Bypass surgery

Ususally after cabg surgery, you'll get a battery of 8-15 different drugs to take. Don't be alarmed, most are temporary. If possible, try to find out which meds they plan on prescribing so you can be sure they are covered under your insurance before you go to surgery. If that isn't possible try to at least have a decent phone number to reach the prescribing doctor if there are any insurance issues at the pharmacy. Just about every med they will prescribe has alternates that will work just as well and might be covered.

Since they don't want you straining after the surgery, they'll probably prescribe a stool softener like colace. Don't settle for that but insist on peri-colace or senekot. You'll need a stimulant laxitive to ensure no constipation from the narcotic pain meds you'll be taking for awhile.
 
I'm a Navy veteran, and I'm having the surgery at the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City. So, thankfully, insurance is not a problem.
 
I had a 6 way by-pass in Nov. '98. Other then feeling like a limp dishrag for a month, I had no problems. I couldn't walk 50 yards without getting out of breath before the surgery. By the time I finished rehab I could walk a mile in less then 15 minutes without even breathing hard.

I was getting worried about the life of the grafts, so I just had a nuclear stress test and the grafts are still clear.

If you can get into a monitored rehab program, do it. It makes a big difference.

By the way, statistically you are more likely to get killed on the way to the hospital then to die from the surgery. Drive carefully. :D
 
UffDa said:
By the way, statistically you are more likely to get killed on the way to the hospital then to die from the surgery. Drive carefully. :D
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That's a cheerful thought.

I had a hospital roommate once, an old guy who was on his way to see his doctor, regular appointment, no special problems, tripped on the stair off the sidewalk, face first to the ground, massive bruising around one eye. He was in for about a week in complete misery.
 
Greetings Gentlemen;
I just got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. Surgery went well. Moved to cardiac rehab for 17 days. At home now. My bed at home is easier to get in and out of than the hospital bed. I'm going through Morphine and Percocet like M&M's but getting better day by day. Thanks to those of you who gave me words of encouragement and prayers.
 
fudo said:
Greetings Gentlemen;
I just got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. Surgery went well. Moved to cardiac rehab for 17 days. At home now. My bed at home is easier to get in and out of than the hospital bed. I'm going through Morphine and Percocet like M&M's but getting better day by day. Thanks to those of you who gave me words of encouragement and prayers.
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Those prayers are still coming.:)

Extremely glad to hear all went well. You're going to come out of this just fine ... you'll be 10x the man you were before the surgery.

Just remember what others, better informed than I, have already said: take it easy, but do precisely what your doctor tells you.:thumbup::thumbup:
 
Glad to hear you are doing well!

Take things easy, and try not to get frustrated.

It's okay and fairly common to get frustrated or depressed during recovery.

If you feel that way, there are plenty of us here that know what you're going through, and you can talk to us.

Good luck!

Glenn
 
fudo said:
Greetings Gentlemen;
I just got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. Surgery went well. Moved to cardiac rehab for 17 days. At home now. My bed at home is easier to get in and out of than the hospital bed. I'm going through Morphine and Percocet like M&M's but getting better day by day. Thanks to those of you who gave me words of encouragement and prayers.
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:thumbup:See? I told you so. :D Glad to hear it. Morphine and Percocet ??? I went home with a few Vicodin and never used them. I was surprised at how little pain there was. My ribs hurt, but that was about it.

They probably told you that those pain medications can cause constipation. :eek:

10 years later mine is still ticking and the grafts are clear.
 
Hey Fudo,
I had quadruple bypass surgery in March. I found the surgeon with the best reputation around. I feel so much better then before the surgery & was able to cut my blood pressure meds in half. I can be more active because I feel better & did almost from day 1
You will hug your pillow for the first two weeks every time you cough but that will heal up in a couple of months & I would think after 3 months you would be able to resume all of your activities. Get some good humorous DVD'S Larry the cable guy & some classic George Carlin because as stated above there may be some times when you are depressed, but overall I think that you will be pleased with the results.
 
I have a lot more energy now than I did before the surgery. I have been walking 35 minutes a day and to increase 5 min a week to 1 hour a day. Big diet changes too. Worst problem is a medicine called Amiodarone, for regulating cardiac rhythm. It causes severe vertigo. Fortunately, I only have to take it for 5 more days.
Thank you guys again for your advice and encouragement.
 
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