We're all different and recover at different rates, but in 6 weeks you should see significant improvement and may be able to go back to work, dependent on what you do for a living and how extensive your overhaul is.

There are always risks with any surgical procedures, but Bypass is a highly successful and common procedure. They due hundreds of thousands every year so have gotten very good at it. I had a quad bypass along with a valve replacement and ICD implant and did quite well.

Sounds like you've had some on-going heart issues so a lot will depend on your specific issues and how much damage there is from the MI (heart attacks). You're young and that';s a good thing, you will be able to bounce back easier than someone much older.

Good luck and stop stressing. I was in very bad shape when I went in and I'm still here 8.5 years later. You'll do fine.

RoboPop
Thanks for the response. Honestly, I was starting to think I wasnt going to hear from anyone. Ive joined a couple of online support groups over the past couple of weeks and havent heard a peep or reply back from anyone. I want to thank you for your response and reassurance. Last weekend I watched a video of the surgery. It might have been the worst thing I could have done. Something I dont like is not knowing what to expect. Doctors tend to be quick about what they discuss and until you educate yourself about the surgery it sometimes tough to know exactly what questions to ask. That a big reason for the support forms (education).
Lifes Short, Climb Fast

For some reason the support forums have indeed gone quiet recently and I'm not sure I know why. My Cardiac escapades started as a total surprise and my family and I were left with a million questions and nowhere to turn for answers. I try to help on some of these sites and volunteer with patients at local hospitals.

I wish you all the best on your forthcoming surgery. You should do fine. I know it's frightening but they really are quite good at this and have encountered just about every obstacle possible so shouldn't have any surprises.

Thanks RoboPop I really do appreciate the conversation I know it takes up a lot of your time. Please know what you are doing is appreciated. Also that you are admired for all that you do. It surprised me when you answered I have tried a couple of other support groups but had no luck with responses. Im just trying to prepare as well as I can. This seems to be the best way to do it.

No problem.

I'm preparing for another procedure myself on the 5th so may not be able to respond as quickly as I would like, but hang tough.

So, after the surgery, your chances of being on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition go way down, but otherwise, you should bounce back and be better than ever.

I can't share much about the surgery since they knocked me out. I think that was more so I didn't annoy the surgeon than anything. Afterward you'll go into a recovery area where you are monitored closely then spend a day or so in intensive Cardiac Care. They'll finally move you to a step down unit and life will start returning to normalcy, albeit somewhat slow.

They will have a Cardiac Rehab tech work with you especially walking to get you back on your feet quickly and you should be out of hospital within a week. Again much is dependent on your condition and how badly you want to get out of that place.

When your cardiologist tells you, go to Cardiac Rehab. It's usually done in a hospital setting and they monitor you to eliminate any risks. You'll learn how to properly exercise and get back to life. They also usually provide guidance on nutrition for your specific needs. Can't stress enough how important this is to your recovery. I still walk every day.

You'll also have some new meds to deal with. Make sure you read the warnings and side effects. Make sure you take them as prescribed daily and remember if you have trouble with one, there's almost always another in that class that will work for you.

Never never just stop taking a heart med cold turkey unless your Dr tells you to. Some drugs can cause severe side effects if you just stop and you have to gradually.

Again good luck

Great advice RoboPop. Unfortunately, I found out yesterday afternoon that my hearts down to 42% functionality. The front side of the heart where the Coronary Artery Bypass Graph would help is too scarred over to reap benefits of the surgery. The surgery is off. I now have an appointment on the 6th to consult with my cardiologist about opening up an artery on the backside of the heart with a stint. Good luck w/ your procedure and thanks for the chats pal.

I assume what you mean is your Ejection Fraction is 42%. Still that's close to normal. Normal is anything greater than 50 or 55% depending on which Dr you're talking to. You usually don't worry too much until it gets below 40%. Mine's at 20%.

Well, a stent is fairly simple quick procedure, far less invasive and you usually bounce back within days. They stick it into a vein in the wrist or thigh and feed it up into the heart.

Good luck on that.

I've had my 5th stint placed I do feel a bit better. Not great but better. The way my cardiologist explained it to me Im running on 50% of the circulation that I should have. And you're right 42% ejection fraction. So its easy to get tired. What Im having a real problem with is that Ive always been a very active person long distance runner, mountain climber, and cyclist. Now Im under doctors orders to do no more than walk 20 minutes at a time. I realize that there are people on here who are much worse than I. I feel selfish for complaining but I am struggling with this a lot.

Geez, I didn't realize you were complaining. Here I thought you were asking questions and trying to understand what's going on with your heart.

Well, certainly he wants you to not push it at least for the time being until things settle down a bit with the new stent, but hopefully in a few weeks you'll be able to do more physical stuff. I too am on restriction for a few weeks until my lead on my new computer fully seats in the heart.

Hang in there hopefully things will get even better for you soon. I know it's tough to go from 100mph to a crawl but you'll adjust if needed.