heart bypass surgery

[Pooch]

Anyone here have heart bypass surgery? Or know a internet link that has good information?

I've been finding all kinds of helpful info on the internet and was interested in knowing because my Mom is going to have triple bypass surgery.

Any and all information is appreciated!

[Bloker]

My Dad had his first triple bypass in the 1970's at age 52 and his fourth bypass in the 1980's. There was at least one quadruple bypass in there somewhere. He survived them all and lived to be 81.

Seems to me that they were a lot bigger deal way back then and that they have come a long way. The fourth go round didn't seem anywhere near as dramatic as the first, although he was obviously a lot older the fourth time.

It actually got to be kind of a routine every few years. He'd have his heart problem, have the bypass, recover, do well, arteries would clog up again, another operation...

The good thing is that it got him eating right and exercising and he lost a bunch of weight. Also, we never had to eat liver and onions anymore because it was deemed too high in cholesterol.

If genetics are any indication I'm pretty sure that this could be something I'll be dealing with in the next ten years or so. Hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised. We know a lot more about diet and exercise these days than my folks did so maybe that will help.

Best wishes to your mother, pooch! Cardiology has come a long way and I'm sure that she is in great hands. Keep us updated.

[Shutoutagain]

My dad had his first when he was 42 and told if he didn't change his lifestyle it would last 12 years. Well the next one came when he was 55 and they told him it wasn't wise to ever do a third because the sternum can only be cut completely a couple times and heal properly. He changed somewhat and is now 72 and going strong with a pacemaker/defib device.

Really didn't think they could do that many actual bypasses Todd. Maybe some where stents or angioplasty?

Bypass surgery now is so routine there is littel to worry about. I know people that have it on Monday and are released Wednesday or Thursday.

I am not a doctor but did stay and a Holiday Inn Express.

PS - I am 49 and have wondered if I need to worry about it but like Todd said our lifestyles are so different in the exercise and diet areas that I hope it's a non factor.

[Bloker]

You could be right about the terminology, shutoutagain. All I know is that they opened him up on 4 separate occasions and did work on his heart. They would take arteries or veins or whatever out of his legs and use them in his heart.

It's been so long. Seems to me that stents and angioplasty are relatively new procedures but I could be wrong.

Just going on memory, which is probably dangerous. I'll see if I can find out more specifics.

[Pooch]

Thanks for the real life testimonials and well wishes!

How does the recovery process at home work? Do you need to hire a visiting nurse for a few weeks?

My Mom is 80 and don't think Dad at age 84 can do it alone, we will have 6 brothers visiting at different times to do what ever is necessary. We want to let Mom keep her dignity and not entrude on her privacy.

[Shutoutagain]

My dad was quite younger but I was surprised the recovery wasn't that tough. I can say it because I haven't been through it. My dad did say the most painful part was his leg from the harvesting of the vein to use in the bypass. Coughing is also no fun for a week or so. After his second one he went home on the third day and was living alone at the time.

I guess it depends how mobile and independent she is before the surgery.

[Pooch]

Update:
My Mom had an appointment Thursday with the surgeon and he said that surgery is not needed at this time. That's good news!

[Theiman]

Update:
My Mom had an appointment Thursday with the surgeon and he said that surgery is not needed at this time. That's good news!

Best wishes for your moms continued health.

[Fredo]

Anyone here have heart bypass surgery? Or know a internet link that has good information?

I've been finding all kinds of helpful info on the internet and was interested in knowing because my Mom is going to have triple bypass surgery.

Any and all information is appreciated!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Igeteven]

Anyone here have heart bypass surgery? Or know a internet link that has good information?

I've been finding all kinds of helpful info on the internet and was interested in knowing because my Mom is going to have triple bypass surgery.

Any and all information is appreciated!

Talk to Hollywoodmike, he had one.

PS, as Fredo said, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family