Had angioplas today-almost 100% in 1 artery, 75% in 2nd. Need quadruple bypass !

Had angioplas today-almost 100% in 1 artery, 75% in 2nd. Need quadruple bypass immediately. what to expect?

2 weeks ago
Thank you all so very much. I especially appreciate the links Terry. Not knowing seems the hardest part. I'll let you know how it worked out when I can.

Thanks again!

I have some experience in this area. On October 4, 2006 I had a cardiac catheterization done. Because I had mild symptoms and all the test results were negative or inconclusive, the cardiologist thought I might need angioplasty or maybe even a stint, or nothing at all. After the catheterization was complete, they woke me long enough (maybe 2 hours) to tell me I was going into surgery to have 5 bypasses. I didn't have much time to worry over it or digest the idea.

The next thing I remember was waking up with tubes running everywhere and my family standing there looking down at me. I was a little confused, mostly because of the anesthesia and lost time.

Once the breathing tube was removed (the day after I think), I began to improve quickly. But they kept me on oxygen for 2 more days (my O2 saturation was low 88 -90 %) (I have COPD and Pulmonary Fibrosis as well).

Coughing is a requirement. It keeps the lungs clear and helps prevent other problems (mainly pneumonia). Coughing is hard, it hurts like nothing you ever felt before. But, you will do it, you can't help it. There is a procedure called splinting that helps reduce the pain. In splinting you hug a pillow across your chest with your arms folded and pulling the pillow in tight. This helps by decreasing the expansion of the chest, thereby reducing the stress on your split sternum. This pain can last up to a year, though a few months is common. Don't worry though it is much milder after a couple of weeks. I think the worst part of it all is the feeling that your sternum tip is slipping one half past the other. It doesn't hurt, it just feels very odd and uncomfortable. That too, can last up to a year. I don't feel that anymore, but I do have very mild pain on rare occasions

The next step will be to get you up and walking. That was the strangest thing I had ever done. They got me up and I could stand ok, I could even walk. Well, walk may be a little of an over statement. What I was really doing was shuffling along. I could feel no pain in my legs, even with the vein harvest for the bypasses. But my legs sure felt weak. By the next day, I was making the nurses nervous. I wanted to be up and walking, a lot, too much according to them. They asked the doctor if I could sit in a recliner, he said "yes". I guess my time was split about 50/50 in the bed or in the recliner.

So after 4 and 1/2 days in the hospital, including the day of surgery, I was released. You can expect to be off work for 6-12 weeks. Don't be surprised if you gain some weight, I did (about 25 pounds). After that time you can expect to resume a normal active life.

My surgery was an "Off-Pump" procedure. This means that my heart was never stopped. Most of these surgeries are still done by stopping the heart and using a heart lung machine to keep your body getting blood and oxygen during the surgery.

I hope this gives you the answers you were looking for. For further information on the surgery and what to expect try the links below.

By the way, the correct name for the surgery is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. It is abbreviated CABG and pronounced "Cabbage".

I wish you the very best of luck my friend. Don't worry, these doctors are very good at what the do.

Terry (email - tls3123283@yahoo.com)

Jeff, I’m not a real religious person but I ran across this. I hope it helps.

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Matthew 11:28-30


Dear Lord,
I need you now because I am full of stress and anxiety. Reading your Word brings comfort, as I ask you to come and take my heavy burdens. I take each burden, one by one, and lay them at your feet. Please carry them for me so that I don't have to. Replace them with your humble and gentle yoke so that I will find rest for my soul today. I receive your gift of peace of mind and heart. Thank you that I can lie down tonight in peace and sleep. I know that you, Lord, will keep me safe. I am not afraid because you are always with me. Please keep me daily, Lord, in your perfect peace.
Amen