Advice
I monitor this list all the time but don't often write. I get my help from listening to all of you (and my computer skills are somewhat limited). Anyway, last time I wrote: I explained that my husband had a stint put in (Oct.28th) and he was told to quit smoking, excerise, and go on a low-fat diet. He has 18 different pills he takes 15 in the morning and 3 at night. The minute he started back to work and feeling better.......the same habits came back. Still smoking, (he WAS smoking 2 packs a day but he's down to about 15 cigarettes a day now), does no excerise, and I try to keep his diet under control. But I am writing for 2 reasons. 1. He has had no blood work up done since he was released from the hospital....is this routine? 2. He is tired all the time now. (he works midnights and sleeps during the day but this is a man that only required 4 hours asleep before the heart attack) Should I set up an appointment with his doctor?? I'd appreciate any advise. Wendy, my questions seem so trivial compared to what your going through and I feel guilty asking my simple questions. My heart and prayers are with you. Hang in there! There's alot of people in this group that will help you through. Kim from Indiana
Hi Kim-Never feel guilty about asking questions. I had bypass surgery last February, 1nd am still learning to cope with heart disease. Did your husband's doctor refer him to a cardiac rehabilitation program? Since I started in a local program, I find that I'm much less tired and depressed. I also find that I enjoy being around people there because they've been through the same problems I've experienced. The program also offers classes in nutrition, cholesterol, food label reading, etc., and a support group. Family members are also encouraged to attend the classes and support group. Take care-my thoughts are with you. Pam
In a message dated 10/31/00 8:46:53 PM Central Standard Time, pamscha@... writes: << Hi Kim-Never feel guilty about asking questions. I had bypass surgery last February, 1nd am still learning to cope with heart disease. Did your husband's doctor refer him to a cardiac rehabilitation program? Since I started in a local program, I find that I'm much less tired and depressed. I also find that I enjoy being around people there because they've been through the same problems I've experienced. The program also offers classes in nutrition, cholesterol, food label reading, etc., and a support group. Family members are also encouraged to attend the class Pam, thank you so much for mentioning this about the cardiac rehab program. My husband's drs tell him he really doesn't need to join one because he already was in good shape and exercising before his bypass surgery last year. But I have never actually thought about it helping his tiredness and depression. The dr. has asked to see me at his next appt, which is in about 10 days so I think I will ask him about that. Thanks again. I am learning so much from this list and am so glad I found you all. Sharon
In a message dated 10/31/2000 3:30:17 PM Pacific Standard Time, kittypaws5@... writes: << the same habits came back. Still smoking, (he WAS smoking 2 packs a day but he's down to about 15 cigarettes a day now), does no excerise, and I try to keep his diet under control. Kim, I always say to heart patiens I see at hospital (I do volunteer work) after surgery, that now they have choices. They can be a survivor or a victim. Right now unfortunatly your husband chooses to be a victim. So important for him to give up smoking. After my 2nd surgery I was depressed for some time. I think combination of exercise and finding I could cook healthy meals helped pull me out. When I cycled cross country in 97 going through Indiana I will always remember the great day we had stopping at dairy farm about 40 miles west if Indianappolis for a rest stop and tour. Teh people were so nice. Later that day we were able to do a lap around the Raceway followed by a trip and rides around the Major Taylor Veledrome. What a fun day and met some nice people. Harry K "The Bypassed Cyclist"
I have an appointment tomorrow with my doctor. We did a cath on Monday and it stank. Their a three bad ones. Any advice as to what to ask and how to handle this in my head. Its got my wife and me just a bit bugged Thanks Marvin
Marvin Get a second opinion if a bypass is recommended. If stints were the thing they probably would have put them in during the cath. tom Marvin Taylor <abtmit@... I have an appointment tomorrow with my doctor. We did a cath on Monday and it stank. Their a three bad ones. Any advice as to what to ask and how to handle this in my head. Its got my wife and me just a bit bugged Thanks Marvin
They don't do an angiogram without reason. What led to that, a bad stress test perhaps? Were you experiencing problems/symptoms prior? But really, until you talk to your card., there isn't a lot anyone can comment, except, that it IS resolvable. You and your wife can take some comfort in that. Bypass, if they have to go that way, IS a major surgery. But it isn't as bad as our fears. Fred
Well said Fred. Tom Fred Rolls <hrtworms@... They don't do an angiogram without reason. What led to that, a bad stress test perhaps? Were you experiencing problems/symptoms prior? But really, until you talk to your card., there isn't a lot anyone can comment, except, that it IS resolvable. You and your wife can take some comfort in that. Bypass, if they have to go that way, IS a major surgery. But it isn't as bad as our fears. Fred
Hi, my husband had surgery on 10/11/05, eight days later had another surgery where he had infection and the wires pulled apart. He is recouperating. Very slow and painful. He also had a muscle flap. He has no sternum and feels that type of movement and the doctor says he will continue to feel it until the muscles that they put inplace of the sternum somewhat solidify. Please check this out with your doctor. By the way, has anyone else heard of this complication? I asked once before but did not get an answer. My son seems to thing a mistake was made with the first surgery
In a message dated 11/27/2005 9:12:57 P.M. US Eastern Standard Time, snipit13_2000@... writes: My son seems to thing a mistake was made with the first surgery I have heard of wires coming apart but why doesn't he have a sternum? that's unusual Rose