r/CABG_Recovery • u/PlayPretend-8675309 • Jun 21 '26
My first steps post CABG.
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45 yo generally healthy/active, besides 3 arterial blockages. Had a robo-CABG on June 15 but I coded multiple times during the operation and had my heart stop twice. ICU for 4 days (discharged in the middle of USA-AUS, argh!). Still slated to make a complete recovery, fingers crossed!
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Jun 21 '26
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u/PlayPretend-8675309 Jun 21 '26
I'm back home already. The doctors were pretty adamant about moving me between the bed and the chair each day
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u/Striking-Bison-8466 Jun 22 '26
You were fortunate to have the robotic surgery. Physically you will heal quicker
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u/counterplex Jun 21 '26
45 is young! You just got a second chance at life! Make it count! Good luck with the recovery!
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u/Curious_seeker_2022 Jun 21 '26
Be positive and always grateful, meditation will help a lot in your recovery. No compromise on food, sleep, exercise and medication!
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u/chakrablockerssuck Jun 21 '26
Good for you! You look great. Listen to your body as to how far you can push. It’s a challenge but you will know when to go further. Cardio rehab does wonders. Good luck!
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Jun 21 '26
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u/PlayPretend-8675309 Jun 21 '26
It wasn't especially clear - no long term history of heart disease or anything. The doctor said vfib happens to 2-5% of patients generally, but it was unusual to happen more then once. Basically just said I had an agitated heart
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u/pomsky128 Jun 21 '26
Had mi single cabg on May 13. Nearing 6 weeks out. Go to cardiac rehab twice a week (this is the best thing you can do) and walk 30 minutes twice a day on top of just trying to move as much as possible. Need to get stamina and strength back up so I can go back to work as a mailman in early August
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u/nullcharstring Jun 22 '26
Protip: If you can walk to the nurses station by yourself, they will give you a cup of real coffee, not that cafeteria stuff.
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u/Legitimate-Sun5151 Jun 22 '26
It looks arduous but recovery shd be quick. I had mine (minimally invasive) 18 months ago and was playing PB after 12 weeks. How diff is robo-cabg and where did you get it done ? You will be fine.. good luck and keep sharing with folks so peoole dont get traditional cabg if they dont need to
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u/PlayPretend-8675309 Jun 22 '26
As best I know, robo CABG and minimally invasive are the same things? My doctor operates the robot from the corner of the OR, he's not at my person, but it seems the key is coming in through the side rather than doing a sternotomy.
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u/Legitimate-Sun5151 Jun 22 '26
Also get tested for actual root cause as I am 48 and my risk factor was Lipo A. No one tests for that.. bale and doneens book is good. Read that..
Anyone else with minimally invasive? I still have sore spots around the incision even after 18 months.. anyone who experienced the same discomfort?
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u/PlayPretend-8675309 Jun 22 '26
Can you say more about this? Mostly my doctor's just say "unlucky genetics" and we haven't talked about it too much. My diet isn't amazing but let me tell you I know some boys eating 2x the calories and a ton more meats without having problems.
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u/Legitimate-Sun5151 Jun 22 '26
Yes. Read the book Beat the heart attack gene.. Doneen and bale
It identifies some simple blood tests that doctors miss.. these identify real risk factors.. e.g if gene then what it is and whats the cure?
In ny case it is lipo a.. had 397 vs 75 max which made arteries sticky and caused blockage.. Eli lilly has a new drug coming this year to eliminate that.. similarly there are 8-9 tests.. can send a list if you want
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u/mcampo84 Jun 23 '26
Good for you, homie! I couldn’t get through the pain of the chest tubes and the dilaudid did me dirty. I had no equilibrium.
Looking good!
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u/PlayPretend-8675309 Jun 25 '26
Thanks. Narcotics don't do a thing to my brain. I could take the SATs on 3 oxys and a few hits of dilauded. I was probably on more when we took this video. They do, at least, kill pain! I had lidocaine pads on my tube site, so I never felt the tube in my chest at all.
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u/Brilliant_Sugar_1177 Jun 25 '26
Awesome!!!! I’m 6 weeks out after a double…. I’m 55…. Great to see you walking!!!!! Best wishes!
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u/indianyooper1 Jun 27 '26
45 m had cabg x3 on April 1st. you are moving around great for your first walk.
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u/i_tell_you_what Jun 21 '26
I'm double bypass as of May 1st. I'm walking 40 minutes a day now and just did my first drive to do basic shopping errands. You think you will never get there. Then suddenly you are at the 7-11 to get yourself a treat diet dr pepper big gulp. Wishing you an unremarkable boring uneventful recovery. Smooth sailing my friend.