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Recovery from a triple bypass

My father had a triple bypass two days ago.  He is 76 years old.  He is very sleepy and the nurses who I must say are brilliant are trying to get him sitting up in a chair now and again but he is very reluctant.  He did pass out the first time and was then re admitted to intensive care.  We were told that this is normal and not to worry.  I am just concerned that he is so sleepy and is still on an oxygen mask.  I know that it is a long process to recovery, but I am so worried that perhaps he shouldnt by like this.
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242508 tn?1287423646
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Having bypass surgery at the age of 76 is very hard on the body.  The fact that he made it through the operation and the first few days means that he is pretty strong.  Unfortunately, being in a hospital does all kinds of wierd things to the mind of elderly patients.  We call it delirium.  Most elderly suffer from it when they get admitted to the hospital for longer period of time.  Some are more susceptible than others.  Of course having had surgery and needing oxygen makes it all worse.  The fact that he is in an ICU is probably the biggest culprit.  Having family around and having a window with sunlight helps a lot.  Minimizing pain medications may also help but pain has to be treated aggressive after open heart surgery because of increased risk of lung infection.  Your dad has been thru quite a bit and I understand your concerns.  Thankfully, what he is going thru is quite normal after open heart surgery at this age.  Make sure that his kidney is doing well and that there is no infection such as UTI or a pneumonia.  I wish you all the best.  
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Avatar universal
Doesn't sound anything unusual about your Dad.  The heavy anesthetics used take time for the body to rid themselves of all residue.  The sleepiness is noraml at this stage. He's had very serious surgery and it is a trauma to the body.  Sounds like he is doing as should be expected and with the good care you say the nurses are giving him, he should progress great.  It is not unusual for him to need oxygen assistance for days after his surgery.  I was on oxygen for 4+ days after my bypass.  His age is a little factor in how quickly he will recover but the worst, hopefully, is behind him and it is uphill from here.

Good luck.  Hope he does well.
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, recovery time for a bypass surgery for a 81 year old was started.
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Avatar universal
Hi there.  My two cousins and two of my freinds's husbands just had tripe by-pass within the past 3 weeks. (seems like an epidemic)  They are all doing great and all but one are in their seventies.  Fred fared the best at age 74 and today is his fifth week anniversary and he is out playing golf as long as the temperature is under 80 degrees his doctor told him.  All but one were sent home with a nurse visit who visits 3 times a week to check on the patient.  They all  hook up to a lead at home and send their EKG recordings off to some place and always receive a good call back.  Two were ornary when they got home and slept a lot but this too is passing as each day they are getting stronger. it takes time and we need patience with them.  Remember to call the doctor ASAP or 911 if you feel the need when your dad returns home.  I wish you all the best.
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