Tami Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Just wanted to update everyone. I had the heart cath done last Friday. It was not a fun experience. I got to be completely awake for it.. oh the joys of medicine. Unfortunately, I was right and the heart has extensive radiation damage. The cannot fix it with a stent they will need to do bypass surgery. The doctors are worried as there isn't much to work with due to the damage but they are going to try to take a vein out of my leg and put it in my heart. I also have a lot of damage to my chest from all the other chest surgeries, missing ribs etc. They are worried about rebuilding some stuff. The surgery is scheduled for Friday!!! (they wanted to do it the next day) so I'm not thrilled. I've been down this road before with broken ribs and tubes etc and now that I know what's coming it has made me very, very nervous. I am worried about recovery and trying to bounce back one more time. If anyone has had anything like this done please let me know how it went and what to expect.. I am very worried this time around. Naturally my stress at home isn't helping the situation. thanks to all of you!!! Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Alas, we see way too many long term problems from treatments for this disease. It's another reminder that better treatments need to be developed. I don't know anyone who's had anything like this done, so I really don't have anything to contribute. I just wanted to send best wishes your way for your surgery. Heal well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 No experience but you are certainly in my prayers Tami. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Hi Tami, Sorry to hear you are having more problems. I had trible bypass in 95. It went well and had no problems. They encourage you to get up and walk ASAP, the more you walk the better you will feel. Yes you will experience pain so stay on top of your pain meds and don't try to be a hero. Have to cough hold a pillow tight against your chest while coughing also helps. Forget how long the tubes were in. I was up and walking in about 2 days and went home about 7 days later. Was driving a car about 2 weeks later and went back to work full time 4 weeks later, of course was a lot healthier. Sounds like they have a handle on things and you are in good hands. Not saying it is easy or not scary but you can do it. PM me if you have any questions, Glad to help if I can. Prayers for the best. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 My dad had the surgery and didn't exercise...didn't bounce as well, either. My grandmother had the surgery in her 80's and refused to take the pain medication she was sent home with because she felt she didn't need it. I would put you in the same category as my gramma, too tough to let it get you down. Make sure you keep an eye on possible depression (known as the "heart blues") and follow your doctor's orders on exercise and pain treatment. My thoracic surgeon told me after the lobectomy that it hurt worse than heart surgery. The ribs are cut different, and moving doesn't stress the breaks as much as going in the side and spreading the ribs. Take your Xanax/Ativan and set your mind to recovery. You can do this, you're a mom and you're tough. Maybe you'll be able to get out of that stressful situation at home, talk to the hospital's counselor and BE HONEST about your home situation. My thoughts are with you, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Tami, I will certainly be keeping you in my prayers all week and especially on Friday and during your recovery. My dad had triple bypass at 79. The surgery looks and sounds awful, but it is amazing how quickly people bounce back from it. Given your complications, this will certainly not tbe routine, but imagine how much better you will feel when they have your ticker working better. You will have energy and no more ( or way less) SOB! I will be praying that the outcome is a complete success and you will look back and be glad you had the surgery. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Boy Tami, you sure called it right. You knew there was something that needed fixing. I'm just so sorry you have to go through all of this. I'm sorry I don't have any stories of experience to share, but I want you to know that my prayers continue. Hugs, sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Dear Tami, May I add my prayers for a successful outcome. Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilyjohn Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Adding my prayers to the others. Please let us know how you are doing as soon as possible. Lillian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Tami, I have a friend that had triple bypass in her early 70's, 3 years after she had had a heart attack. Not only did she breeze through it (as well as you can breeze through any surgery like that), 2 weeks later she was sitting in the same CCU room visiting her husband that had just had a valve replacement. Really confused the nurses. She is still doing great and totally back to her life. I agree with Becky, that this may be a good time to talk about the stress at home with a hospital social worker. You will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and easy and quick recovery. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyman35 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Tom had a quad bypass going on 6 years in Feb. They stripped a couple of veins from his leg. He also sailed through. It was scary looking at all the tubes he was attached to after coming out of surgery but the next mornig when I went to see him he was sitting up in a chair having breakfast attached to nothing but an IV. He said he was not in pain it just felt like someone punched him in the chest. He came home in 5 days and was back to work in 4 weeks part time and 6 weeks full time. My prayers are with you for a successful procedure. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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