Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerotic heart disease, is the end result of the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the ...
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BY-PASSES
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My name is Bob, most call me Happy. I had open-heart surgery for 5 by-passes on April 28, 2003. I had quit cigarettes on April 14, 2003. I have not smoked since and have keep my good cholesterol at or around 43 and my bad cholesterol around 69-72 with the him of medication. On Memorial Day of 03 I suffered a Heart Attack due to 2 of the by-passes failing. Since then I have had two more fail but without a heart attack happening. In October of 04 I was hospitalized for an Angina attack. A month or so ago I underwent an angiogram and was told the one by-pass that is working is about 20% blocked. They are giving me a new medication called Isosorbide Mononitrate which is suppose to relax the arteries and open the flow of blood up. I have two stents in my legs and three in my heart. I have many small blockages in lots of my arteries. Transplant will not solve the problem. They want to keep an eye on things but the possibility of more open heart by-pass surgery has not been ruled out yet.
I was wondering if anyone has had more than one by-pass surgery and how hard is it the second time around. I was 8 days in ICU the first time. I had had 50 staples in my left leg and 8 in my chest. I do not want to go through this again. Looking for some encouragement here. Happy2 Posted on 11/18/07, 11:11 am |
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Hi Bob, I note you apparently did not have a smooth time after your 1st bout of surgery. That is unfortunate, because if you look at my profile you will note that I have had surgery twice. My 2nd time was in April, 2000 when 5 vessels were done. I have had excellent recovery and I continue to do well to date. Before the second bout of surgery, the surgeon did tell me it would possibly not be as easy as the 1st, since they would be cutting me in the same place in the chest. However, on the contrary, my recuperation was great and quick without complications and in no time I was out of the Hospital. Because of what you experienced on your 1st, you may not be as fortunate as was, but your surgeon should be able to allay your fares. Be positive and go with GOD. Ask him to help you throught it. A positive mind set is very important. 
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You can do it, you did it once. Look at TigerTnT, he said the second one was easy.
I had a quad two years ago but I dod not get any staples or stitches I think they used super glue or somthing like that. At least you know what to expect when thay start pulling out all the tubes thats the part I hated most. Overall it is not fun but not as bad as people expect it too be. I think a stroke would be worse. Your pretty helpless for a long time after that. Take care of it ASAP and you'll b4e a pro.
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Good post Tiger! Good luck
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I will be seeing my Cardio specialist in Newington VA on the 28th. The surgeon from West Haven VA will be there to discuss possibilities that range from trying medicines, to stents, to surgery. You know which one I want and I know which one they will do. Bet they ain't gonna be the same. Am praying and have been for a while.
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Sheesh I just finished up a quad by pass and I cannot imagine going through it again. But them maybe it is easier the second time. What ever the case it will probably be better than the alternative.
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Hi Bob, It is harder the second time around. I have had 4 strokes and 6 heart attacks and had open heart which they could only repair a third of the valve. I also have a stent in my heart. It's not easy but hang in there and do what they say. It took me several months to come out of the hospital, but when I finally did, I got the best therapist to help me at home. Now I walk and have no side effects, except for chest pains. That doesn't really go away, I don't think. I also had back surgery last year. Hope you do well.
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I had a triple bi-pass in 1998. My surgeon told my family my artiries were so bad I had 5 to 8 years and not to tell me. This is my tetnth year and I'm still here. I know sooner or later I will need another bi-pass. My cardiogist said they might have to use pig arteries on me whatever that means. The first five years after the bi-pass I cried daily and worried about every little twinge or ache. I am not religious but I started telling my self when I woke up, every morning above ground is a blessing and I thanked God!
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For an update on things. On the 28th I went to my cardiologist. She put me on Amlodipine Besylate. They want to treat me with meds for as long as possible. I go back sometime in March.
Today I went in for an Echo cardiogram. I guess this is taking the place of the EKGs now in the VA. More accurate picture of the heart, the walls and can tell if you had a heart attack and how recently. Will know the results soon I hope.
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I am going to oush for an Echocardiogram this afternoon I've been going to long with a slow rising BP that now rarely goes below 140s/90s from 120/80 or better after my heart attack . I think if they can get away with just the drugs they will go that route . I too have stopped smoking and its beyond me why that didn't solve my BP problem .
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I had 8 hat. att. 2 stro. and now they tell me i got 2 Leakey values. SO meds ara able to keep thing under control. my BP use to be ok, now it's 80/40 to 220/109. If they tell me they need to slice and dice again i would tell them to get started.
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