Back pain after triple bypass & heart attack

[doerler]

My father is 62 and is a diabetic (for a least 10 years) with a prosthetic leg (3yrs). He recently went into the ER for trouble breathing. The doctor said it was congestive heart failure. They were planning to do a heart cath. regarding blockage but postponed a day due to kidney function level being a point off. When they finally did the heart cath. procedure they said he would need an immediate triple bypass. He came through the surgery and has been complaining of back pain before & after surgery. They are now saying that he has acute kidney failure due to not urinating/excreting the liquids given. What could this be - kidney function related? Also, I am worried about the possiblity of pneamonia with his inability to get up and move due to the swelling of his leg that fits the prosthetic - how will he get up like they say they want patient to do directly after surgery to prevent fluid build up in the lungs - any advice?

[Jack54]

So sorry to hear about your Dad. They tested his kidney prior to the cath due to the contrast dye, or that is one major reason for the test. He is diabetic and it seems he was having a tad of kidney trouble prior to the surgery (kidney function test).

The contrast dye used for imaging during the cath, is hard on the kidneys. Afterward they really flush the kidneys with IV solution to clear the dye from the system/kidneys. Check and see if they used the more gentle type of dye, as they should have, since your Dad was diabetic and barely passed the kidney function test. This type of dye is expensive and they do not like to use it, I don't think, because of insurance companies (shame).

During the surgery, your Dad was placed on a heart lung bypass machine. This was probably another insult to your Dad's kidneys.

He needs to be elevated in bed, so he can clear his lungs. This will help prevent pneumonia.

My best to you and your Dad,

Jack

[jim62]

Wow !  It is sure good to see how well you are doing, considering your condition only a short time ago.

Jim