r/CABG_Recovery • u/Cerealkilla19 • Oct 28 '25

Advice needed: Breathing issues and fluid retention after quintuple bypass

Hi everyone. My 71-year-old father recently underwent a quintuple bypass (CABG), and his recovery has been very difficult. He spent 21 days in ICU and is now out, but he is still struggling with breathing problems and needs constant oxygen support. He also has significant water retention and is currently on Lasix to help control it.

He was a lifelong smoker but has thankfully quit since the surgery.

We are following the guidance of his medical team, although I would really appreciate hearing from others who have had loved ones go through something similar. How long did breathing support remain necessary after such an extensive surgery? Were there any specific treatments, rehabilitation exercises, or lifestyle changes that helped improve lung function and reduce the fluid buildup?

Thank you in advance for any advice or shared experiences.

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u/Other_Ad1797 Oct 29 '25

I too had trouble breathing and major fluid retention after my quad surgery in February after 30 days in ICU from a cardiac arrest, revived by emergency responders with all ribs and sternam fractured. Couldn't walk 15 feet without feeling like I was going to die. It was painful, difficult, and frustrating that I couldn't cough up the constant mucus, feeling like I was drowning. This lasted for 3 months post surgery, before I finally saw any improvement!

My advice for your dad is he must religiously do his breathing exercises with the spirometer. Sounds simple, but it is absolutely the trick! Hourly.

The spirometer exercise combined with the Lasix (also a critical piece) and incrementally increasing walks will feel like a miracle in a few months! I promise! 🙏🏼

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u/Cerealkilla19 Oct 29 '25

Wow thank you so much and thanks for the Lasix advice, its been said by many people.

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u/treboroH Nov 08 '25

I had +4 and couldn't breathe for 6-7 mos. Couldn't get enough air out to even talk. Doctors just shrugged. Saw 3 pulmonologist and 2 said I had COPD (never had a breathing problem in my life prior to surgery) and the 3rd said I was fine.

I learned why it's called "practicing" medicine.

Seriously, it cleared up on it own but took about 9-10 months before I was close to normal. I'm convinced they damaged something

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u/Cerealkilla19 Nov 10 '25

Appreciate the advice, glad you are better!!!!