Bypass Surgery

[Simo73]

Hello I am brand new in here and have a bit of a question. I am 73 years old and had a Triple Bypass in Feb 2002, 11 years ago. The experts say a Bypass is usually good for something like 8 to 15 years. I am currently traveling along beautifully on my reconditioned engine. I would like to know what sort of signals will indicate that my Bypass has reached it's use by date.Will I get back the Angina or some other indicator?

[Simo73]

Well it is now 3 years since my last waffle in here, and I am still travelling along nicely on my reconditioned engine. A triple Bypass in Feb 2002 and now in Feb 2016 I am cruising along, if I ignore the Arthritis  in my hands etc and Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet. When I had my Bypass it was generally said on the internet that a bypass is good for about 10 years. Well after 14 years and not a single twinge in my chest, I recon I am travelling along nicely.
Question:: Am I average, or lucky? I wait with baited breath for an answer.

[greg1949]

Have you tried Cymbalta for peripheral neuropathy?
http://neuropathic.tripod.com/neuropathicpainsupportgroupsaustralia/

[ed34]

Why don't you request a CT-Angio? This is different from standard Angiograms in that they are none invasive. I am wondering if something is wrong with the right side of your heart and maybe intervention can cure it.

[Simo73]

Well it is now 2 years since my first comment in here and as far as my Heart and general well being are concerned everything is  A-Okay.
Having said that, the Peripheral Neuropathy affecting my feet is almost impossible to manage. The burning / stinging feeling in my feet, which is the worst when first arising in the morning is almost crippling. Over the last few years my local Doctor has given me Lyrica and Tegretol 100 tablets which did nothing for my feet and had debilitating side effects. They both caused an enlargement of my Prostate Gland which meant I could only go while standing and even then it was a very slow dribbling and uncomfortable experience. Also the Tegretol caused a feeling of nausea and  something sticking in my throat. I have tried some creams and stick-on pads but nothing has helped.
Surely in this big wide world there must be somebody that has had a tiny bit of relief from Peripheral Neuropathy.

[CCF CCF]

You should continue to followup with your cardiologist who will discuss with you what types of symptoms you have as well as followup on your BP, cholesterol levels, and your medical regimen.  It is possible that vein grafts could stop "working", however that does not necessarily mean you need another intervention if there are no associated symptoms/positive stress test.  You should monitor your functional status (ie stamina) and whether or not you are having any chest pain or shortness of breath.  If you notice that you have a decrease in your exercise capacity or have increased frequency in chest pain or shortness of breath episodes, consult your cardiologist right away.

[Simo73]

OK, not sure where I stand on this one. So I am booked in for a Stress Test on 25th Jan, and an Ecko ECG  on 11th March. That is a fair way off , but I will wake my post up when I have some results. I actually feel quite good  and have more pain from my Circulation problems in my feet, but I will air that one one a separate post. I hope my ramblings make sense to somebody out there.

[Simo73]

Thanks ed34, I am not sure what to expect. I did smoke non stop for 45 years and probably don't deserve a fair go, but at 73 I will take every chance that goes past. My Bypass used the vein or artery that ran down my right leg. Actually my family history does not stack up that good. My Father died of a heart attack on his 43rd  birthday in 1953, the year the first bypass was done in the USA. My younger brother has had 2 stents, and my youngest brother a 5 times bypass, and then a replacement of the descending Aorta. Interestingly on that first Bypass in the USA in 1953 was performed on a 13 year old girl, and because nobody had invented a Heart Lung machine her father was on the bed beside her and her blood circulation system was connected to him. If you can find it on the Internet it is an interesting story.

[ed34]

yes. However, the effects all depend on how the failure occurs. Bypass grafts, nearly always those which use veins, end up with a sudden total collapse of the vessel. So, not being a gradual thing, the effects are sudden and a large impact. I had a triple bypass at the age of 47 and it lasted 3 months. 2 veins totally shut down while the artery they used from my chest for a graft remained open. I was immediately on my knees gasping for breath. It lasted around 30 seconds, and then collateral vessels (natural bypasses) opened and I was able to walk and breath properly again. So this was an obvious sign. If you are lucky and the veins slowly close, you will get angina which will increase gradually in intensity over weeks. If no new blockages have formed, and I doubt if they have if you have no angina, then you will be back to a situation very similar to that before your bypass.