Beathing difficulties just after bypassheart surgery

[Nizo]

Greetings!
I am very anxious these days as my father (72 year-old) had to undergo (since 5 days ago) a quadruple coronary bypassHeart surgery. There were no complications with the surgery itself. However, since the day of the operation he is experiencing some difficulties in breathing. Doctors have helped him (for 4 days) to breath with intubation. But without it he has short breathing and a lot of difficulty to inhale/exhale. Knowing that my father was a heavy smoker, I would like to know if he is in a critical health situation. Does he need more days in the intensive health care room? Can he make it?
Thank you for your help and assistance

[kenkeith]

Please don't double post, it can cause problems and confusion.  I answered your other post before seeing this post. Thank you.

[Nizo]

Thank you for your kind response. Indeed, my father is experiencing apnea (particularly at night) and that is why doctors needed to use a c-Pap unit. But my father started to have apnea since a year ago (thus before being aperated). Doctors are checking for pneumonia and we did not get the results yet.
Thank you again for your explanantion.

[seniorfitnessbyPTSue]

That your father was a heavy smoker does complicate the situation. Has a pulmonologist been called into the case. There is such a strong link between cardic and respiratory function and both specialities would be indicated to separate the problems. I am sure they have ordered X-rays to ruloe out pneumonia, a very common post-op complication. Also, is he experiencing any apnea, especially at night and needes a c-Pap unit. Talk with both the cardiologist and the pulmonologist. Your father will definitely need some skilled care for his post acute care. Ask about rehab in a SNF. Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to email me back. PTSue