2 weeks ago I had extensive tests done on my heart and was told I would need open heart surgery to repair hole they have found. I never thought at this time of life I would need to have an operation like this. Has anyone had any heart problems or had an operation? If so please let me know how you are doing.
thank you
linda
Hi Linda
I had a triple bypass at 55 years in 2011. They found 3 badly blocked arteries luckily before I had a heart attack, so open heart surgery and take a vein from the leg and bypass the blockages. 3 month recovery and then I went back to work as a sales rep. Lost some weight and eat a little lean meat and chicken and lots of fresh fruit and veggies and feel 10 years younger!
It is major surgery and I'm sure your scared, I sure was, but these days with modern technology it gets better and easier for the surgeons with each passing year. A positive mental attitude (which you may have to cultivate) will be your best friend. First month or so of recovery can be a bit tough but that's where this forum can help.
good luck and I hope you recover as well as I did.
cheers Timo (Paul)
Hi Timo,
Glad you recovered well from your bypass. I will take your advice and try to develope a PM.
Have a goo day
linda
I had my aortic valve replaced at the age of 78 in 2012. I went into with no worries although the chance of not coming through it was about 18%. On the other hand if I had not had the operation I would not have got through the next year. It's like getting on a plane you just trust the pilot.
Such surgery nowadays is routine. I can honestly say that after the operation I had no pain and resented being given paracetemol. Day two I was hauled out of bed by two physios and marched along a long corridor and up two flights of stairs and back to bed. That was tough!
After that It is a matter of getting through three short daily walks for a week or two and gradually building up your strenght again.
A neighbour in his mid 80's had a triple bypass and aortic valve replaced. He had to cope with two flights of stairs to his flat. I have a lift but always made the point of walking up the first two floors and taking the lift for the last two.
Hi Linda, my husband had a triple bypass 2012 he was so fit after he wanted to do everything straight away but with a lot of pressure from me he did as he was told to do by the cardiac team and after three months returned to his gardening and everything else except lifting heavy items which he still refrains from hope everything goes ok for you just follow there instructions and you will be fine and they are only at the end of a phone line if you are worried about anything.
Hi Linda thank you for your valuable advice. Glaf to hear your husband is doing good.
Hi Derek happy to hear you are diing well. I an feeling less apprehensive now.
Thank you.
I actually get more worried about going to the dentist!
My post operation problem was going into AF and being on some nasty drugs until having a successful cardioversion four months later.
Any idea how long you are going to have to wait for your operation? I had a 54 week wait after seeing the cardiologist. A friend in America was diagnosed and operated on three weeks later.
My tests were very drawn out. Five week wait to see a cardiologist after initial diagnoses of aortic stenonis elsewhere. A seventeen week wait for a stress echocardiogram. Seven weeks for an angiogram before that hospital forgot to refer me to the hospital doing the surgery and then a twelve week promise for surgery stretching out to nearly six months. All of this with me pushing them all the time.
Hi the cardio said on 4 feb 2015 l would get a letter in 2 weeks but as you knowthey drag their feet. At the moment I am waiting to hear from the royal brompton.
It mudt have weighed you down just waiting to hear when your operation will be.
I just want it over and done so re cooperation can begin.
It puts your life on hold and you can't make any plans or go away in case a letter comes.
It is supposed to be no longer than 18 from consultation to operation. When I qouted that I was told that had been 'suspended' at the present time.
At the moment my life feels like it is on hold. I am packing at the same time to move.
Do you need to have your heart consrantly checked?
Hi Linda
I had 3 way by pass at 53, did not know I was so ill. Until I had a angiogram that showed all arteries where blocked. Once found I was operated on within 3 weeks. Stayed with a friend for a week then look after myself. It was all UP HILL. You will NOT know very much for a couple of days after op, do NOT worry you may remember things as if they where DREAMS.
ALL the best.
Now I just have an annual echocardiogram to show that the valve is is working properly.
My long term problem is very erratic hyperpentension.
My head and memory was clear from the moment I came round although one of the other two in ICU was quite delirious. I was amazed at how well I felt.
I THINK I thanked someone the ceiling looked silver.
On way to ward remember a machine attached to the bed as I was going down hill to the ward.
The nurses where fantastic. Struggled on my own after OP. Before OP Surgeon said I may need another in ten years. Got one and half to go. Hope do not have another, watched video of heart surgery WOW heart & lungs stopped.
I undrstand i too suffer from high blood pressure too. Glad you are doing good...
sure will be ok what were your symptoms if you dont mind thanks linda
Hi debi cardio said they found a hole..
I watched it on Youtube before having the operation. I was told the valve can last for up to 12/15 years.
It's possible you will need to have another op...