Heart Bypass Surgery

Dena, I've been grinding my own beef so I can get a lean hamburger. Could you ask "Honeybun" what would be the best cuts for that? I've been using sirloin, and it's pretty good. I find it more flavorful than round, but maybe you can get an expert's opinion on this. Fred

Hi all. I am the daughter of a 50+ yr old man who had a heart attack in January and ended up having qudruple bypass in late January. Since his surgery, we have seen changes in his overall personality and other areas of life. He had to quit smoking after probably 40 yrs of doing it. It was pretty "easy" for him, I guess, since he was so drugged for weeks after the surgery that he slept through all the withdrawl. He doesn't seem to even want to go back to it, which is good. I was just curious to see if any of you who have had the surgery had a drastic change in your taste buds, like foods you once loved you don't like anymore. Or food that tastes good one day doesn't taste good the next? This was the story of my dad for awhile after the surgery. He doesn't seem to have the "one day yummy, next day yucky" thing as much anymore, but it was crazy for us and him trying to find something he would eat. Overall, I am happy with where my dad is now. He eats healthier, he quit smoking, and has learned he needs to take better care of himself and let us know what is going on with him. It just sucks seeing him still looking so weak. My dad had worked steadily from the time he graduated high school, and when the factory closed, he went to school to learn a new trade. He had just graduated in mid-December, only to have the heart attack within 4 weeks. Sorry this was kinda long. Any advice or personal experiences with the taste bud issue would be nice. Thanks!

Hi Dominick------What a horrible experience---I am so sorry that you had to go through all that. I do not know if you have any recourse, but I would certainly let the Hospital Administers know what took place, and see what they might provide for you in the future. A full explanation and an apology to start. Put it all in writing and see that the proper division Head has a copy. In the meantime I hope you continue to heal well. We will be thinking of you. Keep in touch. Cheers--Nancie

Hi, I'm happy that I found your group. Simply browsing the archives answered many of my questions. Honestly, these days, I don't feel like a kid anymore... On may 17, after finally being diagnosed with constrictive heart failure, I had my pericardium stripped. While I was on the table, 2 by-passes were done at the same time. The operation went real well. When the time came to remove the chest tubes, 2 days later, I was really feeling great. That's when things changed. 2 residents were to remove the tubes. Roxane, very professionnal, who was finishing her residency pulled on the first of 3 tubes. You all know how it feels... Tube 1 was soon out. Tube 2 soon followed... Roxane grabbed tube 3 and pulled. It didn't move at all, so she pulled stronger and stronger... It would not buldge. Resident 2 being a man and having 8 inches balls asked to try. I braced myself some more... And the resident pulled, pulled... It felt like if my chest was going to rip open again. Pain was terrible, I couldn't screem by fear of loosing my stamina while he pulled my heart out. Finally he stopped. Roxane said it was not possible. That the tube must have been clipped with the sternum or tangled in some ways. They ordered a chest radiography. I suspect that not much was to be seen... The 2 residents reserved some surgery time for the next morning and asked their boss "the duty surgeon" to come and see me. Soon enough, the surgeon came. I didn't know him. The residents explained what had happened and that surgery time was reserved. The surgeon really was the boss, he was acting like if he had 36 inches balls and that only he knew what he was doing. I knew he would want to try pulling himself. Having tasted the pain of the resident's pulls, wanting to prepare myself for what I feard would be worst, I asked the nurse for some pain killer of some sort... I was answered that I was not in pain now and would receive some if needed... And the surgeon grabbed the tube and while the residents and nurses were holding me, he pulled, pulled and pulled so hard I couldn't breath, couldn't screem, it felt like my heart, lungs and everything wanted out of my chest. And suddenly, the tube broke and part of it went back in my chest. You've all see what kind of tube I'm talking about. Quite large with thick walls, something that is not easy to break. My heart was running squarily. My sternum was on fire. Took a long time before I could breath normally again. I was exhausted, not even feeling pain anymore. As much as I remember, they let me rest. My heart had change. Something was not right. I had weird sensations in my chest... My wife came that night, and I cried like a baby in her arms. I couldn't stop. I was so frighthen and wanted out of this place but couldn't... Quite late on the morning of may 23, they came to take me to surgery again. People were extra nice with me... When I woke up in recovery room, my wife was there. I was happy that she was there. She had been called in emergency. The nurse who called told her that something had happen during suggery but she was not aloud to say exactly what. Later, Roxane the resident told me that I knew that something had happen during surgery. I said that I didn't know. She said that I knew. My wife said that she was with me since recovery room and that no-one told us anything. I insisted and was told that there was a hole in my heart and that not to worry, it was fixed now. My sternum was cutted higher Pain was much worst than the first time By the side of my bed, I now had a morphine pump. At the push of a button, every 8 minutes, I would receive a dose. I soon learn not to loose a single one... And night became day, I didn't know who or where I was. I was hallucinating big time. I had thoughts of throwing myself out of the window... I wanted out. I wanted to go home and see my sons... I realized that this drug was killing me... I volontarily eased off morphine and began acting like if everything was normal. I did my exercises. My walks. I wanted to prove that I was ready to go home. I was back home at noon on the 26... It's only a couple days ago when a nurse called to do a follow up that I learn that when the tube was remove my right ventricule was damaged and that indeed there was a hole in my heart causing a hemoragee... At this time, I don't know anymore. Nothing in writing of course. I shall see my surgeon soon. I feel that I have been treated like no dog should be. There was no necessity to inflict that much pain and horror to me. Bad judgement, real bad jugement. I feel lucky that this "on-duty" surgeon who broke the tube and re-opened me the next day didn't kill me... It's not normal to feel lucky that a surgen didn't kill you I saw him once. He never came to either explain or to apologize, if he had I could remember his face. A face worth killing. Still on Supeudol. Walking as much as I can. Pain is getting lesser each passing day I sometimes feel my heart running squarely again, but I don't want to be back to that hospital. I'm hoping that everything will settle down now Will see. Sorry for my english. Sorry for the bads vibes. I had to talk to somebody Dominik Prefontaine Montreal.

I have scheduled my triple bypass for the last week in June. My vascular surgeon, who just put a stent in my carotid artery in order to get me in shape for the bypass which will replace two year old clgged stents in my heart, told me about a new study that shows that on pump bypass surgery has less problems with the arteries than off pump. This study was done in England. Another recent less publizied study that was recently done at Emory showed that the two methods produced the same results as far as problems with the arteries were concerned. There has been no new studies that I can find which say that off pump surgery produces the pumphead effect. I suspect my surgeon, Dr Cooper of Emory, who has a long term success rate with off pump surgery will want to do off pump on me. IF anyone has any more information on this subject, or hears any news in the next month, please let me know.

Not sure where I left off, but will try to recap as best I remember. 5/20-left last day of work early with chest pressure to hospital 5/21-Overnight observation-all test negative-released 5/22-Midnight, back in ER-chest pressure 5/22-Cardio stress test-abnormality?? 5/24-Heart cath-angioplasty-3 stent (in train) in one vein and 1 in another. 5/26-Heart cath-angioplasty-1 stent plus a little vein graft. 5/28-Released from hospital 5/29-Back in Er chest pains-Blood enzyme test indicate elevated troponin levels-minor heart attack. Move to CCU 5/31-Another Heart cath confirms the heart attack 6/1-released from hospital Feel as though I have been rode hard and put to bed wet. Battered and bruised but determined to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Have been approved by Medicare for Cardiac Rehab again based on new conditions. Strangely enough, the CCU stay was really an uplifting experience. All of the staff were extremely attentive and could not do enough for me. Appointment with Doc on Tuesday to see where we go from here. I am still a little fuzzy on what all has transpired but hopefully the doctor will expalin it all so it make more sense to me. Most of this hapened over the holiday weekend and my regular doc off somewhere else, so I had to rely on his cover doctor, who I will say was a pretty savvy guy. ps........thank god for my wife. I am sure she has suffered as much if not more grief over this than I have. what would I do without her. Tom in Tomball, TX pps.........will follow up as things progress. Y'all have a good day.

Hello My name is Christopher. My son Cameron has TOF and is going in for surgery on August 1 2005. This will be his fifth open heart surgery. He's only thirteen years old. They need to replace his pulm. valve that he has outgrown from his last surgery six years ago. I made him a website so that when he is in the hospital friends and family can send him messages to maybe lift his spirits alittle. So please sign my sons guest book. Thank You and God bless... Christopher Caminiti www.cameron-g.com

The procedure putting two sents in my carotid artery just above the carotid arch went fine yesterday. 24 hours in the hospital and one sore spot on the groin. I did have one spasm of the carotid arch artery after one hour in the ICU which caused my heart to almost stop, but it was recovered very well with a stimulant. Now, I have to go to another card, give them all the tests result films on the coronory artery stents that are blocked after being in there two years, and try to find a card that will repair those stents, plus add one. This particular card missed the carotid artery arch blockage completely two years ago, and diagnosed it as a bad aortic valve. The vascular intervenor doc caught the blocked carotid arch artery on the pre op exam for the bypass and the valve replacement. He had the lab do a TEE test and a ct scan angiogram of the heart valves and the carotid artery, and probably saved my life after the bumbling card missed the diagnosis and was going to have a heart surgeon do a triple bypass and a valve replacement. I am going to take a month or two off, rest up, and get a new card. I started a supplement regime two months ago that is helping blood pressure and bringing up HDL and Lowering LDl. Coenzyme Q-10, Beta Sitosterol,L-taurine, Red Yeast Rice, Garlic, Celery seeds, Folic acid, fish oils, B-6, Alpha Lipioc acid, Biotin, EFA oils, C, D, Calcium, magenisum, and a multivitamin. This brought my LDL/HDL Ratio down four and my triglycirids up to 95. Blood pressure after the carotid stent is 120 over 50, so I still have to get those stents unblocked or bypassed. Elwin Bagley www.windyhillalpacafarm.com

I am 59 years old and under went quadruple bypass 4 years ago. I was fully recovered and working physically with in 3 months. Since my recovery I have never experienced any chest discomfort or shortness of breath. My wife and I have applied for the Peace Corps. They have rejected my application based on my cardiac history. I recently underwent a thallium stress test and the cardiologist has pronounced me as healthy and no more at risk than anyone else in my peer group. I have one more avenue of appeal and I want to mount a strong offensive and provide overwhelming evidence that I should be accepted. Does anyone know of any follow studies that have been done in recent years that I might look at and use to support my case? I would appreciate any information or leads you might be able to provide. Please ask your cardiologists if they know of anything. One other issue: Does anyone experience any lingering deep muscle/joint pain from the surgery? I didn't notice it until the last year or so and it comes and goes but at times can be quite painful. I was worried for awhile that it might be from the Statin drugs but that seems not to be the case. Any light you could shine on this phenominum would also be appreciated. Thanks for reading.

Plan B is in effect...............:-(( 1:30 pm tomorrow Although I have not talked directly(did talk with his PA) to the doc, it appears that the stress test showed an area of concern, so it appears that I will in fact go tomorrow for the hearth cathnprocedure. Yes will ask ECP ?? Actually saw this on a poster in the doc's office during my last visit. As to why the reclogg........?? I do not have a clue. Although the doc did say that the leg veins are not as strong as the normal arteries, so this may contribute.??? I am surprised thou, in as much as I went thru rehab and all that, and am still in the wellness follow program. It's a mystery to me. Good night all untill tomorrow. Tom in Tomball, TX

CABG 09/04 Sitting here in the hospital tonight waiting for the results of my stress test today. Another chest pain episode on friday evening. I think I have lost track of how many times I have visitied the ER since my by-pass. A previous December heart cath procedure had indicated that two of my four were clogging up again. But the doc wanted to take a wait and see approach to see what if any medication would do to keep the blood flowing. My regular card doc was off this weekend so another doc covered for him. He ordered up the stress test today. Now the nurse in trying to reassure my fears of the upcoming uncertiny, told me that the stress test indicated only a single artery blocakage. ?? Can meds really help unglog an artery. I only take plavix, lopressor and aspirin.. Because of my ER yo-yo visits I am guessing the my regular doc will probably suggest a stent in the one clogged artery. What if any questions should I be aware of. What about medicated stents. Anyone have any thoughts. Wish me luck..........will post results tomorrow. Good night all.............. Tom in Tomball, TX

This is from the book "Eradicating Heart Disease" by Matthias Rath, M.D.

Greetings I get the verdict Monday @ 4pm. I went 12 years without any medical care, somewhere along the line I developed a condition in which my Adrenal glands pump Adrenalin in to my body constantly, my body adapted to this condition even though I had BP well over 200/100 I just went strolling along whistling Dixie. Then came the day when blood came out of me where it shouldn't. This got me to the Dr's office quick and other test and exams were my new pastime. My current meds are Tricor 145mg, Spironlactone 150mg, Norvasc 10mg, Diovan 80mg. I have been stable for some time now with BP in the 105/60 range. About a month ago while mowing the lawn I found myself struggling to breathe and had to sit down for awhile and then got up finished the job. Over the next 2 days it felt as if I were wearing an ACE bandage around my chest. Having just relocated to FL and knowing that what I was feeling was far from normal I sought out a Cardiologist who would see me ASAP, took 2 days but I found one. More exams and a stress test has been completed, the stress test only lasted 4 min, he stopped it before I even started to feel anything. I'm bracing for the worst, so what I am looking for is if any of you know someone who has posted a running journal of their pre and post operative experiences? Thanks for any information that you send to me. G

Would it be advisable to rent a hospital bed for the recover period at home? is it hard to get in out of bed, or a chair?

I have just joined the group and would like say hello to everyone.I had an heart attack in march 2005,went to the doctors,then taken straight to hospital by ambulance.Six days later i were having a quadruple heart bypass.I have been out of hospital five weeks today.At 49 i thought i were to young for heart attacks,how wrong was i.Now i am so glad they saved my life,thank goodness to the N.H.S. I have joined the group to try and get a better understanding of heart disease,so it dosnt happen again. Thank you Ian.

HI I WENT TO THE CARD DR TODAY AND HE DID A SONOGRAM AND TOLD ME I HAVE MILD MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE IS THERE A CURE FOR IT HE SAYS THERE IS NOT PLEASE LET ME KNOW

Hi Ed: Congrads on the 2yr. Mine is next month. Somehow it doesnt seem that long ago. Im taking both meds and supplements. I have good days and bad. Like Ann I have problems with left shoulder, chest pain left breast. I think its more being a woman...But Im alive and kickin and fighting the best I can. Stannis

Elwin, I agree with the first two statements in the edited version of your message below, however, I must disagree strongly with you statement about chlamydia. It is a sexually transmitted disease that can seriously damage the fallopian tubes, often causing sterility. If you doubt this, check out any up to date home medical dictionary - which I just did. regards Bob S. On May 13, 2005, at 5:32 PM, Elwin Bagley wrote: I see that this article was quoted on the website that sells a bunch of snake oil treatments. What a bunch of total bull shit. And look at Chlamydia. It is a disease that is carried by birds, mainly flocks of pigeons and seldom harms anyone. Elwin Bagley

Hello to all, I need some advice on my problem. My mother-in-law NEEDS 4x bypass (her left artery is 100% clogged and 50% on three others). Our problem is that the doctors want to hear her say the word "YES" to the surgery (due to her past history or depression and her being recently diagnosed with diabeties). She has basically said yes to us in her own way but they INSIST to hear it from her. We are all now at wits end postponing the surgery three times now! It is now scheduled for Monday and we all would like her to go through with it then (Family is getting very tired). Is there anyone out there that could give me some good advice on how else to approach this. We believe she wants this but she gets conflicting advice (from different doctors, i.e. surgeon, family doctor, nurses in ICU) If someone can advise me on some suggestions I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT! Thank you in advance Karin

hi i had tachcardia of the heart for many yrs now and all of a sudden it just got worse due to stress so i finally got up the courage to go to a cardiologist. and when i got there he did a EKG and he told me the results were i had a heart attack sometime in my life before?. how can he or anyone tell by that test and if i had one wouldnt i have know it Now he ordered for me to come back to have a ultra of the heart and also go home with a heart monitor for 24 hrs and also a stress test in which i they have to insert a radioactive dye into me and for me to walk on a treadwill also is there any side effects of the shot. also now i have chest pain and it is not that bad so i hate hopstials and im scared

Hi All, My wife and I took pictures after the surgery, several days after, then a week after, couple weeks, etc. There was a guy who did this online and I will try to find his website and post a link ( if you know it please beat me to it as its time consuming )to it. It helped me make the decision to get off my butt and go get this bypass done. He showed pics right after, then 30 days then 90 days and I was really surprised at how little of a scar he had after 4 months ( although he had hair on his chest which I don't.) In any event I noticed that here we have a couple pics from Charlie ( Thank you Charlie) and a "post op". We haven't developed our film yet but now that I'm driving we'll get that done and post a few pics in a few days. If anyone else would do the same, I am sure that there are those who look thru the forum who would be much obliged. Rgrds Tom

All, CABG 3/24/05 x3, almost 6 weeks post op & 30+ days on new cholesterol lowering med, Vytorin. Prior test date 3/4/05, 7 years on Prevacol, mixed results, never achieved what Dr. wanted & I paid for it 3/24, oh well... I get the message. My doc is very high on new Vytorin & now I can see why.... Lowered Total Chol from 224 to 126 Lowered LDL from 136 to 63 Lowered Tri from 221 to 94 HDL remained unchanged at 44 Is anyone else having similiar results with Vytorin? Better diet & daily exercise helped, but majority of improvement is from new med, I believe. I am back to work I feeling great. Will complete 4th week of cardio rehab tomorrow. Never want to see an operating room again. Terry McKinney, TX

my bypass was done while the heart was beating, but i was knocked out. if you wanna see the new bypass that's even better, look for the laproscopic bypass, goes tween the ribs, vey small scar.

The bypass scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed until I get another problem fixed. Dr. Cooper sent me for another carotid artery test at the Kennestone card center They found that the Carotid Arch has a severe blockage, probably for the last five years. No surgery should have ever been done with that bad Carotid Arch. The Card at kennestone says the other carotid echo tests were not done properly, and they missed this blockage. Now I have to have a cat scan of the Carotid arch, Carotid arteries and brain this Friday. Then they will make a decision. (Or that is I will make a decision.) They will see how bad the blockage is with the cat scan, then decide if they can to the whole thing at once, or maybe put a stent in the Carotid arch, wait two months, take me off the prescribed plavix, then do the bypass. I might just make the decision to dump the whole bunch, (even Dr. Cooper) and go to another heart clinic, like maybe one of the ones that know how to do non invasive bypass surgery. If it had not been for Doctor Cooper requesting new tests, I would never have know this, so at least he seems to know what he is doing. He did not beleive all the previous tests, but if he had not had them do the tests all over again, He would have performed the five hour invasive surgery on me with a 95 percent blocked Carotid Arch. At least he knows what he is doing, but for all I know he might not be the best. I might find someone who can do a non invasive procedure. Anyway, after I get the results of the next ct scan test, I will think about taking the whole mess to another clinic. Thanks for the support Elwin Bagley www.windyhillalpacafarm.com

I have a totally non relavent comment concerning supplements, including the snake oils and the commercial products sold in grocery and health food stores. This morning I found a year old can of "ensure" meal substitue in my fridge which my wife had bought for me to try. The label read, "healty, healing" etc. The Tv commercials tout Ensure as being the best health drink for senior citizens, diabetics, etc. I looked at the label for the first time. I am glad the FDA at least regulates the labeling of products now. The stuff has 18 mg of sugar per can, twice as much as canned fruit juices. It contains 30 mg of fa, 360 mg of sodium, which is over 1/8 of the daily allowance. 60 mg of carbohydates and about 250 mg of potassium. A banana has more good stuff that one can of that junk, and none of the sugars and sodium or the processed carbohydrates. Back around 1900 or so, snake oil companies and food manufacturers peddled junk like this all the time. Sears Roebuck catalog and other major mail order houses had ads advertising all kinds of scams. Around 1950 or so the FDA started cracking down on the snake oil companies, but now it seems that we have come full circle. There are thousands of scams on the market, such as this angioprim chelated mineral theory, or the mangnets to wear around your body, head or neck to cure anything from migraine to heart problems, and there is no control whatsoever. The FDA is now trying to get laws passed to regulate the sale of supplements, and the supplement companies are raising cain about it. If it were not so dangerous, this situation would be comical. Elwin Bagley www.windyhillalpacafarm.com

What is this angioprim? - snake oil supplement or legitimate Does anyone use it adjunct to their usual drugs?

My name is Gordana Bruce. My partner had quadruple bypass surgery 12 years ago, at the age of 36. Since then he has had a number of other cardiac procedures, so over the years, we have both learnt a lot about the ups and downs of living with heart disease. My personal experience of living with someone who has heart disease developed into a research interest, and my Honours research project examined the needs and well-being of partners of cardiac patients. I am now conducting research towards my doctoral degree in Psychology, and have expanded my research to include both patients and their partners. I am conducting my research under the supervision of Dr Elizabeth Hardie and Dr Bruce Findlay in the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology in Victoria, Australia (www.swin.edu.au). My study examines the experiences (both positive and negative) of patients and their partners after a cardiac event, such as heart attack or bypass surgery. I am also interested in how a cardiac event affects the couple's relationship. I am looking for both male-patient and female-patient couples to fill in a survey, which will take about 45 minutes to complete. The survey has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Swinburne University of Technology and asks about your experiences of living with heart disease. Both members of a couple are invited to take part in this research if: you or your partner have experienced a cardiac event in the past 12 months; you were living with your partner at the time of the event and are still living with your partner now; you are both fluent in English; and you are both over 21 years old. The results of this research will help in designing programs that can help better meet the needs of couples living with heart disease. Complete the survey on line at www.couplesheartresearch.com or email me for more information at: gbruce@...

My TEE test today came out well. I have a leaky Aortic valve, but not bad enouogh to warrant changing it. So, after a final consultation Monday with Dr. William Cooper, (Emory cardic clinic at Kennestone hospital) I have a double bypass set for Tuesday morning. Thanks for all the support. Elwin Bagley www.windyhillalpacafarm.com

I'm tired and scared so I think I'll call it a night. Thanks for your concern. Sincerly Mr.Keltz

You say"""""I'd like some first hand information, but there doesn't seem to be alot here, unless you know what question to ask. But the qweb will help me there thank god.""""""""""" Keltz8 Nothing here but some people who have already been where you are going and were trying to help you. I can see you're a real personable sort of guy who makes a lot of friends. Good luck on qweb Ceeya Tom Port Charlotte

Well, I got back from the doc's and surgery is scheduled for Friday at 8am. I had read about arteries vs veins because arteries last longer and he said the leg is the last resort he uses in a bypass. I'd like to think Mr. Crummey and Mr. Haley for their help and again apologize to Ms. Stannis for the way I acted yesterday. Thanks for the support. I'm pretty new at this message stuff, but not my grandson. Sincerely Ms. Keltz

I just got back from the hospital and thought I would just need a stent like I had about 6 years ago, now they said the stents wouldn't really help, and I needed a by pass. I go back Friday for the bypass since I didn't have a HA. I've got the shit scared out of me and the Cardiolgist and surgeon said it would be invasive, becsause of the angiogram. Things are blur, but they said something about 5 days or so in the Hospital and them rehab after about 4 weeks then I could probably be back at workin 8 weeks. I just found this group and luckily I can search the net for some stuff on what to expect. What have you all had to face. Scared Shitless Keltz8

Hi All: I got the news last Friday that the two stents put in my two major heart arteries have clogged up and I also have a leaky aortic valve which has to be replaced along with three arteries. What they call a triple bypass and an aortic valve replacement with a pig valve because I am 68 years old. My valve is so bad that the BP is an average of 130 over 40. and the pounding in my ear keeps me awake nights. The cardiac center at Emory in Atlanta is the one doing the surgery. They cannot tell me if my procedure will be the standard break open the sternum procedure or one of the newer less invasive procedures until tomorrow when I consult with Dr. William Cooper of Emory. I suspect the since it is a triple bypass with an aortic valve replacement that it will be the worst kind of ivasive surgery. I was told by the surgeons that since I did not have high blood pressure, do not have diabeties, and am in good shape because of being a farmer with sports like Racquet ball, Tennis and Scuba diving, I will be back at riding a tractor, hauuling hay, shearing alpacas, scuba diving and tennis in six months. But now after reading all the posts about unhealed sternums, I am ready to delay this procedure and do some more research into the latest improvements in surgical procedures. I had stents installed just before they invented the new medicated stents, and now I am about to have a bypass and valve replacement in the midst of new improvements in procedures. Maybe if I can hold on a little longer without extensive damage to my heart because of the bad valve, I could get a better, less invasive procedure done. Some wise man said that if he could just live long enough in the 21st century to take advantage of all the improvements in medicine, he just might live to be 150. I feel like that now. Maybe if I could last a few more months without the invasive surgery, they will improve the endoscopic and robotic surgery so that they do not have to break open the sternum. Scared to death Elwin Bagley www.windyhillalpacafarm.com

Does anyone know anything about this nanobac protocol...is it just a company trying to make a fast buck off vulnerable people? Richard

I am here at the hospital for a while. Mom is sleeping, they are still keeping her very sedated. The new medications have a lot of side effects so the doctors hope by keeping her sedated the meds will have a chance to work before she has to deal with the side effects. First they want to clear up the inflammation around the heart since last time when it went on for so long Mom develloped a bone(sternum) infection and then needed another surgery. An echocardiogram is booked for Monday to check the status of the inflammation.Once this is taken care of then they will start chemo - once every 3 weeks for 15 weeks and then radiation everyday for 25 days. It can be done at our local hospital becasue the new addition which will be the regional cancer centre opens 05/05/05. Status of cancer: it is still considered to have been caught early and the expected outcome is positive as it is not in the lymph nodes or the liver. The pancreas , gall bladder and bile duct were removed so there is no concern there. The stomach and duodenum also touch the pancreas and since they did find cancer cells in the sections that was removed they want to aggressively treat it so it doesn't spread. Feeding port will be used until Mom can tolerate enough food to use the insulin properly and start to regain some weight Nerves of the bowel are damaged by the diabetes, can be helped with medication, at this time she will not need a colostomy Still waiting for results of endoscopy which was done yesterday I have not read the posts. I am saving them for Mom to read as it will give her something to look forward to. We know she loves this group as we have heard her talk about so many of you but I won't mention names in case I leave someone out. We are having beautiful weather here so Carmela is going to show me how to clean up Mom's gardens to surprise her when she comes home. I'm sure she has mentioned her love of flowers. Right now the goal is to have her home for Mother's Day. The doctors are keeping her in CCU for several days, they want her monitored 24 hours a day. Thanks to all of you for your love and concern regarding our Mom Mark Gentile

My Prayers and the Rosary are being said for Gail. On Friday, April 22, 2005 a Mass is being said in Gails name. Your endurance and your will to live and your strength is admired, Donna

count me in....at 7:30 est I will start sending good thoughts and prayers in her direction. Thanks for letting us know.

Hello My name is Susan, and I had Open Beating Heart Operation January 27th, 05. Is there anyone out there who has had the same operation (8hrs) and how are you doing? Sue

Hello everyone, I wanted to let you know that Gail, whom many of you know, is in urgent need of prayer. Always of course, because she has just recently gone through not only her second bypass, but at the same time of the bypass, they also did a "whipple surgery" involving surgery on five organs because of pancreatic cancer. The pancreatic cancer was detected in early stage during testing for other things, so she was given hope that it would give her a better chance of surving pancreatic cancer. She has been in the CCU for a couple of weeks, but was recently put in isolation in hopes of a better chance of ridding the inflammation of the pericarditis. The plan was for her to be kept there another couple of weeks before release. In addition, diabetes had caused a bowel infection. That is pretty much under control now. But other things are not going as well. The aggressive treatment for the pericarditis is not working. And to make matters even more dire, she received word yesterday that all 5 organs they operated on are showing cancer. They also think it's in the spine. She cannot have chemo and radiation because of her inability to hold down anything...including liquids and any food. She is in surgery at this time to have a feeding tube installed so that she can get the needed nourishment before she can begin chemo and radiation for the cancer battle she faces. I hope I am not leaving out any of the medical conditions and concerns; there are just so many...and I've been so upset since learning that things have suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Tonight at 7:30 Eastern Time, a special mass is being conducted by her priest in her hospital room. We hope those desiring to pray for Gail will join so many of her support group friends in a joint effort to stop at the same time tonight, and lift Gail and her family up in prayer. Although she has a laptop in her hospital room, we do not know when or if she will be able to post after her surgery this morning. If she is unable to, I usually only receive updates from her son about twice a week. Prayer is the only support that we can offer her at this time due to the distance. Gail lives in Canada. If you believe in prayer, this is something you can do for her; please join us in this special blessing for her. Gail, her husband and two children are sustained by their faith, and are so appreciative of support. Thank you. Connie Turner

Hi Tom, sorry I didn't find a way to be happy about pain..lol....wish I could but pain is a big pain, I think. I really didn't mean to be sooo serious, you kept asking for info on pain, I'm sure there are more too, but these are the main ones I think. Ann gave you some on nerves too, I appreciated that too. You HAVE been through it, the Hurricane Charley and all, the log cabin sounds pretty good too. Your place in Florida all rebuilt too, that's terrific. Now I can't remember when Charley was. Oh ya, pumphead here... Anyway, hope I helped you, got any more questions? We are all here to help one another!! Donna

Hershell: After 2years my hubby finally got it....denied 2x....keep fighting...always, always, always make copies of what you filled out and refer to them. They try to trick you big time asking the same questions in different ways. I wish you luck

Forgot to mention your nerves have been cut in your chest, this causes pain and numbness, and it may be go away as Ann mentioned. Thanks Ann!

I have tryed all the medicine that all of you have tryed,with still left with pain after almost 4 mo. I am still using the Vicodn to this day. I still hurt. I go back to my Dr. the22th I want to get some answers, on why I still hurt.My chest is still munb in areas. I found out if I got a top that looks like a tea strip with the bra built in works great for me. Get a size larger is even better. I cut out the in side to make it straight. It works for me. barb

Just thought I'd invite everyone to post a photo!! It's always nice to put a face to that name! Hard candy didn't work either, on quitting smoking, now I'm in the process of getting Dentures! I'm going to have to cold turkey, that will be the only way. Everyone have a great weekend!!

Had a double bypass 3/24/05, nearly four years after my wife had a triple -- same cardiologist, same angio results, same hospital. She had to go back for a second hospital stay with post surgical incision infections. I went back after a day and a half home, but I chose to have pneumonia. I'm trying to match her every step with a few creative twists of my own. It is a great advantage, having a caregiver who's been through it all before...and speaking of pump heads, guess who's being called a pump head now...what goes around comes around. Actually, there are some issues my dear wife can't help with and she explains that she "blocked out" many of the unpleasant parts of recovery. In other words, she can't necessarily relate to my every pain and explain the reason for my every experience. But she's great nevertheless. Here's an issue for the group: smoking. After a thirty year pack-a- day habit, I quit smoking in February. My last cigarette was Feb 21, before I ever suspected there was bypass surgery to follow a month later. Matter of fact I have pointed out to all my doctors, and anyone else who nagged and preached about my smoking, that the last time I actually felt good was when I was smoking that cigarette on Feb 21. So to anyone who wants to congratulate me for quitting: thanks for nothing. I'm kidding, but I'm not. I swear that having no cigarettes has been worse at times than the post op pain. I haven't had one. I don't intend to have one. I don't smoke a day at a time. Sometimes I don't smoke an hour at a time. Anyone else out there fighting this particular fight?

Welcome to all that have joined recently! Glad to have you here !! I had my triple by pass almost 2 years ago now, I'm 60 now, eek... I'm one of the few who had complications, but I am better now, waiting to play golf this summer. I've missed s lot these last 2 years, but now very thankful to be able to wake each morning, ready to start each new day and feel good. The absolute best each of you can do is sleep, pain free, take your pain pills and get a get snooze each nite, take a nap or two each day, rest is the key to heal your injured body. I hoarded my pain pills, I always wanted one for the nite to sleep good. Your able to face the day when you have slept good the nite before. It's going to take a good year before your healed inside and outside, barring no complications. We are all here to answer any questions you may have. Food, sex, sleep, depression, sex, food, sleep, depression....lol. really any questions !!

thank you for your replies...one thing i needed to hear is to slow down and take it one day at a time! i feel like i've been in recovery for the last 5 yrs. and this one is too important to rush. i just got permission to drive last week and can start cardio rehab. in the meantime, i guess i shouldn't be too hard on myself. i have been taking a nap in the afternoon and watching what i eat. i'm looking forward to rebuilding my life!

bear with me,ya'll..i had 4xbypass on jan. 4th,2005. i developed a blood clot in my heart and was hospitalized again in feb.the meds i'll be on for 6 months are taking alot of energy out of me. i started walking a little at a time and apparently got the leg from which the veins were taken aggrevated and it's soooo painful,even with pain meds! the most painful is the knee. i can see the swelling down the leg from the nerves and muscles but it isn't swollen much overall! in the past 5 yrs i've had 2 spinal surgeries and a mild spinal cord injury that affects my other leg. 3 mons. after those surgeries,i was diagnoised with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy and a 3yr. battle. today i am cancer free! i've learned alot from the post. i've been lurking,trying to educated myself. does anyone have any ideas how to get myself up and walking without a kane? i keep it up when i'm sitting and recently tried heat. my docs are great but i think i downplayed how bad it hurts to sit down or walk and it doesn't look that bad. i'm 55 and still have alot of life to live. out of all i've been thru,this is the hardest recovery. thank you!

This is the first letter I have got from this list in a week . I thought it was lost and gone forever . Lois

Hi Gang, Just wanted you to all know tomorrow I go back to my morning job. I'm a lunch lady. After 3 1/2 weeks I am eager to get back to normal. I work an evening job as well and went back to that last Tuesday night.....its OK in the evenings as the kids are here with Honeybunny, but I worry about tomorrow when he will be home alone for the first time. Both the kids and I will be at school. I think he's doing well, still weaker then I think he should be, I have to beg him to go walking the block with me. He's done it a couple times. I know this will help with his over all recovery. He's just not very self motivated these days, perhaps its all he's been through, I get a bit frustrated at it. He's got a second chance and it FEELS like he couldn't care less, YES........I hear ya all screaming lol ... its depression...hopeful Thursdays appt with doctor will help him with that. At some point he has to take responsibility for his recovery??? I can love him, support him, encourage him, cook for him, ect...but really I think HE has to make the effort. Can you tell today's a bad day??? Anyway...I just wanted you all to know that I will be somewhat MIA till evenings. Thank you for all the support...it means so much to me. Have a blessed day Dena

In a message dated 4/2/2005 3:22:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, hrtworms@... writes: Thank you all for all the replies, This one was the BINGO answer. This is a fear for honeybunny that until it was spoken here, (Tom cant believe I asked the question) We didnt discuss it. Go figure, I was worried that he would have a HA or feel less desirable...ect...Boy was I way off the mark. I know it was a delicate question, thank you for the gentle answers Have a Blessed Day Dena 3. (BLUSHING) Doc says we can resume having sex after 3 weeks...It scares me to death, that he may have another HA?? Is this all in my head? Yes, your fear IS in your head, but you had better believe he has a fear in HIS head as well, but it's not the same one. I had NO FEAR of another attack, but that was sort of because I'm a stubborn SOB that wasn't going to let something like a bypass stand in the way. My fear was, does it still work! It was also a big relief to answer that question. That was, trust me, a BIG milestone in my recovery. Truth be told, I don't know if it was the folic acid or the Altace (ACE 2 inhibitor), both having some effect on arteries, but things seemed to work even better (maybe not the first couple time, anyway). I was home one week, and finally was able to convince my wife that she wasn't going to break me.

Hi all, I saw someything in a post that mentioned not taking ginseng? Why? Or should I say why not? Please let me know as I take seriously good ginseng on a daily basis ( it costs about 600/oz) Sex after 3 weeks? Not sure about that but after 10 days it sure looks like my other brain is at least thinking:) Thank G-D for that too. Rgrds Tom

Hi: Shortly after the operation the regiment I used was dial bacterial soap. I did not rub just let it pour down. I patted dry with paper towel then applied a very high dose of Vit E oil. The scar on my chest healed very well. Its not that noticable. Its weird because I had the caroid artery done at the same time. Did the same thing and it did not heal as well. As far as supplements. I take a multi Vit, Fish Oil (Omega 3 & 6), A B Comples with 400 mg Folic and 100 each of B6 and 12, Vit C, COQ10 200mg. and I just started on Pomegrant juice. Oh and I take no flush Niacin at night with my meds. Thats up to 1500. I do feel better taking them. Did stop felt lousy restarted. I cant say if its in my mind or what. I will post my Berkley Lab results a bit later. I still have back pain but not to the degree. Sex, interesting topic. Im a female so its probably different. I really feel unconfortable discussing it on a message board but your welcome to email me privately. Hope this helps Stannis

Thanky for the warm welcome, i got. I can see the arcives are tru. The best people left or noone takes the time to talk with som one who isnt as smart as every one else is here. the other group of folks are smaller but nicer. Art Beitz They depressed really shouldnt post or be the boss woman

3 New Questions for you all; 1. What have you used or what works best for all the scars Honeybunny has from bypass surgery??? they bum him out.They itch...I know that means they are healing?? Medrema?? Vitamin E?? Cocobutter??? Nothing?? 2. Does anyone take Vitamins or Vitamin supplements with all the other meds you get after bypass?? If so what do you take and what for? Any interactions? 3. (BLUSHING) Doc says we can resume having sex after 3 weeks...It scares me to death, that he may have another HA?? Is this all in my head?? I realize we will have to be creative :)(really blushing now...any suggestions???) What fears will he have, if I am having them??I ) You did say i could ask anything...LOL. Long night at work.....very long ....off to bed, see ya all tomorrow Have a Blessed night. Dena

Good evening all, Well I found those crazy stockings today...those are tough to get on...but I managed. Honeybunnies leg was really swollen today, called docs they said ASAP on the stockings and they want to see him in the AM. He's not liking any part of those stockings. The Doc office was suprised he did have them on when he came out of surgery...different hospital do different things I guess. We were at Saddleback Memorial Honeybunny has 2 spots, 1 on the leg were I think he popped a stitch, and at the bottom of the chest cut that may be a little infected....Doc will take a look tomorrow. I just have to get him motivated to do some walking...from what you all say, it will help him to feel better and get his strength back. We did have a nurse that came by the first 2 days....Then I said thank you but no thank you...didnt speak english very well, and we spent most of the time trying to understand her, was not to thrilled with the way she cared for honeybunnies wounds...no gloves, didnt wash hands ect...call our insurance and let them know...was not very professional... our insurance covered 4 home visits. Its funny how much you learn in such a small window of time, I did learn that the surgeon was using the arm arteries as they last longer...honeybunny is only 45....I did learn fast you have to know what to ask to get the answers you need, for the questions that you didn't know to ask...Did that make sense?? What a learning curve...That's where this group comes in...I thank the Lord that I knew enough to go searching for what I knew had to be out there. God Bless every one of you. Its been a scary time for us. I also learned of the "Off the pump" as if honeybunny wasn't in as bad of shape as he was, that was their preference, Our Surgeon does most that way, less side effects from the surgery I was told, including..the lost of concentration, loss of memory, and over all faster recovery. PLUS the biggy...they done STOP the heart when they do the "off the pump" As for the Meds...Honeybunny is taking Cumindin 750 mg...I guess this is only for 1 month...will change with each weeks protime levels, from blood being drawn Norvasc 5mg ....I think this one is for vein and arteries? Lipitor 40 mg..........Cholesterol Bayer 325 mg........Blood thinner Dexamethasone 4 mg ...For blood pressure/and to slow heart rate?? Metoprolol 50 mg 1/2 in am 1/2 in PM Then pain meds Vicodine...which He wont take..takes extra strength Tylenol Seems like a ton, before CABG...he took maybe two advils in a month...the meds bum him out some I think as well. I have made the whole thing as easy as I can....got those Monday through Friday dose boxes...one for am ...one for PM, which is up stairs for him. Two bottles of Tylenol, one up and one down....Hopefully i have removed some of the stress of the meds, by making it so all he has to do is know what day it is and if its AM or PM LOL :) If any of you have any advice on how I can help him through all this,or any tricks to making it easier on Him and Me... I would be so appreciative. How long till honeybunny starts feeling like himself??? I figure with 5 bypasses when he does start feeling better, he will feel like a million bucks since he is getting blood flow now??? Again thank you all for being here for me, its lightened my load. LOL I was even bragging about you all to the doc office today. I am truly blessed. Night all Dena

Hi I am new I am 47 years old Woman and i had 2 heart acks Plus have openheart artery bypass surery plus a pacemaker and defib Put in Plus 11 stents in.I would like to know if anyone has had depression with this? I deal with this all the time.I have talk to my doc. about this and he has gave me meds for it but can't take it . It Messes up my heart. Can any one help?Thank you kim

Hi everyone, Its Dena again, Yesterday at the Doc's, they said Honeybunny should have been given knee highs of these compression stockings at the hospital. What are they and do they work??? The leg where they took 4, 2 inch spots, is swollen...mainly his calf and foot ...should i invest the $$ for them?? ...another ?? The arm where they took the big artery 8 inches long...behind the elbow is numb ...is this normal??? is that from the arm or the mammory arteries they used?? Thanks and good night Dena AKA ImGodsgirl_4ever

In a message dated 3/29/2005 6:27:45 PM Pacific Standard Time, connieque@... writes: Bill, Ahh....it's nice that someone gets that it's possible to belong to more than one group! I've always enjoyed your input....and I know that Rus agrees. We've actually discussed how pleasant it is to have you in the group in private emails and phone discusssions. Happy to have you and others join us there....so, come on over! And no one ever said anyone had to leave this group in order to join the new one. Connie I too will be joining both, I need all the info I can get as we are only 2 weeks into all this...plus i do know how to use my delete button if i need too...You all have been great...just starting in this journey with Honeybunny........so if two are offered...I am up for it. I can glean more from 2 then one. We are like sponges right now.....we went from 0-60 in the last 2 weeks. God bless, Dena

From: Donna Delaney <donnakaydelaney@... Date: Fri Jan 16, 2004 9:00 pm Subject: Re: [BypassSurgeryRecoverySupport] Words of wisdom from Mountian Folk donnakaydelaney Offline Send Email ADVERTISEMENT We all enjoy a joke here and there, but this is a support group concerning open heart surgery and more heart problems, prehaps your jokes are going to wrong group... May I am way out of line...Help Ed !!!

Rus---Connie---Deb---So many of you that are leaving the group--Or thinking of starting a new one , please let me know how or where I could become a member. I think Donna needs her space for a while--where ever that may be. I Don't know what else to say. You can e-mail me at..NancieLou24@...-- Or on this board----- Thanks---Nancie

are a few pics for that lovely lady that thinks we are pigs

Rus, Yes, I did delete the Joke Messages. It has my name on it as the owner, only owners are are to edit or delete, as you well know. Are you a double timer or what? First you tell me your litany of instructions on what I can and cannot do, then you bitch me out again, then you say, all is all right, let's just forget and go on, then you encourage me to help on the database, maybe I volunteered, can't remember. Then there it is again, what a daffy person person that I am, then you say, who do you think you are, I can sure as hell correct what I want to correct, I don't your help, I'm not around anymore, it's springtime, then there it is again and again, sly remarks, about me. You are a dobule timer. I can't believe anything you say, you've proved yourself to be unreliable in my eyes, even deleteing your own items in the files etc. etc. etc. No, I haven't been a teacher, I worked as a secretary for engineering group. Oh oh, did she say that?? I do know what those engineers work on, and it's not word processing much. But maybe you were the brillant one, who did everything, never delgating, never asking for help, never saying, this is a priority, please get it done asap.... I'm tired of arguing and listening to your crap, so stick your head in the dirt. Don't email or post me anymore..........Your harassing me.... Happy Springtime !! It's 67 degrees today, I'm outta here.

This groupe is getting better than the SOAP (ALL MY CHILDREN) Donna is going to be pretty lonley when she is done. Steve Y.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESPR) today announced that an abstract describing results of a Phase 1 clinical study of the Company's ETC-642 product candidate has been accepted for presentation in a poster session on Tuesday, November 11 during the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida. Titled "Single-dose Intravenous Infusion of ETC-642, a 22-mer ApoA-I Analogue and Phospholipids Complex, Elevates HDL-C in Atherosclerosis Patients," the poster will present the results of a single-dose study of ETC-642 in patients with stable atherosclerosis that was completed in 2002. In the study, ETC-642 was shown to enhance cholesterol mobilization and increase HDL- cholesterol levels. ETC-642 is a complex of a 22-amino acid peptide and phospholipids that mimics the functions of HDL. The peptide component of ETC-642 mimics the biological properties of apolipoproteinA-I, the major protein in HDL, to promote removal of excess cholesterol and other lipids from artery walls and other tissues and enhance reverse lipid transport. Enrollment was recently They are still running trails on this med in diff areas around the US. Look it up on Google and see if a hospital around you is doing the research........ya never know!!

Oh Rus---Today is Easter and along with the celebrating and joy of the day I have been dealing with a gnawing little voice that repeats and repeats in my ear, Nancie you owe Rus an apology. And the voice is right, so here goes. I am sorry that the one time I addressed you directly I failed to thank you for all the great work you have done and are doing on this board. How quickly and informatively you answer all questions. How open and sharing and witty you are with all of us. You captured the essence of the group , and of it's needs in the work you were doing on the Database. And that was a lot of work. But the one time I did address you was not to thank you for all of this, but instead was to make a rather critical comment. For this I am sorry, and I apologize. Well I feel better now. Think I will go take a big bite out of my dark chocolate Easter Bunny and just give thanks for how lucky we all are to have each other. Have a wonderful spring. And good luck and good healing to all on this board/ Cheers----Nancie t

I'm not sure but I believe I hold the record for the oldest person to wrestle in the Badger State Games. I was 55 and lost in overtime to some kid in his 30's. My lament/excuse for not participating is that I would if I didn't have a bad knee, calcium deposit in my elbow, questionable heart function, degenerate lower back, and rotator cuff problems. Even so I'm thinking about it. All I'd have to do is lose 20 lbs. I think I posted on this earlier. I'm serious this time. Must be pump head. Happy Easter, that's the good news. Earth came in second in the lottery, that's the bad news. Pat

Hello to all my friends at zipper club.. l just got home from the hospital again...My Hemoglbin went down to 6 again..l had chest pains..l thought it was my heart...but luckely not... l want be on the internet daily right now..so l know my mailbox will fill up to fast....when l feel better l be back.. The doctors finaly found out why l do this...hemoglobin dropping so often and fast...so far since Thanksgiving l have had 15 bloodtransfusions...far to much l do not absorb Iron at all in my body...normal range is 50...mine is 1...none exsitent...also therefor l do not make any red bloodcells in my bonemarrow...no wonder l am Anemic...l had 3 bags of blood this time...plus a bag of Iron... l have to go and have bloodtests done every week..plus 1 time a month a bag of Iron...plus taking more Ironpills... The dotors also uppere my shots of Procrit from 8 thousand units a week to 40 thousand units a week....also another shot l have to take at home for Iron to stick to my body too...so not remember the name.. at least the shots l can do at home...the other l have to go into the Hospital for... l am kind of down in the dumps right now...l needed this ad on to all my other health problems like a whole in my head.... l came home yesterday late afternoon....been there since Monday...nite..l was rushed couse l could not breath...l thought at first it was all the rain and damp weather that did this...ooohhh NO...was not... l feel better after all the transfusions...but l have to be carefull right now and taked it very easy...BOY am l tired of taking it easy... Here is my addy if you want to stay in touch...l will be back when l feel all this is going better... rita_p44@... ..... l also will change internet provider in a week...so here is another e-mail addy...Oslojente2002@... l will change the addy in the club when l get the new one... Now behave yourselfs....please do not forget to LOL...best medecine for us you know...Stay well be good..if you can...hehehe... Keep the good work up... Hugzz Rita Upgrade Your Email - Click here!

I had my "cabg" 3/31/2003. It has been a long two years, but I really think I have finally turned the corner. Starting in Jan. 03 I have had 4 caths, two stents,open heart,Dresslers,fluid build-up of the right lung,(120cc) gall bladder removal. Was back in the hospital Nov.04 for four days with severe chest and back pain,nothing was found in ekg, cat-scan, MRI, was put on Ultraset and sent home. About the middle of Feb.05 I started feeling better,and as of now I feel pretty damn good,except for another MRI that shows I have a tear in my rotator cuff,in my right shoulder. I'll be 68 next birthday, Was hoping to play golf for the first time in over two years,but that will have to wait for awhile. So for all of you out there, going thru the rough times, it does get better. Don't give up. Good health and Happy Easter to all.......Mac

Just wanted to wish everyone a great Easter weekend, and to let my friends here in the bypass group know that I'll be checking out of here for awhile. It's springtime, and I highly await this time of year! It wasn't that joyful for me last year, due to my brother's illness and passing, and my own bypass so soon afterward. I have some spring cleaning, and yard work that has gone unattended for far too long. Also, my daughter is a teacher, and I'd like to have more freetime to be with my grandchildren during their summer holiday coming up soon. Therefore, I've decided to take leave from the group for awhile to better fully enjoy my family life, and focus more on them for awhile. I tend to neglect all that if I stay in front of the computer; I'm a little obsessive compulsive (okay....a LOT o/c!). I wish you all the best until I check back in again. Warm regards, Connie

THINGS THAT HALLMARK CARDS DON'T SAY, BUT SHOULD: M y tire was thumping. I thought it was flat When I looked at the tire... I noticed your cat. Sorry!

correction I was told that they did 4 of the 5 bypasses from the artery in his arm and 1 from the leg.. And from the two mammary arteries. Before all this i couldnt even get him to take advil when his back hurt...now all these meds....

Hi all ! Those that wrote me with their choices will have to it themselves on the Polls. Everyone is allowed one vote on each poll. Therefore, I am unable to cast your choices. There are more polls if you wish to take them, Files to read. Anyone can make a poll, easy directions and that goes for Links, Photos, all that is on the left side of your screen. I see that Rus has deleted everything that he was working on for the Database, Files and etc. I was sorry to see that, we were trying, but he has chosen not to continue, I guess. Nothing has been said either way, so this is just speculation. There was discussion on writing a piece on Depression, Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Heart Attacks, By Pass, and recipes, sorry can't remember the rest. The best way to do it is in WORD, and copy and paste, or upload, maybe. Youll have the editor in WORD, spell check, then when your piece is finished, copy and paste. Anyone is Welcome to write. Any other suggestions would be welcomed too. Guess I'm a YANKEE.....45% or little of both, All American anyway. Take care all, Donna

So my mom had the surgery done early last Friday morning (the 18th) and ever since then her incisions in her leg have been seeping. From what I understand this isn't really unusual or anything. She was homeward bound until this morning, the big incision in the middle of her chest starting oozing fluid. They did a culture, it's currently being tested for infection, and she won't be able to come home until Monday-ish. Did any of you out there have this problem? Infections scare the hell out of me. - Erin

As I've written before my recovery, although not without incident, has gone well. I've been careful, gotten rest, and gradually increased my exercise routine. I'm stronger now than before surgery. The one area where I'm still a work in progress is endurance. We took a short trip mid-week that included 350 miles of driving. Surprised me how tired I was when I got out of the car. At least for me recovery of endurance may take a year - had my surgery in Sept. The positve part of this is that if it's going to take me a year to recover my endurance, and I've always been a fast healer, don't get down if you're experiencing the same. Patience. I'm going to split firewood next week and get my kayak. As far as patience, I won't do any paddling until the water warms up, then, in May, I'm going to explore the back waters of the Wisconsin River. Pat

Saw this on a car just today and knew it had to be shared: It is God's job to judge the terrorists, It is our mission to arrange the meeting. US Marines I think that's a great thought. Tom

Glad to hear your back !! I don't knoe ehat off-pump really is. So we'll have something to look forward to with your story. Rest is the big thing now. Rest and Sleep well, Tom Donna I think we could of used a Father Figure recently, things got hot around here. We all needed words of wisdom.

Note: forwarded message attached. Connie Turner

Hi All, I'm very much blown away from the meds and surgery but wanted to yell you all that I am ALIVE! The surgery went 100% on wednsday morning and I was released at 12 noon TODAY! Off pump, and released after 2 days. Incredible. I'll tell you all more about it after I get some sleep. Best Regards Tom P and wife Hanh With the Best Heart guy in Florida, Fr Thomas Kartis

During recent haircut the barber mentioned that he is seeing a port wine type stain at the base of my hairline. Best info is that this is something that would have normally developed at birth. (Birthmark) Wife thinks it is possible that I was "born again" after the bypass pump machine operation...... LOL..........:-))) Although seems to be an off the wall question, has anyone else seen this happen.??? TIA..........Tom in Tomball

Hi, In my humble attempt to not offend anyone... Here is a little laugh for you from a female friend of mine. Do you see yourself in any of the groups? What I Want In A Man! What I Want in a Man, Original List: 1. Handsome 2. Charming 3. Financially successful 4. A caring listener 5. Witty 6. In good shape 7. Dresses with style 8. Appreciates finer thing 9. Full of thoughtful surprises 10. An imaginative, romantic lover What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32) 1. Nice looking (prefer hair on his head) 2. Opens car doors, holds chairs 3. Has enough money for a nice dinner 4. Listens more than talks 5. Laughs at my jokes 6. Carries bags of groceries with ease 7. Owns at least one tie 8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal 9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries 10. Seeks romance at least once a week What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42) 1. Not too ugly (bald head OK) 2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car 3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally 4. Nods head when I'm talking 5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes 6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture 7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach 8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids 9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down 10. Shaves most weekends What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52) 1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed 2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public 3. Doesn't borrow money too often 4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting 5. Doesn't retell the same joke too many times 6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends 7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear 8. Appreciates a good TV dinner 9. Remembers your name on occasion 10. Shaves some weekends What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62) 1. Doesn't scare small children 2. Remembers where bathroom is 3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep 4. Only snores lightly when asleep 5. Remembers why he's laughing 6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself 7. Usually wears some clothes 8. Likes soft foods 9. Remembers where he left his teeth 10. Remembers that it's the weekend What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72) 1. Breathing 2. Doesn't miss the toilet Have a great day! Dayton

, Forgort to tell ya, I wrote to Barbee about doing the Deprassion part for the Database, she want to chat with you, before she decided. And I also asked Deb to take charge of the Recipes in the Database, but you probably read her answer, that's right you did chat with her too. Donna

Just got back from the hospital. She was right about the "stomach issue". I stuck around until her bowels finally moved with the aid of a suppository. Now she's darn-near chipper.... I guess that sort of thing can make anyone feel a lot better, ya know? Maybe I can take her home this weekend. Speaking of that, I can't really cook (I'm okay if I have recipes to follow.) so if anyone knows where I can find some heart-healthy meal recipes, please let me know! - Erin

I hope all these departures are not because of me, not like one joke that was posted. It was the joke I didn't like, not the person... I joined this By Pass Support group way back in July, 2003. I wish I was done healing but a Heart Attack May 2004, and Surgery of Sternal Debridement in August 2004, means I'm still healing too. Each of us are the owners of our own being on this earth. You have to believe in yourself, be strong, stand up for yourself in this world, and call your mom once in a while..... Take Care all, Donna

Steve, those were absolutely priceless! Thanks much for posting that. Those were the good old days - how I do miss Charley Weaver especially. Tom

Playing catch up with the mail.......... Take Vytorin 10/40 No adverse reactions so far Last blood test results 3/01/05 Total Chol: 92 (previous 98) Trigl: 85 HDL: 33 (previous 29) LDL: 42 (previous 55) Seem to be holding my own Finishing up a tough week Monday 2 1/2 hr. Root Canal procedure and then came down with a real bummer head cold. Just starting to feel normal again. Getting ready to finish up cardio rehab and then graduate to heart wellness program at same facility. Same as rehab but do not wear heart monitor. Like joing a gym, but with the advantage of a hospital staff on the premisis. Easter holiday wishes to all............. Tom in Tomball, TX

Gang, I probably shot my mouth off once to much and ran Gail off. After I review the remaining posts, I think I'll just work on the files on some subjects in my spare time. It's been a pretty crappy week, and I've been giving it some thought for awhile. I'll lurk around, but there are enough new members now that can share there bypass experiences/tricks with the newer members. Between my jokes, political leanings and principles/beliefs I've pissed off some pretty thin skinned people/new members who have threatened to leave. I don't won't to do that, these are the people who can take over and help others make the transition from bypass patient to a normal person. There's an old browns board that folks enjoyed a good debate without taking it personally, when I want to debate. These new members can be the backbone of the board now that I won't piss them off anymore and they threaten to leave.They can now lead the way and continue to improve the board. The board needs new blood to continue to grow, let them take the lead and bring their experience to the new members. Plus it's getting spring time, and I'm outside landscaping and work has picked upbut lately so my spare time has been reduced greatly. Take Care and you newbies pick up the slack to help other folks, don't just pick minds and dissappear, give it at least 10 months to a year. Rus

The Polls that I started are not going to close. They will be open for a long time. At some time, the poll features are allowed to zero out and start over. I have revised a couple of them for different scenaros (did I spell that right?) Thanks all for anwsering !! Donna

I have decided to leave the group for awhile but wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes that were sent along the way. I will not be coming back to this site once this message posts so there is no point in responding. Gail

My neighbor has a Warrior Princess typ tatoo on her backside right above her crack that is about 12 inches wide and 4 inches thick, Really nice art work..... Steve! arcman52@...

Here are some questions and answers from the original Hollywood Squares quiz show. Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be? A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it. Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years. A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes. Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman? A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake. Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married? A. Rose Marie: No; wait until morning. Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older? A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency. Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say "I Love You"? A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty. Q. What are "Do It," "I Can Help," and "I Can't Get Enough"? A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment. Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking? A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget. Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather? A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily. Q Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year? A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries. Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score? A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy. Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other? A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures. Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet? A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom. Q. Can boys join the Campfire Girls? A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out. Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do? A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark? Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to? A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark. Q. According to Ann Landers, is their anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people? A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army. Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it? A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected. Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do? A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth. Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant? A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about the elephant? Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex? A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to him. Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they? A. Charley Weaver: His feet. Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed? A. Paul Lynde: Point and Laugh Steve! arcman52@...

I had a bit of a cold the nurses looked at my chart and saw I din't have any record of shots--so they suggested that I get them. Flu shot got sicker then a dog--- it took a month and 1/2 to kick, its a good thing the pneumonia is good for ten years----don't think I will take any more flu shots!! Steve P. Steve! arcman52@...

Well Gang we'll see what she has to say about my depression. I've had it since the bypass, (10 Months) and it is getting a little better, but I wish it would hurry up. Rus

Rus, It is good to hear I am not the only one who feels as I do about cigs. I have never smoked however, I have never believed that people who do should not be allowed to smoke in public places. The reason is, if it bothers me, then I must be mature enough not to go there or put up with it for the short time I am there. So when we have gone out to eat Charlie always would just say to the waitress we would take what every seating arrangement was available. If we ended up in smoking, it was ok because, I chose to go out to eat. I still feel that way today. Most of the time the waitress will as us if we smoke and if we say no but it does not matter she will still sit us in nonsmoking unless it will take a long time to get a seat. Right now the state of Missouri is trying to go no smoking in every public place. I feel that is wrong especially for owners of bars. If people want to be that picky then there should be smoking and non smoking establishments both and those who work there have a choice if they want to work around smokers or not. Just my two cents worth. When it comes to my home, there will be No Smoking ever again. lol Barbee

IN HONOR OF STUPID PEOPLE In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods. On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping. (Damn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair). On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special?) On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be how???....) On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion). On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh!) On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating." (...and you thought????...) On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time)? On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)