Weathering open heart surgery: chime in if you have BTDT advice

[Halftime Hope]

Please do not quote! 

 

Mr. Haltime needs multiple by-passes.  He is very fit and has managed to delay surgery for two years by using exercise to work on the corollary blood flow.  However, there are still two areas that are not getting enough circulation, so it is better to do surgery than to wait until his heart begins to develop scar tissue.  I *really, really* like the surgeon -- he actually listened to us and will work with the kind of surgery we'd prefer for him to do!  Amazing.  (That's what happens when you import a surgeon from Europe, I guess!  ;-)  )

 

That said, we can pick our time -- he and the medical team have decided that about 6 weeks from now will be ideal.  That gives him time to do some prep, getting his body into tip-top shape prior to surgery.

 

Those who have gone through this, or weathered it with a spouse or parent, would you be kind enough to share your best advice.  What would you tell someone facing this? What worked well for you? What do you wish you had known? 

 

Feel free to share alternative/complementary health info as well, if there is good science supporting it.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

ETA for those just now reading:  stents are not appropriate for him due to other health concerns, thus the upcoming bypasses.  By doing it proactively, we will avoid an emergent stent placement, something which would be a bad choice for his long-term well-being.

Edited January 18, 2016 by Halftime Hope

[Amy in NH]

They can't use stents?

 

My #1 advice for quick recovery is get him up and walking within the first 12 hours.  My niece and dad have both had open-heart valve replacements, and this was SO crucial to getting well quickly.

 

If it has to be bypass, insist that they don't strip the blood vessels right through the knees.

Edited January 18, 2016 by Amy in NH

[Prairie~Phlox]

I have not had open heart surgery, but I would say that if he's in good shape, I think it would be easier to do when he's prepared for it, than if it was an emergency.  I know when I had an emergency angio gram and 2 stents put in my heart, I was in top shape and it helped me recover quickly and it did wipe me out for a few weeks though and it took more effort to do anything than it had ever done before.  I imagine if it was something that I was prepared for, it would have been mentally easier.

 

Just my 2 cents!

[Ethel Mertz]

My Dad had a quadruple bypass in 1990; I imagine a few things have changed since then. I've also been at the bedside of folks who have had bypasses (or are having them). Here's what I remember:

 

1. The patient will be in a cardiac ICU after surgery. This is standard procedure. Often patient is on a ventilator and will not be able to speak to you (they wean them off it quickly.) My Dad was sedated, but clearly knew we were there and, at one point, tried to talk. I just told him he had a tube down his throat and couldn't talk.

 

2. Depression is common after a bypass (probably with any major surgery). I often explain it as the "broken heart syndrome." Reassure patient that this is normal.

 

3. Don't wait in the surgical waiting room alone. Have someone with you.

 

4. Your DH will progress more quickly than you can imagine.

 

I imagine procedures have changed a bit since I was last visiting in the cardiac units, so I'm sure someone with more recent experience and more medical knowledge will chime in. Best wishes to you both!

[catz]

My dad had 5 bypasses 17 years ago.  He actually died last year due to heart issues, but not due to blockages or anything relating to bypass.  And I have to say he had an amazing quality of life all those 17 years and was hiking, golfing, having a great time until the he (he had other conditions).

 

Being in shape was great help for him.  But encourage him to have patience through the healing process.  It was weeks and months before my dad was on a more regular workout regimen.  It's great he has time to prepare.  My dad had emergency surgery. 

 

My mom did a great job having people with her and not lingering at the hospital.  She kept to a normal meal and eating schedule for herself.  If you get sick, it's going to be even harder.   She did not linger at the hospital while my dad was sleeping and tired.  She took regular breaks. Do what you need to do to keep yourself emotionally and physically healthy. 

[Carol in Cal.]

Be ready for the recovery to be complex.  I have a relative who had open heart surgery that was followed by an infection, and because she was so run down by the surgery the infection took longer than normal to heal and she was extremely weak for quite a while.  It all worked out fine in the end, but this kind of surgery is a big insult to your system, and wears you right down.

[applethyme]

Depression is very common after open heart surgery.  If you notice him showing signs, please seek help. 

[Catherine]

Cardia rehab.  If it's not offered, ask for it.  Very helpful on many fronts.

[sheryl]

Ethel, right on.  Wooly, sorry to hear.  My Dad also passed away last year (2 months shy of turning 90!).  Catherine, excellent point.

 

HHope, my Dad was a cardiac patient for years.  He had open heart surgery to replace a VALAVE "and" BY-PASS (triple) and carotid artery surgery!   Now, for the by-pass which was done years ago they removed a vein from his leg.  It ran the entire length of his inner leg from ankle to groin.   Doctors last year said they don't use that exact same procedure anymore.  It seemed so much - the entire length!  As a result of that surgery his leg was never the same again. With that said, he lived many, many years with all of his cardiac issues mentioned above as well as a feel attacks (coronary and angina).

 

However, improvements have been made in procedure so I'm sure all will go well.

 

It is imperative that he continue his strength and stamina exercises!  This will pay dividends later in rehab and beyond. 

 

It is so incredibly important to find the best rehab facility.  They are NOT all created equal.  I've had much experience with them.  There are good ones and not so.   Look for cleanliness, ratio of caregiver to patients.  Visit a few places and find one where you like the people.  They will become his helpers for some time during his recovery phase. 

 

 

 

 

[Halftime Hope]

Thanks so much for all the great input!  I appreciate everything that each of you has shared--domo arigatou!