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Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
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Stormie
New Member
Joined : Jun 2005
Posts : 4
Posted 6/28/2005 3:19 PM (GMT -6)
Hello everyone,

I just wanted to connect with some people who are in the same boat with me.  I just had bypass surgery last month. May 13, friday the 13th to be exact. I am still recovering. Doing better all the time. I had a stent put in last year and it didnt work out for me. It scarred over and I got my symptoms back three months after the angioplasty.(burning chest discomfort)  I hate to say things like this and frighten people... I know, I dont like to hear horror stories.  However it is my story.  And Im sure a lot of people benefit greatly from stents and this procedure, I just wasnt one of them. 

For the first two weeks that I was home, I cried everyday.  I guess it was from the drugs and the sheer shock of the surgery. I will be going to work very soon. My time at home is almost up. I still deal with a lot of incision pain.  When does that ever go away.  In the evening it seems anything that touches it including any clothes Im wearing realy sends me through the roof. It was a life changing experience for me.  But I have hope now. And if I can offer any support to anyone I would gladly do so.

Stay well

Stormie

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Teri16
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2003
Posts : 5230
Posted 6/28/2005 3:39 PM (GMT -6)
Hi and Welcome to HealingWell, Stormie!! tongue

 

I, too had a triple bypass last Aug. 24th, 2004!  You are still in the healing phase so don't be overly concerned about incision pain unless, of course, it's reddened more than usual, swelling, oozing, or you are running a fever.  It does take a while and everyone heals at their own speed!

 

Re the crying everyday...I think you are right - it is a shock to your system.  The surgery itself is like a friend told me once, that it is like being raped, or violated.  You will find funny little heart twinges, or pains you never noticed before, (your nerves are healing) but little by little you will see that you are feeling stronger and more yourself.  Your periods of crying may be a bit of depression and if it doesn't get better, than check that out with your Dr.  That can be quite common after a major surgery like this!

 

Don't push your healing time, unless it is just not possible - try through your job to do things that won't put you or your body under too much stress right away.  I'm glad you found us here and please, hang out with us and let us know how you're doing!! 

 

Hugs, Teri tongue

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Stormie
New Member
Joined : Jun 2005
Posts : 4
Posted 6/29/2005 11:42 AM (GMT -6)

Thanks so much, Teri. I appreciate your kind words. Sometimes I still can't believe this has happened to me.  Its good to find someone who has been thru it also.

The surgery has definatley taught me patience. I do believe sometimes I push myself a little too much and then I get very tired.  I have an office job so things wont be too demanding when I go back.  I work with a great group of people who would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. ( including my boss).  Its funny though I have been home almost 7weeks now and by the time you just start to feel semi human again...its time to join the real world and go back to work.

I feel pretty good, feel like I will be ready. I will try to be as active as I can once I go back to work, and check in on all you good folks.  Hope I can get to know a few of you a little better.

stormie

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Teri16
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2003
Posts : 5230
Posted 6/29/2005 5:40 PM (GMT -6)
stormie, you sound pretty upbeat and positive and that is already helping you!! I've been a cardiovascular moderator for quite a while now and the day I came home from my surgery, I sat back down to my computer with my legs propped up-I also went into right sided heart failure at the time-and I started plugging away! :) I still say that is what contributed to my healing process, talking about it, asking questions, knowing some things are very normal!, :) and doing what the Dr.'s recommended and trying to continue my 'normal' days, just with some limitations and lots of rest in between. :)

So you go girl ~ keep it up!!

Hugs, Teri :)
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Stormie
New Member
Joined : Jun 2005
Posts : 4
Posted 6/30/2005 11:44 AM (GMT -6)
Yikes, thats sounds really scary. I hope you are doing a lot better now. Do you work? What do you do for exercise? I have been enjoying my morning walks for the past couple of weeks.. I am really going to miss them. My days are growing short. Back to work July 6. I am only going to do a few hours each day that week to sorta ease back into it.
I was reading an article in one of the magazines that I subscribe to about a side effect of open heart surgery, which is called "atrial fibulation" (dont know if I spelled it right). I guess thats when your heart goes a little crazy and beats real fast or flutters. I thought I had experienced that a few weeks ago. I didnt think anything of it. Geez, how is one supposed to know when something is serious. This "atrial fibulation" can cause clots or something. Drs dont tell you too much about what to expect in the way side effects or unusual things happening. Have you ever heard of anything like this? I dont have any of these symptoms any more maybe it was just anxiety or
something. I still deal with shortness of breath sometimes, not all the time, just sometimes. I have mentioned this to the Dr. He didnt seem concerned. I think that is due to anxiety also. Its seems I have had to learn how to breath all over again. Im on my way to the store to get some "fish oil" capsules and vitamin E. I heard the vitamin E is good for scars. I dont know what I am going to do with all my V neck tops.
(LOL)
stormie
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Teri16
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2003
Posts : 5230
Posted 6/30/2005 12:49 PM (GMT -6)
stormie, I was diagnosed with A-Fib right after my surgery - but somehow they say now I don't have it...? I guess it can go away? :)

By the way, I also had a small stroke right after my bypass as well, but I'm doing great now!! Though the stroke left a bit of residuals from it...I have small seizure activity and migraines. Though even those don't seem as bad right now.

Your scar will get smaller even with nothing put on it. I've talked about this before with others - my Dr. told me not to put anything on it and it would be okay. He was right! So I think that's just an individual choice. Do what makes you feel comfortable!

Good luck and have fun at the store!! lol Hugs, Teri :)
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