Elderly parent having heart surgery, looking for positive stories

Acquerello

Hopefully I am posting this in the right forum ...

My father is having a big heart operation later this week, a double/triple bypass and getting a valve replaced.

I am getting pretty freaked out as the day approaches so if anyone has had an elderly parent go through this operation I would really appreciate some positive stories about their recovery to get me through the next few days.

Thanks

zoobizoo

My dad went through this 25 years ago ... it took him a while to recover. He's fit as now. It was a very worrying time back then so I know what you're going through.

Since then, the recovery time has shorterned significantly for patients and the techniques are much improved.

Acquerello

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it and am glad to hear your dad recovered so well and is still fit after so many years.

peaceandlove

Hi my dad had a triple bypass when he was 58 he is 71 now. I remember how upsetting it was at the time when he was going through it but remember he will be in good hands.

My dad still has more energy now then most of the family and is always up doing something in the garden or about the house. He is very active.

I remember when he was having the operation we all made sure to be there as we wanted to be near so when he woke up we could go and see him, we just went across the road for something to eat. It was nice though to be together.

Your dad will be fine, I will say a prayer for him.

Munstermad

Such a scary time when a parent is facing a serious operation, just take things 1 day at a time, and trust those in control... They have your parents best interest at heart.. Fingers and toes crossed for you... Try to stay positive.

tatli_lokma

My dad had a triple bypass 14 years ago. Although the worry of the surgery is of course huge at the time, in a few months when he is no longer struggling for breath you will be so glad he had the operation. Without it you will be wondering if the next twinge in his chest will turn out to be a heart attack? Afraid to leave him on his own. Of course there are risks from open heart surgery but in a way it is more controlled than if he doesn't have it - at least in the hospital and during the operation they are prepared for all eventualities and able to act fast. The main worry is really during the weeks after, doing what he can to avoid infection and recover as best he can.

14 years on and now the other arteries are beginning to deteriorate. He's had several stents inserted. He's nearly 80 now though, so he has done well. Without the operation I know that he wouldn't still be here. I also know that some of the minor procedures he had since wouldn't have been possible as he wouldn't have been able for the anaesthetic.

And also when my dad had his bypass my mum had only passed away 4.5 months earlier after medics missed warning signs of an illness so he was quite emotional and stressed putting his trust in doctors, as were we. And yet despite his anxious state which surely didn't help he still came through it with flying colours. It was a long recovery but within a very short time the improvement was plain to see

Best of luck to your dad, and to you and do your best not to worry more than you have to.

Acquerello

Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to reply, I am feeling a bit better after hearing your stories.

username123

If there is one area in modern medicine that they really know their stuff these days its the heart. If I had to choose something to go wrong Id choose the heart because they are so medically advanced in what they can do!

Its a big op alright, but they are experts, and your fathers quality of life is going to significantly improve after it. I know its very hard not to worry, but the benefits of this surgery way outweigh the risks so keep that in mind. I wish your father a great recovery, he wont know himself afterwards.

Smeggy

Hi OP, I am in the same boat as you.. My mother is awaiting an operation on her valves and also bypass surgery. It's a nervous wait but all we can do is trust the professionals and know that it's for the best in the long run as doctors have told her she will deteriorate without the operation. Of course everyone has been telling her of their neighbours, friends, relations who had it done and were better than ever post surgery so that's encouraging.
Best of luck to your dad, let us know how he gets on.

Acquerello

I feel really glad that I posted here, thanks once again to everyone.

Dad is pretty fit and has not had a heart attack or any major health problems before so he is very lucky and we are all trying to remember that and be positive about the operation.

Smeggy - I hope your mother's surgery goes well too, I will let you know how dad's goes.

iusedtoknow

My father had the op a few years ago (he was in his mid 50's).

Not only were the staff from the doctors to the cleaners at the hospital complete gems, they gave an air of seriousness but confidence when dealing with him.
The heart is an organ that they know so well. My wife has been in a few of these operations, and she always said what hits her is the respect the doctors have for the organ, there is an awe, but also an understanding of it beyond most other organs.

It's a long operation for the family, but your father won't know anything has happened. He will need to take it easy for a few weeks/months after the operation, but'll give your parent a new lease of life.

IvyTheTerrible

My OH's grandfather, who is 86, had a bypass earlier this year. It was very worrying before the operation but he got through it fine. It took a while for him to recover but he is in much better form physically now than before he was operated on. Nowadays surgery has advanced so far and doctors have so much experience with those type of operations that the outlook is much better than it was.
I hope your dad's operation goes well.

krudler

My dad had one about 10 years ago, triple bypass, he's never been healthier. used to smoke and ate junk, now walks miles every day, eats well, is much thinner and healthier and has much more energy, all stemming from the changes needed after the surgery.

tatli_lokma

OP, I would say that it's not just the physical recovery you need to support your dad with. Major surgery, but for some reason particularly heart surgery seems to leave people feeling very emotional and low afterwards. My own dad was put on antidepressants for the first couple of weeks (he didn't actually realise at the time and they were a great help to him, he wouldn't have taken them if he knew what they were but he was told they were to help his anxiety so he was happy to take them). The emotional support is very important - your dad will have doctors and nurses and health professionals helping him with the physical recovery, so it is important for family to support the emotional recovery.

Rubylolz

My Mam had a triple by-pass 20-odd years ago when my siblings and I were all very young, recovery was long but obviously nowadays its a much easier operation as medical practices have improved so much.
Recent years she's had stints put in, I know that's only a small op nowadays but ya still cant help worry! But gladly its always been successful for her.
As previous posters said when it comes to the heart the medical community are very well educated. They wouldnt chance putting your dad under this op unless they were sure of a positive outcome.

ulinbac

Dad had a Quadruple in 2001.

He's 72 and flying. Was released after a week!! That said he doesnt look his age (family ages very well ) and he still works a labour intense job 6 days a week. Has his pints on a Sunday and can belt through family drinking sessions. He is just back from a session in Germany at the Ireland game! He isnt particular about his diet or exercise either, which we give out to him about!!! His brother had the same but has taken it to the other extreme, only eats healthy, no sweets and very strict about dos and donts. He is 2 years younger than Dad, looks older and to be fair he is so strict about following the rules that he has lost too much weight and looks pale!

Uncle in law had the same last year. Was released after a week and back working in just over 2 weeks.

AineM2013

My husbands grandmother (83) had open heart surgery a couple of months ago and she is flying it now! Everyone was really worried but she is doing great. Heart surgery is very advanced now!
Wishing you all well

Acquerello

It really is great to hear all your stories, especially the ones about relatives over 80 and the faster recovery times.

I feel a lot better about the whole thing now and looking forward to him being over it and getting better.

Thanks so much again to everyone who has taken the time to reply.