7-12 years; I just didn't expect the possiblity this soon! Thanks for any input... Connie

Ok all......I'm a yr and almost 2 months after quad. I have about a 40% reduction in, "range of motion", with my arms and upper torso. I believe I have an issue with my wires that go through my sternum...or maybe not? It's still difficult for me to get an adjustment at the Chiro, because my chest hurts when I lay on my tummy. I still can't cough a good cough either. Do you all have(or had) the same kinda feelings in your chest area?

Steve, dont know why I didnt receive your Message, found it in the Messages* Group. I have had the same problems now since i had the first H/Att in '94..they didnt give me any Heperin or any of those drugs to stop damage. Also as time went by they did an Angioplasty, that was only once the Thalluim Exercise Scan confirmed not enough oxygen was getting through, Stress Tests dont seem to show that with me. Then as time went by, I was getting a lot worse...found out years later I should not have been on a couple of drugs as they didnt suit me...they were Capoten and Isoptin. Then after 12 months trying to get back on feet again, I had another H/Att..but this time they gave me the drugs to stop damage...and so that was followed up by Heart Surgery end of Feb last year. I had 5 blockages but had 2 bypasses done as the others were not restricting the blood flow. The problem is I feel good when I dont have to do anything much...but as soon as I drive down the street to do a bit of shopping...cant carry anything much at all...it knocks me about a lot...i get very puffy and sooooo tired. If I try and wash a small floor here, with a *very light spongy mop* that **really knocks the daylights out of me...have to rest for a couple of days after doing that. I cut back on Averpro 75mg to half in the morn also as I was feeling sooooo ill when I did do those things...cant really describe those feelings..but terrible, and I feel *so much better now from cutting back on that now. So I asked to see a Physician to see if there was anything wrong as the Cardio kept saying Im ok...!!! Keeping fingers crossed now that he may be able to help to make the quality of life a little better. Cheers, Annmarie

Hello there everybody, havnet been in for ages as have been busy seeing new Specialist, a Physician in the City. He has looked into all my problems SOB etc...done *heaps of tests, and said my old Heart Attack, over 10 years ago is the problem..its just not copeing when under pressure..(I guessed this all along) but trying to convince the Cardios is something else. He suggested I find myself a really good Cardio as there are good medications out there. I have been told before I cant take Beta Blockers because of Asthma..he seems to think I will be OK...Does anybody else have Damage* and how do they cope and what do they take for it please. Am seeing my Cardio (the usual one), next week...would like a few ideas before I go to see him. Thanking you, Hope you are all feeling a little better, Annmarie

Well a little ON topic for me, Thursday I had a car accident, ending up breaking/rebreaking 3 ribs. Not fun since my triple was only July 15. Alot of increased pain and having to huig the heart pillow again. The same day my girlfriend went home to find grandma, whom my g/f lives with, passed out on the floor bleeding. Long story short, grandma had two operations on her brain Friday to stop bleeding, both failed. There is almost no brain activity. Sunday the family will be disconnecting the life support. Pray for all of us, as I am "adopted" family. Especially my g/f, who is REALLY shaken up as her lasts words were an arguement and she was the one who found grandma. Logan Heart Attack 8-2000 double stent 9-2000 Heart Attack Fathers day 2004 Triple bypass 7-15-2004 3 trips back to ER for continuing chest pains.....priceless

Just saw Former President Bill Clinton on Good Morning America, 7 weeks out from his By-Pass, Sept. 7th... He's a little fatiqued, he says, but going out to support Kerry! I wonder if he has found our great place here? Take Care, Donna

I had a 5, done on 7/1/04. I have a sleeping problem, I sleep one night and then the next night I can't find a place for myself and I am up the whole night. The next day I am exhusted and have trouble working or doing anything by afternoon. I work out every morning for one hour except on Sunday, either at the gym or the pool( I live in South Florida) The only other problem is the leg swelling in the leg, mostly the ankle. I would appreciate talking to anyone who has ideas for me. I think this group is a great sounding board. I did go to a meeting for the Mended Hearts, but most of the people there were in the 70's, no young people. Linda Posnick lindapos@...

Hope to find out how to "reply" to a posted message directly..

Any preferred way for someone new to jump in? I had the prerequisite bypass almost three years ago. I don't understand why I just found this group, but do look forward to being in here. Fred MI, SCA, 5X CABGS 11/28/01

Still confused with the procedure of this site in how to make a direct reply to a message - will see if this works.... Great little "laughing face" Cheryl, but how come I only see the "smiley face" indicating only you are on line?? Duane

I am a 36 year old father I had my bypass at age 34 in Washington DC as ya can see by the name I like tattoo's I posted a pic in the photoes so ya all can see what I did to my scar I know we all hate the scar that is left behind so I kinda did somthing to mine oh by the way I had no idea their was a club called the zipper club until after my tattoo was doneit has been 3 years since my bypass and I can tell all the ones that are dealing with it the coughing and sleepless nights get better just keep your pillow handymy problem now is I can't sleep without my pillow go figure lol good luck and god bless it does get better

ITS BEEN 6 MONTHS SINCE BYPASS SURGERY AND I CANNOT SLEEP. STAY AWAKE ALL NIGHT AND SLEEP MAYBE 1 OR TWO HRS DURING THE DAY. SLEEPING PILLS DONT WORK - ANY IDEAS?

Hi Bogie, I don't know if were on the high side of SSD, or the low side, he was 55 and retired fron Twin Cities Ford Plant, he was on the assembly line for 30 years. We got a back payment for 3 years, his monthly is 1493.00 a month, just goes in the bank automatically. Of course he has his pension too. We are both just 60, I have tried to get SSI but was turned down. Not quite sure what the DR's would say about me working now, but when I quit working in 1999, he needed me at home for him. He spends most time in bed, laying flat, on lot of pain pills. Personally, I feel to active to be on disability, but it is getting harder to get in and out of the car.....lol take care, Donna

Cheryl - 10 months since your "tool job??" Almost 4 years since mine and I had difficulty sleeping for at least a year after the big event... No problems for sometime now......Duane

Hi All, speaking of Social Security Disability, my hubby has a very very bad back problems, finally he got carried home one day from work, and that was it..He decided he can't go there anymore. After much urging from our Dr. , we (me) applied for Social Security, got the forms, gather many years of documentation from surgeries, dr, therapy. etc. etc... We applied, got turned down, we fixed what they asked, reapplied, got turned down, 2 more surgeries then, reapplied, contacted a lawyer from his work, part of his benefits, low cost......met him, he took the case, talked to us very little, went to court,got A PRIVATE CONVERSATION with JUDGE, explained that WE had did all the paper work, the lawyer didn't do much, but charged a lot for gas and copies, which he already had, from me.....Judge gave his Disability, back payment for 3 years, monthly check, and disallowed our lawyer for overcharging us, stating cost would be 2000.00 instead of 6700.00. So it worked, the lawyer was peaved, to say the least, but the Judge just overruled him for now and the future of his business................... Point is, get your own papers, copies of everything, do your own homework. Hope this helps. Donna

Thanks all for your support and suggestions on smoking, not smoking.....I'll just keep trying to I get it Right !!! Now is my brain on empty or what, I had a accident last Thursday, air bag went off, even going 5-8 miles mpr. Totaled our 93 Olds, whole front end bumper ets. etc.... stop and go traffic, I went when I was supposed to stop.....called accident, no injuries. Air bag was nasty thought, gave me asthma attack. thank you all, Donna

I had bypass surgery a year ago,sept 26. I had smoked for 35 years. I was grateful that I had quit smoking 3 years earlier. That made one less thing I had to worry about. This was the third attempt of me being smoke free.Everyone out there don't give up. You'll finally succeed.

"Rita Piranio" <rita_p44@s... no fat diet... what are some suggestions? We found that going to soy based as opposed to animal protein products was very much lower in fat but you have to watch sodium. Brands vary a lot and some of our favorites are: Gardenberger flame broiled burgers Gardenberger sweet and sour "pork" Gardenberger meat loaf Veggie Patch meatballs Veggue Patch chicken nuggets Moringstar Farms better n burgers Moringstar Farms sausage pattied Moringstar Farms breakfast strips (pseudo bacon) any other comments on meat alternatives?

Hi Cheryl Me to..had puter trouble here a few weeks ago...ended up redoing the whole thing.plus gat me Window XP.too.. l took my time too...you are not alone in that...still slow after 4 yrs.. l do not get to work either....and ssd...slower than molasses.. Nice to hear from you Hugzz Rita Hello Everyone!!! sorry, I haven't been on,had some problems with my pc but all is ok now.I had a touch of flu this week so when my hubby's work paid for flu shots they made me get one,wouldn't you know it made me ill all over again,not bad as I was though.I'm slowly getting house back in order,but isn't that a part of our surgery ,we move slow afterwards.It will be 10 months on Halloween since I had my quadruple bypass and still don't feel quite up to par.Is anyone else having as much trouble as I am with disability.It's hell when the Doctors won't let you work and social security disability still takes their time. Sorry don't mean to whine.More later,Cheryl [LINK]

CABGx3 Dec 2000..Follow up blood workup and primary doc every 3 months. Meds incl. Lipitor, Terazosin and accupril (for b.p.), amiodarone (for a-fib arrythmeia), aspirin and iron.... Ciggy smoke also sickens me (even though I smoked for 45 years prior to my surgery)... Completely healthy now, no restrictions, major life style changes: no ciggies; exercize; and no saturated fat in my diet........Have lost 36 lbs since surgery almost 4 years ago..Duane

I quit 13 yrs ago. I bet that didn't help my condition any. I had my bypass 1yr, 1 month and 5 days ago(12SE03). I used the script patches. I went dwn in strengths for a yr. I promised my wife that when my son was born...I'd stop. Some how...thats how it went.I smoked for 23 yrs 1-2 pks a day. I can't hang with the smell of smoke. It makes me sick and I can't breathe. Just keep trying...thats all I can say. Please and Thanx, Bogie

For those who still smoke KEEP TRYING......I quit when I had my bypass and even then it was hard. At times I still want a ciggie but I ride it out. The thought of being attached to that resperator and having it removed is a feeling I never want again. From what my cardio told me is that the smoke damages the inside of your arteries and it makes the build up so much easier. With my family history I never should have smoked. I started when I was 15 and I just turned 58. I only hope the damage now is either reversable or even to minimize any future damage. I know my lungs are clear. Does anyone know if the arteries can heal. What about the new bypass ones??? hugzzzzzzzzz Stannis

Has anyone heard anything about Al True?? He posted and said he was getting ready to have bypass surgery.That was two weeks ago and i had to leave town and have not been able to keep up. Thanks Tom

Hi Arthur, Welcome to the group!!! 15 months since I had my triple bypass, 2 heart attacks and 3 surgeries after to now. Hoping infection will go to another place, finally..... Smoking -----like you I'm a long time smoker, I've quit several times the last 15months, I have all the no smoking aids, like the Patch, Logensens,inhaler, wellbrutin. Quit for 6 weeks, for 8 weeks, for 3 weeks, but I'm still smoking today. Under a pack a day, but I'm still smoking.......................with my health history my family thinks and supports me, they just want me to live. Any Suggestions Donna St. Paul. MN

TOMMY GOODPASTURE <ggnt93@s... check up and am wondering what all they do. Who do you go to: cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, primary care internist? My husband had CABG4 on 7/6 and we had to fight to get an appointment to see the cardiologist last month. Cardiologist did echo, ekg and scheduled stress test for 11/1. Still no blood work and he has been taking lipitor since surgery. Cardiologist did put him on 5 mg lisinopril to "condition" arteries. Internist had taken him off all meds except lipitor (which he increased from 10 to 20) due to low blood pressure. So now with the lisinopril we are not eating such a low salt diet- we were trying to eat less than 2 grams pf salt a day.

No - haven't had a reason for angiogram for almost four years now. Do have blood workup every three months to keep check on meds side affects and two stress-echo exams at Swedish Hosp in Seattle....Also see cardiologist annually - will be doing the 3rd stress-echo in Feb.

My husband had triple bypass and value replacement in march 2004. The problem is he has been so deeply depressed and isn't doesn't seem to be improving with medication. he is currently taking xanax but that isn't helping. Any ideas?websites? Im concerned with what ive been readin about death rate increases after surgery if depression consist. Thanks in advance

Logan.......please don't give up......what area of the country are you in?? I'm in Georgia and I have a cardiologist who told me he treats patients who have no insurance etc. and that is why we with the insurance are paying so much. He & I had a discussion about the high cost of drugs and he stated he never refuses meds to anyone even if they have absolutely no money as he has seen the results of people who end up in the hospital because they dont' have their drugs. There has to be a place for you to get some assistance and perhaps all of us putting our heads together may come up with some place for you to get wjat you need. I had a brother in California who had absolutely nothing...no job.....no money etc and when he developed lung cancer he was given excellent care along with all the medicine he needed......... What about the dr who performed the surgery? Surely he can direct you to a local health dept or clinic........sometimes we arent' really aware of the help that is out there......for example........did you know that you can contact most of the drug companies and inquire about their drug plans for those who have no insurance or low income. My sister is 78....has medicare but no drug plan and she gets her lipitor and other drugs from the drug companies for $10.00 each............I heard a number of months ago that most of the drug companies were offering drugs at a very very reduced price to those with no insurance. I thought perhaps irt was only for those on Medicare but heard later it applied to anyone with no drug plan.................. As for the depression........I think we have all been there and struggled to get through it.......I too felt horrible and depressed after my surgery......with major complications I had doomed myself to a life of being a cardiac cripple....it took months but today six years from my CABG I can honestly say my life is good.....not great....but so much better than I thought it would be after my surgery that I thank God every day for getting me to this point. Logan....three months since surgery isn't a very long time.....keep your chin up and take each day as it comes......this too shall pass ....depression is indeed something almost everyone who has had by-pass goes through........I know this doesn't help but just remember we got through it and you will too.....do you have a cardiologist? If so he should be able to direct you to the various drug companies that you can contact.......... Best wishes and stay in touch.................... Carol.

Hi Ray, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to you and yours. Yes we do have RV Campgrounds. If you will send me your snail mail; address. I can pick up information for you from the local Tourist Bureau.

Hi All: Im from Bradenton, Florida..We can get fresh fruit and veggies all year round. Unfortunately its expensive. I go to what we call a flea market and purchase them there. When citrus fruit is in season I can get lots from friends. I cant do grapefruit but the oranges and lemons are good. You would think OJ would be cheaper. Its not. Tropicanna charges us more down here then from up north. As far as meat I try to buy the leanest and limit it to a few times a week. For lunch ususally a salad of some sort. I looked at the lable on the lean cusine and healthy choice frozen foods for lunch and they are NOT healthy. Go figure. Anyway my kids were down from Pennsylvania and we went to hooters. I had a hootin good time with a bacon cheesburger and ate every bit. Thats not the norm for me. I do not eat fast foods, never really have...My sister who had a bypass about 15 yrs ago eats every thing. My hubby refuses to eat healthy. I think we all have to do what we can. My viewpoint has changed. Ill eat anything I want now but in moderation. I might even go back to hooters next month :):).....Cheers Stannis

Hello Halle l learn something new from this group every day we also have another member from Canada...Gail.. Hugzz Rita Thank you for sharing that with us. I am relatively new to the group, I had 5 bypasses in March of this year. I am doing well, but I find that I get alot of information and support for this group. By the way I am from B.C. Canada, actually I live on Vancouver Island. Best Wishes Halle [INLINE] [LINK]

Thank you for sharing that with us. I am relatively new to the group, I had 5 bypasses in March of this year. I am doing well, but I find that I get alot of information and support for this group. By the way I am from B.C. Canada, actually I live on Vancouver Island. Best Wishes Halle

Evening Ann.. [INLINE] l am sure you are relived being home.. l now have the Cardiac Cath done 1 time a yr.. if something else crops up..then sure they do it.. But it has to be when l have chest pains or something ...else and know it has to be done.. You know if the chest pain do not come back the you are OK...but if you have bad chest pain again..then that is a diferent story..then it needs to get done.. l wish you well and take it easy.. Hugzz Rita.. [INLINE] [LINK]

I don't have a heart problem but my uncle does. A few years ago he had a stint put in then last year on New Years day he had quadruple bypass it was only suppossed to be a triple bypass but it was worse then they thought. Since then he's had a defibrilator put in and a couple more heart attacks and it seems like every artery or vein in his body has a stint in it. So now everytime he gets sick, gets a cold or a body ache I get really, really scared. I know the statistics and I know that he could die. I also know that he probably doesn't take care of himself like he should and I also know that it's probably because he's depressed and doesn't even realize it. My family is a mix of people who are a little overweight don't excercise much and eat bad foods. Then there's the skinny people. Me I'm 5"6 and weight 108 I'm also a classical ballerina take at least 3 hours of ballet/pointe a week and teach one hour of ballet a week and that's not including extra rehearsals that come up when we have shows etc. I also stretch and do yoga at home and have five pets and a boyfriend to care for. I don't eat meat and I eat very little dairy sometimes I eat cheese because I know my body needs the calcium. But my uncle he's a meat eater and a cheese lover. Where they probably consume too many bad calories I probably don't consume enough calories. I don't know how to help him and I don't know what to expect or think and I don't know much about this disease. I read other peoples post and what I get is this disease regardless of how great of care you take of yourself can kill you in an instant. What makes one person more prone to it than others and how can some family members get it while it doesn't touch others. He's also a smoker and don't ask me how but I'm probably one of the handfew in my family who managed never to take up smoking. I guess I always thought it was gross and the smell automatically triggers migraines in me. I'm not without my problems I just don't have his. Oh and this is for the guy who doesn't like hamburgers. Theres a brand called Morning Star Albertsons and now some Wal-Marts carry it they are hamburger patties made out of soy (no meat)I don't believe theres any cholesterol under 300 calories and maybe 4 fat grams if that and the great thing is they taste like hamburgers. It's vegetarian food but it's good. They even have corn dogs and sausage. Sincerely LyricZada

I am scheduled for 6a.m. in the morning for the angiogram. I left the hospital Tuesday as I can't stand the place and I could not sleep. I got a sleeping pill at 1a.m. and they WOKE me up at 3a.m and again at 5a.m. My cardio doctor wanted me to stay in the hospital and have the angiogran on Wednesday morning but I told him I had to rest up first since the place would not let me sleep and I was not going to have a medical procedure exhausted. He checked me out and told my husband that he had concerned I would show up tomorrow (Friday). I will show up but I have ask my husband to let him know I never wanted to hear how great I was doing again or how wonderful my tests looked. It was all a farce and I am more discouraged by being told everything is fine and then one little bout of chest pains (probably from the steriods even though that's my diagnosis not theirs) and I fail a stress test. It was a chemical test which he did not discuss with me (persantine) and I had an allergic reaction to that. Horrible head ache, sore, burning throat and sinus passages clogged. I have asked not to be told what they find or do not find, whether they fix it or now. I am going to live from Friday forward just as I damn well please. Thirteen years of diet, exercise and statin drugs obviously didn't do it for me. So I will continue taking that stuff to keep my husband from getting too upset but the diet is whatever I like and the exercise will be for my pleasure only. If I want to go do something I will. No more boring walks for the old heart. I think I am a person who just builds plaque and probably should not have even had the bypass surgery two years ago as it is already clogging up again it seems. My attitude sucks I know but I love life and having fun and I do not like to be always having to think about what I am doing and if its good for me. Might not last as long but I will be happy. They are going to give the results to my husband and he is a real trooper and will just keep it to himself. Thanks for all your kind words of encouragement. I hope I don't have to stay overnight in that damn hospital as I check in for the angiogram at 6 a.m. and plan to be home at least by 6 p.m. but my friend who had stents last year was in for two days so I dread that possibility also. She is diabetic and maybe that's why she stayed. Probably will be without a computer after today until I get out of that place. Sounds like a prison and actually its a brand new, really nice heart hospital in Lubbock with state of the art equipment and very qualified nurses and technicians. Ann

Just took my first walk outdoors since this most recent surgery. Managed to go right around the block - took about 20 mins- feel good - just a bit tired. Saw the various doctors involved in my most recent surgery Monday and Yesterday, everyone is pleased at how I am doing but I have very strict orders - absolutely no housework, cooking or chores of any kind. Last night my husband caught me hand washing a couple of things and he was really mad - I find it so hard not to help in the house. I know looking back I willl think waht a fool I was - probably the only time I will ever get this kind of a break. I read the comments about sleeping patterns - I have been lucky- am managing not to take pain medication other than tylenol an dthe past 4 nights I have slept at least 5 hours without waking up. A tremendous improvement for me. I am also allowed to go back to cardiac rehab on a modified program. I am looking forward to that. To all of you reading this have a great day Gail

Hi gang, I just finished watching the bypass doc on Discovery channel. It wasn't too bad. It did bring back the fear and tears, I felt when I knew I was going to have to have the surgery. It didn't show the cracking of the chest, just harvesting of the veins/arteries and how they were attached. I wasn't sure I wanted to see it, but it was pretty clear cut and I didn't feel like I was going thru it again. It didn't show any complications and the folks were fine just like they told us. It was lot less surgery and more about peoples feelings. And of course it was the perfect doctor. It was alot worse when I went thru it pain wise. These people were up and about 3 days or so after and they looked a lot better than I did. Even though I was up and out of the hospital after 4 days, it must have been good pain days for these folks. Just my thoughts on the show. Rus

I got a really, really sore throat to go with my high blood pressure and my primary doctor gave me a 6-day pack of predisone to get the swelling down in my throat. After two days of that I had really bad chest pains so now I am in the Heart Hospital for tests. So far, everything looks good but I don't know yet about the stress test. My other tests all look very good, cholesterol, thyroid, lipid profile, etc. so I am sure hoping the same will be true for the stress test. At least I have all my testing done for my regular cardiac check up so when I leave here I should be good for another 6 months. I will never again take a steroid. It seems they are hard on your heart and may have caused my problems. To top it off, I still have a sore throat and I'm hoarse. I got over the infection in my throat they think and now the steriod is making me hoarse as it dries out your lungs or something like that. I just got my computer up here so don't know if this will go. The email would not come up or I don't have any messages which is very strange. Will let everyone know the whole story assuming I get it from the doctors. Ann

For those who get it Discovery Health is having a program on at 8PM EST about bypass surgery. Im going to watch it with my hands over my eyes and peek. I hurt like the dickens today. I just went and bought aleive. Lets see if that helps.....I too feel pissed and fustrated. Every time I hear something about it and they mention poor Merck losing money i wanna spit

Hi all ! Sleep is a big drag when your not getting any...Just a few suggestions; get out of bed and look at your bedcovers; are they all messed up, sheets pulled out, are your blankets pulled out, does it look like a beached whale has been in your bed? OR is your bed looking like someone just laid there all nite and didn't move at all? I was the 1st one for years, my bed was so messed up, I had to remake the whole bed, drove me crazy, and I felt like I didn't sleep at all!! Finally talked to the Dr, this was all before my By-Pass - July 2003, years before, he put me on Trazodone, 50 mg. It has helped me tremendously, then since the ByPass, I was put on amitriptyline, 1 pill of 10mg, is toooooo much for me, but I break it up to 4 small pieces, one small piece each night, gives me 8 hours of sound good sleep, and a nap every afternoon too. Hope this helps someone. Donna Roseville, MN

I just want to say thank you to all of you who post continuously. So far I haven't been able to get into the habit of posting but when I come to read them there is always something to make me laugh or smile. Since I am still not able to be out and about yet I can't tell you how much it means to me to have this connection. Otherwise I would have very many lonely hours as my family is quite busy and since they are so good to me I don't like to complain. I see the surgeon on Monday for a follow-up so maybe I will find out more about what is going on. The original pain is gone, new pain now but could be from recent surgery- most disappointing is that the breathing problem is still there. Not sure who I should see next about this. I have seen a lung specialist. Couldn't find anything wrong. Any suggestions? I am wondering if it has to do with combination of weight gain from prednisone and insulin and lack of exercise as I could barely move before the surgery that was done 10 days ago. Any opinions on this are welcome. On Tuesday I am going to try and go out for a short lunch with a good friend who is going through treatment for breast cancer. I am really looking forward to this as it will be at least another 3 weeks before she will be able to do it again. Thanks for the input Gail

Hey Gang, I had a 4X CABG on April 16, 2004 and my sleep patterns are still messed up. I'm in bed by 8pm or 9 at the latest and up at 3 to 4 am. At least I'm managing 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Have any of you all had this problem and how long did it last. Luckily my boss lets me start work at 6am, so it's not to much of an inconvenience, but I'm wondering when my sleep patterns will get back to normal. Thanks Rus

Greetings all. I am a 56 year old male and am about to have open heart surgery to repair 5 arteries (I guess that is actually 4 arteries with one repaired in two places). I must admit that I am a bit scared as this will certinally be the most invasive surgery that I have had. I suspect that the recovery will be long. I will be seeing the surgeon tommorow (9/30/04) and he will then be scheduling the surgery with the possibility of putting me in right then. They had to wait to do this as I had bad teeth and the surgeon would not do the proceedure until they were fixed - which involved pulling ALL of them. Talk about adding insult to injury! Well now that is done and the day is rapidly approaching. I would appreciate any words of encouragement, suggestions, or information that anyone would like to share. Thanks, Al

Hi All: Yup I heard it on the news this AM. I called my cardio and he said to stop taking it immediately. I do have an appointment next Thursday also. I was taking it for back pain. Something tells me im in for a bunch of tests and blood tests AGAIN.....ahhhhhhhh wellllllllll.... I do know if I hear of a class action suit Im going for it. I had a heart attach last Feb so it makes me wonder

"STEVE RAY" <ramblingrays@m... having the vein removed? Also do you wear a support stocking? My leg still swells after nearly 2 years and I wish it would eventually heal but it is sure a slow go. My husband had 4-CABG 7/6/04. In the hospital they gave him 2 pair of compression hose - opening in foot and jeavier than OTC support hose. He first had catherization and developed a hematoma at that site in the groin. The cardiac surgeon's office thought it might be an aneurysm so he had to have a groin ultrasound and see a vascular surgeon at the end of July. The vascular surgeon said it was just a large hematoma and would eventually be absorbed (he still has a smaller hard massM. This vascular surgeon also told him to always during the day wear a support hose or the compression stocking on the right leg where the vein was removed. The cardiac surgeon's office had only advised wearing them for a week or 2. Vascular surg. said on active days, especially rehab ones, to wear the heavier compression stocking. This has made a big difference and now there is far less swelling.

HI All, Thank you for the prayers and good wishes that were offered by many of you. I had the surgery on Wednesday, Sept 22. The surgeon did not attempt to do the surgery as discussed. When he opened up my chest he found it was far too risky to cut through the sternum as it is basically touching the heart. There was not even a millimetre of space separating them. Instead the surgeon just took out the old wire as it was broken in several spots and rewired the sternum. He is hoping that since the ends of the wire were poking inwards instead of outwards that some of the problems I was experiencing before the surgery will be gone. He did try scraping the sternum without cutting it. I can't tell yet if there is any difference since the surgery. There is a large swelling at the top of the incision as well as 2 small infected areas along the incision.They are being monitored daily. There is a lot of post surgery pain but that is to be expected. This time I have pain in the middle of my back, didn't have that before. During the surgery I still had the same tubes, IV's as during the original bypass. I am on complete rest except for daily walks for 3 months which will take me right to Christmas. It will be interesting to see how my family copes as I have been forbidden to do any cooking, cleaning or laundry. I now have vertigo - caused by fluid in the inner ear. To most this might not seem such a bothersome problem but I absolutely cannot stand motion of any kind so this constant spinning feeling is making me very nauseous. My blood sugars have been very good and are remaining stable - between 5.1 and 5.5 so that is good. I continue to take Lipitor - 10mg without problems but I do take CoQ10 also. I mention this since I am posting this message to all groups that I belong to. Even though I can take the Lipitor I watch the statin postings as a person can never have too much knowledge and I realize at some point I might no longer be able to take them. I also want to thank all of you who remain active in the groups. I so look forward to reading the postings everyday as it is my only contact with the outside world. Gail

Hi all thought l post this....l am so happy Gails surgery is over woth.. Hello All, This is Gail's son Mark. The surgery went well and she is resting in the hospital. They are saying she will be home either tonight or tommorrow. She will fill you in on more details when she is home and settled in.

Gail, You hang in there and be positive....I will be thinking of you and wishing the very best of healing powers be sent to you. God Bless you dear Gail, Jillie<..... who sends hugs of friendship.

Hello there, Well I decided to cut down on dose of Averpro...am now on 1/2 of 75mg, and I must say I am feeling a lot better in myself!!! Havent tried yet to do too much...but I am starting to feel *not so ILL* everyday..so would be grateful if anybody else is takeing this and how it makes them feel. Its GREAT to feel a bit more Healthier!!!!!!!! Also reguarding Thyroid problems...well all my family, the females are also on Thyroxine...I was diagonised years ago...then after years of being on the tab, they took me off for a few years...fineally 2 years ago they decided to put me back on as test must have show some abnormalitie i guess..I'm only on 25mcg per day, which is pretty low. Cheers to everybody...keep on plugging along!!!! Annemarie

Hello there, just wanted to share with you I am *so far* feeling soooooooo much better since I ...myself changed the dose of my B/Pressure Tablets called Averpro. I could actually carry a small bag of groceries out to my car tonight from the Supermarket!!! Have not been able to do that for a long time without falling into a heap for a few days.......so will gradually get in and try a few other things that *almost seemed to kill me* for a few days. So its a great feeling to share some good news for a change. Please let me know if any of you are on these meds and if you are Ok with them etc.Another thing..i have noticed ...am not feeling so *ill* all day so you just never know what meds are doing. Cheers to you all and keep on plugging along. Annmarie

Things have been so quiet to past 2 days, I'm just posting to see if the site is up. Rus

Ann: You mention that you take synthroid, 50mcg for hypothyroidism. I also have hypothyriodism had it since I was 12. I have had a problem getting it level for the past 1 year. The doctors thought my some of my complaints were cause from this. I was very very tired, couldn't get enough rest. I am going for another blood workup next month, also my suger was borderline before the bypass, but now it is running high, trying two glucotrol a day. Linda

Hi There:-) I had to giggle at your term, "statin shuffle" as my hubby had that as well. I thought he was in the beginnings of some neuromuscler disease. It was pretty terrifying. He tried all the statins.... Anyway, I am impressed at your choices for supplements.....they sound good. If my cholesterol was the same as yours I would be so happy! Seems like if you could just pull that hdl up some and lower the triglycerides....you know don't you that if you have a tri problem, you should limit or cut out sugars? I only learned recently there is a correlation there. Let us know what you decided. My hubby takes 3 grams of niacin a day and his numbers dropped alot........I was very faithful to a pill which contained policosanol, as well as garlic and niacin....and my numbers came down ....(301-266) I was disappointed it was not more. I know exercise can help and I hafta get started on that.....but I have felt lousy lately.....now I am wondering if it is my supplements.....or what....... anyway, good luck to you.... Jill/spouse of bypass patient who is doing great:-) . Message: 13 Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 14:57:18 -0000 From: "gfvadq" <vurikg@... Subject: What now Hello all, I have a question. My Dr wants me on a statin , I refused Lipitor because of cost. $240 a mo. He has substituted lovastatin 40mg. I quit Zocor in April due to side effects. Background info: 65+ 3xcabg + aortic valve 11/14/02: femoral bypass grafts, 3 @ leg. Symptoms: muscle weakness, unco-ordinated, fuzzy headed, legs swelling, tremors in hands, painful feet. I quit Zocor and most of the above dissappeared or diminished. Follow a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Moderate exercise, yard work, walking, Mentally, I am alert and active. I lost the statin shuffle and wooden expression which caused me to be tested for parkinson's. After reading the pharmacy sheet on the lovastatin I am concerned about the return of the same side affects I had with the Zocor Zocor was 10 mg, lovastatin is 40 mg. I would like your thoughts and observations regarding lovastatin. I have attached a list of supplements and meds as well as the latest cholesterol test numbers Supplements Garlic 500mg 1 Daily Cayenne 40,000 hu 1 Daily Flaxseed Oil 500mg 1 Daily MultiVitamin+ Minerals 1 Daily Policanosol 10 mg 1 Daily L Arginine 500mg 1 Daily Omega3/6 Fishoil 1200mg 1 Daily Saw Palmetto900mg 1 Daily COQ10 200mg 1 Daily Folic Acid 800mg 1 Daily Ibuprofen for leg as needed Meds Metropolol 50mg 1 am/pm Potassium CL 20meq 1@ am/pm changed 4/30/04 Furosemide 80mg 1 daily Aspirin 81 mg 1 daiily Lisinopril 10 mg 1 daily Trazodone 50mg 1 daily Merhydopa 500mg 2 daily Niacin 500mg 4x daily (no-Flush) Glucosamine-Chondroitin 500/400 2@day Test results 9/3/04 LIPID Total Cholesterol 195/mg/dl Triglycerides H 231 <199 HDL L 26mg/dl LDL 123mg/dl ~ Jillie~

Hello all, I have a question. My Dr wants me on a statin , I refused Lipitor because of cost. $240 a mo. He has substituted lovastatin 40mg. I quit Zocor in April due to side effects. Background info: 65+ 3xcabg + aortic valve 11/14/02: femoral bypass grafts, 3 @ leg. Symptoms: muscle weakness, unco-ordinated, fuzzy headed, legs swelling, tremors in hands, painful feet. I quit Zocor and most of the above dissappeared or diminished. Follow a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Moderate exercise, yard work, walking, Mentally, I am alert and active. I lost the statin shuffle and wooden expression which caused me to be tested for parkinson's. After reading the pharmacy sheet on the lovastatin I am concerned about the return of the same side affects I had with the Zocor Zocor was 10 mg, lovastatin is 40 mg. I would like your thoughts and observations regarding lovastatin. I have attached a list of supplements and meds as well as the latest cholesterol test numbers Supplements Garlic 500mg 1 Daily Cayenne 40,000 hu 1 Daily Flaxseed Oil 500mg 1 Daily MultiVitamin+ Minerals 1 Daily Policanosol 10 mg 1 Daily L Arginine 500mg 1 Daily Omega3/6 Fishoil 1200mg 1 Daily Saw Palmetto900mg 1 Daily COQ10 200mg 1 Daily Folic Acid 800mg 1 Daily Ibuprofen for leg as needed Meds Metropolol 50mg 1 am/pm Potassium CL 20meq 1@ am/pm changed 4/30/04 Furosemide 80mg 1 daily Aspirin 81 mg 1 daiily Lisinopril 10 mg 1 daily Trazodone 50mg 1 daily Merhydopa 500mg 2 daily Niacin 500mg 4x daily (no-Flush) Glucosamine-Chondroitin 500/400 2@day Test results 9/3/04 LIPID Total Cholesterol 195/mg/dl Triglycerides H 231 <199 HDL L 26mg/dl LDL 123mg/dl

I would like to know what type of exercise program that you are doing now? Also how many of you are back working full time? I work out in the gym every morning doing tread mill, bike, rowing machine and a exercise routine for 1-1/2 hours and I am very tired in the afternoon. Also my ankle gets very sore and burns. I need to go back to work, but I am not sure I can do it yet. Also my insurance got raised double this month, anyone else had that problem. Thanks agin for your emails. Linda

Subject: HEART ATTACKS As we now know, Dr. Atkins was 258 lbs. at the time of his death, an Obese weight for a man 6' tall. For those of you who watch what you eat... Here's the final word on nutrition and health. 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 Americans. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans. 3. The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attack than the Americans 4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans. CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Haven't posted in awhile, but for the last couple of weeks I have been experience some left side chest soreness...I have never gotten use to the numb feeling from the operation nearly 10 years ago..and periodically I have had the soreness issue. It has been over a week now that I have had this sensation and soreness, only when wearing a shirt it seems. Do any of you ever experience this..the continued numbness and soreness where the mammary nerve was cut apparently. Thanks Danoinark

Happy One Year mark to Bogie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! It must feel like a real accomplishment! You go guy! I am so happy for you:-) [INLINE] Jill

Does anyone do oral chelation? WHat does it entail, does it take months? Is it true it clears the artieries of plaque.

Well fellow members...today is my Holiday. I have made it to(and I hope past) the 1 yr mark. I can't help but think about much else today. I'm lucky and I let my family know it today. It was a tuff first yr. I will try not to worry so much about things. I don't know exactly how but.......I'll keep reading and posting to help myself along. Glad to be ALIVE. Please and Thanx, Bogie

I am so glad that I found this group. I had my bypass done in July and I think I am doing pretty good for my 60 years.... I was wondering how long will I have swelling and burning in my ankle. Is there any other women in the group from Florida? Thanks for forming this group. Linda

Ann l sure do to..the doctor figure this out.. l guess you could say l am a lucky person.. my feet and legs up to my knees have just swelled up 2 times in the past 4 yrs.. first time on the flight from Oslo to Chicago...10 hr..flight..no wonder it happen you know to long to keep my feet down.. the other time was when l had to much Potasium given to me in the Hsopital...finaly went down after 4 days.. but what realy made me grgrgr..was ...my daughters wedding..and there l was with those swollen legs and feet.. Good thing my skirt was long.. lol Hugzz Rita Rita, I don't take water pills and the blood pressure medicine I have does not have a diuretic with it as the only swelling I have is in that left leg at the ankle. It is lymph fluid they think. It swells during the day and goes down at night. I wear a support stocking and knee high socks. If I wear anklets, my leg swells at the top of the anklets. Guess the pain could be pressure but you would think that after 2 years that wouldn't be a problem. It might just be something else that has nothing to do with my heart. Just hope one of my doctors can figure it out. Thanks for asking. Ann

I've tried the Statins. They make me feel like i've been beat up every night. Doc put me on Zedia. How is it's performance vs Statins? Thanks

Yes, you are waiting way to long !!! Call the Dr's. office, tell the s.o.b. ladies who make appointment, that you are NOT waiting for a appointment. Tell them your husband had by-pass surgery july 6, and you need a appointment NOW..... We all have to be responsible for our own care. We have to be aggressive, ask questions, follow advice given, and most important, to get past that front desk appointment gals, and get the appointment you need. You are the EMPLOYER of her and the Doctor, Employer.....your paying them to see you...

My cholesterol levels read different than the ones oposted as I live in canada. Does anyone know the conversion? Total cholesterol is 3.3 and I was told 4.0 is the maximum Gail

Husband had 4-CABG 7/6. We never saw surgeon after hospital only a physician's assitant. When he left the hospital we were told to call cardiologist for an appointment. We called in July and the earliest we could get was next Monday 9/13. Late today his office called and cancelled the appointment due to surgery and rebooked for the third week of Nov. Doesn't this seem too long? Since we did not have a visiting nurse he saw his PCP once in July and once in early August but Nov. seems a long time to go without medical monitoring. The PCP is OK but before CABG he hadn't recommended any statins and husband's brother died of a heart attack at 41. When did you see a cardiologist after surgery? Am I over reacting? Seems to me referring cardio is not being responsible.

"Bill" <phakef4@y... some upper body strength and muscle mass, which I'm slowly working on regaining. About a year ago, I started messing around with some light weights. My active 67 yr old husband had 4 CABG on 7-6. He had bleeding and it was a long operation - 8 or so hours. But in early August he began cardiac rehab - 2-3 X per week and it involves surpervised weights, stretching, aerobics and some machines et al. After a month we are now seeing a tremendous difference in his regaining his uppper body strength. They started him at one pound weights and he is now up to 5 lb. ones. They told him they do not let you use any higher ones until 90 days after surgery. Also the program has a once a month seminar/ dinner with a dieticianm, chef and cardiologist. Spouses are invited. We went this Tuesday and the main menu was cold Asian chicken salad which was fantastic. Cardiologist explained that this is what Clinton will need to eat! Less than half of the people who have CABG are involved in rehab and it really seems to make a difference!

Ann l am still an Norwgian Citezen ...so l can go to the doctor when l need to and get my meds when l am home..and in the Hospital too if needed. that is why l kept it... Nope summer in Norway is warm..sometimes even hot..hehehe can get up to 90's ...oh ya..but mostley in the mid 70's to 80's in the summer..this summer it gat to 94f..and my sister went to my nephews becouse he gat aircondition in his house...lol to cool off.. stores and shopping centers are aircondition over there in the summer.. when l travel l use my ATM card to get $$$ out when l am there..no problem done this for the past 10 yrs...lol Lots of retired Norwegian lives on the Spanish cost during the winter season..and get there pension there..they have a large Norwegian community in Spain.. Hugzz Rita Rita, what is Norway like. I would love to live outside the U.S. but wonder about being able to get the retirement checks on time, etc. If you stay for 3 months, it must not be a problem. Also isn't Norway cold all the time. We have thought about Mexico but there are draw backs to that also. Still Mexico would be warm at least. Let me know if the 80mg of lipitor works for you. I hope the 40 is the most I will need. Ann

Morning all l am up early too..from Wedensday to Friday l get up at.. 4.00 am..my husband has to be at work at 5.00 am..before the rooster wake up..lol..he gets up at 3.30 am.. Anyway ..Lipetor is very hard on the liver.. l hope your wife get to go home to Poland... Bogie for a while...know how it is to be homesick..when my kids where young l used to take them with me every summer and go..to Norway..my home country ya it is nice to able to home.. My husband went to the doctor yesterday ..he still have trouble breathing..the flu seems to be sitting in his lungs again...also wanted to be sure it was not his stent that was giving him trouble.. He gat 2 different types of inhaler...so hope this works..so he is not so short of breath.. Have a great day...Hugzz Rita Morning Girls....early huh.....yup. There are some who believe Lipitor causes it own set of problems. It seems ppl take Lipitor and still get HA's and such. I had to stop my statin. I got another one from the Doc this week to try. Go on that vaca. I'm trying to get my wife to take our 2 kids to Poland with her. My wife was born there and most all of my family used to live there. It's nice to be able to come back and forth. Have a good day!

thank you to all who have responded with kind thoughts and have said they would keep me in their prayers or a candle lit for me. I was to have the surgery on Sept 10th but it has now been delayed until Sept 23rd. The surgeon still is not pleased with the white blood cell count, hemoglobin levels and the creatinine levels. Gail

Hi there everybody, have been putting this off asking for help...but here I am. Had CABG last year after a h/att..had Mass H/Att in '94 which damaged 30% heart....After about 20 months of compalining of SOB they fineally did a Thallium Exercise Scan which showed I wasnt getting enough oxygen...Stress Tests had previously shown I was OK...just the damage.....so then had Angioplasty. After awhile I found out I couldnt do all that much at all...things got worse all the time..Spec couldnt find out what was causing it...fineally saw another one who said 2 lots of tablets were cause of prob..Isoptin and Capaten....so started to feel a bit better...but the Spec said it would take 6 months for them to get out of system. Just got over that when next thing I had the 2nd heart Att...followed by that bypass last year......Now still haveing probs!!!!!! If I say lift something not very heavy at all for eg. I fall into a heap and I just feel sooooo terrible in chest and back...want to sleep to try and get stronger. Its a horrible feeling that I have that totally wipes me out and seems to take a few days to get over. These episodes keep happening prob twice a week...depends on what i do..they make me think my body cant stand up to this for toooo long..My Cardio hasnt any idea whats causing this...says it may b B/pressure tabs so i cut them back again the other day..heres hopeing!! Please my life is sooooooo restricted...was hopeing id be doing everything again by now....after 18 months. Anybody have any ideas?

dr sharma all he does are angioplasty others cant do

Hi, I am going off mail, may get back, may not....if any of you want to write me please do......just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed meeting all of you and how nice you all are. This will be the first time away from home for my hubby and I........which is a good thing I guess........it has been 4 months and he is doing good....far as I know. He graduates from rehab tomorrow:-) He will be going back to work soon, so we decided to go to the beach for a couple days. Two months ago I would never have felt ok about leaving home again:-(..........................but am gonna try it:-) Guess this is a milestone:-) Hugs to all of you who are suffering..........you are always in my prayers. All of you who have come thru this bypass thing.......you have my admiration. It is a lot of work, and alot of emotional turmoil, that I am aware of now. God Bless, Jill (hubby had H.A. and emergency bypass april 29, 04.) ps. Can any of you offer a reason why if off pump surgery is so good, why did Clinton not get it???? I am wondering that.

Anyone watching the press conference from the hospital in the US? They only showed about 5 minutes of it in the UK. What are they saying? Sylvia [England]

Just wanted to say hello to all the old gang in here. I am still not taking any prescriptions and only live on the supplements as you know I am a firm believer in. Pretty darn interesting hearing about Clinton isn't it? Hilary said on TV yesterday that she expects him to be right back being himself within a couple of weeks after surgery. Boy does she need some education doesn't she? Will check in with the message board this afternoon and see what is happening with everyone. I hope all is well with all of you. Welcome to the group for all you new bypass survivors. I am sure you have heard it before and you will for quite