www.heart2hearts.co.uk

[Mister Roy]

(Starting my own thread as suggested by Ket - feel free to delete posts from end of Skywalker's one)

Hi everyone, I'm new to all of this - diagnosed with angina 2 weeks ago, bypass recommended following angiogram last Friday. Don't know when it will be yet, just that it will be Broadgreen, about which I've heard many good things.

I these waiting-days I'm getting very anxious. Rationally I know it should be OK, and the posts here are extremely helpful. But in my gut I'm 'bricking it' and feeling really jittery. I feel sort of light-headed anyway, possibly from the anxiety or the beta blockers that I'm new to. Or both. I'm hoping there's a way to calm down the dread as I'll have weeks to wait - any tips welcome!

It's great to read the true-life stories here.

Back in the innocent days when I thought 'all' I had was angina I started a blog, which I guess I'll keep going - writing out my thoughts seems to help a bit. Trying to be as honest as possible rather than stiff upper lip! [url]http://anginasurprise.wordpress.com/[/url]

The short version is that I'm 48, reasonably fit, (last summer I walked 25 miles one day) all I had was pain in my shoulder, now I'm heading for major replumbing. Married no kids and getting looked after well.

Am in a kind of anxiety loop right now - anxious that I'll get more anxious

Little things do amuse through - just got a letter for Jury Service - dream on

[Colin S]

I know the feeling. I had mine done 14 January 2010 and I was so anxious/frightened/scared stiff that I actually considered not having it done at all and taking my chances.
I expressed my worries to the anaesthetist and she reassured me. Said that she would see me prior to going in to theatre and that the next thing I would remember was waking up after it had all been done. She was right!
As you will read in many posts here, this is now a routine procedure done by clever and dedicated people on a regular basis.
Today I start week six and I feel fine, pain free, less medication and I'm driving again now too. I see the main man in a fortnight and expect to get the go ahead to return to work.
You can contact me via email if you want.
Colin

[DJS]

Hello Roy

My sentiments are very much the same as the others. Your current feelings depend upon your personality but, and this is said from the "heart" [pun intended] it really is a routine operation nowadays. I know that it is easy to say but the people on this forum have been through it and really know what it is all about. Take a look at David's story since I deal with the after events.

I notice that you are married. This is key to the aftermath. You will be no use to anyone for about a fortnight and she will need to nurse you through this period. You have been active and so you will feel sorry for yourself but a lot of tlc will make all the difference. Get into a routine and allow about a months progress before you feel like normal.

Oh and by the way, apart from a twinge around the healing zip you should suffers little or no pain. I suffered NONE. They will give you paracetamol and you will think that it is only for headaches. Believe me, it will be all that you need.

David

[Mister Roy]

Thanks folks. This is all very reassuring.
Er --- where do I find the Stories?
(Being dim - I blame the beta blockers )

One thing I'm trying to figure out is how active to be while I'm waiting. I'll be asking my GP and, when I get the chance, the cardiologist and I'm aware that everyone is different. It seems like a conundrum - is it better to exercise if doing so might trigger angina symptoms and need the GTN spray, or to avoid symptoms at all costs.

The GTN might take a bit of getting used to. I've used it twice - once to 'power up' for a mile walk home, which was fine, and once when I just felt a bit ropy, which led to me fainting in a restaurant scaring everyone witless and going to hospital in an ambulance
Who knew that squirting nitroglycerine under your tongue could be dangerous?

[Mister Roy]

Good point about being nursed at home - we will prepare for that. Worrying about the impact on the Mrs is part of the horribleness to be honest, but I guess it can't be helped. I did my bit when she had breast cancer so I sort of know how it feels from the other side - it will be important that she gets support too.

(One thing I learned from those days was to take help when it's offered. And that you really find out who your friends are.)

[ket]

Hi Mister Roy, well now you have your own thread, good for you.

To check out our stories go to: heart2hearts.co.uk then click on ‘Your Stories’. If you want to read mine, then you will find it under ‘Keith’s Story’.

I have read some of your blog and was most impressed, you write well. Often a literary journey can be quite cathartic sometimes - I know it was for me. I too have a blog, although nothing to do with heart problems.

Ah the good old GTN spray. Should carry a government health warning. I only used the stuff two or three times and in every case felt pretty flippin’ weird. Still if it helps you then keep taking the tablets as they say.

I shouldn’t concern yourself about the pain and discomfort you may experience following the operation. The aftermath effects us all differently, I was quite lucky really, the only time it hurt was when I coughed, which is something they are going to want you to do in hospital with monotonous regularity whist clutching a pillow to your chest…all jolly good fun.

Anyway chin up that man, think about the life you are going to have afterwards, a lot safer I can assure you.

Speak soon

Ket

Oh, forgot to mention, should your wife want to chat there is a 'Partners Forum' here as well. Or she can post directly to Bypass.

[cbc]

Hi Mr Roy

Understand that at the moment you are bricking, understandandably. But do have the op done, the firts few weeks out of Hospital are a bit miserable, but with the love of a good woman, you will be fine, you may vcare to pick upo on some of my ramblings in posts.

I am writing this at a truckstop 50 km from the Swiss border, I had my triple in July 07 aged back end of 57. I am on my way to Rome witha Merc Tractor and a 45 ft Trailor. I would have had a lovely black hearse by Dec 07 if I hadnt had this done ! No Brainer?

It is a worrying time before the event, but as the other guys have said, it will be fine, and once you have got through the first few weeks, you will be a new man

Take care

Chris

[Mister Roy]

[quote="cbc"]Hi Mr Roy

Understand that at the moment you are bricking, understandandably. But do have the op done, the firts few weeks out of Hospital are a bit miserable, but with the love of a good woman, you will be fine, you may vcare to pick upo on some of my ramblings in posts.

I am writing this at a truckstop 50 km from the Swiss border, I had my triple in July 07 aged back end of 57. I am on my way to Rome witha Merc Tractor and a 45 ft Trailor. I would have had a lovely black hearse by Dec 07 if I hadnt had this done ! No Brainer?

It is a worrying time before the event, but as the other guys have said, it will be fine, and once you have got through the first few weeks, you will be a new man

Take care

Chris[/quote]

Thanks Chris. Tractors beat hearses any day - I'll defo go through with it. As a nurse said, they don't just do the op for a laugh, it's what they really think you need.
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This couldn't have happened to a nicer guy

[skywalkeriom]

Hi Mr Roy, Skywalkeriom here. I know what you are going through and I felt exactly the same as you Brickin it! The site here was very helpful to me and I can honestly say the advise given by all was true and to the point. By the time I got to Broadgreen I had swatted up so much from this site I new what was about to happen. I can honestly say on a pain scale 1 to 10 it was no more than 3 in fact the pain was less than having a tooth out. Remember you are in good hands and they have been doing this procedure for years. The worst thing for me was after the operation getting a good nights sleep but after the six weeks by which time your sternam will have healed things will improve rapidly. But as everyone says everybody is different. Believe me you will feel like a new man once you have been replumbed! listen to the Doctors and nurses be positive and once you have had the procedure you are on your way to good health.

All the best Skywalkeriom

[Mister Roy]

Cheers

Spoke to the surgeon's secretary today - she reckons I should get my appointment to see her next Wed or the one after. So it's getting closer which is good.

The surgeon looks great from her web page, though the statement that she 'offers work experience to sixth foirmers' made me laugh - - have visions of a gang of youths in school uniform being handed scalpels and invited to have a go

thanks for the support
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This couldn't have happened to a nicer guy

[Mister Roy]

Saw the surgeon today and have a date - March 29th, the week before Easter.
Broadgreen staff were very efficient and friendly, and the surgeon inspires confidence. I'm as happy as it's possible to be allowing another human being to work on my insides.
Still, an emotionally draining day. Having the current condition of my arteries described in detail was scary. Amazing I don't feel worse
So just a bit more than two weeks to prepare now. Stuff to do (buy pajamas etc) will be a welcome distraction.
Veer between feeling that I can accept it all and go with the flow, and moments of dread. Bit of a rollercoaster

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This couldn't have happened to a nicer guy

[wendywinblos]

Just take each day as it comes. I know it is very hard - at times I got in a bit of a state at the prospect but it is the only way back to a good full life.
It will work out shortly.
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Steve
Live long & prosper

[Mister Roy]

Hi folks, I go in tomorrow and Monday is the big day. Have prepared as much as I can. I've become pretty calm and accepting of it all, feel sorry for the Mrs having to have a nerve-racking time, though some mates are going to be with her.

Will let you know how it goes. Support and advice on here has been marvellous, you all should polish your haloes
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This couldn't have happened to a nicer guy

[wendywinblos]

Good luck - I am sure you and the Mrs will be fine and you will be back home before you know it.
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Steve
Live long & prosper

[SarahB]

Good Luck Mr Roy, I'm sure you'll be fine, my husband had his bypass 2 weeks ago today and he's doing really well, he said that waiting for the op is the worst part.
I'll be thinking about you and your wife, let us know how everything goes!