Heart Bypass Surgery

Hi all - my name is Linda - my husband is Mike. He just had emergency quadruple bypass surgery a week ago and will be coming home today or tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions on what to expect i.e. emotions, boredom, pain etc.? I'm a bit on the anxious side, and want to do the best I can for him. Thanks. Linda

Thank you so much for your replies - yes, I recognized that 500 pound gorilla! Last nite was a bit spooky - every time he would move or cough I would be, shall we say, very cautious - I'm trying not to ask "are you feeling okay" too often - just kind of watching him - I'm learning which groans are from just normal moving around and which coughs could really hurt. As for being patient and caregiver, I'm hoping I'm not overdoing it, and told him to let me know if I do - I have a tendency to over do things sometimes. I guess you all know what I mean when I say things are different, but still the same. I haven't quite put my finger on that one yet, but that is the best description I can think of. We've got good instructions on exercise, blood pressure, temps, etc. so I think that is pretty well covered. His sense of humor is coming back rather quickly, and the sparkle in his eye is there more than not. I'm so glad to have found this group. As for his appetite, he was a pretty heavy smoker for 30 years, and we haven't figured out if it's the meds, his taste buds readjusting after being numbed by smoking, or just what, but nothing has much of a taste to it - hospital food I can understand, but last nite I made chicken enchiladas and he said they were bland - any ideas on that one? Emotions haven't quite reared their heads yet - he's on wellbutrin as an antidepressant and helps curb the desire for the cigarettes. He was surprised at how quickly he runs out of steam, even though the drs. and nurses all told him not to expect too much - hearing and experiencing are definitely 2 different things. Thanks again for sharing. Linda and Mike

My husband had quadruple bypass surgery in 2004. He did exceptionally well for about 4 months. Then he started getting cold. He feels like he is sitting in a tub of ice water.He has had brain scans, mri's, thyroid test, cortisol test, every test his doctors could think of. The doctors do not know why he feels cold. They have all but given up on him. His heart doctor says it's not his heart. The endos says it's not his thyroid and his primary care doctor says he's never has a patient like this. It is to the point that he has to stay in bed 90% of the time. The only time he gets out of the house is to go to the doctor. Every once in a while he will have a really bad "spell". He will be so cold that he can't stand it. His head feels like it is going to burst. He end up not crying but sobbing because he is so cold. He is 73 years old and I don;t know how much more he can stand. While he was in the hospital they gave him hydrocodone. For some reason that is the only thing that will ward off the coldness. He is taking 3 -4 a day but wants to get off. We are thinking of going to a neurologist to see if he has nerve damage but he has no tingling or numbness. Just wondering if anyone else had this problem. We are desparate for help. Our lives have come to a standstill. Thanks for "listening".

Hi. I am 46 and had a heart attack on Nov.19 2005. I have gone through rehab and I try to exersice as much as 30 min. every other day. my question is does anyone feel tired most of the day? I get 8hrs if not more of sleep a night and still I cant get my butt out of bed in the morning like I use too. I have a tendencey to yawn all day and I feel like taking a nap during the day. I dont know if its my meds but being this long I feel as though I should be adjusted to them by now. I might be board and I know I feel depressed at times and that can make a person tired but I still dont think I should be feeling this tired. So I was woundering if this is normal? and if anyone else feels this way???? Take Care to everyone!!!Dana

Hi all, I had a triple bypass in January 06. It's been aqpprox. 15 weeks since. I go to the gym daily and get on the treadmil and i feel fine at the end of a mile or so, but I've noticed thatI get winded at time at home with some exetion and even talking. My doc said that the beta blocker I take can cause this. I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience? I'm thinking that I'm expecting too much brathing wise at this point in my recovery--it's only been 15 weeks since my surgery. Any thoughts? Best to all,, jerry

I was started on 40 mg of Lipitor after my surgery. Anyone else put on this high of a dose immediately? My Primary doctor seems to think they should have started me on a lower dose and built up to the 40 mg. I'm having severe neck, rib area, back pain. I don't know if this is just part of the healing (I'm 5 weeks out) or a side effect of the Lipitor. Anyone else suffer with this? Also, I'm on 6.somethin dose of Coreg. My hair is coming out like crazy!! I heard/read somewhere that hair loss is a side effect of beta blockers. Anyone else taking Coreg? Having hair loss? Did it go away after awhile? I think I'm only gonna be on it temporarily. Anyway, hope everyone is well !! Missy

heart attacks one person has had and still survived

I joined this group few days ago, after having a triple bypass on Feb.10, 2006. If you do understand something ASK! Don" go into this blind. If you have had the sugery and recovering make sure you understand the Doctor's instructions. It may be best to sleep in a recliner for a while after coming hone. I didn't and caught pnumonia. I cannot say enough about asking questions. The hospital and doctors are not going to be shy when it comes to your bill. Make them earn their money, afterall that is what they get paid for.

[INLINE]

Hi. I know it is up to everyones dr.and I know everyone is different but my question is.. how soon is it that anyone has returned to work and the job consisting of being phyiscal. like lifting up to 50#s occocasionally and bending and being on their feet. like housekeeping and cleaning hotel/motel rooms. after open heart surgery??

Hello everyone. I am new here. My husband last week had a dissecting aortic aneurysm and had to have emergency open heart surgery to have his aorta replaced and a new valve put in. He is only 33 years old. They believe a heart condition he has had since birth was the cause. He is still in the hospital but due to come back anyday now. I would love some tips or if you can just let me know what we might expect when we make the transition home. Thanks, Candace

I was on the ventilator for a week after my surgery and because of that they kept me sedated the whole time. They said the sedation was necessary in order for me to heal properly etc. Perhaps you need to ask if they are deliberately keeping her in a drug induced coma? Everyone is so different in how they react to surgery.....drugs....by-pass machines etc. that I would want more information from the doctors. I had problems immediately after surgery therefore they kept me on the ventilator for that length of time in order for my organs to start to work again. I might question if she had any problems with kidney functions or any organs working properly............I had total organ failure and through the drug induced coma they were able to recoup and start working again. There are many reasons for the use of the ventilator............is she responding at all to commands or is she truly in a deep sleep? My family said I appeared to be very much asleep but at times I would squeeze someones hand on command..........then other times I didn't respond at all............I know.....it is scary. I was called a "pump-head" after surgery but that was while I was recovering (months later).....I was told it referred to the fact my memory was so pitiful and couldn't remember words while talking....all sorts of mental problems. This has gotten better over the years........I would have someone ask exactly what they mean by "pump-head"........my dr. said it was from being on the by-pass machine for so long. Rose.............I too have ventilator induced COPD ........... Try to stay calm and realize everyone who has this surgery responds differently.......I think the main thing is to get as much information from the doctors as possible......the family is entitled to know what is going on with her............we all have our stories about this surgery..........some respond remarkably quick and are out of hospital right away......others stay longer with families wondering if they will ever get out..........for some of us it just takes longer to heal............ Last word...........ask questions and if not satisfied ask again........also ask to speak to the anestheologist......he should know the effect of what he used and if it is causing this..... Keep us posted................ Carol/Atlanta

I would like to thank you all for the e-mails and words of encouragement. You all have given me a lot to think about. And yes my husband is a great support system even though some of this he can not posibly understand unless you've been there. Keep up the e-mails and I will keep you posted on my progress. This is a great group and I've only been here one day WOW Karen If anyone wants to talk please feel free to e-mail me at kjeanco46@...

Hi everyone. I have a few questions that I need to ask... My (33 yr old) husband had a triple bypass a year ago and is doing fine. I have been a member to the group ever since. I have met and talked to many people on here with many different experiences. What I need to ask is my grandmother (82 yrs old) had a bypass and valve replacement done last Thursday but it seems to be alot different from my husbands... Different hospital, different Dr.'s, etc... But here's the thing. She still hasn't woke up. They said that things look real good and keep telling us she is fine but why hasn't she woken up yet? THey told us that she has something called "Pump Head"... What the heck is that? Is it from the ventilator or from the bypass machine? All they said was machine that she was on during surgery. THey aren't real good at telling us things unless we ask spacific questions. Going through this with my husband it is all still fresh in my mind and I am the one asking all the questions and I feel that my family is getting upset with me for asking questions that they don't know. When my husband had surgery on a Monday he was OFF the vent and up in a chair within 12 hours of his surgery, was out of ICU within a day after his surgery and was home 5 days after his surgery. Where she had surgery on Thursday and still isn't off the vent or talked to us. I guess I'm just SCARED! They say that this is sometimes normal and not to be concerned she will wake up when she is ready. Could be 2 weeks from now or and hour. This doesn't seem like a good answer to me. We have a very large family 4 daughters and 14 grandkids, and someone is always at the hospital in case there is a change, and I know that I will be called as soon as something happens, but I feel helpless right now not knowing what is going on inside her head and why she hasn't woken up. HELP ME ANYONE....crr919697@...

had a quad bypass feb of 2003 his kidneys shut down , he did seven weeks in borgess he has gone down hill ever since he has been on oxygen 24/7 he has compensated cirosses of the liver(not from drinking) from the heart he just got out of the hospital yesterday, now they say he has ascities (fluid in abdomen} they gave him 5 yrs after the surgery its been 3 now they say he does not have much time left he also had congestive heart failure,copd,diabetes, how does a person deal with all this? my parents are high school sweethearts they are celebrating there 40th wedding anniversary april 2nd my mom is beside herself, any help out there

Dana, Give yourself a break. You can worry yourself sick so just take it slow. Eat what you like until you get the smoking conquered. Getting frustrated makes it harder not to smoke. Once you have your strength back then you can worry about the food. Walk a little bit everyday if you can and try not to worry about everything. Easy to say,huh! I am a worrier so I know what that's like and it is not good for us to do that. Do things you enjoy if you can. It takes a long time to really make the changes you need to be healthy and you have plenty of time so just go slow and don't do it all at once. Ann

....after your surgery did you see your surgeon for a f/u? I don't see mine til the 27th which will be like 4 wks. and a few days after my bypass. I thought 2 wks. was typical. How long for you guys?

It seems like you need to be seeing your cardiologist now and not wait until May. You should be feeling better. Ann

Just want to say im so glad i joined this group...you all seem to have a great helping sprit..hope that i can help in some small way with all of you...it nice to here that i am not alone in my journey to health ..that we all take this trip to gether in a starnge way..will be better when the pain goes away........thanks again. Mark

I guess it's not a laughing matter, but it seems that all the young people on here are having a horrible time! Since I'm the youngest one I've seen - it's a bit unsettling. Plus all the horror stories about grafts blocking off - ughhh, I cannot even imagine! Guess I just needed to get that off my chest ;) I hope everyone starts improving and continues to make it back to their very best self! Missy

It's been a while since I posted but based on some of the comments that are posted, I thought several of you might be interested in my husband's experience. He had a quad bypass on Sep 1, 2005. He was just 47 yrs old and in good physical shape. He had a tremendous amount of pain in his chest and numbness. Some of it was related to that mammary artery and some was also related to the insertion of all of the tubes. I've been told they have to cut through nerves and the muscle wall for those as well. The discharge physician from the hospital made my husband feel that he should start becoming less dependent on his pain meds. So, he started to cut back as soon as he got home. Big mistake! I ended up taking him to the ER 2 nights later. He experienced sharp, piercing pain in his lower chest/side. This made him very uptight and nervous, which in turn caused more pain. I had him doing childbirth breathing exercises on the way to the ER to help him relax (it did help). They ended up putting him on a morphine drip for a couple of hours to relax him and rid him of the pain. That doctor immediately gave him a script for adivan(?) to help him relax and reduce his anxiety. He also told him to go back to his regular schedule of pain meds that he was on in the hospital. We had spoken with his primary care physician that night and he, along with the ER doctor, agreed that he should get another script for the pain meds as well. He had to have that script refilled several more times after that but each time it got later and later. Within a week or so of discharge he was able to drop to 1 pill every 4-6 hours and after 4-6 weeks, he was down to less than 1-2 per day. After that, it was only every so often (like after sneezing or having a coughing fit.) But he still took the Percocet when he needed them. We have a great primary care physician who has been very supportive and attentive. My husband still takes Xanex (?) for anxiety as well - only on occasion (we have 3 sons, 12 yrs and older who tend to raise both of our anxiety levels at times!) As far as sleeping goes, he could not sleep in our bed for at least 2-3 weeks after surgery. He slept in the recliner (both in the hospital and at home.) I ended up buying him a pillow wedge and he used that for a few weeks after that. I also bought one of those memory foam pads for the top of the mattress. That helped too. Now he sleeps like a baby . . . better than he has in years. No more indigestion, no more heavy chest, even no more snoring! Good luck to you all and hang in there. It does get better. After 6 months, he is finally starting to feel better than he did before he even knew he had anything wrong with his arteries!

Heres one for the group..its been 12 weeks since my triple by pass..everything was going ok as far as getting on my feet..until last week ive started to have sharp pain in my upper left breast...its very sore and tender..comes out of the blue..so luckly i still have a few pain meds left and started taking them again..but i did what every body here did and ween myself of them little by little..but the pain is so intense that it just works me up and make the situation worse...my heart rate goes up too and is hard to get down..the pain goes under my arm pit and down my side..just seems funny how it started out of no were..i had pain something like that after the operation..but had went away..but other that that i was healing fine...im 48 and male..and was back to doing alot of the things i did before all this happen..i thought maybe i was pushing my self to hard..and tore a muscle i dont think so..im debating of calling the doctor again..oh well if anyone else knows what im talking about let me know....... Thanks, Mark

Hi everyone. I have been a member of the group since last year when my 33 yr. old husband had a triple bypass. Now my grandmother who is 83 is scheduled for Friday. Her blood pressure is really high and they did a couple of tests and the results showed that if she didn't have a bypass within the next week she would have a heart attack that would more than likely take her life. This scares me to death because I know what my husband went though after the bypass, and she's not as young or as healthy as he was (so we thought)... Anyway please pray for her and I will get back online and post how she is doing and what all happens. Thanks to everyone for listening and god bless all of you. charlotte

Mark, I am without pain meds for a week today and I can't say it's been easy. In fact, yesterday was my most painful day this week. I am taking a Rx antihistamine along with Tylenol and some med for anxiety. This is what I'm doing..and my progress in doing things has had to cut back as my chest muscles and left breast area burn and get so sore. I was having a lot of sharp pains there, but they come and go. I can't take Motrin or anything similar, but if I could.. that's what I think would help. I'm also at 11 wks as of Saturday, so we're the same amt of time. Sorry I can't be of more help...I'm struggling with the pain issue too (: Lor Frist let me say hello..and to tell you i know what you mean about the pain..its been 11 weeks since i had my triple bypass.and in the last couple of weeks.i am getting pains in my left breast and under my left arm..i notice you too had these systoms..im only 48 and male..if i didnt have some pain meds left id be in alot more pain.told my doctor about it.and he said to just take tylnol as need..well i need stronger dosages i hope you keep me updated..as to how you control the pain..its scary somtimes..you dont know if its a nother heart attack..agian thank you for sharing your stories..please write me it i can answer any of your question....... mark

The pain was awful! I almost went to the ER but I figured that it was just the pain from the mammary artery because of the location. It was like at the top of my left breast and it was almost like someone was squeezing it so hard - it left me breathless a few times. I also think it hurt so bad because y'day was the 1st day I haven't been full of pain meds. I'm running out and since the surgeon won't refill them, I'm having to ration - and I didn't take that many. Finally though, the pain subsided enough for me to fall asleep on the couch for awhile.....I just hope I never feel that pain again! Today I feel ok, a lil stiff and robotic but better than y'day. Thank ya'll so very much for responding last night - you have no idea (ok, I guess you do) how much that helped me! My family doesn't understand because they haven't been there and it really helps to hear from others who have dealt with the same thing. I'm so glad I found this place! Missy

Today makes 2 weeks since I had my surgery and I was doing really well. I guess I still am, but I don't feel as good as I did a couple days ago. The area to the left of my incision, on my left breast was numb but now it's really painful. I guess the numbness is going away and is being replaced with pain. It hurts so much more when I walk or move now. My neck is also hurting - I think that stems from the way I've been sleeping. I've managed to get to sleep on my side, but I've had to lay on the pillows really funky and I've probably got my neck outta whack. Anyway - I guess it's normal to have bad days after good ones, right? I know it's prolly not one of those recoveries where things are better each day - it would be nice, though, huh? Thanks for listening, Missy

Hi Everyone, I'm Missy and I'm 34 years old. I just had a double bypass done on 2-24-06 (the day after my birthday). I'm still in somewhat of a shock mode, I suppose. I'd been experiencing extreme fatigue, left arm pain, jaw pain, chest discomfort, etc for a few months. Having a history of panic disorder, I sorta blew off all the symptoms, especially because of my age. Luckily, I work for a physician and he did an EKG which came back abnormal - he recommended seeing a cardiologist as a precaution. I have the stress test, which I fail, the nuclear stress test, which I fail- then the heart cath is ordered last Wed, shows 2 blockages - I have open heart surgery on Friday. I was a smoker (had my last one the morning of my cath) and am overweight. Nothing else - no family history, cholesterol levels are good - so I'm still in disbelief. I think I'm recovering pretty well - my age is on my side. Emotionally, I'm a wreck - just scared and anxious about everything. I have a 16 year old son and a 2 year old daughter so they are giving me lots of strength. Thankfully, my wonderful mother is here helping out. I also have a terrific husband who has been a great support. I'm just looking for some positive stories here, some fellow people on this same journey - looking forward to getting to know you. Any advice/suggestions are welcome! Missy

Hi, I had triple bypass surgery on Sep. 9th, 2005. After the surgery, I developed complications with my breathing (lungs collasped), and liver and kidney failure. I was is a coma for 10 days. Thankfully, everything returned to functioning, and I came home on Sep 24th. My husband was home to take care of me. I slowly started walking and exercising, and I feel pretty good. However, 6 months later, my uppper arms are still extremely sore, and I have not gained the flexibilty I think I should have in my arms. I cannot raise them over my head. Also, my chest is still tender (not pain). Is this normal to feel this way? Toni

In a message dated 3/4/2006 11:32:00 A.M. US Eastern Standard Time, pam@... writes: Any advice would be wonderful. I've also been perusing the archives as much as I can. U cant imagine the magnitude of this surgery until U have it from sleeping it is unlikely she will be able to get up herself at first I would make sure someone stayed with her the first night she will not be able to use her arms to pull herself up it will move the sternum she wont be able to raise her arms over her head at first to brush her own hair and doing it anyway's can cause the sternum to heal slower and it can infect so being independent isn't always such a great thing I would make very sure with the Dr that she knows what she is allowed to do this can be a messy thing if pushing the sternum doesn't let it heal and in infects Rose

Dear listers, After nearly two and a half year post bypass I thought I'd visit you again, just to catch up how everyone is and tell you how I am. I hope that you are all doing fine and working hard towards recovery! For those who don't remember me, I live in South Africa and had my double bypass and reconstructive heart surgery on 28 August 2003, a couple of post-surgery CVA's on 30 August 2003, all at the age of 52. The CVA's left me with a right sided deficit, mainly my leg, which is spastic and without sensation but still functional and under my control. Recovery is ongoing and I am quite positive that I'll regain more function, and hopefully some feeling, as time passes. I recently turned 55 and have become a fitness-junkie since the heart surgery. I attend a biokinetic gym 5 times per week and do roughly 45 minutes cardio work daily (static bike, step machine, rower and orbital trainer alternatively) and 30 minutes stretches and strength exercises also daily. My assessment results started at a miserable 35% (red) in January 2004 and has since improved to 81,6% in February 2006. I am aiming for 86% (gold) in June. Walking is very important and I try to walk a couple of miles outdoors every week. I am sticking to the heart foundation diet and have come to like it. Every two weeks I visit a physiotherapist to help manage the muscles in my right leg. Next week I hope to add swimming to my fitness regime if my local fitness centre will accept my membership. Due to regular walking the pulses in my ankles are quite strong again and PAD seems to be under control. The scar on my chest is no longer red, but still a bit raised in the centre and I'm wondering whether I should have that fixed so that I can wear v-neck tops again. The scar on my leg is all but gone. And I feel great, which is the main thing, I guess. For two years after my bypass, and despite rigorous exercising, statins and a wholesome diet, my cholesterol was still spiralling out of control every few weeks until a few months ago. I suffer from familial hypercholesterolaemia and was finally put on 40mg Lipitor and 10mg Ezetrol which made my cholesterol levels much more respectable. I have started using hawthornberry extract regularly to help my vascular system cope. Just thought I'd let everyone know that there is life beyond bypass! Gerda Pieterse South Africa "I like living I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow But through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing" -- Agatha Christie -- -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.1.2/274 - Release Date: 2006/03/03

Hi Everyone, My name is Pam and like the subject said - my mom is having triple bypass next Tuesday. My mom is a widow and so my brother and I will be taking care of her post surgery. She will be staying at home but we are pretty close by and she has lots of friends that are within blocks. Could you pass along any helpful tips as to what she may need for us to do to help her out? She is young (59) and fiercely independant - so I don't want to go overboard and make her feel like someone is completely taking over but at the same time she will have lifting/mobility issues (she has advanced Rheumatoid arthritis as well) I had thought about buying paper plates and keeping them at counter level so that she wouldn't have to do dishes and could reach them easily. We have made arrangements for someone to take out & put back her trash cans. I'm going to be out there at least once a week to help with grocery shopping and general housecleaning. A few of her friends are retired and are making plans to bring lunches so they can eat and chat together. Any advice would be wonderful. I've also been perusing the archives as much as I can. Thanks Pam

My mother had a triple bypass in dec and a 2nd sx for infection in the sternum in jan. she is still have a very tough time recovering due to other health issues (diabetes, anti-biotic induced colitis, etc) my question is I have an issue with one of her doctors, not giving her the correct treatment. I live in nevada and check online and called reno to find out about her license, and there seems to be know record of her having a license to pratice in Nevada. Does anyone know if she would have a license under another name (such as maiden) and how I find out? I want to be absolutely sure about this before I talk to a lawyer. Thanks for all your help. Cheryl

Hi All, I was in the British Army in 1970 & was diagnosed with Rheumatic fever. This resulted in a medical discharge & an army disability pension of 20%. I was told this was because I could have heart problems later. The question I have is, I know that there is a link to heart valve problems and heart muscle scarring but does anyone know if there is any evidence linking coronary artery desease to it. I am looking to take early retirement (age 53) and if I can demonstrate a link to my 5x bypass I can apply for an increase in the army pension which would realy help. Thanks in advance. Keith.

Hi my mom just had a quad. bypass one week ago. She is doing ok I think. Some edema yet in her leg from the grafts-and some sob at times. I have been reading a lot about the sternum incisions coming open and such! Yikes that scares me-I though they wired you shut pretty good! LOL--I am glad I read that though-My mom would definatly know or feel it if she ever does this then right?? That is scary- Thank you to anyone who send me advise-I am her somewhat only caretaker! Michelle

Hi All, I am a 44 year old man and have had a heart cath a few days ago and was told I needed a triple bypass. I have had a Pancreas and Kidney transplant in 4/2002 and all is very good with that. I was slowly gaining weight and was easily tired when walking etc. So,,,,after several years of Docs suggesting the weight was the problem I am at a triple bypass surgery. I am curious/concerned about what to expect after surgery.ie,,pain,length of tubes,tests etc Thanmks Biggie

My dh (44yo)had bypass surgery(4 bypasses) last Sunday, he finally came home yesterday(had problems with fluid in the lungs)..I am pretty scared as I dont know what is normal pain and whats not.He still has pretty bad chest pain and coughing alot.Today he had a coughing fit and said he felt something pop really hard. It wasnt real painful but he is pretty concerned..Anyone have any ideas? Also he is very bloated(his stomach) and has alot of fluid in his legs, is this normal? Im sorry for the questions, there is noone to talk too and we live an hour from the hospital so that makes it scary too...Thanks Cece

I just need to know that this is normal..One minute he is doing really well and the next he is feeling very bad with muscle spasms and trembling..Is there anything I can do to help this...I am so tired I havent slept for two nights more then an hour at a time.I feel like Im on the edge, ready to make that 911 call at any time. How do you spouses handle all this stress and pressure?

Nancy, Can't imagine dealing with this when my kids were younger. Luckily my boys are 23, 19, and 12. The older 2 were a tremendous help with their younger brother this summer when their dad got sick. My biggest worry is that the middle one is in college and I'm concerned about the finances. My husband used up much of his sick time over the summer and we had to go a month without any income until he could jump on long term disability. Things are better now but how do you manage? Even though we've got medical insurance, there are all these copays and prescription drugs. It seems like I just refill the 3 month supply of one drug and it gets dropped or they switch him to something else. Do you worry about the health of your kids? Have they been tested for this same problem? My 23 yr old continues to have the worst diet and he is the most similar to his father. He can eat anything but doesn't gain a pound. Not much I can do except push the healthy stuff on him as much as I can (without him knowing it!) The hard part is I don't know what the doctors should look for in them. One other question for eveyone . . . has anybody ever heard of a link between lyme disease and coronary artery disease? One of my husband's visiting nurses after surgery mentioned that to me. My husband was diagnosed with lyme back about 8-10 years ago and my oldest son was diagnosed just 5 yrs ago. My son still has some lasting issues - he was left undiagnosed for 3+ years. They are both in the woods all of the time - hunting and fishing and we live in an area that has a high incidence of lyme. That's another reason I worry about my oldest son.

Hi all, A quick intro. I am a 53 yr old male, British but living in Malaysia where I had my quintuple bypass last August. Overall I think my progress to date has been quite good, returning to my office job after 3 months and able to swim 2 lengths of the pool & walk on treadmill at a brisk pace for 20 mins without any negative symptoms. My question to you all is - I have been having some apparent problems with my medications 1st with bruising when on Plavix & Casprin so the doc took me off Plavix so I am currently only on Casprin & Lipitor. A week ago a small pin prick rash appeared an my legs and progressed to my arms as well. None on face or body. I went back to the hospital & apparently this is capilary bleeding which the consultant thought could be a reaction to either the Casprin or Lipitor so I was refered to the haematologist. He took a blood test & was concerned that my platelet count was too low. The test showed it was OK though. I am now waiting for the results from a more detailed blood test. Have any of you experienced anything like this? All views appreciated. Regards Keith - alive and KICKING!

My husband underwent quad bypass back on Sept 2. He is doing well, considering he had a major heart attack back in July and walked around for 2 months with 5 blocked stents before they finally did the surgery. He is just 47 yrs old and had no known risk factors. They have finally allowed him back to work full time (starting today). He does grounds/field maintenance for a private college and they put a lifetime weight lift limit of 50 lbs. Is that normal? My husband was very active/athletic - an avid sportsman, soccer and even hockey player. We are both still in shock at hearing that he has this very aggressive coronary artery disease. We could sure use some uplifting and encouraging stories. Can't help but worry all the time these days. Will life ever get back to "normal?"

[INLINE] One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my daughter spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat.? "Dad, I'm thinking of something." ? This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain," she began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away." After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. "That's really good, Aspen." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked.. "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us." I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on. Isn't it distressing to know that when you forward this message you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them. Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me. In order to see the rainbow, you must first endure the rain !!! Dolly Parton Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

Even though we are no longer married, my Family Medical Leave Act was approved! I will get sick pay (and they cannot hold it against my annual evaluation) to take care of Ted. Thank goodness. I'm a little annoyed that the hospital expected me to do all this after working all day. They told me there was nothing to this. Well, maybe that's true after the first few days/weeks, but right now it seems a lot. I need to pick up a scale and a plastic chair to use in the shower -- it would have been nice if I knew that before Ted was discharged. And my gosh, what a huge amount of pills he has to take. I made up a makeshift chart to keep track. I have not even read the booklets they gave him yet. They did not tell me before the discharge information that he needed a stall shower for showers. What if I didn't have one? As a matter of fact I do, in my bathroom (he has his own bathroom), but what if I didn't! I'm glad the surgery went well, of course, but I'm a pissed at the lack of information I was given about his aftercare. I was unable to visit him since this weekend, until I picked him up today because I had to work and we live a distance from the hospital -- by the time I got home to walk the dog and care for my other pets, and drove in rush hour traffic, visiting hours would have been over. He is not able to sleep and I keep waking and running to his room at every cough and other sound... Thanks for letting me vent. Lynn

When Computer Geek's Get Bored...They Do Stuff Like This ! [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] Upgrade Your Email - Click here!

You put the idea in my head to call and at least ask if I might apply for FMLA coverage (and use my sick days) to care for my friend/ex. The head of HR said he would consider it, but I had to get the form filled out first. Of course, getting the doctor to fill out the form is a nightmare in itself, but I think he will find it easier to fill it out than to have to deal with me constantly ;-) Thanks for the idea! Lynn

i am not sure how all this works but said to send e-mail to ya thanks

Lynn, I agree with Fred, I had six bypasses on a Wednesday, went home the next Monday. By Tuesday, I could have stayed home by myself but my wife elected to stay home with me one more day. From then on , I stayed home by myself and was fine. Kept my cell phone with me and put in neighbors numbers just in case I needed help with something but that didn't happen. Can't emphesize walking enough and getting independent right away. Also, when rehab starts, take it very seriously. It has been a year since my surgery. I bought an eliptical cross trainer, treadmill, and schwinn aerdyne exercise bike. I use them 5 days a week for 45-60 minutes a day. It does wonders for all the health numbers...blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesteral, ect. I have had depression problems and doctor told me that may well do with being on a heart/lung machine and how your body copes with something that drastic. Would love to chat with others who have experienced the same things. Take care, Mark

Hi, My name is Lynn and my ex-hubby/housemate (I know it sounds strange, but it works for us) had a triple bypass late afternoon Friday. He wants to come straight home from the hospital, but I have to work Monday thru Friday, and he has no family in the area. His insurance will only provide a home health worker 3 times a week. I didn't discuss this with him just before his surgery or while he is still in the ICU for obvious reasons, but once he is in a regular room, I will have to bring it up. His insurance will cover a rehab facility and I think that would be wiser for him to do, at least for the first few weeks. What do you all think? Thanks (and I think you all are very brave, btw). Lynn

Rest in Peace [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] Coretta Scott King Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

Rose and others............. You are certainly not alone.......I too feel like something is missing.........I too experienced near death with total organ failure...... I know some may say I'm whining when I say i am not the same person......but I'm not........and yes I'm thankful to God for bringing me back and allowing more time on this earth. But I still can't help but wonder just what has happened to me to make me such a different person..........I think human nature or perhaps just my desire to learn more about what happens when one is place on heart-lung by-pass machine.....what happens to the brain...... I'm thankful for this web site as it gives us all an outlet for expressing exactly how we feel........my family gives me great love and support and yet there are times i like to just write my thoughts here............ Carol/Atlanta

Subject: FW: End of Geico Commercials [INLINE] The end of Geico commercials. [INLINE] Now, where can I find that damn duck??? Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

Hi, I am the wife of a bypass patient.He had his bypass when he was 28, in 2001. He has Familial hyperlipidemia type II. Is there anybody out there like us? His cholesterol is in the 700's without medicine and lifestyle changes. With them, he has gotten down to 400, so he has been traveling 130 miles every 2 weeks to have a dialysis-like treatment to remove his cholesterol. He is in the hospital today, because he had a central line put in so they could better access his veins, but it got infected with staph after 4 days. We have 3 children ages 4, 9, and 11. I feel like this is really getting old.We are in the hospital for something almost every month- sometimes several times in a month. I'm tired and stressed, and I feel isolated since I can't find a support group specific to his condidition. Usually the first sign of this disease is death, but we have been blessed. I am a medical assistant- the kind of nurse you usually find in a family doctor's office. If I can help anybody with anything, please let me know. I don't know everything, and can't legally diagnose, but I can help with medical terms, and certain actions you can take to improve whatever you have trouble with. Thanks for letting me join you. I'm going to visit Raymond- my hubby. Talk to ya later

Well, I can honestly say......I AM A DIFFERENT PERSON. My poor husband...he has had to put up with someone totally different than who he married almost 50 years ago. It breaks my heart to hear him ask "what happened to you".........I feel I'm not the same. My cabg was filled with complications and ended up on ventilator for over a week and in the hospital two weeks. Came out and got massive infection for 8 weeks and spent that entire time in bed. Won't bore you with details but I think the operation definitely caused a change in my personality. I have gone from a loving person to someone who is quick to lose my temper (never before) I'm judgemental...critical and hate to say it but just outright nasty. I first thought it was depression which I'm sure I suffer from but even when times are really good I still find myself being nasty etc. Everyone says I'm just not the same person and I don't know how to find the old me. Thanks for bringing this up.....I'd be interested in doing some research to see if this is a common problem with those who had by-pass or only a select few......maybe people who had rough recovery?? Another thing I do know is that I resent tremendously the doctor who told me I would die within a week if I didn't have surgery. I now know that was just his scare tactic......before surgery I was a very active person with absolutely no symptoms of heart problems. A fluke put me in the hospital where it was decided I should have a stress test.....before I knew it I was being operated on..........not that I didn't have blockages but I was never offered any options. I since have moved and gone to a well known heart hospital where I was told I should have been offered other options before surgery since I had no heart problems, shortness of breath or angina etc..................maybe this is one reason I'm so angry.................and yes..........perhaps angry is the right term. All I know is............I am not the same person. Carol/Atlanta

put your name and the first car you ever had. Then the car you currently drive. Copy and paste into a new bulletin and pass it along. 1. Scott - '85 Caddillac deville ** '93 Dodge Dakota 2. Josh - '86 Ford Tempo (all the stories and Tony doesn't know any of them) ** '03 GMC Sierra 3.TONY-91 nissan nx aka the pee machine***01 dodge ram (rip) its totaled 4. Matteo - 85 Chevy Sprint (it looked like a rabbit) *** 98 Ford Escord ZX3. Not much of an improvement. 5. Corey- 76 VW Carmengia*** 2004 Jetta ( Starting to see a pattern here?) 6. Manny - '92(?) Dodge Avenger *** '02 Chevy Avalanche 7. Karl - '67 VW Beetle***'97 Chevy Cavalier Z24 8. Trish- 75 Datsun 510***05 Honda Civic Hybrid 9. Emily - 1993 Buick Century *** 2003 Toyota Matrix (personally the Buick kicked ass way mor than the Toyota) 10. Pam - 1985 Plymouth Duster - 2004 Nissan Xterra 11. Kathie :: 1976 Buick LeSabre [hey I was the third child - plus think of the car in the B-52's Love Shack song...lol] ***2000 Maxima [it was paid off after 2 years & it so totally kicks ass!] 12. Michele - the first car I ever had all MY own, all to myself : my dark blue 1981 Z-28 Camaro. I had a rebuilt engine put in, a tweaked out Holley 4bbl carb, Blackjack headers, Crane cam and a glass beaded Edelbrock manifold and gas shocks in the rear, hehe 13. Mitch - 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-door Power everything and it was white. Boy I miss that car!!!!! Now I drive a 2004 Ford Taurus 4 door. Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

I thought this was a CABG support group. Seems to be more like dating agency. Can't moderator ban them!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any E-pubs that explain why some cabg people become pumpheads? Why wasnt it explained to us as a possibility? Loss of memory,personality change,etc need to find out,why? Thanx

When cloning goes bad [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

Time To Relax [INLINE] [INLINE] Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

Hi all, My husband had a "cardiac episode" (still not sure what that is) last year (age 42); they stented an abnormal vessel but told him they believed it was a localized irregularity and they saw no signs of cardiac disease. So we were surprised that after they found a "minor irregularity" during his 1 yr followup, the angiogram revealed a major vessel with 50% blockage. He needs to have a bypass, soon. We're still waiting to hear how soon. I have two major questions for the group: 1) We moved 100 miles away this year, so we want to find a local cardiologist/ cardiovascular surgeon/cardio center. But we don't know how to choose - what do we look for? How do we figure out if we've found a good one? 2) What do you know now that you wish you'd known before your surgery? Since we have a little time to prepare, what should we do? Linda

Welcome to the 2006 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire e-mail and paste it onto a new e-mail that you'll send. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to a whole bunch of people including the person who sent it to you. Put your name in the subject line. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already. 1. What time did you get up this morning? 10:30AM......I didn't have to work. Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

I got a call from my very good friend over in England today. He has been suffering from flu like symptoms for over a week and antibiotic were doing nothing. When he rang last night he'd woken up drenched in sweat and could hardly speak. I told him to phone the doctor immediately. I thought he sounded like he had pnuemonia. The doctor sent him to a specialist today and that doctor told him he had to have surgery on his heart valves. He's having the surgery tomorrow morning. I'm really worried because I don't understand what is happening and he could still barely speak and didn't have the energy, or knowledge enough to explain to me what is happening. Can anyone give me any information. Thanks very much. Kelly

Cheryl, Tell your Mom I totally understand how she feels about further surgery. I had bypass back in 1998 and I too developed a massive infection in the stitches area. I was immediately sent to a plastic surgeron who very calmly said "oh...we need to cut you open and do a muscle flap operation". I totally rejected this as I had just spent 2 weeks on a ventilator due to complications after bypass operation so there was no way I could consent to surgery again.. So I went back to my family dr and told him he had to help find a way for me to get through this without surgery. He did his investigation and came up with a plan........and if that didn't work I'd have to have the surgery. His plan was to have my husband give me infusions of timentum (a very strong antibiotic) every four hours a day for 8 weeks. I had a visiting nurse come every day who cleaned my infection and checked me out for fever etc. She also took swabs of my infection area and sent them to be tested for the type of bacteria causing my infection. This also gave us a indication of if the antibiotic was working. I had to go to the hospital for them to put in a pic line so I had a place to infuse the antibiotic. Thankfully this worked...I visited the dr once a week to keep track of the wound and with the nurse coming every day I think that helped keep the infection in check and get better. That said...........I certainly can't tell your Mom what to do but I do understand her saying she didn't want further surgery...........this is something she will need to work out with her doctors and they can help her determine what can be done. Gerri, My goodness your husband certainly has been through a lot and I hope things will heal quickly for him. These infections can be mighty dangerous and I know that each of us has to do what we have to do in order to get through this. My infection must not have been as serious.....or at least we seem to have caught it really early. My infection was only about 3 inches long and about 1/2 deep.......at least that is what my hubby told me.....I could never bring myself to look at it...........and you are right in that it takes awhile to clear up......even after 8 weeks while the infection was still there it was very low bacteria count. After my 8 weeks of infusion I went on oral antibiotics for a month. Carol/Atlanta

Really like this wanted you to see it. SMILE AND BE HAPPY HOW???? [INLINE] (Don't ask me! I don't know how it's done!!) -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.12/220 - Release Date: 1/3/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.12/220 - Release Date: 1/3/2006 Add FUN to your email - CLICK HERE!

my 72 year old diabetic mother had triple bypass sx on dec 14. instead of getting better she has been getting worse, part of it do the the hospital mix up with telling her to stop all her prev drugs and use the new one which did not include diuretics. in a week she was back in with heart failure. she let her out 2 days later (2 soon i think) with a foley catheter and when she continued to get weaker and had to have a ambulance take her back to the hosp. the dx a infection and took out some infected breastbone today. my question is does this occur much, they didnt send her home on antibiotics, should they have. the dr said if this doesn't work they will have operate again and get healthy bone from somewhere else. at this point she said she would rather die than go through the surgery again. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. I need to make sure this doesn't happen again. thank you all Cheryl

I had my heart attack October 24, 2004 during the Red Sox World Series.. I was sent to Mass General Hospital..First they found out I was allergic to Heparin and then they perforated my colon in the process of removing some colon polyps.. My operation took place on February 9, 2005..I was under for 3 days or 72 hours..My heart required two mechanical valves and I had a triple bypass.. I had come along well and started cardiac rehab, but came down with atrial fibulation...Had 2 cardiac versions to stabilize that situation and now am finally in sinus rythem...And I am still in cardiac rehab.. I still do get some shortness of breath when I exert myself.. I have had much difficulty getting sleep since the operation..Friday Jan 6 I am going to a sleep clinic at the Salem Hospital.. John Woronka

Dear Patty, I am 51, and double bypass on Nov. 4, 2005. Let me tell you, when I first got home, the pain was horrendous. As far as sleeping in a bed, that was out of the question for me. I slept in a comfy chair for the first week. For me, the pain got manageable during the third week. I did get some Vicodin from my doctor and that did help immensely. It is now 8 weeks and the pain has subsided a lot except for some tightness across my chest, mostly at night when I wake up. Just like my cadiologist said, about 4-5 weeks and the pain really begins to subside. I took it a WEEK at a time. I felt improvement week by week. I wish you well, and take care. It takes time and it does get better. This is advice from someone who was miserable the first two weeks, and I mean MISERABLE! There is hope and you will feel better. Karen, Chicago P.S. I miss the smoking, but I have not had a cigarette in more than two months, and this is coming from someone who has smoked for 34 years.

Hi Group! This is my first time signing on. I am 55 and thought I was doing fine. I had some chest pain with exercise for about a month and then found myself having a triple bypass on 12/17. My recovery seems to be going okay but I was surprised to find how weak i was when I got home. I can walk a little more each day but it is still such an effort and leaves me very tired. I also still have a lot of soreness and discomfort in the breastbone area and i am wondering how long that will last. I still am not comfortable sleeping on my side and I miss that. I have 2 daughters (both married) leaving nearby and they have been wonderful. I think my husband is still in shock about the whole thing and is not sure how to treat me. I look forward to hearing your thoughts or suggestions! Patty

hey group, had my surgery on 11/18 and spoke to you shortly after...you all gave me encouragement and told me to be patient in regards to the pain - of course, you were right...all I am dealing with now is bouts of depression, but I know this too shall pass...again, thanks for all your encouragement, and if I can do the same to anyone, just let me know....happy new year everyone...dippy

thank you for all the kind words. My mother is back in the hospital, with heart failure. I think the doctors really screwed up and i hope this doesn't jeapordize the sx. hate to think that she went through all that pain for nothing. Hope this is just a setback and we can recover. Again thank you and god bless, and hope the new year is brighter for us all. cheryl

developed pleurisy in my left lung from scar tissue from surgery. This has becoome quit painful. I have been on predisone a steroid for three weeks now. I have good days and bad days, but I can't seem to shake this lung situation. If anyone else has had this problem I would love to hear from you and hear how you delt with it. I am tired ot going to the dr. all the time and it is getting a little expensive. been to the er once and my dr. twice in two weeks. I need to get back to work in the next 2 weeks been out since middle of october, but this seems to keep hanging on and will keep me at home longer, My heart is fine my legs havent felt this good in years and I;m ready to get on with life again. Let me know if you have anywords of wisdom on this. thanks and good luck to all of you. Pam

I have been on diuretics since my surgery and I was not on them before it .. so to me that seems normal for her recovery takes awhile for many especially getting med's correct. do they have her on potassium pills? that's important when U are on diuretics and she made need more diuretics if she is swelling still... hang in there it should be ok if things don't seem right find another Dr .. Rose

Hi folks,Im still doing good, but last nite my feet hurt all nite, from the ball of my feet (both feet) thru my toes are super sensitive to touch an the toe joints ache an hurt. Could this be related to surgery or blood flow from it? Any one been thru this foot problem? Merryyyyyyyyy x/mas an a safe an happy holiday to all Jim

Hi group, Well i guess ipulled the most stupid trick of all you. I went for my first office visit to my bypas Dr.,I was there 3 hours takeing test. Then they told me DR. would be couple hours late, wife ani had a disagrment early during the test,Soooooooooooo i got pissed off an walked out. Stupid ,helli know that. I'm healing good very little pain an one pain pill,lol. After wife an i had our problem I told her i regret haveing surgery,it only prolongs my troubles at home with family. On the bright side i have a local appointment with my Dr. that did my cath an sent me to Duke. It's on 1/11/06, I think i will be ok, if not so be it. jimmmmmmm

I just found out my Mom needs to have her Mitral valve replaced or repaired (not sure yet. I'll find out next phone call). :( She just got to recovery after a heart catheter proceeder. My MIL had open heart surgery 5 years ago and took sooo long to recover (years), and she never really got back to her old self. She had a quadruple bypass though, and 4 heart attacks, and my Mom's heart is working O.K., just the valve isn't working right and making her heart work over time. I guess I just want to know if my Mom is going to ever feel good again. How long does it take to recover from something like this. I'm so worried about her she's in her mid 60s, very over weight, and has had her symptoms for so long (at least 10 years if not more) without any doctors doing anything diagnostic for her until now. Everything is happening so fast now, just a couple weeks ago was her first stress test. Has anyone gone through valve replacement, or has a loved one or someone they know gone through it? Did they feel better? did everything go O.K.? I love my Mom so much. I just moved back this summer (DH is Navy) and she's my very best friend. I want her to be with me for a very long time, and even more importantly I want her to feel good again. My kids need their smiling, funny, wonderful Grandma. What can I expect, and what can I do to help her recovery? I've looked everything up on the internet, but I NEED a real person's experience, ya know Thanks!

g.m. group Going to dr. for my first check up today. I dread it, my sons driveing, wifes not up to it today. Its 5 hr. round trip,my family irrates me at times. I had to threaten stoping their visits at the hosp. unless they quit talking about the b/s going on at home,lol. I'm the type that dont like asking for help, my son drives safe but hes a agressive driver. My stress level will be high today. ty for being here to talk to. have a good day every one. I will post again after dr. visit. jim aka bobo

I am a male age 56. I had a sucessful double bypass operation in 1999 at Yale Hospital In Ct. The surgeons used both mammary arteries from my chest stating that those arteries often last twice as long as others like from the legs or elsewhere.Often well over 20 years. My problem is that although I now live a normal, active, reasonably healthy life with all indicators under control, I have chest cavity pain all the time. Sometimes more that others, but all the time. The many doctors that I have talked to over the years say this does happen to few patients and will ether go away over years or I will just have to live with it. I have not met one other person that has this after surgery effect and would love to talk to someone that has what I have.

hi group, karen im on aol, i put you on my buddy list if you need to talk e/m or i/m me please. i had 7x bypass on 12/07/05. so this is still all new, i was in hosp. only 4 days after surgery.im doing real well so far, i really understand depression i been on effexor xr 2 years for it. thay changed that med. while i was in hosp. but back on it now. i have been down a little but am concerned about depression in days to come. depression is a bitch under any condition, e/m an i/m are welcome from all. my aol s/n is==kubelwagonvw. iim glad i found the group hopefully i can be of some help to some of you, an im sure it will help me to get to know folks that been where im going.try to divert your mind from lonely things to things you enjoy, maybe something you had no time for in the past good luck all jim in n.c.

hi,i got out of hospital monday from a 7x bypas, one the incsions on my leg has a tiny spot ozing,im seeing dr monday. i think i can wait till then been cleaning it with peroxide. wondered if any you had this happen. my dr is over a 5 hour trip away. thanks jim

i had a double bypass on 11/4/05 and i still have alot of pain in my chest, it's not the heart but the bone healing, any ideas of how to reduce this pain without getting strung-out on pain pills??

Dear Debbie, I have been home for four weeks now and was NOT in the mood for much company while I was recuperating in the beginning. I had a couple of friends over who helped me with shopping, etc. while I was home. Other than that, I preferred my solitude. I was dealing with some severe depression right after the surgery and was not in the mood for company, however, I have some great friends who kept in touch via phone and that helped immensely. Give your friend some room and some time until she is ready for company. Keep in touch via phone. And let her know that if she needs you for anything, you are there for her. I had friends who told me that many times, and it really made it much easier to get through the pain and depression. Time helps. I know it did for me. Have patience. Take care and good luck to your friend. Karen, Chicago

I'm pretty sure it is the beta-blocker that lowers the heart rate........I'm on atenolol and the doctor always has me stop that on the day I take a stress test as it is so har to get my heart rate out of the 60's. Before I had by-pass and wasn't on any meds my heart rate ran about 90 and it was easy to get it up into 140's I may be wrong but think it is beta blocker that does that but perhaps it's just the commination of drugs that lowers the heart rate............but I too have been trying to lose weight for the past 7 years and have only lost about 5 lbs..............and gained 20 rightr after my surgery. Carol/ATlanta

hey all....please help....had bypass surgery nov 18th...still in pain...is this normal....I am a 56 yr old female and would appreciate any info...thanks.....dippy

How long does it take for a person to get back into the swing of things like visiting with your friends after surgery

My husband had a double bypass in March 2004 at the age of 51. Up until this point, he had never been sick a day in his life. Imagine how shocked we all were when he came home from a routine doc visit and told us his tests showed he had had a mild heart attack! I'm happy to report that he has made a wonderful recovery, feels great and is now back to his full time police job. However, he does have a problem that he never had before. He has developed some pretty awful skin problems. I can see him having trouble with the wound on his leg from where they took the vein, but he breaks out in a red painful itchy rash on his back and now it has spread to his hands. His fingers crack and bleed and are very itchy. The docs have told him it's because of circulation problems due to one less vein and he's just going to have to live with it. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what did you do? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks, Kim

Hi guys, It's been 5 yrs since 4way bypass and still holding. Only problem is the weight has been the same today as after surgery. Cannot lose. The other day at the Y, they told me that since I am on heart meds, my heart rate will never reach the rate you need to lose weight. I am just going to keep on the treadmill, bike and some walking. Joined the silver sneakers club at the Y from Humana insurance. They will do the bands and stuff like that. At least if I cannot lose the weight, I might be able to get stronger and toned if possible. Keep fingers crossed for me. Would like to know if anyone tried anything to get heart rate up for exercise and had it work. See ya. Hope all had a good Thanksgiving.

I had my double bypass surgery on Nov. 4, 2005. I went home with many meds. I now have a constant ache in my right arm, elbow and shoulder. One doctor said that one of the side effects of the meds I am on might be joint aches and pains. Has anyone else been affected by this? Sometimes the joint pain is really bad. And how long does the pain from the surgery last? I know it has only been a little over three weeks, but I want the pain gone. I do take Vicodin and it helps, but I am trying not to take one this morning. So far, so good. I am working from home at my computer, which really helps me and my mental state. When I first got home, I was so depressed, it was horrible. I was crying constantly. I now take it week by week and do realize that the pain is lessening a little each week. The depression comes and goes now. I miss my old life before this surgery. I never would have thought I would have gone through this. I was taken to the hospital via ambulance at the end of October and this is what they found. A shock, to say the least. I am 51. Not old in my mind. Thanks for listening. Any information would be appreciated. Karen in Chicago

Danny they can't tell you at work to file for unemployment or disability at all that is a law, belive me i am studing law. You have the right to work but they can't tell you that at your work place that is up to you and your doctor, don't believe me check it out. As for the head aches form taking nitro patches i know where you are coming from i had to be put on them a few years back and had the same problem with them. They then put me on the once a day nitro pill which they told me to cut in halve to keep from having headaches but it didn't work. I took them for four or five days before the headaches stopped then it wasn't bad at all. It could be that same problem with your headaches it takes time for your body to adjust to it. I never could handle the nitro patches myselve.

I was in total shock earlier this month when I was told I needed double bypass surgery. At 51, I am still reeling. My life has totally changed and I am finding it hard to deal with. The pain was horrible and is getting a little better week by week. I suppose that should make be feel better. Does everyone else go through this depression I have been dealing with? Sometimes I cannot stop crying. There are some days when I feel everything will be just fine, then the next day, the depression comes flooding back. How long does this go on? I have never been a depressed kind of person. I do not like myself right now. I know it sounds selfish, but I would love to enjoy a cigarette and a cocktail right now. I know I cannot have any, but I do want them periodically. When can I look toward somewhat normal feelings towards life again? I know it has only been a little over two weeks, but I did not sign up for this. I wonder why, why, is this happening to me? Any input would be appreciated. Karen, Chicago

it has been quite a lone time sence i posted. in oct. 2002 i had 5 bypasses done. i am 52 year old male everything was going fine, untill a few months ago. i had chest pain that i told my doctor about, it got worse so he put me back in the hospital for a heart cath. it showed that one of the arteries was 100% blocked, but he said that the others were making up for it. i still had the chest pain, he put me on a nitro patch, this helped stop the pain in my chest, but my head felt like it was going to explode. he gave me pain meds for my head but they put me to sleep. all of this has taken two weeks. now today when i go to work i am told that i need to file for unemployment, and disabilaty! i did not think that this could be done for being sick and out of work, can anyone here tell me anything about both of my problems?

Hi to all. I had a single bypass 7-05 and do not have much info about this condition. I am 42 and never thought this could happen so young. I am about to see my third cardiologist. I am having problems getting someone to explain to me about what happened, what I need to do now, and what symptoms are normal after this kind of surgey. I am so glad I found this group.

hi, havent been back in a while, My husband after having a quadruple bypass, 8 days later had to go in because the wires pulled apart. He also had infection. Very serious operation followed, He had to have bone taken away from the sternum, cleaned out from infection, and then they could not wire the sternum again so they moved both pectoral muscles to cover the opening. He is home now after almost a month, he is on Vancomycin introvenus. In a great deal of pain, the stupid doctor the other day said" you had a very big wound, we didnt think you were going to make it" Asshole. I wonder if anyone out there has gone through this ( I'm sure there is) Could you please tell me how youre doing? God bless you all.

oh people , this is my first minute here and I am probably not doing something right. My sweet jim had double bypass and valve repair on Oct 27, was really good yesterday and today was awful. He is so confused and I am so inept. He is the best part of me and I don't know what to expect. I didn't expect him to be so awful today. He is only57 yrs old and I am just a mess today..Can you help.............s.

I wonder if anyone has any suggestions for me. I am just going on social security disability. I will be eligible for medicare in 24 months. Meanwhile, I have been on Medicaid, but once my disability payments begin, my monthly spend down amount will be over $1100/month. Is there some way to get insured? I have had CABDx3, and 3 stents.

Hi everyone..... My dad (76 years old) was in pretty good shape up until 3 months ago......he knew he had a leaky heart valve 5 years ago but the doc said it was fine for now........it all started with a stomach infection (h. pylorie)....after treated with antibiotics he was still very sick and nauseated....so his primary care doctor sent him to his heart doc for a checkup...well he said that his heart was leaking alot more and needed replacement....he also said the nausea might or might or might not be related.......so we had the surgery Sept 13...everything went fine except for internal bleeding that was stopped through surgery.....then 2 days later he was so drugged up he thought he was home and tried to get out of bed...pulling his foled completely out and falling hurting his back......yikes!anyway as of today he is still constantly nauseated.........this is the kind of nausea that makes you want to lie down and die....he is not eating right and walking as he should at this point....we've have plenty of tests to see if there was anything wrong with his stomach...everything came back fine........my take on this is the nausea before surgery was due to the stomach infection and now maybe it's his heart meds?.or his heart healing?...HELP!...I can't stand to see him wasting away...he is soooo sick......I would appreciate any input on this....here are the meds he is on......digitek...furosemide ...metoprolol..... potassium chloride....protonix........he takes a sleep aide cause he can't sleep due to the nausea - temazepam...also taking promethazine for nausea ...sometimes it cuts the edge sometimes it doesn't help at all....rambling on....while he was at rehab (understaffed nursing home) they told us he was slightly anemic but didn't do anything about it ......they also took him off of cumoudin because he kept getting nose bleeds that wouldn't stop.........his blood is still thin...I feel like doctors are ignoring us and not trying to get to the bottom of this...... Thanks so much for your help Rosey

CABG was good but closing was lousy. 6 months after CABG incision hernia. Fixed - and in recovery surgeon says if it happens again we will put mesh in -big confidence booster. 4 months futher on-another incision hernia-same spot. This time my heart surgeon and another put in mesh -good trick - lasted about 4 months. What do you do next? No one wants to know- you get no warranty and no compassion. Heart is OK but incision hernia restricts life style so as far as I am concerned I wish I had never had CABG. Off pump though ribs would have been far better and I know you can't get at back of heart but in my case there was no need to go to back of heart. Just over a month ago there was an International Cardiac Conference in Perth Western Australia and a few days before a cardiac surgeon from Japan operated on local cardiac surgeon with Japanese technique which is used on "religous" grounds in Japan and a catheter is inserted and apparently cleans artery with no debris to travel through sysrem. Overnight stay and back at work in two days. Obviously not as much $$$$$ to the medical profession