Heart Bypass Surgery

How safe is it do you think for a CABG patient to have a tattoo done? Would the constant needling (sorry can't think of any way other to put it) cause problems with BP etc? Maria

Hi Group just wanted to update you on my dad's condition. We are now going on our 9th week at the hospital. This is going into our 3rd week on the Memory Floor or should I say the worst place to put your father floor. It has been a nightmare he needed to be on a stroke floor which we found out this weekend the hospital does have after telling us that the Memory Floor / Alhimers floor was the only place left. I called for a consult from his Heart Doctor and when he came to see my dad he was shocked!! Imagine that sending your patient to a floor that he had never been on! My dad in the 2 weeks he has been on this floor has gone down hill. They would rather sedate the patients then deal with them. The whole reason to put him on this floor was to get him out of his posey so he could go to rehab of course that did not happen! We were sent an angel this past weekend she worked on the Stroke Floor floated over because of the holiday weekend and was my dad's nurse! She couldn't believe the history on him and was shocked that he was on that floor not on the stroke floor! So the wheels are now turning for him to get off this floor and to the stroke floor! We just cant beleive so much can go wrong! Double and Triple check anything and everything they tell you! You should be able to have trust in the medical people but DONT! That's all for now Thanks for the support! Darlene

im sorry i forgot to put my name at the end.Its tammy in thomasville

Hello everyone! I am posting because I am having trouble helping my fiancee deal with his mother's triple bypass. Since I am not a "family memeber" the doctor's won't share a lot with me if Scott is not there. His mother had a triple bypass around the second week of August. She stayed in the hospital about two weeks. There was some complications with fluid gathering outside of her lungs. She had a drain in for that and then went through a round of antibiotics before being released. She came home from the hospital this last Thursday. She came home with oxygen because her O2 levels would drop very low while she was sleeping. (She has a tendency to breath very shallow.) She begain retaining a lot of fluid (about a pound or two a day) and early this morning she began having trouble breathing and became nauseous and started throwing up. Scott's sister (who is staying with his mom) immediately called 911 and now she is back in the hospital. They have removed quite a bit of fluid and we are supposed to hear from the heart doctor tomorrow. I am having a hard time finding info on what to expect right after surgery and leaving the hospital. Most of what I can find is about diet and exercise after surgery and while this is helpful, we are not there yet. I want to help Scott help his mom, but I am not sure what advice to give. Most of what I know about the situation is second hand, and we all know how the game of telephone works. By the time I hear it, it is often inaccurate. I do know that Scott and his sister are tyring to make things easier for their mom, but can they make things too easy? Example: When in the hospital, the doctors wanted Catherine to do her breathing exercises for her lungs, to re-expand them. I understand it is hard, but Scott and his sister were very upset with the nurses for "pushing her too hard". Please, help me know more about this. If any of you have had the same things happen after leaving the hospital, maybe you can help me understand what is going on a little better. If not, just let me know what to expect when she does get to come back home. Thanks - Tina

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONCERN.You mentioned acid reflux, i do ha ve that all the time.but havent had it checked yet.I have though made up my mind to get a check-up.Because i smoke i have trouble breathing.Ive tried to cut back though.My husband goes back to winston salem for his check up the 14th and thento the cardiologist aterwards, i think i will talk to his doc.then about me.Carol my dads been dead for 23yrs this mon.my mom has just started dating and she is 73,thats wonderfull.Im so glad we have the technology that we have now,the surgery slowed my husband down,but at least hes living, thank God for that.you all take care and thanks for the advice.

So far I have received about 25 responses to my email regarding my curiousity to know how many states and/or countries, we have represented in the group. If you have not responded, please take a couple of seconds to email me your city, state and/or country, gender, age (if you don't have a problem with stating it) and when your bypass was and how many. I will send out a draft of the info I have so far early next week to give others a chance to respond. Thank you. BARB12 St Louis, MO

Hi: Im Stannis Rose and I live in Bradenton Florida FREE emoticons for your email! click Here!

Hello dear friends, My mother has done CABG+IABP operation on 25th July .She had problem in ICU about 2 or 3 hours after operation and she couldn't move right hand and leg well after it of course she can move them now but she is now very weak and blood laboratory tests don't seem well moreover her legs has infection ( where stitches are made)and takes antibiotics , here it is not possible to contact specialist doctors any time you need so I would be appreciate if you help me and share with me your thought and knowledge.I will be thankful if dear specialists who read this topic let me send them necessary documents about the operation and blood tests and other matters that would be helpful for them to have any advice for me. Best Regards, MMZ

My name is Tammy, you talked about genetics being a factor.I think thats so true,because my dad had open heart surgery in 72.He had 5 or 6 brothers who also had open heart surgerys,and one sister thatdid.Im only 47,and my husbands heart doc.said i need to get checked,but i am really scared knowing what my husband went thru.

just want to know if anybody else has this symptom. It sounds wierd but i am 5 1/2 weeks post bypass and almost everything still smells and taste like.....the hospitol...what i mean is i have that taste of everything that the hospitol smelled like. it is kind of hard to explain. it is getting better but i still hate that taste. i know there are bigger problems to deal with here on this forum but just wanted to know if anybody else has had this experience. David

You wanted know where we all live .I live in Thomasville,N.C.Welive about 30 min.from Winston Salem, Greensboro,and High Point.

I am fairly new to the group--only a couple of months. I am curious to know how many states we have represented in the group. If everyone will take a couple of seconds, please email me your city, state and/or country, gender, age (if you don't have a problem with stating it) and when your bypass was and how many. I will compile the info over the next couple of weeks and email it back to everyone. Thanks. BARB12

As I posted a few weeks ago my husband has PAD and has been experiencing leg pain when at rest. He saw the vascular surgeon who ordered an ultrasound. Monday he got the test results. There is no change in the legs from a year ago but has developed blockages in his hips. They also did an ultrasound of the carotids and it showed the left side had narrowed more, last year the blockages in the carotids was at 60%....................so today they sent him for an MRI of his carotids and we get the test results the 8th of Sept............ as far as the legs go they is no planned intervention at this time. Mimi

Hi Mimi: Its amazing you said something about your hubbys hips. Mine have been hurting a lot. At first I thought it was the weather and Im still hoping that. I do have a primary dr appt tomorrow and lets see what he says. Does anyone else here suffer from hip pain??? FREE emoticons for your email! click Here!

Hi Carole. I just had my bypass 5 weeks ago and the same day i had mine my doctor was doing bypass's on 2 men over 80 yrs old. they too came thru with flying colors. the risk is higher the older you are but i have read a lot about how safe it is now days for people even in their 80's. be positive and i hope eveything goes well. David

Your Daily Moment Of Zen 1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me, either. Just leave me alone. 2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire. 3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. 4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. 5. We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse. 6. Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else. 7. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. 8. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. 9. It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. 10. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments. 11. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. 12. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. 13. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. 14. If you lend someone $20, and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. 15. Don't squat with your spurs on. 16. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. 17. If you drink, don't park; accidents cause people. 18. Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield. 19. Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. 20. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket. 21. Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance. 22. A closed mouth gathers no foot. 23. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together. 24. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your mouth is moving. 25. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. 26. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

hello all. iread your stories everyday, and i wish you blessings .I am 47 and my husband is 50 in feb.2006.He had triple bypass in January.They told him that he had other blockages all obver his heart and allover his body.they also took avein out of his groin in june.Hes always been real tough and strong, but this really slowed him down. He worked hard but he drank hard. They told him if he didnt quit he wouldnt last 2yrs.He also smokes.He quit for a while but got really depressed when they told him thers nothing else they could do.They gave him medicine for his smoking but he wont take them.This surgery changed him it made him more humble.But i do wish he would take care of hiself.He has memory loss just like yall too.I dont know how yall feel but i can sympethise with you.I also went through it with my dad in 1972.HE HAD a pigs valve put in and back then i think they were experimenting on him.But it gave him eleven mores yesrs of life,that we cherishsd with him.It was done at the babtist hospital in winston.salem N.C.The docs have come along way since 1972.Sorry so long,just worried in thomasville,n.c. Tammy

Ron, Hi there - didn't realize you were so close to us in Pecos - I was in Lubbock last weekend and we have some friends who have just moved up to your area (Littlefield). Take Care... Mike and Linda Pecos, Tx.

GOD'S BOXES I have in my hands two boxes, Which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box, And all your joys in the gold." I heeded His words, and in the two boxes, Both my joys and sorrows I stored, But though the gold became heavier each day, The black was light as before. With curiosity, I opened the black, I wanted to find out why, And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole, Which my sorrows had fallen out by. I showed the hole to God, and mused, "I wonder where my sorrows could be!" He smiled a gentle smile and said, "My child, they're all here with me." I asked God, why He gave me the boxes, Why the gold and the black with the hole? "My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go." We should consider all of our friends a blessing. Send this to a friend today just to let them know you are thinking of them and that they are a joy in your life. A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see, Is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me. Today I pass the friendship ball to you.

I thought I was doing so well. 4 1/2 months post 4xCABG. Now for the past couple of weeks, have been experiencing sleeplessness. Usually get about 2 hours, then up for a couple of hours, then back down for an hour or so and up again. I went back to work at 6 weeks and left about an hour early the first day, but have worked all day since then. Have been experiencing some pain in my left shoulder going from front to back. The pain gets worse when I breath deeply, so I don't figure it's my heart. I do work out 3 times a week, which I was doing pre- surgery. Is this normal for this length of time post? Everyone else seemed to be having problems right after surgery. I thought I was past all of that and doing a remarkably well recovery. It's a little stressful and I'm having a hard time dealing with this. What's wrong with me? Am I nuts? Hadn't had any problems with depression, but did kind of develop an 'attitude' for a little while. So many of you have had such problems, that I hated to complain. It just didn't seem right that I should complain about something that is so small compared to others. I'm not usually such a wimp. Am normally a very strong woman, but this is getting me down a little. Carol

Its been a couple of days and I though I should update everyone on my dad's condition. He was tranfered to the Memory floor on Monday and we were all afraid to put him there because you get this idea its like a mental ward that they just sit and look at the wall all day. But I have been pleased with the care they are giving him. We got the ok today from the rehab but we have to get a cares level on him before he goes to make sure he meets the requirement but of course he will. Don't ever want to tranfer out on a weekend anyways care level isn't as high in some places. Were not really sure how much of our dad we will get back but at least he has come as far as he has. If anyone isn't up on what happend to my dad just a quick update... Went in for knee surgery went for pretesting failed ekg went for further testing found 3 vales 100% blocked has triple bypass bled out arrested returned to surgery clip had come off one of the graphs either had watershed stroke or loss of oxygen to brain but was in sicu for 3 weeks on heart floor for 3 weeks and now 1 week in memory unit. In the mean time on the heart floor he fell twice their fault and the waiting to return to surgery their fault.... Not much faith in hospitals... But just keep keepin on... I really appreciate all the feed back I have received from the group it has been extremely frustrating and exhusting these last 7 weeks. Please continue to keep my family in your prayers they are greatly appreciated! Darlene

i live in Oshawa Ontario and I am 55 yo i had a single bypass 6 weeks ago i can finally drive again tomorrow my big day out will take me back to see my heart doctor for the infection still lingering in my wounds i hurt so bad i dont know if the surgery was worth it yet lol i had a 100%blockage in my main artarie so walking and doing much was almost non exsistant being a smoker and overweight did not help either no one wanted to operate i was a high risk so it was a decision i made knowing i had a very strong chance of not surviving the surgery but life for me was not very good any way but to every one surprise my heart was very strong it did not even need to be put on a machine it managed all on its own during the operation my surgeon was very pleased in fact he seemed excited about it i just hope it wasnt His first time trying it out . i have gotten throught the last 6 weeks living on pain killers and hardly sleeping i have had maybe 3 good night sleeps were i have slept 4 hours all together the rrest of sleep is taken when it hits and for as long as it lasts but i am running low on will power right now the pain is lastng to long and the pain killers are finished and i am misreable back to sleeping sitting up in a chair is it common to have such an infection after surgery i have had 3 courses of antibotics and no success in clearing it up both my leg and my chest are infected Ann

Greetings all My name is Scott. I am 52, living in Menominee, MI, USA. I had CABG (x5) on 1/31/2006. I also experienced a pleural effusion 2 weeks out from surgery, with my surgeon removing about 1200 mL of (nasty) fluid from my left pleural cavity. I never had an MI, but started experiencing pain behind my lower sternum after any exertion beginning new year's day this year. My doc and my wife (also a doc) thought it was probably GERD, so I started on Protonix. That took care of reflux, but I still kept getting the pain on exertion, so my doc ordered a treadmill stress test which I flunked. My cardiologist then recommended a balloon angiograph with stents, but when she went in to perform the procedure, she took a quick look-see and decided that I was going to join the zipper club in the next available surgical slot. That turned out to be the next day. I never had time to really think about the procedure prior to it taking place, so I am just now working all the emotional stuff out. I experienced what (to me) was an immense amount of pain and fear in the first 3 to 6 weeks. Never having been through it b4, I had no way to gage what is "normal", understanding that everybody is unique. I also had no resources for dealing with this level of disturbance. Now, 6 months out, I feel physically a lot better but an having problems adjusting to my new life. I have lost some things and gained some others. I hope to bounce some of this off of you all and maybe be of service in the time being I am firm believer in support groups. The one thing I know coming into the group is that you all, in your individual ways, understand something about me that everybody else does not. That includes my wife, my sister and my closest friends who have not experienced this kind of surgery. And I know the same about you. Let's talk.

I was told my lower right artery which is 80% closed was too small to graft... but, I didn't need to worry about it... How could this be... I thought if it closed it would be death... can someone tell me what this means long/short-term????

Hello, a friend is in need of bypass surgery and does not have insurance. He has stated that he owns his home but is unable to work. When asked how does he make his payments, he states he has taken a mortgage out on his home so he lives from this money, including paying his doctors bills. He has been told that he has 3 years to go with respect to age to apply for medicare. What can he do? Oh yeah, he lives in Florida. Thanks

I showered and shaved............... I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, "Why must our soles touch?" It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: "Our Father"............. I thought, "This man with the shoes.. has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!" "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said............... a quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again Aren't we supposed to look our best.. When walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering......... And what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft "clink" . as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie It was the same for the shoe man..... For tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service........ As is the custom here We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to meet the shoe man So after the closing prayer.......... I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest. He said, "My names' Charlie.......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend." There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin "Let me explain," he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest "But I really do try................."To always look my best." "I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk. "But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain............ and I swallowed to hide my tears As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near. He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight. "But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head. "Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part; "That the best of any man............"Is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought,................. This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I respect you, and truly cherish you. Send this to your friends, No matter how often you talk, Or how close you are, And send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will. Remember, everyone needs a friend. Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all. Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing that someone out there cares about you..... and always will. Just Me

Seven weeks out, I went to the beach for the first time yesterday. The visit to the beach was sobering...Without thinking I yell to my son to be careful in the water... the strain and pain from the yell was immediately noticeable... instantly, I felf tired and exhausted and regretted what I had just done. Then I felt the sun beating down on. Just fifteen minutes on the beach I struggled walking back to me car across the sand. My chest began to hurt... I was sure it was my muscles... I look at everyone and remember just last summer it was me running, swimming, lifting, laughing.... What came for me from this experience was that I finally accepted my situation... I had heart surgery, the surgery was serious, and somethings will never be the same again... irrespected what my mind says, my body will not respond the way it use to.... and I have to change.

Just 7 weeks out, against better judgment I've been pushing myself lately to do more physically than perhaps I should... Now, what feels like "something" about the size of my wallet, is bothering me over my left chest... it doesn't hurt... it feels like pressure. If I move my left arm the right way (up or back) the pressure is relieved. I think it may be my chest muscle I may have strained when my dog jerked one day last week... on the other hand, in the back of my mind I'm think all kinds of things regarding the heart... i.e., its expanded and hitting up against my chest wall, etc.... ANY IDEAS??? I haven't yet learn to differeniate between pain that may be related to my heart and wound casued by the surgery... not sure if it's possible!!!???

My father had triple bypass 6 weeks ago after 4 hours of being out of surgery he was rushed back in to surgery for bleeding out and then arresting. when they got back in a clip had come loose leaving a huge blood clot over his heart which caused his arrest. When they fixed they were able to revive him. Stayed in the sicu for 4 weeks which the first 2 weeks he was not awake he was having facial sezures. They intially told us they weren't sure how long he was without a blood pressure ( yeah right ). He spend 1 month in sicu and then was moved to the heart floor for further evaluation. Now after being on the heart floor for 2 weeks with several cath issues of bleeding and him not being in his restraints having 2 falls not being notified and then now they say he is medically fine accept his mental state is not good he has memory problems and has no lower body strength and needing a knee replacement that started all this heart stuff. Now they are wanting him out of there and suggesting we move him to the memory floor of the hospital.. What kind of support does the family get in deciding what should be done. Nursing homes will not accept him if he is still having to be restrianed because of confusion and trying to get out of bed not realizing he cant stand up on his own.. Please help with any kind of advice or support that anyone can give. We are at our witts end!!

In a message dated 8/16/2006 11:48:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, haywood59@... writes: I'll be going from now on. Trouble is, it's 20 miles away, so I have to pray that if something happens, I can get there quick enough. They really get us coming and going, don't they? Anyway Ron, just know that we're all in this together okay? Take care of yourself... Wendy wendy in a mergency your ins will pay the closest hospital check with them Rose

three weeks post surgery. had first follow up appointment yesterday at milwaukee v.a. doc says "i'm right on track" and am doing fine. seems the last couple days the exhaustion is not quite as dibiltating. good news..v.a. agreed to pay for a 12 week cardiac rehab at a local hospital (25 miles one way) to which i'd been in phone contact 2 or 3 times inquiring about the program of which i've heard nothing but good things. i'm as motivated as i've ever been. bad news. they said i have "issues" and would not, therefore, be a good candidate and would be denying v.a.'s request for my admission to their program. the next closest facility that MAY have cardiac rehab is 60 miles away. this from my primary care physician, oops. make that primary care nurse practioner. my n.p. said she'd look into it and get back to me. nothing yet. mentioned same to the doc that did the surgery and he said he'd look into it leaving me with my posterior swingin' in the wind. when i first heard about it earlier this week it was like having ones wind knocked out. these several days later makes it difficult to give a damn one way or another. any feedback greatly appreciated.

Hi all! I have had my CABG ('cabbage'!) just two months back. Had triple artery vessel disease and the Surgeon had to do two grafts in my heart. This is why I say - my heart is not too hurt! After six weeks I was allowed to join back at work. This was a very satisfying moment indeed. Shall catch up with you guys later. With love and best wishes from India. Subir

Hello all, I received this from a dear friend, fellow Texan, and fellow member in another CABG group. I had seen this before, and so have many of you. But it just seemed to fit the moment, and I wanted to share it with everyone here. It related so well to what I felt when reading Ron's unnecessary apology for posting something that was a long read. It just seemed to fit the moment. And the words at the end felt right too. Hope you will all take a moment to read it. Connie Mouse Story ... A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap! Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it." The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose." So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap-- alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness. So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another. REMEMBER: Each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry; our lives are woven together for a reason.

Hi all, Been reading these posts for a couple of months now, trying to see if anyone else has had experience like mine. I'll try to keep this brief, but it's a long post - please forgive me. I'm 46 years old. Always avoided doctors, and even though I'd been a smoker since the age of 15, stayed abnormally healthy. Began having mild chest pains last August so I contacted my primary doc. He called me in, ran EKG, and ordered chest x-ray and stress test. Went to the cardiologist the next day for stress test, and they ran another EKG. Shortly after, doc came in an advised that they had called for an ambulance to take me to the ER. Two hours later, head spinning from what was happening, another cardiologist from the group came in and advised that I needed emergency angioplasty NOW, because I wouldn't make it through the weekend. Did one then, and another on Monday. Three medicated stents in two arteries with 99% and 98% blockage. Thought that would do the trick. December '05: problems again, unstable angina, and ended up back in the hospital for 3x bypass. Both stented arteries already completely blocked, plus two others, but one unreachable, so they left it alone. Felt great for a couple of months, but by April, another angioplasty; one of the bypass grafts already completely blocked plus two new blockages treated with more stents. Followed this up in May with ECP therapy in an attempt to grow some collateral vessels. Didn't work... June 21, back to the hospital for yet another angioplasty. This time the remaining two bypass grafts were blocked, so they stented those, and opened a third blockage with a cutting balloon. Doc advised that normally another bypass surgery would be in order, but he's sure the arteries will only close up again. Stents have been a problem, as I have small vessel disease and a lot of the vessels are smaller than the smallest stent available. In his most recent report, his summary shows several arteries remaining with blockages ranging from 50-80% blockage. He recommends "maximized medicine regimen, in hopes that this will provide some relief for this very unfortunate patient." I am currently on nine different meds, which I take almost religiously, and the doc admits he doesn't know why my body is reacting the way it is. I try to stay optimistic, but at times, I honestly feel like giving up. I've been lucky in that my insurance has covered all but a couple thousand dollars out of the $487,000 that's been billed so far. But geez, how much more of this can I take?

Butter Pass the butter ~ ~ ~ ~ This is interesting Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings. DO YOU KNOW...the difference between margarine and butter? Read on to the end...gets very interesting! Both have the same amount of calories. Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study. Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few only because they are added! Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods. Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years. And now, for Margarine.. Very high in trans fatty acids Triple risk of coronary heart disease. Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol) Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold. Lowers quality of breast milk. Decreases immune response. Decreases insulin response And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING! Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC.. This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance). You can try this yourself: Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things: * no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something) * it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast? Share This With Your Friends.....(

Thank you all for the positive replies to my previous post! I have been through all the depression, denial, and education that is required to get over this. I'm still in rehab but will return to work on Monday. My concern was the fact that my HR was always the highest in the class. Saw the Dr. today and got some more new pills to try and control the HR. DiovanHCT 80/12.5, I think it is, and dropping the Lasix. She said that maybe I was dried out too much since the Lasix was use as a preventive medeicine against CHF. My attack was caused by blockage in two arteries, one on the left and one on the right, aka...CAD. May go back to the Toprol XL if necessary. Thanks for reading this and for stories similar to mine. It's good to know you're not alone.

In a message dated 8/9/2006 2:18:21 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, marlinspike1012@... writes: No Susan...I have paid so much in co-pays and the heart association did nothing for me...I am out of pocket over $ 250,000.00 John amen to that john we ended up oweing 100 thousand after insurance and no one has helped us my husband is 64 and works two jobs

This is my first post to this group so I hope someone can help. I had double bypass and stint surgery on 6/15/06. All the doctors and rehab personnel say I'm progressing fine. In fact, a little ahead of schedule. I am still having trouble with my blood pressure and heart rate. The BP, fluctuates throughout the day, while the pulse is at least in the mid 80's to low 90's. I was wondering if anyone else has BP and HR stories to share?

Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD condition that causes poor circulation in the legs. PAD affects millions of people in the United States, most of which are not aware that they have the disease. Left untreated, peripheral arterial disease increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation, or death. Understanding PAD raises awareness about PAD, communicates risk factors and treatment options, and encourages people at risk to be tested for peripheral arterial disease.

fortunately i have a treadmill. this is the first time i've attempted the 30' in the 5 days since i got home. got the idea of keeping a walking log as the only way to keep the motivation up. started the day at 4' and just finished a 7' walk at 1 mph, achieving 25' of the 30' or 90% which in school would be a B+. :o) hoping to hear soon about whether or not the v.a. will spring for the 12 week rehab. i can see the psychological value of just being out in the world at rehab 2 or 3 times a week. tried to find a cabg support group locally to no avail. i'm a big believer in the magic of support groups having been in, among a couple others, AA for the first two or three years. next month will be 19 years. it was a whole lot easier for me than many others. why? haven't a clue. just grateful. was the smartest thing i ever did in a life mostly devoid of smart things done. gonna sign off for now. god bless you all. dennis

i walk maybe 50-80 yds and i'm fatigued. i can't get the tape adhesive off my chest, tempted to drive ama, sorry i didn't take my chances without the surgury, outlook bleak, don't really care about anything. i'm sorry i went through with it. well, thanks for being here folks. where else can i whine? dennis yooper

My husband had a triple by-pass surgery in january of this year. He also has pad. the heart docs.said there wasnt much else they could do for him,after they removed one from his leg in june.They said they needed what good ones were left in case he had another heart surgery.He does have alot of cramping ,espically at night. He takes tylenolpm to help him sleep.

I am now 6 weeks out... I am still afraid of sleeping on my side for the fear of my sternum crashing into itself... at this stage (6 weeks) and under normal circumstances... what stage should my sternum be healed... 20%, 50%, 70%????

Had hubby at the vascular surgeon about a year ago because the arteries in both legs are blocked 100%.........he said come back when they cramp at rest or break out in sores. They now cramp at rest and i hear him moan in the nigh time about the legs but when i talk to him about he denies it!!!!! or says oh that's because i walked too much yesterday cutting the grass.............what do I do??? By the way 4 years ago he had a 4 way bypass to take care of 8 blockages...........this past May he had his first heart attack (mild) two angioplasties and three stents put in. Mimi

can someone tell me the predominant reason for driving restrictions aside from drugs? been using very few pain meds since arriving home. only 2 days and i'm feeling like a trapped rat! who tells you when its ok to drive? thanks dennis yooper

any really notable ones on cabg cooking (for someone who boils water badly)title, author. one more reason for me to d/c the cable tv. lets see, what really favorite foods have i seen on the tube since getting back...good quality subs, pizza hut, red lobster, medium rare porterhouses on flaming grills,ice cream products, and on to the sweets...nah, you all get the idea. all the foodstuffs that contributed so mightily to this moment covers it nicely. seems like the only remaining reason to eat at all is to stay alive, so if it tastes really bland or even bad, so what? don't mean nuthin' dennis yooper

late last nite. if i'd have known what the following 6 days were going to be like i'd have absolutely forgone the surgury. nothing in my life was worth that, before or since. i still am unable to shake the horror of the post surg days ( 6 )but most of the ward staff were more wonderful on so many levels that words fail me. as is common they are so damned understaffed that their contribution puts them in a league of heroes unlike these obscenely overpaid celebrities (choose your specialty. may god smile on them. dennis from michigan's U.P

I have a close dear friend who just had cabg on Tues - he is now in stepdown unit. What can I expect next and how can I be there for him if I am living miles away?

Well it wasn't as bad as I could have imagined, the surgery was 3 hours long, I woke up in the step down unit with chest tubes and all that, except that horrible intubation tube! I came home Thursday afternoon, I did find out one very important thing, my incision cultured gram negative bugs but did not grow anything tremendous, which was great, the infection control team says that I must have had an infection in the bone after the CABG in January, that is what had caused the large gaps and unhealed sternum, the gaps caused the wires to splay, so now I am wrapped with wire tighter than before and big guns antibiotics, the pain hasn't been so bad this time. I am so wanting to get back to work in a few months, I am not sure how long they will make me wait now! I have always listened to my patients no matter what and I guess I assumed that any of us in health care do, but after all this, it will only make me listen much closer to what they say. Life Experience: I will be a much better nurse, more in tune to the pain and discomforts my patients complain of, no matter what it is and the level it is! To take a line from a song in a movie - "Can't you feel it?, it's a brand new day"! We are alive and each and every day find one thing if not more to smile or laugh at!!!! Thank you all....:)

Any women out there who have had bypass surgery that had a problem with their breasts hurting? I am 2 1/2 monbths since my surgery and breasts are still SO Sore. Is this to be expected?

I just want to ask a quick question. If you have a slight headache etc, which type (not brand name) of pain medication should be taken. eg Ibufrofen, Aspirin, Paracetamol etc.... Thanks Colin

I don't know where to start...I didn't have the bypass, but my husband did. I am alittle overwhelmed. I am only 38 and he's 44. I never thought we would be going thru something like this at our age. He has no questions for the doctors. Doesnt want to ask anything when we go to the doctors. He says he is fine and thats that. He had his surgery 3 wks ago yesterday. Since he doesnt want me asking the doctors anything, I as hoping to pick someone elses brain. My husband feels I am "dwelling" on the negative when I ask questions or am concerned. His brother died at 36 of a massive heart attack. I just dont want to stick my head in the sand. I am afraid.. he is not. I don't want to overwhelm him with my concerns...so, I was hoping to have a place to ask questions. He ended up having a triple, they wanted to do a quadruple but the veins in his leg are varacous. They wanted to also use this new laser on his heart but the hospital would buy it until they approved it by seeing this type of surgery done on someone. The surgeon said to me when it was done, something like WE couldn't use the veins in his legs so down the road if he needs more work done, I dont know what we are going to do. I was shocked...why would we have to do this again down the road? should I be concerned that he is having a beer now and then. maybe I am over reacting, I don't know-never been here before. Just want him healthy. SK

In a message dated 7/28/2006 8:27:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cdavis208172@... writes: Me, too. Is there any way someone can call the VA hospital in Milwaukee and get an update? Does anyone know his last name? Let's all say a prayer for him and his surgical team. Carol I would call but i dont know his last name ...I have him in my prayers I also have a candle lit Rose

Dennis Looking forward to hearing you complain a little bit,then start feeling better soon. The first three days are kinda tough. As soon as your not even thinking about coughing and sneezing,you'll be noticing that you're begining to feel a little better. A lot of people on this site have given me helpful advice, don't be afraid to ask everybody anything. Sometimes it just feels better to know that what is happening has been going on. Janyce

surgery fri a.m. and then? only god knows. being v.a. if everything goes extremely well and after full recovery i feel the same as now i'll consider it a resounding success. dennis from the u.p. of michigan. p.s. as of now the v.a. hasn't indicated they'll cover any in home nursing visits. probably leave me with something swingin' in the wind. god bless you all in the event i'm no longer around.

this is my first group, unsure of how to introduce any topic. it's been over a year had my surgery done feb 9, 2005. i'm getting better, but am still unsure of what my limits are. don't know if it's fear of the unknown or lack of effort. i work, then go home and do little, except on my days off where some are active and others are slow. anyone else been there?

I am flying next week for the first time since my CABG ...Will my sternum wires set off the metal detector? Will they hassle me? Any experiences out there?

Can someone tell me the brand name of the fish oil drug available on the NHS. Thanks Richy

I'm new here so any help will be greatly appreciated. I'm a 45 y/o male and had a single bypass to correct a previously undiagnosed birth defect of my right coronary artery. My first surgery at 7am went well then after 6 hours in recovery I started bleeding pretty bad so; staples out, unwire my chest, and double check every stitch until they found the bleed and then zipped me back up again. I started coming out of it about 28 hours later and talk about confusion. They never said a word about being restrained and having a fire hose shoved down my throat. The wonderful nurse (I jest) kept coming by saying "that'll come out in a little while". They hadn't restrained my legs well enough to keep me from kicking the footboard of the bed. Those $7,000 beds make a lot of noise when you kick them hard enough. All this time I couldn't figure out why the clock on the wall said 6:30 and it was dark outside. So, finally they took out the breathing tube at 7:00 and started giving me ice chips and telling me to cough. I couldn't talk because my throat was so sore so I wasn't able to ask any questions and the nurse wasn't about to give up any of her well hidden secrets. About 9:00am my surgeon came in and I was able to get out "what the hell happened to me". He explained the 24 hour loss of time and what they'd done. He said the artery problem was indeed extremely rare and was a "big problem" it's usually diagnosed in children around the age of 10 but he wasn't aware of any adults who had lived through their teen years with the problem. He said the only adults who had this type of problem had historically been found postmortem (dead). So, it's all worth it and I've been given a excellent prognosis of a long, active, and healthy life. Now I'm home and miserable. I walk 2 miles a day inside on a treadmill because I live in florida and it's summertime (the heat's too much for the healthy people). I'm taking aspirin and atenelol. Pretty boring but I do have questions: I've got a small divot just to the right of my incision about midway. My skin from this point all the way to my underarm is numb in a 1 inch track. But under the skin there's a very pronounced burning sensation from my scar to just about my nipple. The nurses and doc say it's nerves and muscle tissue that will in time regenerate but they can't give me any time line. Have any of you out there experienced something similar and how long does it last? I'm thinking because they opened and closed me twice they probably damaged a little more tissue and nerves than what would be considered normal but this is the only thing that I'm still taking the pain meds for. Without taking something it feels like they left a soldering iron inside me and somehow it's still plugged in. Every type of pain med I've tried keeps me wired. I'm on tramadol now which is non-narcotic and very mild but I lay in bed until it wears off and then I can't sleep because of the burning. I don't know why pain meds tend to put my mind in overdrive but they do and it really sucks not being able to sleep while I'm taking them. Any suggestions on this one? It's amazing how much attention you get before the procedure and for the first two weeks after but after that it seems like abandonment. Because my heart is healthy now all the rest seems trivial to my surgeon. Let me know if any of you have found solutions. It's great to know this board is available and I've enjoyed reading all the posts. Thanks, Tired in Tampa

Hi, I havn't posted anything in quite awhile, everything has been going pretty darn well. I had this nagging discomfort and pain in my chest since about 6 weeks after my surgery (Jan 28, 2006), kept telling my Primary care Doc and the cardiologist about it, I kept telling them something wasn't right about my sternal area, when I rolled over in bed, when I did any bending over or turning or twisted my upper torso. Well they all pooed pooed me telling me its all part of the healing process, I still continued to tell the Docs and Phys assistants and Nurse Practitioners, same answer all the time, well last week my primary Doctor must have gotten tired of me telling him, he finally ordered a thorasic X-ray they found a few splayed wires, they must have unwrapped themselves I guess, so I was referred back to the surgeon and he had me go for a CT scan and I have a unhealed sternum to boot!! So back to the Operating room for me this Monday, so they can unwire, debride and rewire. When I went back to work I was petrified of lifting any patients, now I know why! Work put me back out do to the lifting restrictions after 1 month, now I won't be able to go back for awhile now. Sorry this is so long I just needed to vent. I guess I am a little angry because the Doctors wouldn't listen to me and maybe could have seen this a few months ago.

seems like night is the worst. the enormity of whats going to happen just seems so much more real at night. really envy those who have the surgery done within hours or a day of diagnosis. if i had insurance it would have been done in mid may. they transported me to madison va for two days only to be told by those monsters that it could be managed with diet and meds. to this day no meds were ever changed. didn't get a second opinion appointment til last week. so its like two months since the cardiac cath in green bay. i have lost all faith in va healthcare. the first outrage having occurred in '81, vamc milwaukee. if this is too intense for anyone please let me know. strong feelings and nothing to do with them. dennis

hi guys, charlie went to the vascular surgeon this past monday for a diagnoses on the blockages in both of his legs and the doctor doesn't seem to want to do any surgery YET.... or any other kind of treatment... just monitor the blockages... see him again in 6 months unless the pain becomes worse or ulcers develop... or lordy.... gangrene! seems to me we shouldn't have to wait until the extreme happens... should i see another doctor????? kay from maryland

thanks so much for your speedy replies. its greatly appreciated. just spoke to a casual aquaintance who had this 8 years ago. its reassuring to talk about it with folks who've been down that road. means much more than listening to some health care professional who hasn't. whats come through from listening to others is getting my attitude right, which with major depression is a challenge. nevertheless the kind sharing of others is making it easier. 9 days and counting. dennis

I can't tell you how much I enjoy your posts, you have a wonderful grasp on the situation and know how to convey it in words. YOU, Personally, have helped me cope a LOT. Everytime I feel sorry for myself or the other extreme of thinking I am super woman I remember things you have said. I turn 53 on Thursday and am HAPPY to be alive and This forum has been a life saver at answering all the random stuff that I could drive the DR. crazy with if I called everytime I felt the need to. I start back to work Monday, hope I am able to hold my head up at the end of the day without dozing LOLOL You are ALL My strength!!!!!!!

Hi All, I am a 57 year old man who recently had a Quadruple Bypass(June 10th)...Unfortunately, I had complications. After they closed me up, I hemmoraged and they had to open me up a second time. I coded several times and they called my family back...they said I had a 25% chance of making it through the night. I was kept on a ventilator for the next 5 days until I could breathe on my own. I have lost vision in my left eye. Doctors have said that my optic nerve was damaged during the operations. Of course despite the ordeal I am so very thankful to have a second lease on life...I will have an opportunity now to see my 7 year old daughter grow into a women. I can't tell you how wonderful that feels. Regards, Len

Been a bit of talk about this recently. For information, can anyone give me some information. With bypass surgery they normally harvest this vein. I was told that "the body doesn't need it". However I was wondering: If we don't need it, what's it's purpose in the first place! ? What are the side effects after bypass surgery with having it removed? Has anyone had any symptoms to report? Just curious, Colin Scotland 3*CABG May 2002 & doing fine physically!!.

I had my CABG nearly four weeks ago on May 19 and have been home for almost three weeks... my problem is I have always slept either on my sides or stomach but fearing I may damage the repair to my chest I have forced myself to sleep entirely on my back... which has been uncomfortale for me... IS IT OKAY TO SLEEP ON MY SIDES??? WILL I DAMAGE SOMETHING???? IF IT IS OKAY, WHY??? HAS THE BONE HEALED OR ARE THE WIRES PUT ON THAT TIGHT???

Hi, everyone, I had bypass surgery in March last year. I felt OK after the operation. Recently, I have been experiencing breath difficulty while walking. My left shoulder back side is painful too while walking. I try to do exercise by riding a fitness bicyle. When I get fast, I feel lack of blood circulation....Am I getting worsen? What should I do?

I had my triple bypass surgery two years ago. The top two inches of my chest scar has developed into a keloid which is very aggravating and sore all of the time. Has anyone tried any ointment, etc. that helps with the redness and soreness. I as told I could try plastic surgery but that it could come back and be worse than it is now. Also, they removed an artery from my left breast to use and the breast continues to be sore and painful. Is this normal? I thought it would have gone away by now. I have traveled a lot by car and plane since my surgery and have had no problems. I just make sure I get up and walk around as much as possible. Every two hours in the car we stop and walk and if my flights are long I get up as much as possible. Thanks.

Hi Group, I haven't posted for awhile but thought I would just let you know... that Charlie and I did go to Las Vegas just 10 weeks out of triple bypass surgery. A number of you encouraged us that truly he should be able to go to Vegas... and he almost ran rings around me!! We walked everywhere in the 110 degree heat. But, we weren't stupid either... he rested in between winning $350 on the slots. So thank you all for deciding (with the doctors) that Charlie COULD go to Vegas. I do have one question though... yesterday, 12 weeks post surgery, we found out that Charlie has blockages in both legs and our primary doctor has been referred to a vascular surgeon. We do have a call into the cardiologist and waiting... but just wondered, is that normal for this bypass surgery or is it an entirely new problem???? Thanks for all your help! Kay

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Hello everyone. I've been looking around and see lots of new faces - or faces that I don't remember seeing when I frequented this place a couple months ago. I guess I'll reintroduce myself. I'm Missy and I'm 34 and I had a double bypass done in Feb of this year. Yeah - 34, I think I may be the "baby" of the board. I've been doing pretty good, I guess - not as well as I could be doing due to my own ignorance. I haven't been eating right, I have started smoking again and have been going to rehab sporadically, at best. I'm not making excuses but SO much has been happening since my surgery, I feel as if I'm ready for a breakdown! My favorite Aunt passed away from ovarian cancer, my grandfather passed away from prostate cancer, my 2 year old daughter contracted a rare but potentially serious illness (Kawasaki disease) that had her hospitalized for 5 days. I'm changing jobs due to so much stress at my old one. I was back at work full-time 5 weeks after my surgery and they were asking me "why are you still so tired?" Anyway - the last couple of times I've been to rehab, my heart rate has been way high (120 when I came in the door) and my heart rhythm has been crazy. I stay in bigeminy (Bigeminy is a heart arrhythmia in which heart beats occur in pairs with a pause between each pair.) so the rehab folks decided I needed to see my cardiologist ASAP. I did y'day and he didn't seem too worried. He changed my meds - stopped the coreg altogether because I told him I was totally drained all the time. Now I'm just taking omacor and vytorin for cholesterol (which isn't bad at all, I may add), lexapro for the depression/anxiety, the aspririn, of course, and hyzaar for blood pressure. I just can't seem to get any energy back. I am overweight by a good bit and don't exercise regularly though -and I know the smoking hurts the oxygen which in turn makes everything harder. But still. The cardiologist ordered a nuclear stress test for me - gonna have it next week and I'm terrified. He said he just wanted to make sure everything was flowing right......gosh, that sounds good. Has anyone heard of arteries closing back up this soon? I pray it isn't that but we never know, I guess. Just wanted to update ya'll and say I'm sorry for not being around lately - just a lot going on. Hello to everyone I haven't met yet and hello again to those I know. Thanks for any info - God bless. Missy

I am embarrassed to ask but what expereinces have you all had with sex during recovery...(NOT Specific...LOL just how long...was there pain..etc...)

Hello: I am 53 and except for blocked arteries, in excellent shape. I had my single-bypass June 19th after learning I needed it a month earlier. I had the surgery at the VA-Atlanta. Upon learning I needed the surgery I was very concerned... I thought about life and death issues, my wife, and my 6 y/o son, and what the quality of life would be afterwards. The worst part of the entire process, however, was the six days I was hospitalized at the VA before the surgery. It seems the VA co-mingles sick and very sick people together on the same ward. So here I am thinking I'm just a little sick and will be home shortly, while over a three day period, four people died around me. The ward is open so one could heard and see all the activities associated with trying to save one's life and the end result... when the deceased was wheeled out off the ward... this really shook me up badly, I was never so depressed in my entire life. And then my roommate had body lice so I asked to be transferred... the only room available was the "terminal" room... I reluctantly moved in for a few days... that was indeed the bottom of the barrel. Each day after the surgery I felt better and stronger... the only pain I had was in the back from either the bed or the chest tube that was inserted too far.... this cause me to not sleep for several days... but each day I was better. It is now ten days after my surgery, I feel good, with little or no pain, I can move around easily. I walk frequently but not very far before getting short of breadth. At this rate I I hope to be back at work by August 1st. Good luck to all...

I have learned a lot reading through some of the posts here but I need some answers. I am 52 years old and had a CABGx2 On May 17th. I am doing okay but my chest is still so annoying and I get SO tired. Do others find the chest painful for a while? Dr. still has not released me to work but I want to go back to work with restricitions but am I asking for trouble? I am doing cardiac rehab with no trouble yet. I am SO happy to find this site.

a picture i took while i was gardening thought it fix a redneck. guess you could call me a redneck. hope every one is doing good and keeping a positive attitude. best of wishes that every one is getting better. i made the picture and was scanned with my norton anti-virus ron

Hi Everyone, My story is different from all of your but I do have something in common my sternum was opened for a surgery. In Spring 2004, I got sick and had a case of pleurist during the x-ray they saw something strange in my chest cavity. I had a tumor on my thymic gland that was the size of a small chicken egg. The way to remove this tumor was to cut the sternum open to make sure they got the whole tumor and to make sure it was not attached to my heart or lung. I was 30 at the time and trying to start a family when I found out about this. I had to put that on hold for awhile. On 4/30/04 I had my sternum opened and they got all my tumor out. It was the lowest level cancer and it was not touching any other organs so I got to just recover and no chemo or radiation. I talked to my thoriac surgeon about the family thing and he said as soon as I was feeling better and off the pain meds we could think about starting to try again. Well, I did pretty well with my recovery walked 800 ft 24 hrs after surgery and about a 1/4 mile the second day. I was out the third day. I was off all pain meds within 8 wks. I saw my ob/gyn about that time and discussed that we were going to start trying again and she was fine with it if the other doctors had given me the OK. Well, I got pregnant that month 11 wks after surgery. I was given my "do not come back here for a yr at 12 wks". I tested that day to see if I was pregnant and of course it did not so show up yet. So, I went on with the pregnancy with no real major problems other than my other health issues (lots of other things to deal with). I did have one thing that kept bothering me the top part of my scar on the sternum. The scar looks very weird I have 2 keliod red scars that are the sorest at the top (small area in the middle up there healed nicely), right between the boobs healed nicely and at the bottom dark keloid no pain. This is how it has been then whole time. I am guessing that having the pregnancy right after the surgery was not good on the "wound" with the extra weight and pulling down on it. The top is still very painful especially when my daughter touches it. It has been more than 2 yrs does it ever get better? My PCP says it is common for there to be pain for awhile, but how long? Has anyone found any topical ointment that helps make the scar smoother or less painful? I just wanted to see what the "experts" say and do about this problem. Thanks in advance for any help. Karla

I received several of those graphic site things and I do not like what they are trying to say, infer or whatever!!! Does anyone have a clue? What is the purpose/point of it? I have been forced to read the posts on the group site, instead of receiving individual emails! Any info and/or explanation would help! Thank you, Toni

I had 3 * CABG in May 2002 followed by severe pancreatitis for most of 2004. The stress of both trauma's has left me very weak mentally now, and has meant that I have been off work since August 2005. Unfortunately at 42 years old, my employer is having difficulty in grasping why I am off work with stress. Has anyone else been in this situation with work? What is this condition called? Medical Trauma? I am looking for Ill Health Retirement...

I don't see your full name anywhere I wonder if anyone else does... you are a pleasure to have on the list for me I enjoy your writing U will learn I can remember a few years ago I didn't even know where the power button was Rose

Also,how do I get any entries ,I put on what is identified as "Calendar",on this website ERASED?... ..I may have mentioned I bought a computer to help extend my independece.....and it has! I can order all my meals," delivered frozen,micro ready"....and a bunch of other stuff. But I feel sorry for all of you suffering through my attempts at learning computer communication. Reading everyones' messages is so helpful to me. Reading mine,can be a little embarrassing. I thought the calendar was for my personal use. I guess I'm fortunate I wore out early,and could not add all I intended. I can handle a little embarrassment: if I can learn something from the experience...and not be too big a problem along the way. Today I thought of you while I used the treadmill,the time was easier,more pleasant... and extended by a little over two minutes.....BIG PLEASURE!!! May we sleep well tonight with each persons' favorite dreams that heal,please,and amuse us. G

At 46 years old I had a massive heart attack on Nov.19 2005, my question is why am I gaining weight, I was 126 lbs when I had the attack and now im 138 lbs. im 5'5" so I know its not real bad. but this is the most I have ever weighed in my life. I smoked for 33yrs but when I had the attack I quit and I have not smoked one sence then. so I was woundering if it is normal to gain weight like this or if anyone else gained weight after their heart attacks. oh yah I do eat alot less fats and I do exercise 30 min. every day...

Thank You for each and every note. I am learning the computer and I am slow. I am also touched, so much, and re reading each note over and over. I will also be DOING a lot of the good advice each of you gave me. Right now I am housebound....but I might look into a little scooter for the future. And thank you for reminding me that the heart and lung machine probably induces a cetain amount of depression. Medications are really difficult....I can't and don't take any I can avoid. I had no idea so many others have similar experiences. Thank you for re-assuring me that I am not too different. G

I went through a 5 way bypass in Feb.06 I am 47 years old and I was always in pretty good shape. I have to thank the Rehab Group that got me on my feet again,without them I dont know if I would have gotten back to normal. I think this is the most important part of recovering know matter what age you are. They are there not only for your physical needs but also your emotional and mental needs

My husband will be coming home tomorrow after having 3 bypasses on May 25. He had double knee replacement on March 16, and now this. (He turned 75 while he was in the hospital, but is in good physical condition despite both surgeries.) He has not fully recovered from the knee surgery and that will hamper his heart recovery to some extent. They have had to modify his exercies for both his knees and heart to accomodate for both. My question is: did you all come home right after surgery or go to a rehab place? If you came home, how hard was it? What can I expect to happen? I guess you can tell I am nervous. Nancy

hi everyone my name is lisa and my husbands name is bob, my husband had a quad bypass on april 14th 2006, it saved his life he has good days and bad,but here lately he has been depressed he hasnt been able to go back to work yet money has been tight and that also effects his state of mind so what i am asking is, is there someone that can give me some ideas on what i can do for him? and by the way my husband is 50. thanks,lisa

how long does it take to get energy back?

Great story Jerry. So glad you feel better and are doing so good. Keep it up!! By the way, how did you know you had blockages in your legs and did they use a leg vein for your bypass surgery. I just wonder if you have blockages in your leg veins why would they graft those veins to your heart and I think they might do that but don't know for sure. What do you know about it. Ann

leg arteries. jerry Exercise can slow, stop, and even reverse clogged arteries. Louis Harris, the noted pollster and public-opinion analyst, enjoyed good health until he was 72 (often competing in tennis against people 30 years younger). "I thought I was immune to the gradual physical decline that age seemed to inflict on others," he says. Then during a tennis game as he raced in to return the ball, a burning, knifelike pain suddenly shot into both his calves. It spread up to his thighs, and his legs went numb. Although that incident passed, Louis discovered that he could walk only two city blocks before his feet tingled and grew numb and his legs cramped with excruciating pain. Consulting a vascular surgeon, Harris learned he had occlusions in the femoral arteries of both legs. It was caused by a buildup of plaque that extended all the way up to his aorta. Although surgery could correct the problem, the doctor strongly recommended Harris begin walking at least one mile every day. I think your body will cure the clogged-artery problem by itself," the surgeon said. He explained that daily walking would prompt the muscles to send out signals for more blood flow. Very slowly, over time, the body would respond by making new arteries called collaterals. Those collaterals would bypass the blocked arteries just as surgery would. "It may take more than a year to grow new collaterals, but you can do it," he advised Harris. Harris began walking. Although it was extremely difficult, he struggled by walking in two-block increments and then resting. He persevered and was soon able to walk several miles at a time. Harris never needed the surgery. One year later he said: "I have found a new purpose in life as well. I tell others who are in the predicament I was in to walk. They should ask their doctor whether they, too, could avoid invasive surgery by doing something as simple as walking. The healing powers of our bodies are there, just waiting to be used."

HORSEY OF COURSEY !!!!!!!!!

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Hi everyone! My name is Toni and I had a quadruple bypass on April 19th of this year and I am just looking for a little support. I have always known that I was sick, but damn--this is ridiculous!! In all seriousness, though, I am truly scared to death and feel like an alien in my own body, mind and world and I feel so very alone, even though I realize that I am not!!! I go from weak to strong, up to down, crying to laughing and etc. I just need to hear someone else's experience and hope with bypass surgery, please! Toni

Looking for info, or an opportunity to discuss with someone, on a Fontan surgery. Meeting to discuss this procedure with the Dr's for my 9 year old daughter and want to know alot more about it. Thanks Don

My husband has two blocked grafts ( he has 4 grafts, total)..........they tell him he is one of the unlucky ones that has genetics working against him....they did angioplasty last week on one graft and will do the other graft in about 5 weeks, as soon as it is safe to do so. Mimi

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In a message dated 5/16/2006 7:42:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, regalradish@... writes: Has anyone else experienced this??? Marilyn I am 4 years post op and still feel that also when it rains now it feels like someone tightens the wires Rose

Mike's cardiologist gave him his work release this morning!!!! WOO HOO!! Now we just have to get one from the surgeon on the 26th and Mike will be on the road again......He tried pulling himself up on one of the horse pens today and did fine, but he is still taking it slow - we brought home a load of hay today and I unloaded it - huff and puff - but didn't mind a bit - good exercise for me. Take care all - just wanted to share the news. Mike and Linda Pecos, Tx.

Lotions with CoQ10 enzyme, dermalife, squalane (not squalene), and B Complexes are helpful with the thinning of the skin. Also Emu Oil makes a good carrier oil in lotions - easily absorbed by the skin. Estrovone (from Iris) helps with collagen and the visco-elastic properties of the skin. Lycopene, Vitamin A, Rosehips extract, Wheat germ extract are also very helpful - the more of these ingredients in your product, whether lotion, cream or serum, the better - hope this helps. Mike and Linda Pecos, Tx.

I just went in for a check up and my cardiologist told me that I was having a lot of skips in my hearbeat. Sometimes every other beat. I had quintuple bypass 9 years ago this month at age 46. She is recommending an arteriogram to discover what the problem may be. Has anyone else been down this road? Jim

Has anyone experienced swelling around the knee? I was at a show this weekend and all of a sudden my knee felt painful, when I looked down there was a swelling the size of an egg next to my kneecap, it was like I had knocked it..then an hour or so later another swelling came up at the other side...both painful..my Husband put a cold compress on it which brought them down, but it took until the morning, and even now both sides still hurt and are hard to the touch..I can't remember if I knocked it or not (was handling big dogs, guess one could have knocked into my leg) I also bruise very easily which I never used to do before...guess it is the blood thinners.. Maria

Happy Mother's Day everyone! My name is Mimi, my husband had open heart surgery 4 years ago this coming July but was never fortunate enough to feel better afterwards. He had 8 blockages and they were able to bypass them with 4 bypases. Since then (last year) it was found that the arteries in both legs have completely blocked off. They will wait till the legs get worse before intervening. This past Tuesday it appeared he was having a heart attack ( he had never had one before).......although his emzymes rose slightly they are not 100% convinced he did have a heart attack. But because of the chest pain they did do a heart cath on him and found two of the four bypasses had completely blocked off. They were able to open one up with angioplasty and then a stent but it took 3 hours. In a couple of weeks they will try to open the other blockage. We had no idea this could happen!!!! Naive on our part, I guess. I am here to learn what I can. I checked the files but other then the one for credit cards there appears to be nothing........any good references you can point me towards? Or other more active lists? Thanks for reading, Mimi

Subject: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY How God created mother God took the fragrance of a flower, The majesty of a tree,