Bypass Recovery - What to Expect

[Brendanator]

With no previous cardiac or BP history of any kind, my 71 year old father had 5-bypass surgery 2 weeks ago -- I realize this is a very short time following such a major surgery, but we are worried about his seeming interest in not recovering.  He went home 6 days after surgery, and since that time has spent all of his time in his "jammies" on the couch, sleeping probably 14-15 hours a day some days, saying that he hurts, but when asked to pinpoint his pain, he can't identify where the pain is, making circular motions around his body to show us.  He is also ALWAYS nauseated, but the physician said his medications should not be causing nausea.  My father has always been conscientious of his personal hygiene, but getting him to shower or brush his teeth since coming home is a major challenge.  Obviously, there are some signs of depression there, although he denies any depression.  My concern is more with what seems to be a desire to stay unwell.  When someone asks how he is doing, he says he is "terrible", and he told someone yesterday that the cardiologist said it is going to take him much longer than the usual 4-6 weeks to feel better -- the doctor said no such thing.  He actually said that dad looks great for just having 5-bypasses!  

When discharged, we were given NO literature or direction on what to expect, and "require" post-bypass, so I don't even know what to push for.  When I asked the cardiologist about this, his office had no literature, so I am still without clear information; internet searches have not been successful.  My father will start cardiac rehab today, and I will ask there as well, but I am wondering WHEN he might start feeling like not saying he is "terrible", or when he might want to walk without support (he never needed any kind of support before the surgery).  

Please know that we want only the best for my dad, and our worries are about him and what he should be doing, and how his recovery should be progressing.  Any feedback from those who have been there would be invited and welcome.  Certainly we don't want to push him too hard, but how much is too hard?  I would think getting dressed shouldn't be an over-exertion, but maybe that is normal?

[jim62]

Sounds like he is doing quite well and recovering normally after bypass surgery.  Anyone that thinks you're going to feel better at 4 to 6 weeks post bypass is nutz.  I'd say try to get him up and moving around a little at a time--as much as he is able.  The feeling better should come around after 3 or 4 months.  The cardio rehab will likely bring some improvement.  He'll come around.  It just takes time......

That lack of info is a pet peeve with me.  They told me if I had trouble breathing or any unusual chest pain to see my doctor.  Let me tell you, after having your chest split open, it is a little difficult to breathe.  And it hurts like hell.  But, is that "unusual" chest pain??  For me, the not knowing what to expect was probably the hardest part of the whole ordeal.  It boggles my mind that doctors can not seem to see that the info is needed by and would be beneficial to the patients.  Perhaps if the were split open, they would be a little more empathetic.

If you can find some kind of a local support group, it might also help him feel better.

PS-it was about a year before I felt fairly "normal".

[Husbandndshlp]

Your dr sounds like my wifes dr. No direction.  At 71, after a few weeks, your cardiologist should be directing him into a cardiac rehab program where exercise is monitored.  Expect him to feel poorly for a while.  Some say 3-4 mos but it took my wife almost a year (she's alot younger).  Not only was his chest cracked open but his leg was cut for the vein, eyc.  It's a rough surgery.  Get on the cardiologists back and allow your dad plenty of time - he's right it may take longer than 4-6 weeks.  Dr's do not know everything and I'd like to see some of them have their chest opened - how would they respond then?.