Tony's Story

My name is Tony and I am 59. I considered myself very fit as I race a sailing dinghy at National level, cycle to and from work (11 miles a day), and go hill walking.

However, on June 25th 2008 I suddenly developed an agonising pain in the centre of my chest, just after arriving at work. Luckily someone was with me, as the next thing I knew was being in the back of an ambulance with paramedics attending to me. After a few hours in A+E, and 12 in the CCU, I was told I had suffered a big heart attack. 2 angiograms and 4 days later the consultant said I needed a triple bypass, but as I was so fit I could go home to wait for it.

11 weeks later I was in Stoke hospital to have my operation. I wasn`t particularly nervous before, and woke up in intensive care feeling no pain, but very thirsty. The next day I was out of bed sitting in a chair, and after the drain tubes in my chest were removed, an uncomfortable experience, I felt even better. I had to stay an extra day in AF, but was assured this was very common, and it was soon sorted with drugs.

3 days on the recovery ward, where the dressings were removed and I had to walk up 2 flights of stairs with the Physio`s, I was allowed home.

The wounds in my left leg and chest were glued together, so no stitches, and they have given no trouble at all. Coughing for the first week was uncomfortable, but very necessary to get rid of the rubbish in my lungs, but soon got easier. By the end of the first week at home I was able to walk 1 mile each day, and 2 weeks after the op` I was walking 3-4 miles a day. I am now back at work, just in the office at the moment, doing 7 – 8 hours a day (4 weeks after op), and going to the pub and to watch the football. I find it frustrating not being able to use my arms to anything strenuous, but will be able to do so in a few weeks. I start at the gym at the Hospital in 2 weeks, and can`t wait.

I can honestly say that whilst it was not pleasant, the whole experience was okay, and the staff amazing from the Surgeon down. After all, it has saved my life, and all being well I will be back racing my boat next March, fully fit.

Tony.

You are here: Home >> Your Stories >> Tony's Story

Tony's Story

Copyright ©Heart2Hearts 2003. All rights reserved.