I'm with my dad today as he found out he needs to have a triple bypass surgery next week. The cardiologist told him he has 90% blockage in three of the arteries and 40% in the fourth. Of course, this shocked us both (and scared us).

We later talked to the surgeon (who was much more calming and confident) who said this will be a good thing and will prevent a heart attack or stroke in the near future. He said my dad needs a valve replacement and a "maze procedure".

Do any of you have experience with similar procedures with a family member or yourself? Any words of encouragement or sharing of your experience would be appreciated. I'm curious how tough recovery is for something like this.

TIA

No experience but praying all goes well. And glad they caught it.

Modern heart surgery is amazing.

If they put him on Plavix, ask that they test to see whether it will work for him. It doesn't for some people. 8% effective in our case. Switched to Brillinta in our case but was too late by then and strokes got him after successful 5 way heart surgery. Don't be surprised when they say you may have to do it again in 10 years, or have stents at 10 months bc of another blockage. Have them check carotid arteries.

Biggest thing you can do is make sure someone good is looking at the whole picture, and not just their specialty.

You have to advocate for him, not just rely on doctors that use a standard method on everyone, or what Medicare covers bc it is cheap.

easttexasaggie04 said:

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I'm with my dad today as he found out he needs to have a triple bypass surgery next week. The cardiologist told him he has 90% blockage in three of the arteries and 40% in the fourth. Of course, this shocked us both (and scared us).

We later talked to the surgeon (who was much more calming and confident) who said this will be a good thing and will prevent a heart attack or stroke in the near future. He said my dad needs a valve replacement and a "maze procedure".

Do any of you have experience with similar procedures with a family member or yourself? Any words of encouragement or sharing of your experience would be appreciated. I'm curious how tough recovery is for something like this.

TIA

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My dad had bypass surgery in his 60s. Didn't slow him down at all and lived for another 20 years.

Pretty sure he ran a marathon after it (but at the very least kept running). Not downplaying the seriousness, but recovery can be solid. Great job catching it.

My Dad had a triple bypass in 1982 by one of Dr. DeBakeys team. He healed up quickly and spent lots of time fishing. I'm sure today's procedures are much better than 40 plus years ago.

easttexasaggie04 said:

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I'm with my dad today as he found out he needs to have a triple bypass surgery next week. The cardiologist told him he has 90% blockage in three of the arteries and 40% in the fourth. Of course, this shocked us both (and scared us).

We later talked to the surgeon (who was much more calming and confident) who said this will be a good thing and will prevent a heart attack or stroke in the near future. He said my dad needs a valve replacement and a "maze procedure".

Do any of you have experience with similar procedures with a family member or yourself? Any words of encouragement or sharing of your experience would be appreciated. I'm curious how tough recovery is for something like this.

TIA

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Happened to my Dad out of nowhere (to us, at least) about 15 years ago. Successful surgery and recovery. He's still around and active today with no real side effects. I hope that your father has the same experience and results!