4x bypass: 2 months after
Dont hardly know where to start. MMmmm, age i guess, i'm a 48 yr old male. It's been quite some time since i last posted. I am wondering if i should be on any meds at this pointexcept for a daily aspirin, and my depression meds. See i feel quite abandoned by the heart doctors. Surgery was done on an "i got no money or insurance" basis. Within 2 weeks of leaving hospital, i had a follow up visit with surgeon, said everything was fine. No mention of any meds needed. No mention of anymore appointments. Then follow-up visit with cardiologist, same thing, everything was fine, no mention of any meds needed. He did however, suggest getting help for my depression. AND no mention of another appointment. To me it was like he was saying, that's it we arent doing anymore for you, cause you have no $$ or insurance. Oh and i had had a heart attack with an angioplasty (stent put in) performed at the time (approx 3-4 weeks before the bypass). i have seen the word reocclusion mentioned, is that something i should be concerned about? It wasn't a medicated stent. More importantly, just what the heck is a reocclusion? I know that this was never mentioned to me by any of the doctors. Physically a part of my chest are still numb, like the feeling of having a novocaine shot. i can actual prick this area with a pin/needle and not feel any pain. Is this normal? I also am tired all the time, and doing anything requires great effort on my part. But this may be due to the depression. It has been suggested that i file for SS Disability, do any of you folks have suggestions on filing? I would love to see comments on all of this, cause i'm just wondering where i shoul;d be at this stage of the game. Sorry this is so long, it feels like i'm whining again.
No, even with insurance I haven't heard from my cardio in the last year since my CABG. In fact, I just went for my annual checkup and the GP said I didn't even need a referral to a cardio if I wasn't having any specific trouble. Numb, yes, me too. Not tired though, and never really had to battle depression either (knock on wood).
At 2 months, your body is still recovering. I'm surprised your Doctor did not recommend an exercise program. Did the hospital give you an Incentive Spirometer (Breathing Exercise Device)? It is VERY important to do your breathing exercises to reinflate your lungs and prevent fluid accumulation which can lead to Pneumonia. WALKING is the best way to restore your mobility and endurance. Start out slow and continue until your body tells you it needs to rest. Typically, most patients find that every day they can do a little more than the day before. There may be some setbacks, but generally noticable improvement is noted on a week by week basis. Since you have no insurance, you may want to 'visit' a facility where they have Cardiac Rehabilitation. Perhaps one of the nurses would be willing to give you some copies of recommended exercises. At the very least, you could watch what exercise the patients engage in and do some of them at home. It would be wise to have someone with you, at least at the start until you get a feel for your capabilities. Don't walk too far from home because you must also be able to return. Before you begin exercising, you should get a clearance from your Cardiologist (or Primary Care Physician). They often like to conduct a stress test (on a treadmill with a monitor) before turning you loose to exercise. Good luck with your recovery. Most patients feel much stronger at 6 months. Many continue to improve for a full year after heart surgery. 'AL'
Regarding the numbness in your chest, yes, that is VERY common after heart surgery. It 'should' come back as the nerves regenerate. It can take several months. "Reocclusion" probably refers to a re-closing of your angioplasty site. I'm more used to hearing it described as 'restenosis'. Assuming that site was bypassed, then reocclusion should no longer be a concern. Ask your doctor. You really need to discuss your tiredness with your Primary Care Physician and perhaps your Cardiologist as well. 'AL'
Once surgery is over, meds are the domain of your regular GP, who can monitor you. At least take an aspirin a day. I'd also want to test for cholesterol and take something to adjust it if needed - generic Lovastatin is fairly cheap. And of course monitor blood pressure and blood sugar. Ask about an ACE inhibitor as well - recent studies suggest these can be as generally advantageous as aspirins. Without insurance your options are limited. You can test your blood pressure at most any drug store for free. Finding homeopathic methods of lowering it if needed should be possible.