Triple Bypass

Kaz2904

Just don't let him do what a former patient of mine did. He moved house a week after his bypass and was carrying boxes. His sternum never healed and is still mobile now several years later. I was horrified when he told me about it :eek:.

GlasweJen

Kaz are you a cardiologist?

bagby

Hubby had double bypass on 21/12/11. On 23/12/11 couldn't see him getting better anytime soon but on Xmas eve improved a lot. Discharged Xmas day and is now walking about 1/2mile a day. Is managing to get in shower and wash hair but I dry his legs and feet as he can't bend down. Is making himself drinks and snacks but not getting things out of oven. Im intending going back to work on Tuesday but may only do half days at first just to make sure he's not doing too much. He is 58. I thought it was going to be a long drawn out process at first ibut hes getting better every day. Don't get me wrong he does get tired and I can't believe how well he is after such a big operation. Hope all goes well.

Spirit_2

First couple of days very tired, slept a lot, did not do much, on strong painkillers, needed help washing & dressing, having meals and drinks made was good but did not need constant supervision. By week two I was on my own for half days,

On going out for little walks every day gradually building up to three miles I was grateful of having my husband with me as I had lost my confidence. I attended a rehab class and he was my transport to that.

Mr Spirit had had a worrying time too and our then school age daughter needed him - she is pretty hardy but she was a bit more fragile and worried by emergency, the op, the intensive care, that I looked "ill". He was also called upon to reassure my elderly mum and other relatives. All good but pretty wearing for the carer. So make sure you recognise that you need to go easy on yourself too.

I was back at work after three months but the post op weeks were some of the best times of our lives as we had time for each other, saw friends/family and it had put everything else into perspective.

Could you take a few days off then work part days for a period?

Savvy_Sue

If you look on the hospital's website you may find there's a patient information leaflet you can download: there will be general ones elsewhere but the hospital one may be useful as it explains what their expectations etc are.

Mind you, part of the leaflet FIL was given said, in summary, "we're going to cut your chest open, crack a few ribs, force them apart and take veins from your legs and put them in your heart."

Then it said "you may feel some discomfort afterwards."

Nope, that's not going to cause him to feel some discomfort, I thought, that's going to HURT!

mrcow

My Dad was in hospital for 5-6 days and was very weak after.

Book one week off once he gets out and play it by ear. Everyone is different.

rachelhen

A big thank you to everyone who has replied. I have found all the comments useful. He has surgery today in Liverpool.

margaretclare

rachelhen wrote: »

A big thank you to everyone who has replied. I have found all the comments useful. He has surgery today in Liverpool.

Best wishes to both of you.

CH27

rachelhen wrote: »

A big thank you to everyone who has replied. I have found all the comments useful. He has surgery today in Liverpool.

Sending positive vibes. The staff at Broad Green are fantastic.

Pollycat

Rachel
hope the surgery goes well, I'm sure it will.

My Dad had a valve replacement about 25 years ago, it changed his life so much for the better.

And my Mum had the same operation 3 years ago aged 77 and is still going strong.

The only thing I would reiterate is the point made by Kaz2904 about putting undue stress on the sternum when going up stairs and getting up.

My Mum was told to cross her arms over her chest when getting up from a chair instead of using her hands to push herself up.