short of breath after quad bypass

[marlinfshr]

This is something my DR's can't seem to explain. ever since my bypass surgery, 3 month's ago, I have had an occasional shortness of breath upon STARTING activity, then I am fine. As an example I will go for a walk. Upon getting out of my truck for the first 50 or so yds I may have difficulty breathing, then I am fine and walk my 2 miles in about 35/40 minutes with no problem at all. Same thing at cardio rehab, while doing the warm up exorcises I am a bit winded, especially when doing anything that involves lifting and/or bending my legs (such as squats or marching in place). Then I go on the treadmill for 15 minutes and m fine. Same thing with the rowing machine or any other equipment.

I also get winded easily when going up a couple flights of stairs or carrying something heavy.

Now prior to my bypass I was out of breath doing anything and had an EF of about 20. One month after my bypass my EF went up to 32. At that time I still had low BP, even on medication but the DR didn't want to pull me off of metropolol. In the past 2 month's I have gotten noticeably better but the steps and heavy objects do me in as well as the occasional breathlessness upon start up. Since my BP has improved and raised a bit my DR just put me on lisonapril to help heal my heart. Overall she is happy with how things are progressing.

How long to typically have some difficulty breathing after a bypass?

Any other ideas?

[Cjscholl]

I had bypass 3 yrs ago. Within 2 weeks it failed.  Prior to to my first bypass I had great lung capacity. I could sing and hold a long clean steàdy note. I can't sing anymore, I suppose because of the tubes down the throat.... But that's OK. I could run.... Swim.. Do anything with no problem. Not anymore. It's very hard to breath under certain conditions. Walking up hill being the worst and having to walk too fast.
Some people end up with diaphragm nerve damage from ice packing  during surgery. Most people have no obvious problem, but some heal a little slower. Some like myself it is permanent. It is hard to confirm if this is the problem. There is also a surgery to attempt to correct this with no garruntees. No Thank-you.  I had a lung exam....OH I HAVE COPD.   I think not. I can feel every little muscle, tissue pull...I can feel where the issue is... I'm learning to live with it. I live and enjoy my life...I'm 63 and full of Adventure even stared ballet.
I say its first important to be honest with oneself and not refuse good health care. It is equally important to know yourself...ànd not hesitate to question your drs or institutions that test you ...if their findings just don't make sense. Nerve damage that causes shortness of breath is not uncommon  after bypass surgery. Good health and long life to all. Sleep eat and move well.

[ed34]

Immediately after bypass there should be no breathing issues. After my bypass surgery I felt like an athlete. I think it could be something to do with the grafts. Perhaps you have some inflammation going on where the grafts were fixed? I would give it 3 months to improve as much as it can. Another thing which comes to mind is collaterals. I remember I had something similar to you before my first stent. I would get up in the morning, get into the van and drive to the builders yard to load up with materials. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack every morning, but I was fine for the rest of the day. When my stent was inserted, I had collaterals open all over my heart and it was explained to me that I had to wait for these to open up. With some people, their blockages are so great that they stay open all the time, while others have to wait. If this is the case, I would watch your blood pressure. The lower your pressure, the less likely they are to open.