Is there a Board for people Who've had Bypass ?

[JohnnyV_46]

I'm great with my Valve replacement and Aortic repair. I've been feeling pretty good. You all have been great with advice on the Valve thing. Is there a board for people who have Coronary Artery Disease? I'm alot more worried about that than my Valve troubles.I think I've asked this before but how many of you had both like I do?

Thanks in advance!
JohnnyV

 

[Jkm7]

I had MI and bypass surgery. I am now being watched for mitral valve leak. LV enlargement and damage to the heart wall from my heart attack where valve threads attach have created this valve problem. I'm sure there are others here who have had bypass surgery......some in combination with valve surgery.

A close friend of mine recently had mitral valve replacement and double bypass in the same surgery.

Our OHS, whether for valve or bypass (or both) involves many of the same issues. The time on the pump, cracking the sternum, hospital (CICU) experiences, diet, exercise, general wellness. Recuperation is not very much different ...or at least my personal experience was very much like what I have read of other people's recoveries.

I read a few other boards but this one is so very superior. The people here are amazing IMO and so generous in sharing and caring. They are so knowledgeable.

 

[MarkAlan]

Johnny, you can see I had it all. AV replacement, Mitral repair and triple bypass. All in one nice little operation. I really don't woory about any of it. My damage was caused by radiation treatments not because of anything genetic or lifestyle. I am confident these repairs will last a long time if I do my part by taking care of myself.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

YAHOO has an e-mail type board by the name of

Bypass Surgery Recovery Support

that was founded by a former Cardiac Nurse.

You have to subscribe and then you will receive copies of all the typewritten posts. NO visual enhancements.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[hensylee]

I had bypass nearly 7 yrs ago and searched for a suitable bypass forum. I guess the one I found is the one that Al is talking about. It was very unsatisfactory to me. That's how I ended up here in valve replacement. I didn't know the difference back then. But VR has let me stay anyhow even tho I am not 'legal'.

 

[aussigal]

Hi from another vr.member who has had a by-pass, a valve replacement and an aneurysm fix...

I too am now much more worried about further blockages of my arteries and my rising cholesterol levels increase this anxiety.

Maybe you could just open up the discussion here and see what sort of responses you get...I for one would like to compare notes and hear how others in the same position are getting on.

 

[hensylee]

there is definitely a regimen after bypass. Your body makes cholesterol and triglycerides on its own but added foods and genetics have an effect. You have to learn to read labels, exercise and there are medicines. There is another site where you can ask questions of a dr and he will personally answer you. His name is Dr Rich in about.com - heartdisease/cardiology. There is a forum plus Dr Rich writes articles that have, over the years, covered everything, including valves. It is a very helpful site. Here is the address: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-heartdisease&redirCnt=1

this should take you right to the forum, but you have to join. I can attest to the safety of this site; I have been a member for many years. We have a few others here in VR that also have been/are members.

Don't mind the advertisements; Dr Rich hates them but some years ago they were forced on him in order to keep the forum going. He has no choice on these; just ignore them, as we all do.

The site isn't as personal as ours but the people are very friendly.

 

[aussigal]

Thanks for that Ann...I shall check it out...

 

[Debster]

Hi Johnny! My mom had triple bypass with her mitral valve replacement. Unfortunately high cholesterol runs in our family She recently got a biventricular pacemaker and that has helped her tremendously-she also had left branch bundle block and now her heart beats in synch. She takes Plavix, liptor, Altace, etc. Hope you are doing great! Deb