Video #3 of 4 - What to expect as you are waking up from your OHS - An Open Heart Surgery Series

[@dukefabian6322]

This video was the best for pre surgery. When I started to wake up from my surgery, I started to freak out and then remembered what I learned in this video and completely relaxed. Thanks for this awesome video.

[@chappy7391]

Thank you so much for your videos! I watched all of them but especially this one because I had a phobia of waking up with a breathing tube. My first experience was a left mitral valve repair in 2019 and the tube was removed in about 15 minutes after waking up and even that was traumatic for me. It is now 2024 and the valve repair has failed and also need bypass for left main artery. The valve replacement was a great success but they couldn’t find a target point to complete the bypass so my scheduled 6-7 hour surgery turned into 10-11 hours. Upon waking up in the ICU I panicked a few times but recalled how you said to “let your logic overcome your emotions.” The nurses gave relaxants through my IV as needed because I remained intubated for 9 hours after surgery. I recall waking up at times and they explained what was happening. They also allowed me to write messages to them on a paper clipboard. Although this was very difficult to experience I am thankful for my nurses and for your support. Now I am home recovering and will have a stent placed through my wrist or groin in about 6 weeks.

[@mouse92672]

I had open heart surgery for Mitral Valve repair in October. I was told that I would be woken up in order to remove the tube, but I have ZERO recollection of first waking up. My memory starts after the tube is out and I'm in the CICU, my son telling me that I had to have open heart instead of minimally invasive surgery. So there is also a great chance that when you wake up with the tube still in, you won't remember any of this LOL I kind of wonder if I was relaxed or panicking. But I'm glad I don't remember because it might have felt traumatic in the moment. I don't remember much more until they removed the big IV doodad in my neck the next day. I don't even remember them taking out the catheter. Basically, I barely remember the first 24 hours after surgery LOL. As long as you don't try to reach, the pain in your chest in minimal. The best advice I can give is to listen to your doctors and nurses. Do what they ask and your recovery will be smooth. And for love of God, squeeze that heart pillow to your chest if you have to sneeze or cough! That pillow is going to be your best friend for a couple of weeks.

[@madhawaiian6138]

This is great advice. I had quintuple bypass surgery and afterwards using my logic over my emotions, and relaxing was the key to beginning a successful recovery. I also promised myself I would thank God that I was alive the first second I began to come out of surgery. That gratitude was critical to a positive attitude that got me through all of the recovery that followed. 7 months later I am in better shape an doing 10,000 steps a day!

[@joshenyou360]

Mad Hawaiian your comment "I also promised myself I would thank God that I was alive the first second I began to come out of surgery." just slapped me in the face and I immediately began to pray that God help me to remember to do that. Thank you Mad. Perhaps that will take care of 2 things. 1. Like Jim said, go to a place to keep your mind off of the tube in your throat and 2. Thanking the one that needs to be thanked. Thank you Mad and thank you Jim. I am having a triple bp in a couple of weeks. These are the best videos on the net to help me calm down and understand what will happen.

[@BEdmonson85]

I was in a medically induced coma for 3 weeks back in 2014 due to a mrsa infection that caused pneumonia and sepsis. When I woke up I was still intubated. I had a small amount of stomach acid that was flowing up into my mouth that I could taste -- it was horrible and I couldn't spit it out. It caused me to gag while still intubated (a terrible sensation). After multiple attempts to get my nurse's attention to no avail, I managed to slip my restraints.... and I self-extubated. Moral of the story... nurses, don't ignore your patients even if they can't speak.

[@daylight4455]

I'm having Aortic Valve Replacement soon, I didn't know the tube will still be in when I wake up. I definitely have to pray that the Lord calms my spirit, and I'm able to think of things to distract me until they take it out. I'm excited about the surgery, Because I've been suffering for years, and now it's severe, and my activity level is very low, my breathing is really bad, and I keep going into AFib. Please pray for me and I'm praying for you all also. God bless you Doctor for sharing this important information with us.

[@judeprocare8006]

Philippians 4:6,7 helped me a lot..kept going through my mind. Not an easy time..

[@daylight4455]

Thanks so much for the scriptures,God is faithful. God bless you

[@judeprocare8006]

😉👍

[@goforbirdies]

I'm going to have AVR very soon too. I've been waiting for 16 years. The breath tube is also my biggest fear. Anyway, we'll all survive. God will bless us!

[@judeprocare8006]

You will be ok. Just do what doctors and nurses tell you. The tubes etc don't hurt it's just some people have more of a fear of hospitals etc than others do..If your surgery involves opening up your chest, how you move and bend etc is super critical. Just learn not to move with your arms, use your body and especially your legs. Take a walking stick, better still, a 'grabber' tool. Best bit of kit ever and keep it with you for around least a month. No walking aids at all in hospital, no one even mentioned it...was shocked at that! Take your time, don't be scared. Just 'manage' yourself carefully..you will be ok..😉👍

[@judeprocare8006]

My open heart surgery is a week from now. Am 60. This video was very informative, helpful and reassuring!

[@benedettocracolici197]

Hey I hope you're doing well and God bless. I had quintuple bypass March 18th of 2019 and I'm still here I hope you are doing well.

[@judeprocare8006]

@@benedettocracolici197 Absolutely fine! Mine was aortic tissue valve replacement and aortic stenosis, bordering on severe. Operation on 7th February, Weds morning, was home by 4:00 pm Sunday. My personal choice was non-blood management but with alternatives and my own blood saving techniques (available in virtually all hospitals) and was fine and recovered quicker. Found all 4 videos very, very helpful. Just do lots of research and pick the bits of advice that suit your personal needs. 😉🙂 Thank you

[@benedettocracolici197]

@@judeprocare8006 good to hear that 🙏🏼

[@judeprocare8006]

By the way, I emailed my surgeons secretary afterwards and sent the YT links of the operation itself and the 4 after-care videos and asked her if she could forward those to the surgeon and the anaesthetist to show that we not only now appreciated more fully their skills, the videos also helped us to better care for the work they carried out. The secretary was delighted and did that. We also updated them on the healing of the scar and some of the other things we did, to show we were trying our best. They were all delighted with the efforts we made and we followed through with some well written cards of appreciation and special 'thank you' gifts. They deserved it 100%!

[@saradecapua3264]

I hope all went well. I'm have MVR in 2 weeks with the best surgeon in the world. She's amazing.

[@James-rg2wd]

I had open heart surgery on 3/30/2022. Thankfully I had watched this video prior because it helped me immensely. When I woke up I had a good idea of what was happening and why, which made the whole procesd much easier. After having the tube from my throat my care team told me I was the calmest patient they have ever had. I told them I had watched a KZbin video which gave everyone a good chuckle. Thank you for making this video as it helped me immensly and I cannot recommend it enough.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you James for your kind words. I am so pleased that the videos helped you especially with the waking up process. I wish more patients had access to them before surgery as you can attest to the fact that knowing what is going on and why makes the whole process much easier. It would be nice also if the care teams had the opportunity to see them also. I wish you a speedy recovery (video 4 will help with that), good luck and may God bless! Jim

[@benedettocracolici197]

Glad everything went well for you. They took my tube out the same second I was waking up, it's definitely not a good feeling with that tube down your throat 🙂 I had quintuple bypass on March 21st 2019

[@judeprocare8006]

I agree, especially about the tube for air down the throat! No-one told me anything about arms being 'tethered' not 'tied' etc. Very useful all the way through, calmly and clearly presented and by someone who had actually been through it, not just the 'theory' of it all. I have since made myself available to a Hospital Liaison Committee (who specialise in helping patients who may need the sort of surgery as I did, but with bloodless management), for the same reason: my own personal experience may help them. It's my way of 'giving back' to the surgical and caring system after all they have done for me and my wife..🙂❣️

[@TheMelanie4372]

I went through a quadruple bypass January 2024 and it hurt like hell while the 3 chest tubes were in. There was nothing pleasant about this MAJOR SURGERY... It gets better, however, it takes times. I had NO issues with the breathing tube coming out. Cough and it's over. I had to have strong pain meds (IV) for the first 48 hours then they will start oral pain meds. It saved my life and never wish to go through it again, but we are much stronger than we think so often. Bless anyone who is about to go through this and know we all respond differently. I wish you well and a speedy recovery ♥️ Be prepared to walk the very next morning with the nurse.. ohh boy

[@deem7478]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@dhreiki]

I had my quadruple bypass surgery almost 5 years ago. I have also had 10 back surgeries and the open heart surgery was much easier than the back surgeries. Glad to hear you're doing well! 👍

[@bobfowler9747]

Barely remember them taking it out,

[@daviddermondy456]

Hello Jim, I am currently laying in hospital awaiting triple bypass surgery, I can tell you that as a life long white coat phobia sufferer just being in the hospital stresses me out, but thanks to your calm, well informed information, I am ready and feeling confident, I'm so very happy and grateful to have found your videos, thank you so much for making them. I have shared the video links with the other patients on the ward and they all agree they are wonderful. I will come back and let you know how it went when its over. once again thank you for making these videos. god bless you.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

I wish you well with your surgery, fortunately you now know what to expect, and "Knowledge is Power". I appreciate you sharing the videos with other patients, the more we can help the better. Good luck and may God Bless! I look forward to hearing from you after your recovery. Jim

[@llm4187]

I hope everything works out, I had a triple double bypass 5 years ago. They made me watch a video much like this the day before the surgery. Yes you will be extremely out of it but somewhere in your brain you will remember.

[@lizmisson9949]

Stay strong mate, it will be behind you in short order 👍

[@chelylock]

I had open heart surgery just over two weeks ago, this video pretty much sums up my experience. I didn’t have any of the tools he showed to help your lungs though , I was just told to breathe deep 10 times and then cough. It’s a rough surgery. Each day you will feel better. Take care ❤️

[@maysunmaysun]

Hi. .where do you live? I need to talk to someone. My Doc.said I need to have an open heart surgery to replace one of the valves. ❤❤

[@wendyeesue]

I wish my nurse would have explained to me before the start of the open heart surgery how i may be feeling when i woke up. Would have helped my anxiety when i woke up. I had so much anger when i woke up because i FLATLINED just as i woke up. They brought me back , I have PTSD even to this day 18 years later. I will spread the word to anyone about this same thing before they have their open heart surgery. Be calm when you realize you are waking up from the open heart surgery

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you for offering to share the information, you will be helping patients avoid the anxiety that you experienced. Jim

[@sofarokintn8166]

@@wendyeesue I had a quadruple bypass 11/2022. Never even knew I had any heart problem until I went to ER with symptoms. I did not know how much I did not know to even ask intelligent questions. I woke up from surgery angry. I didnt feel happy or even relieved. And not confident about how much longer I will live. Now for 2 years its been consistant fatigue and fear of more problems. Had 2 more heart attacks just this year Feb 2024. Hope I make it to my 65th birthday in 2 of 2025.

[@HermilioOcampo]

I had my open heart surgery in 2001 and I thank God for my life and also I thank the doctors and nurses and the hospital.thank you I had good experience.

[@brianpatrick9902]

What a total gentleman you are. Thank you for you’re guidance

[@MsLouisVee]

Most helpful video on KZbin. keeps many patients from waking up panicked. thank you

[@skepticynic5150]

Triple bypass here. You left out the part in the recovery room when your chest feels like it’s going to burst, your nauseous from the anesthesia and your dry heaving all at once! Thought I was dying and I was screaming like a little girl! THAT was the very best part. They had me completely knocked out til after they removed the breathing tube, thank God for that! Still grateful they all saved my life!!!

[@Norfolkyakker]

This will be helpful for many. I suffered a ruptured AAA and was fitted with a prosthetic aorta and a pig valve. Coming out of the coma I had visions of being trapped in a blue tiled room this would fade and I'd see ghostly figures walking past. I tried to work out if this meant I'd survived or not. Eventually a nurse spoke and asked if I was awake. The next day I had the daunting task of eating ice cream and the next day they had me eating normal food and got me out of bed, which was torture. For several days I had hallucinations of insects swarming over the room, bed and me. I had three main complications a chest infection, going into AF and a blood clot all of which were successfully treated. It took 6 months of exercise and cardio rehab to get me roughly where I was before, now a year on I'm jogging 2 miles 3-4 times a week. The NHS did all this.

[@robertballesteros2275]

I am 57 year old with recent QUADRUPLE CABBAGE last Feb 5th, 2024. I woke up at the ICU without pain at the surgical table as if nothing happened to me.

[@genarbeard3335]

Excellent insight. I was surprised at the loss of strength. I was totally exhausted and 0 energy or strength.

[@vickyburton2434]

I hope I never have to go through this, but if I do, I am glad you shared this video! I am glad you mentioned care givers. I took care of my mother in Law for three months and I was absolutely exhausted.

[@DeniseMottram-bk7mk]

I'm 66 year old waiting for open heart surgery and I found this video was very helpful

[@benedettocracolici197]

I hope everything went ok 🙏🏼

[@maxineadderley5378]

I am the same age and had a double bypass exactly two months ago. I had 21 days of rehabilitation

[@DeniseMottram-bk7mk]

I'm still waiting for my surgery it been 5 months can't wait for the day to come so I can get on and enjoy my life .

[@garym1718]

Three things I can add.....from experience. First, I was "yelled" at, ok, not really, but was told to STOP chewing on the breathing tube numerous times. When I didn't stop the nurse continued keeping me feeling good with something to stop me. Second,... limit that ice chip intake. I dry heaved several times. Not fun!. Third...2 weeks after my valve replacement I had an unsuspecting sneeze hit. My heart pillow was out of reach. Oh My God!!! I highly recommend to keep it with you at all times. That sneeze was the worst part/pain of open heart surgery. Good luck to all future OHS patients.

[@dhammer6715]

Yes sneezes and coughing were a 10/10 painful. I learned a few tricks. Take Benadryl to stop any post nasal drip because it slowly builds up in the back of your throat causing you to cough. Hunch over, squeeze that pillow into your chest, then start hacking with your mouth wide open. Kind of like you’re trying to get a loopy to spit. This will clear most of the mucus hanging out in the back of your throat preventing you from coughing. As for sneezing, try to open your mouth as wide as possible, tilt your head back. Then if you sneeze, it stopped most of my sneezes magically, keep your mouth completely open, and sneeze. It will drastically reduce any chest back-pressure and reduce the pain tremendously. Also, sleep in a comfy chair, laying down caused more mucus to collect and more coughing.

[@jackmeyhoffer5107]

This gentleman has a very calming and reassuring voice and manner. A very informative video.

[@NurseSnow2U]

He really does, he's what healthcare is missing, such incredible compassion and the delivery of information. He's a true gem! 🥰✨

[@Prounounced]

I have no idea how I got here as someone in generally good health. But I found it very enlightening, and if I ever am in the future needing heart surgery, I'll return for advice. Great presentation.

[@ChrisMartin-b7l]

I had mitral valve replacement and two other heart procedures six weeks ago. I am in the UK but found this series of videos the most clear and helpful of many I watched prior to my surgery. The four videos are excellent and I found that they reassured me and prepared me for what to expect. My biggest worry was the waking up bit after surgery. As it happens I don’t remember the breathing tube or anything else, but I had committed to memory the reassurances given in this video, so that if I did wake up panicked I could calm myself. As I say - a really helpful series of videos.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm happy that you didn't have to wake up with the breathing tube still in, and I'm happy you found the videos to be helpful. I hope your recovery is going well and that you are on your way back to good health. Remember, listen to your body it will let you know when to push yourself and when to take a break. I wish for you a continued speedy recovery, and may God Bless! Jim

[@benedettocracolici197]

@@aheartbeataway4u360 thank you, you also stay safe 🙏🏼

[@ChrisMartin-b7l]

Thanks. Recovery going well. You are so right about listening to your body. The other thing I have learned is to be patient and not too hard on yourself - after all I have just had major surgery and recovery will take time!

[@chrisl4298]

Hi, im due mitral valve repair within the next four weeks. This is the best comprehensive video on this topic on the internet. Awesome information. Well done, and thank you... Chris , England. Uk. ...And to slightly mis-quote you Jim, " i can do this.!".. ( And YOU can too.)

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

@chrisl4298 Hi Chris, I am happy that you found the videos to be helpful and informative. Now you have the ability to know what is going on around you and why. That alone will make the process much more tolerable. As I say to patients many times, Knowledge is Power! I wish for you a successful procedure, a quick recovery, and may God Bless! Jim

[@deem7478]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤

[@Kdelsite1]

This is great stuff! As a patient who has been through four open-heart surgeries, I can say that everything you’ve talked about is accurate, with the exception of the pain. The truth is it hurts, and no amount of meds I can take it all away. A cough or sneeze are excruciating. But that said, this type of counseling should be mandatory for anybody who is going to be having their chest cracked.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Hi Kdelsite1, my hat is off to you! You are only the second person I ever talked to that had four open-heart surgeries. Thank you for your kind words especially coming from someone with your level of experience. I have to admit that pain was not an issue for me after the third day, but I'm right there with you when it comes to that first sneeze. I remember it bringing tears to my eyes. (Thanks for the memory - LOL) With regards to your last statement although several thousand patients and their families have viewed the videos, I am always trying to let those facing surgery know that they exist. What ever you can do to spread the word, it would surely be appreciated. Thanks again and may God Bless! Jim

[@dxtorrey]

I just finished 24 hours home after a CABG and valve repair. I have the advantage of age and my procedure was "elective" and things are not so bad as I imagined. Still 4 open-heart surgeries and can write about it amazes me to no end. Thank you for sharing. I have not sneezed yet, I will be dreading that till it eventually happens!!

[@iiencarriere2664]

That's really too bad. As a double valve recipient I had no pain

[@Aviation_guy-]

I’m not even having surgery but for whatever reason I can’t stop watching this series

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

If you come across someone who may be needing open heart surgery, you can recommend the videos to them, which will help them to prepare. Thanks for watching. Jim

[@MargaretAble]

Wish I had heard of this guy before I had surgery , it’s just like he says what happens he,s got such a soothing voice

[@bobdavis3389]

You are spot on , really , looking back , it's not so bad and it is worth it.

[@sllimnivet]

I had OHS for a VSD when i was 11 years old, I'm now 32. When i woke up, thankfully, i didnt have the breathing tube in, i did however have in the neck tube, the tube in my stomach and the 'pee tube', lol. The moment i woke up and was "aware" was the most miserable, my surgery was finished around 6pm and i was seeing everything in two's, hearing everything amplified and couldnt talk or communicate, it sucked because i wanted to go back to sleep but couldn't. Your description of the tubes and their removal is very accurate! It feels odd but not painful. The pillow is a MUST HAVE, before coughing or sneezing be sure to keep that pillow close by, the pain youd feel in your chest if you dont support your chest and modify the way you cough and sneeze is TERRIBLE (i learned that the hard way). Thankfully i was out of the hospital and walking, albeit hunched over, in 4 days max. Although i was 11 years old i was very intuned with myself and everything and i can remember it all as it were yesterday, matter of fact, while watching this video i squirmed a bit because i could "feel" everything again. But dont be scared going into OHS, just be fair to yourself and be patient. This video and all the others in this series is really helpful and accurate! This should be played in hospitals lol

[@DavidScott-oq9yp]

Just had CABG a week ago. I was terrified of all the same things everyone is, especially the breathing tube. The anesthesiologist does their best to manage the comfort side and the amnestic side of the post-op process. I have just a very brief memory of being conscious and very aware of the breathing tube being in and doing it's thing, but I didn't mind it. And it wasn't uncomfortable at all, and my recollection was very brief. I found out later of some complications that required prolonged post-op sedation. I lost an entire day. So I know I had the breathing tube in for a while, I just wasn't aware of it. In short, I was prepared to have a full-on freakout, but ended up having a super-easy time of it. I hope my experience is the more common one.

[@davidmcmahon5234]

Had a triple by pass done three years ago in the beacon hospital absolutely magnificent they were everyone so grateful for everything they did takes time after it drank the river Shannon with water 💦 in lcu after it but all is good 👍 now anyone that is getting it done before you know your knocked out then they wake u up takes time but wouldnt be doing it unless they had to lol 😊

[@carol1123]

❤🙏🏼💙

[@thegreatgully628]

Very accurate explanations. I'm 4 weeks post op CABG. The only thing I'll add is depending on your surgeon, you may have extra drains, I had 5 total with 2 being in the lungs. Holy cow did those hurt when they got lodged in the wrong position. Other than that, I would say he was fairly spot on. I think due to the drowsiness everything seemed to happen pretty quick when I first woke up as far as having the breathing tube removes. Best of luck to anyone having a cardiac procedure.

[@delavalmilker]

I'm 67 and had mitral valve replacement 2 years ago. I honestly can say that waking up from the surgery was not traumatic. I have no recollection of feeling disoriented or distressed. The last thing I remember is that they were reeling into the waiting area. Then in a flash the next thing I knew I was staring at the ceiling, and someone was telling me the operation went fine. And asking me to wiggle my toes and clench my fists. Perhaps the most unusual feeling was a sense that no time had passed. When you nap or sleep, even after a deep sleep you have an awareness that some time has passed. None at all with this. I was aware of the breathing tube down my throat, but don't seem to recall that it was particularly stressful in any way. The only unpleasant thing was that my mouth was terribly dry. They gave me some ice cubes to suck on, and that was a great relief. When they removed the breathing tube (after about 30 minutes I seem to remember) I did have a brief tendency to cough.

[@jodyiovan6887]

I’m scheduled for that in 2wks, May I message/text you?

[@Aldosky5]

I’m 39 years old and just had my triple CABG open heart surgery two weeks ago and your videos enlightened me. Big Thanks 🙏

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

You're very welcome! I wish for you a speedy recovery, and may God Bless! Jim

[@hodgey7183]

My ICU team were awesome. I was literally watched for 48 hours. Every change was noted. They kept me there an extra 24 hours as my potassium level dropped which apparently isn’t good . I’m four months out, I walk 4.5 km every day at 6kph pace. I still get tired but I rest as much as possible. I’ve finished the rehab course but still follow the exercises at least three times a wee. Thank God for the brilliance of the surgeons, the professionalism and dedication of the ICU and ward team and support of my family. Apart from wife I banned all visitors as they are so exhausting. That helped a lot.

[@goforbirdies]

While the breath tube in your mouth, did you try to breath, or just stay still? I'm really scared of this part.

[@hodgey7183]

@@goforbirdies . must admit that part frightened me, the thought of waking up with a tube in my throat and gagging as you try to breathe. I gag even when I have an X-ray at the dentist. How it works is they take you to surgery, you talk to the anesthest for about 10 secs. Next thing you know you’re waking up in ICU. There you’re literally looked at every second. You’re sitting, propped up in bed and the nurse will notice you’re coming awake. As you come round you don’t even notice the tube in your throat as you’re on morphine anyway. This is the important bit, the nurse will ask you to cough twice, this is really important, cough twice literally as hard as you can. Then it’s out, like that, two seconds. They’ll get you up on your feet as soon as possible so comply exactly with what they say. They’re professionals they do this every day. The first 24 hours you’re pretty much out of it. You’re watched like a hawk which is unnerving at first but normal. Everything you do is monitored and noted on your chart. Generally you’re back on the ward after 24 hours. I had to stay a little longer as my potassium level dropped but that was easily sorted with drinking liquid potassium. Once you’re on the ward they get you walking, supported by two nurses about 25m within two more days you’re able to walk 200m on your own. Then after about five days they watch you walk round the ward, about 250-300m, you have the stair test, up and down and you’re good to go. During this time the nerves in your chest “go to sleep” so there’s very little pain. After ICU I didn’t even have paracetamol except for a couple of times. It is very uncomfortable changing position or getting out of bed as you can’t use your arms or chest to move around but you soon find ways round this. You will be given coughing/breathing exercises, there’s videos here on KZbin. It’s really important to do these every hour or 90 mins as if there’s mucus in your lungs it helps bring it up. It makes your recovery easier and faster. I found a shower chair at home invaluable so you are very tired quite easily and the first week it’s tiring standing in the shower. It will take the doctors a little time to get your meds right as everyone is individual so react differently. Don’t be too worried if your HR or BP goes up or down as they can adjust your meds accordingly. The worst thing is you think you’re the only one going through this but there’s 100s of thousands of us. 11:44 11:44 I found the ‘open heart surgery survivors, the zipper club’ on FB very useful. There’s always someone on there who have the same anxiety or reached the same milestone as you. Remember to have patience as recovery is not a straight line up, one day you’ll feel marvelous the next day like sh*t but you will notice a huge improvement from one week to the next. Good luck and I hope this helped. The worst part is waiting. I’m 3xCABG & +4 months

[@goforbirdies]

@@hodgey7183 really appreciate your reply. It does calm me down.

[@cadillacdeville5828]

His voice is so soothing and reassuring.

[@lizmisson9949]

I’m fit-ish 61 and am now 4 weeks post op (aortic valve replacement) every thing he said happened that way for me (I’m in Australia) really excellent info, that’s exactly the way it went for me. Knowing what I know now having had that experience I would not be as terrified as I was before surgery.

[@blackorchid2180]

So true ... I was petrified ... wish I had known about these videos before mine ... I hope you are well on the road to recovery ... from Australia also.

[@bondman21]

My wife is now here in UCI here Valencia , Spain , after a mitral valve repair. I found these chats so helpful, thank you. All has gone well, she has no recollection of the tube but I know it was there when I first saw her. ❤

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

@bondman21 It makes me happy to know that you found the videos to be helpful and informative. I am also happy that your wife has no recollection of the breathing tube. Now her recovery begins! Each 24-hour period, she will feel just a little bit better. Then the day comes when she will say something like, "I didn't know how bad I felt until I now know how good I feel". I have had many valve repair patients say similar words to me. There are many good tips in video 4 that will help her with her recovery and will help you to know what she needs. I wish for her a smooth and continued recovery, and may God Bless. Jim

[@rvnmedic1968]

Excellent information. I was a respiratory therapist back in the 1970s and took care of a lot of ICU/CCU ventilator patients and also post op. Now I'll be the patient! My triple bypass surgery is scheduled for 12 October 22. BTW, I watched all of your videos on OHS series. Cheers from Syracuse, NY. Bob

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you for your kind words. You have an advantage over most patients because of your experience and as I tell many patients "Knowledge is Power!". I'm happy that you found the videos to be informative, I wish you success with your procedure and also a speedy recovery. Good luck and may God Bless. Any questions just ask! Jim

[@mitchellmiller9019]

I just had this done, be blessed

[@brittdei]

I hope all went well with your surgery and having a speedy recovery!

[@donnarichard3296]

Thank You so much for this awesome video ! I’m a 69yo retired nurse and have witnessed these patients for a distance , I worked in other areas ! I’m gonna think of you as I recover !!! God Bless You 🙏❣️❣️❣️

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Hi Donna, You are very welcome! I wish you luck with your procedure, a speedy recovery, and may God Bless! Remember, Knowledge is Power, and Time is your Friend. Jim

[@markharmon9877]

i had a quadruple bypass CABG 10 days ago. YES it does hurt. I woke up restrained with the tube still in place. My eyes were wide open, mouth felt wide open. My body felt like i was wound up into a tiny little ball. The process may have been quick, but it felt like hours. During the removal process, it felt like i was being cranked open. it was the most terrifying experience i have ever had. Each moment of the removal was an eternity. moving you into a chair the next day was also horrible. They lay you flat and pick you up and move you to a hard surfaced chair. and then the sit you up. it took more than 2 days to have tubes removed. onee tube came out ok, the second one had to be done in the OR room. so i had a second surgery. They stitched the tube to a section inside me, but didnt remember they did that. So when they tried pulling the second tube out they had two different people tugging on it before deciding it needed surgery. While i was out of ICU and home in 5 days, this experience was not as easy on the body as he is stating. Im completely exhausted everyday. I can do maybe one task and then my energy is gone for the next 24 hours. My legs are in pain from the vein harvesting, both legs had harvesting done on them to get the best veins for the bypass. i didnt know anything about that until a day or two later when the surgeon was checking my legs. they unwrapped them and i saw what they did. while it was a less invasive part of the surgery, there is still pain there too that i didnt know about. the stinging in my legs and the numbness didnt start right away. thanx to the pain meds i guess. So standing up and walking due to this part of the surgery is difficult as well. ive been home 5 days. legs are still numb and stinging from the pain. they send you home with about 5 days worth of pain meds now. Thanx to the doctors and big pharma who created the opiod epidemic. Getting more meds for pain is almost not an option. Yes i know you have to push past the pain but FFS i just had open heart surgery, i think you could give me more than 15 low does hydrocodone tabs. Be sure you have someone at home to help you. You CANNOT do this alone. Yes im happy they took such good care of me and i am home recovering, dont be fooled into thinking thhis is an easy journey. Its MAJOR surgery. And every part of this experience hurt like hell.

[@donnacaco6321]

I describe my cabg x 3 in one word: BRUTAL!

[@bajajoes1]

I HAD 3X BYPASS SURGERY IN 2018 AND WOKE UP SCREAMING WITH THE ICU NURSE TELLING ME TO SHUT UP.

[@Lucy_Wangui]

I had an open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement on the 26th Feb this year. I am glad upon waking up, I didn't have the breathing tubes.

[@Joseph-kg8dd]

How are you feeling

[@douglassours6990]

I had the same surgery the same day as you!! I didn't have the breathing tube still as well!!

[@dhammer6715]

I had a recent horrible experience. Woke up with horrible back pain, could not breathe at all, I knew something was wrong, the respiratory therapist ignored my pleas to get a pen to tell them my issues. The respiratory therapist, not the anesthesiologist, did not wean me off the ventilator. No cuff leak test, nothing. She told me to cough, she pulled out the tube and I was choking to death. My throat was swollen shut. After the most terrifying and horrible minute or so of my life, I died, my heart stopped. I don’t know how long I was in cardiac arrest, but was revived and woke up with another tube down my throat. It wasn’t placed properly and jammed itself into the roof of my mouth and in the gag spot. It hurt so badly that I bit down on the tube to relieve the jabbing pain and gagging. The respiratory therapist said they will leave me on it again for another night, I was freaking out because of what just happened and that the new tube was gagging and hurting me. They ignored my pleas to get a pen and tell them about the poor tube placement. They sedated me and I barely recall the second time they removed the tube. This time it was done by the anesthesiologist and he did everything properly according to the hospital records and I had no issues. However, my throat and tongue were so swollen I barely had room to breathe. They have 3 tubes in your stomach and the pressure they create barely let you breathe as well. They caused back spasms and such pain I would stop breathing and take 30 minutes just to catch my breath. I even developed atrial fibrillation a day later. Don’t even get me started on how impossible it was to swallow my mediations and they didn’t care. I said I would pay out of pocket to switch them to IV and they didn’t care. I am very healthy and had an ascending and root aortic aneurysm replaced. It was a nightmare due to the reckless incompetence of the respiratory therapist. If you ever get intubated and extubated DEMAND THAT ONLY THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST DO THESE PROCEDURES. I was a near miss, but many others have died due to poor extubations. Look it up.

[@Lkom24]

That's awful

[@Katie-vy5rd]

OH my goodness, I'm so very sorry , sounds like it was very traumatic . I've never been seriously ill so I can't imagine. I get anxious just getting blood drawn . Hope The end result of your surgery was successful and you're doing well now

[@goforbirdies]

This is the most detailed info about the surgery. Appreciate your time!

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

I don't remember waking up intubated from open heart surgery. I do remember I was very upset and in a shitload of pain. And I was also Furious and heartbroken to discover both my mom and my husband had left to go home so I woke up with no one there except a grouchy overworked nurse. My best friend in another state is going to have open heart surgery in a couple of days and you better believe I'm going to be at her side when she wakes up

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Hi Jody, I'm not sure if you remember but in the video I tell family members to stay with a patient after they have woken up until as I say, "they are OK with the patient being OK". No one should make family members leave until that point. The reason I ask family members to leave at that point is because patients need time to start healing, if family members are there, we try to stay awake to be with our family. We also in a way become caregivers saying things like "I'll be OK" etc..I'm sorry you experienced that extra anxiety when your nurse should have been helping you through a difficult time. In todays world nurses being overworked is a factor as well. Your friend is lucky to have someone like you to be there for her. Make sure she sees the videos and #4 may give you some reminders to help her with her recovery. Good luck and may God Bless. Jim

[@polluxphilibert649]

​@@aheartbeataway4u360 I WOKE UP A WEEK AGO FROM HEART SURGERY AND MY WIFE OF 40YEARS WASNT THERE BY MY SIDE WE NEVER BEEN SEPERATED FROM EACH OTHER SO I WAS HEART BROKEN TWICE. I NEEDED HER SHE NEEDED ME . THE HOSIPITAL TOLD HER SHE COULDNT STAY DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. WHEN I DID SEE HER DURING VISITING HOURS HER EYES WERE SWOLLEN SO BAD FROM CRYING SHE COULDNT SEE OUT OF THEM SO I KNOW THE FEELING.

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

@@polluxphilibert649 wow man I am so darn sorry you went through that. Literally from the bottom of my heart.

[@sheraee7017]

Omgeee thissss.... I'm 43 and I've had 2 open heart surgeries and about to have my 3rd. My 2nd was in 2019 to replace my mitral valve and repair my ASD and I was sooo freaked out when I woke up in the ICU and literally felt like I couldn't breathe, Couldn't talk because of the ET tube, there were mittens on my hands so I wouldn't rip my tubes out and I felt like the room was dark. I was so scared and thought the nurse was mean because all she kept saying was "if you don't calm down we will have to sedate you" my family was still there and I just cried. Next thing I know it was morning and the tube was out. I don't even remember them extubating me. It was such a traumatizing experience much different than the 1st surgery. So happy I found this video to let me know was I experienced was real.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

I am at a loss for words after reading your text. I admire your strength as you face your third surgery because you are clearly a strong individual as is evidenced by your personal journey towards improved cardiac health. I am also so pleased that you found the videos and found them to be beneficial. What you experienced will become less traumatic over time, but I will admit that when I close my eyes and quietly revisit my own experience some of the feelings are still present. At least with your third surgery you have the knowledge you have acquired and the videos to help you prepare. And remember "Knowledge is Power"! I wish for you a successful procedure and a speedy recovery. Good luck and may God Bless! Jim

[@linzbn4179]

so compassionate. this helped me prepare for my mothers surgery

[@sydphillipps7272]

I'm 20 years old and going to have open heart surgery to fix my atrial septal defect I recently found out about. This was all pretty recent and I've never had surgery before so I'm trying to prepare myself on what to expect. Even though my surgeon says it not an emergency surgery and the survival rate is over 99% I'm still terrified. Watching things like this and being informed makes this whole process seem more manageable in a way as I never really had any health issues and to be quite honest I don't "feel" like my heart is broken if that makes sense.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Fear and anxiety are a normal part of the process. Remember "k

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

"Knowledge is Power! The more you know the better you will be prepared.

[@glapots]

I hope it went well for you

[@johnbolla5607]

I know how you feel I had open heart surgery cabbage times 5 every valve I had was 90 to 100% blocked about the surgery I put it off for 14 years of course it wasn't that bad when I first started I was scared but I was at the point where I had to do it or die I had no choice and I wish you luck with your surgery mine turned out okay I'm still recovering six months later

[@gerrodivey1789]

Did everything go well. And where did you have your surgery?

[@davidball4085]

So informative - my triple by pass 5 years ago and was exactly as you say with the same experience. Shame I did not see this video before hand.

[@marianjanes6202]

I find your thoughts and delivery very comforting.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you, Jim

[@davidllewis4075]

Anesthesiologist had told me my hands would be tied when I woke up. When I did, knowing this was the most comforting thing to happen to me. I was immediately aware of my situation and knew I would be all right. And, yes, I am going back for 2nd try, so this video helps me understand what happened 1st time when I had no videos.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

As I have told many patients, "Knowledge is Power"!

[@briandenley]

At 72, I am about the go through triple bypass surgery at Mass General. Thanks so much for taking the time for these videos!

[@yorkiem0m]

how are you doing? were you able to remember this video's tips and tricks?

[@briandenley]

@@yorkiem0m My bypass surgery is scheduled for Jan 26th. I’m just trying to stay Covid free until then.

[@paulmarsh9905]

@@briandenley trust me keep your chin up and smile with the nurses. you will be okay.

[@nancyhoskins197]

My cousin used to be head of nursing. She always spoke extremely well if the surgical and nursing teams. You will have great care! Do noy be anxious or fearful. You are being given the opportunity for a new life, with new opportunities! And remember prayer is your direct connection to the Lord God, Almighty Creator, and Mightiest Physician! I know you will do well through recovery!

[@briandenley]

@@paulmarsh9905 Paul: came home yesterday from bypass surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. I was supposed to have a triple bypass but ended up with a quadruple bypass. I was there for five days. I have to tell you that your videos helped me and my family know what to expect. Because I knew they were going to happen, neither the removal of the breathing tube or the three chest tubes or the pacemaker wires were traumatic at all. After the first day in ICU, I had no pain at all and they managed that first day pain pretty well. But I have to say that the phase: “ there’s no place like home” is very true. My family still can believe I am doing as well as I am. Thanks so much again! Brian

[@starjacko]

Gentlemen...great videos! As a seven year CABGx3 veteran, I will keep these videos in mind to recommend to friends facing their own cardiac journeys (been there for a few already). Thanks for the excellent and professional presentation!

[@paigevalenti7395]

I wouldn’t say that “heart surgery really doesn’t hurt.” That’s not a fact. For you, pain may have been minimal. But a lot of our open heart patients experience extreme pain due to chest tube placement. Others may feel moderate pain, some just may feel a slight discomfort. It varies. And we tell our patients not to expect to be completely “pain free” especially during the first 24 hours. You quite literally have had your chest cut open. There is probably going to be SOME level of discomfort, regardless of pain medication management. 😊

[@jzoberek]

The worst thing for me was the chest tubes---not while being taken out, but just being in. I told the nurse my left shoulder felt like I was being stabbed, and she said it was a referred pain from the chest tubes, and it would get much better once the chest tubes were out. She was right. After that, I felt "sore" in general, but I was surprised that, for me anyway, it wasn't as painful as I would have expected. These videos helped me tremendously in knowing what to expect.

[@phillipreynolds5524]

Extremely helpful video. Knowing what was going to happen helped me stay relatively calm, especially when it came to waking up with the breathing tube still in. I did everything suggested here, and it worked. Glad I watched this before my valve sparing aortic root/ascending aorta replacement surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Couldn’t have gone better.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you for your kind words. I am always pleased when I hear from patients who found the videos both helpful and informative. I try my best to make them available to everyone I can because, as I say to many patients, "Knowledge is Power." Please feel free to share them whenever possible. I hope your recovery is going well, and may God Bless. Jim

[@workonitm8]

Some people have nightmares about the surgery for quite some time afterwards. I've been through this twice and my only thoughts were about going home and getting on with my life, not looking back. I think I did just fine. The only pain I had was when the drain tubes were removed but that was gone in about 30 minutes. For me, that was just one more step closer to going home. ☺👍

[@brunaminiquellibeserra3117]

You are a hero! My boyfriend is being required to have a heart surgery, I am trying to find relevant information to calm myself down and be able to be helpful to him. Thank you for spending your time educating us ❤

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Hi Bruna, Thank you for your kind words. I am happy to see that you found the videos to be informative. Watching them together will help you both prepare and will help you to understand what he will be going through. If you will be his caregiver post-op, it also helps you to know what he is feeling. I wish for him a successful procedure, a speedy recovery, and may God Bless. Jim PS Any questions? Just ask!

[@ritajameson9133]

I'm sure he will be fine x

[@emokoblizek]

Hello, my bf is having surgery tomorrow and I am freaking out. I am anxious and so worried.. How’s your bf now?

[@vincenegro5270]

I'm 82 , 4/13/24 had Bentall aortic procedure ,mitral and tricuspid valve repair. Lots of tubes, little pain. Serious problem unrelated to surgery in hospital 3 days after in CCU. Was unable to do routine recover protocol, 13 days later in nursing home. Go in knowing its going to hurt but not nearly as much as a birth delivery. Bless our women,

[@TheMelanie4372]

I just went through a quadruple bypass January 10th 2024 and the most PAINFUL SURGERY i have ever been through. I will not go through this again so i hope the veins remain open... I will do my part but i refuse to go through it again ever!!!

[@slwtgf]

God bless you and your resolve to get through this feat! My mom in law is in having this done as I type, a triple. She just barely found the grit to face this, much less get it over with, too. I hope you’re feeling better it’s terrifying

[@slwtgf]

I really hope the oppressive anxiety level also decreases (following this extensive major procedure) as well as pain levels

[@donalddlugos6688]

Why? Please let me know.

[@donnacaco6321]

I agree, cabg x 3 March 7, 2023. BRUTAL. Never again!!!

[@randydavis3140]

I agree worst pain i ever felt omg if you cough or sneeze

[@boblench6207]

23 years ago i had a quadruple (4) bypass by a wonderful team led by Dr Alan Bryan in Bristol, i had heart problems in my Dad’s family he passed away aged 45, & my younger brother also @43, thank you so much i play golf 3times a week & walking the course, so what can i say other than thank you so much Dr Bryan & your team.👍

[@lisacurran3599]

I had a Heart Attack at work on December 3rd 2023. I will be having surgery on January 11th for a valve replacement. I see enjoyed your videos. Now maybe I won’t be so scared

[@MAZGamingUK]

Good luck, Lisa

[@blackorchid2180]

Good luck Lisa ... the waking up after OHS isn’t anywhere as bad as I was expecting ... I was calm and just pleased the surgery was over ... you will be back on your feet and fighting fit before you know it.

[@benedettocracolici197]

Good luck Lisa. I know you'll do well. 🙏

[@maryk8277]

E I'm​@@blackorchid2180

[@benedettocracolici197]

I had quintuple bypass heart surgery 5 years ago and I'm good thank God. Recently I had to go for a bypass on my leg which the artery was clogged 90% and I'm recovering right now it takesabout 4 to 6 months to recover from a leg bypas. I feel 100% better. I also have neuropathy in my eyes from the diabetes, i have my shares. Good luck to everyone that's going through this.

[@keithallen690]

I woke to the intubation tube; thought I was choking had to tell myself to relax. Wish I had seen this before hand.

[@patriciaparsons2655]

Same here. No one told me. They should kept you under for you won't wake up to the tube down your throat. Aug 2022

[@abf0753]

When I woke up I wanted to talk but couldn’t cause of the tube. Tried to take it but my my hands were tethered. Lucky my daughter was there and said Dad go back to sleep. I did and the next thing I knew I woke up in my room with her sitting beside me. I knew every thing was ok. 6:36

[@dross24MA]

I laughed out loud at 12:29 when you said, "Ask them to go home." How true that is after *any* surgery! 😆

[@allison481959]

Good video had my second surgery one month ago,watch this hes right on track,if your prepared its so much smoother,my 2nd was a breeze

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Hi Allison, Thank you for your kind words. I have had the opportunity to meet with several patients who have undergone a second open heart surgery, and they have all said that the second surgery was so much easier because they knew what to expect. That was my whole goal with the videos to help patients prepare by giving them the knowledge of what to expect. As you said, it makes things go so much smoother. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. God bless, Jim

[@benedettocracolici197]

🙏🙏🙏

[@patricialarsen6460]

You’re amazingly comforting.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

@patricialarsen6460 Thank you Pat!

[@benjaminparker6319]

Perfect and spot on after two mitral valve repairs 16years apart!

[@degatyphoon]

This would have been REALLY good to know before my CABG. I was awake and intubated post-surg and gagged repeatedly. It was probably the most terrifying things I've ever experienced.

[@goforbirdies]

True, I'm not afraid of pain, I'm really afraid of being suffocated. how long did the tube stay in your throat?

[@jannanichols2129]

I agree. Mine was a surprise as I expected the day before to get stints a totally different experience and one I had a year before. I literally neither before or after was told ANYTHING AT ALL as to what’s about to occur so this though one month late is good to help my analytical mind wrap my head around my personal month of severe pain as it can be younger than some (I just turned 55 ,3 days before this emergency situation and you have MORE NERVES that react, and I’m telling you it’s awful recovery pain especially the first month )

[@pinupgirl1949]

😮😢😢😢😢Sounds useful!!

[@stacymacdonald440]

Thanks for the information and thanks for educating others. As a nurse it is not easy to teach these points or techniques the day of or after surgery, your video is aces to help the patient understand what we are doing and why. This makes the patient more receptive to our requests and their anxiety is decreased naturally not chemically. Going to recommend this site to colleagues.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you, Stacy, for your kind words. I appreciate your willingness to share this information with future OHS patients and your colleagues. As I tell many patients, Knowledge is Power and once they have a better understanding of what to expect, it makes the entire process much more tolerable. Thank you also for the work you do. I count many nurses as friends, so I have a good understanding of the dedication that nurses have to their patients. Thanks again, and may God Bless! Jim

[@donparker8246]

I'm looking at aortic valve replacement surgery soon. I'll definitely use some of these tips you gave. Thank you.

[@LeoladyAZ]

I love the clear sraight forward way everything was explained.

[@Giosairplaneworld8]

Thank you for this my wife heart surgery is this Monday sept 26th and this has taught me a lot of what to expect praying it goes well :)

[@rvnmedic1968]

Hope it went well for her (and you!). You should update your post with her experience and results. Cheers, Bob

[@MargaretAble]

Wow I wish I had the opportunity to listen to this guy, before I had aortic valve ops unfortunately twice In 9 months, he has such a calming voice, & he,s spot on . Newcastle upon tyne england

[@lesbrown8099]

Wow… without question one of the kindest and most informative videos I’ve seen… thank you…!

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

You're very welcome!

[@robertanderson3455]

Wish I had seen this before May surgery. Very Good!

[@debbieharris5667]

My husband just had surgery yesterday. I wish I would have listened to this before, the waking up process is scary.

[@campassi1961]

Thank you so much ... so much. I will be up in a few hours to get ready. Thank you for the description. I go through bouts of fear and sometimes some panic. 11/20/2023

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

It's normal to be scared. Heart surgery is a big deal. I would be more concerned if you weren't anxious, that would mean that you are not taking this seriously. You've done some homework, so now you will have some sense of what is going on around you and why. As I say to patients all the time, "Knowledge is Power". Try your best to stay calm, and parts of the video will come back to you as things progress. I wish for you a successful procedure, a speedy recovery, and may God Bless. Jim

[@falischika6221]

It’s been 9 days. Hope you’re doing fine. Update us if you can 🤗😊

[@karenstirling2485]

I am having ohs tomorrow. Thank you for your excellent, to the point, informative video on the first few days.

[@bryandozois5079]

I had CABG x5 in November. I was awake for several hours with the tube still in. Didnt bother me until they told me i had to breath on my own and they removed it. After surgery i had no pain medicine again. Nothing but Tylenol. They offered it, but i didnt need it. I have a high tolerance for pain. Some people need pain meds. My nurses were surprised i didnt want any. Overall i though the whole surgery process was much easier than i thought it would be. I recovered quickly.

[@bryandozois5079]

@@Democrathater24 hope you are doing well with your recovery.

[@Mikau-gb8uo]

what are you a mexican cartel member? the pain after waking up was excruciating.. I couldn't breathe because of it..

[@bryandozois5079]

@@Mikau-gb8uo Mexican cartel lol. No I just have a high pain tolerance.

[@bryandozois5079]

Thank you. I recovered well. Back to work and feeling good.

[@myfavorites1016]

Yes that is true about chest tubes, i agree on everything he says , you don't want visitors for a day or so . That heart shaped pillow is a life saver

[@oceansunsetak]

I went into surgery to have my aorta valve replaced. I woke up and was immediately told by the surgeon they repaired it instead. Surrounded by family I was in a jovial mood feeling no pain I started telling jokes making light of my situation. Good drugs. The recovery room had windows and it was sunny out the room was decorated it to make you feel at home.Mayo clinic Rochester

[@bonniechadwick3742]

My husband is going in for this on Friday, I'm so glad you prepared me for what I will see when I go in after his surgery. It also makes me feel better when you said go home and let him rest. I feel guilty leaving but the hospital is overcrowded and the waiting room is terrible, I'd rather be home waiting. Other people make you feel guilty for not staying in the hospital but it seems like it is easier for my husband if I am not in the way.

[@etmax1]

This is really interesting, to hear the "common perspective" ie. the voice of many CABG procedures all rolled into one. I never wake up disoriented, not after some 15 or procedures of one type or another over 60 years, and after my CABG I wasn't "tethered" although the tube was still in. A nurse was there and told me that the tube was there and that it will come out once they're confident I can breathe on my own, You do forget quite easily that you can't talk, and I found it quite humorous braking out in minor laughter of rather wheezy type. This was early COVID so my wife was only allowed to see me from a distance so I smiled and did some stand-up comedy (lying down of course 🙂. That brought a smile to her face so she wasn't so worried when she had to leave after a few minutes. I can't remember now exactly whether they pulled the airway tube out the first or the second day, but yep, it made that hissing sound 🙂. The only bothersome part of it was the suction they used to remove any excess mucus from my throat, not painful but rather unpleasant. In the ICU we had a very open layout where there was a nurses centre in the middle and all the ICU beds were fanned out so the patients could be easily monitored. I had no discomfort whatsoever, perhaps (probably) due to all of the drugs. but that first night was a real bother for me, you see I have a naturally low heart rate when lying in bed, usually around the 50-55bpm and especially after having all of my plumbing cleaned out so what kept on happening was that my heart rate dropped to about 48-49 as I slept and they had this pacemaker wired up to my heart that sensed my heart rate was too low and did a jump start. This would happen every 2-5 minutes all night, so by the morning I was exhausted. On day 2 I had an event where I was staring into the void watching what was going on around me and all of a sudden I'm surrounded by 2 doctors and maybe 10 nurses and one asked what I feel and I said I feel ok, just a bit of tightness in my chest. It turned out that the diuretic they gave me to help get rid of excess fluid had flushed too much potassium out of my system, so they added potassium to my drip and there were no other events. On day 3 they started detubing me as in the catheter for draining my bladder, a tube in my leg the old octopus mentioned in my earlier instalment. None of caused discomfort, it just felt a little weird. I also had a multi-channel tube inserted near the base of my breast bone and the nurse couldn't dislodge it, it seemed to me like I had :grown attached to it" , 🙂It was somehow fused, so the wheeled me into a separate room and got this big burly nurse to remove it (I joked that it was so that the other patients didn't get scared, and he (yep big & burly) grabbed it with 2 hands and gave it a quick and very firm jerk and some 6-8 inches of tubing came out. Again no real pain, it basically looked much worse than it felt. and then they wheeled my back out into the general ICU population. Probably some 5 hours later I got up and started walking around and felt quite good. They moved me into a normal ward on day 4. One of the downsides to having your heart stopped and having "OPEN" heart surgery is that your lungs collapse a bit and it takes a while to get them inflated properly again, and also you get a lot fluid that can build up under your lungs making the proper inflation somewhat laboured. For me that was under my left lung, and so for about a week I was in a recovery hospital where I had an oxygen connection next to the bed to help breathe. Before I left they wanted to take out the stitches that were used to seal where the tubes came out of my chest and that made a bit of a mess and it turned out later that they were dissolving stitches and should have been just left.

[@budprine1591]

My CABG was 28 years ago. I wish I had this video to watch back then. I remember all you spoke about. Very helpful.😃

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Thank you sir! 👍

[@Gourvisharma602]

Hey which graft did they used Leg veins????

[@marywagner9927]

He is nuts to suggest family go home. Any more you definitely NEED to have an advocate for yourself. You are not 100% and a family member can verify the staff is performing properly. I was so glad I had an advocate and believe it is a necessity for every hospitalized patient.

[@judeprocare8006]

Everybody is different. I encouraged my wife to go home and rest. We decided not to have any visitors, 1. because of infection risks (high enough as it is). 2 drugged up and I'd not be in a fit state to see anyone and 3. my wife needed rest and had enough stress to deal with anyway. I thought his advice was spot on. Everyone is different that's all. Worked for us..😉

[@carolinastringband]

With the lack of aftercare staffing and those that are available being overworked. An advocate may very well be the difference between nobody noticing something going terribly wrong or any issue being addressed in a timely manner.

[@bryandozois5079]

No need for family to be there. You'll be pretty out of it. You'll be taken care of just fine.

[@Sundaylamb3]

Not really there is a huge team of people just there for this purpose

[@Sundaylamb3]

For OH you are going to be in an ICU and they are watch I your vitals and sre there almost always

[@suewoods7016]

This video helped so much! I’m getting CABG tomorrow and of course a bit scared. You can’t imagine how much better I feel knowing what to expect!

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

I'm happy the videos helped you in your preparation for your CABG. I wish you luck and a speedy recovery. Go back later and watch video #4 there are some great tips for when you go home. Good luck and may God Bless! Jim PS when you get the opportunity, let me know how everything went.

[@TruTrust]

I just went through a triple bypass 2 months ago. You said the tubes don't hurt that's BS I had three tubes and they hurt like hell. All the pain I felt went away after they pulled the three tubes out. It was horrible while those tubes were inside my stomach. And when you wake up from the anesthesia and you got a tube in your throat and you really feel like you can't breathe there's nothing in the back of your head it's going to stop you from panicking hence the reason why they tie your hands down. Look it's a scary scary situation and I pray whoever has to go through it goes through it fast and perfect. Do your breathing exercise get up and move around even though it hurts like hell once those tubes come out that's 90% of your pain gone. And you will receive a beautiful little red heart pillow LOL one of a kind

[@samuelt5131]

I had open heart surgery (I won't get into the details, but it's an interesting story) In two months I was back to work (a meter reader - I got paid for walking!) The full recovery took about a year.

[@pleaseandthankyou3037]

This is so detailed that it's giving me anxiety.

[@nonicosio]

the more you get informed, the better you feel; i did enter the surgery room smiling and confident....

[@DP-ih6nt]

😳😳😳😳😳😳😳 Being EXTREMELY CLAUSTROPHOBIC this would be TERRIFYING for me!! As a newly married couple nearly 48 years ago now, my sweet husband found out immediately to NEVER try to bind my hands!! We were wrestling around as young couples do, when he tried to hold my hands down. I literally FREAKED on him!! Scared him to death! Had a similar situation several years ago when a nurse attempted to put me, (while under a mild sedative) into an MRI tube! I grabbed her arm and nearly yanked it off to stop myself from being further placed into it! They had to send me to a facility that had an open MRI machine. I pray to God I don’t ever have to go through this!!!

[@murraypeacock9316]

I’m extremely claustrophobic as well. It’s not something I remember at all.

[@suzziezhills]

I was so freaked out! But a friend’s advice was pretend you’re breathing thru a straw. I got meds thru my nose when I woke up. I did gag . Tapped on my bed arm and my fabulous nurse told me to spell stuff into his hand. Had a cool washcloth over my eyes was nice. I had a valve sparing with my BAV for ATAA repair thru hemiarch. Big surgery.

[@minerdave]

Excellent presentation. Had 6 vessel bypass in 2007 and wasn’t given much information prior to the surgery. 15 years later and I’m still learning. This has given me more information in one place than I have cobbled together over all those years. Thanks!

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

You're welcome Dave, thank you for your kind words! Jim

[@Gourvisharma602]

Which graft did they used Leg veins????

[@minerdave]

@@Gourvisharma602 Yes. I’m 15 years good with few or no problems.

[@JimFromMarietta]

I’m going in for open heart surgery in less than two weeks. The breathing tube scares the hell out of me. I will try and remember everything from this show segment. Thanks Jim!

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

You're welcome Jim! Remember everyone goes through the "holy crap" moment, but it won't take long for your mind to catch up. Then once you remember what I talk about in the video, do your best to relax and get your mind to go somewhere else. You got this! Good luck and may God Bless. Jim

[@alfitty]

Hope your surgery was successful and you are recovering. God bless. I have mine aortic arch repair in 2 weeks

[@LukeMorris11]

I’m having mine in about a weeks time, I hope yours was successful!

[@JimFromMarietta]

@@LukeMorris11 so far so good. I’ve been home for a couple of weeks, feeling better every day

[@emms1979]

Great video. I had quadruple bypass back in 2008 at the age of 29. Bad genetics. You were spot on with every step that you've discussed. I was lucky enough to have my breathing tube out before I woke up. They harvested arteries from my arm and chest. I remember the drain tubes being the biggest discomfort. I remember being so uncomfortable with them and I also believe that one of them was rubbing against another organ, possible my lung? Either way, when they were removed it felt like someone was wet/dry vacuuming my insides, but immediate relief upon removal. The broken sternum also was uncomfortable, discomfort when coughing and god forbid a sneeze or laughing. The feeling of frailty is how I remember the feeling. Kind of like when you hurt your tailbone but on your chest. I was young when I had the surgery, only spent 3 days in the hospital. The surgery saved my life. Its not a simple surgery by any means, and the recovery can be tough, but, if you need it, it has to be done. Its a matter of life or death. Again, excellent videos. even 5 years later.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

Hi Joseph, Thank you for sharing your experience. I got some of those genes myself. I'm happy you didn't have to deal with the breathing tube it is the one thing that I spend the most amount of time preparing patients for. Mine was in for about 3 hours after I woke up, and in those quiet moments, I still think about it sometimes. I have to admit that I chuckled a bit over your first sneeze comment, I remember mine very clearly. That first sneeze is a real doozy. I'm happy that you are doing well, and I wish for you continued good health, and may God Bless! Jim

[@AMLS1922]

I was one week away from my 30th birthday. I was in the hospital with 95% blockage of the left side of my heart. That was 39 years ago. Since then I've had a heart attack at 48 stroke at 54. Since then I've had 7 stents inserted, One by pass operation. Went into heart failure and three-days ago I had to have a pacemaker installed. I have 15% of my heart working at this time.

[@chingcorliss3790]

Thanks for the informative video. I am going for a CABG 2 weeks later. Before I saw this video, I was very panic. This video prepare me early for the challenge journey. Wish myself good luck and all goes well. 😇

[@chingcorliss3790]

I just get discharged today. 1st day post op was the critical day I ever had in my life. Non-stop vomiting, thirsty and in pain. Thank god, it was all over now which I just need to focus on recovery.

[@svcorner7117]

@@chingcorliss3790 what kind of diet you take post surgery

[@chingcorliss3790]

@@svcorner7117 soft diet in first few days. To be honest, the appetite will not be good in 1st 2 weeks.

[@vickyburton2434]

I hope you recover well.💗

[@svcorner7117]

@@chingcorliss3790 actually my mom went through cabg.. But they have prescribed some medicine for only a week and said that she does not require any medicine after that... Is it fine???

[@chuckbayes2343]

Thank you for this video! It is accurate and very informative. I just went through OHS for Mitral valve replacement (I opted for a mechanical) 2 weeks ago. I would add that while the chest tubes are in, movement is very painful, even on the good stuff. My pain level decreased, but was still excruciating, after the first tube was removed on day 2. It wasn't until the second tube was removed on day 3 that my pain level significantly decreased while moving. Also, there were 2 sets of 2 wires (4 wires total) attached to an external pace maker (or pacer). For me those were more painful than the tubes while being removed, but still not horrible. The worst for me was after the chest tubes were removed, a vacuum bandage directly over the incision was removed. The bandage was fine, but there were 2 layers of about 8"x8" "rubberized cling wrap" that were put on with something like Gorilla glue. The pulling and separating from the skin was painful and lasted for about 15 min until the nurse could get it all off. The breathing tube was weird (I hadn't seen this video before my surgery) and I did start to panic, but seeing my GF standing over me smiling and holding my hand re-assured me that everything was "normal" and did allow me to get and maintain control when I couldn't communicate otherwise. Overall, the pain came in spikes and was shortlived. I'm an active person, so sitting around is difficult, and getting walking has really helped.

[@MsPea]

I had a quintuple bypass in August 2021. I went to the emergency room because I had a small pain in my chest. I don't remember anything from the time I was in the emergency room until I woke up off and on in the ICU. The breathing tube was already out, I think, because I don't have any memory of that. I don't remember having the catheter or drainage tubes removed. I know I woke up a couple times and saw the nurse in the room, but I don't think I spoke to her. I remember being moved out of the ICU and into the cardiac unit, but really my memories start several days following surgery. I was in the hospital almost 2 weeks, had a couple bouts of a-fib. I I was told that I had a heart attack in the ER but have no memory of it. I was told that I met the surgeon and gave verbal consent for the surgery but have no memory of that, either. Because of Covid, no one was allowed to be with me, so I had no one to advocate for me or who I can ask questions of. It's very confusing to have no memory of any of it. I'm doing fine, otherwise.

[@aheartbeataway4u360]

I'm glad to hear your recovery is going well. In a way it is a blessing that you have no memory of what is normally the most difficult part of the procedure. Follow some of the tips in Video #4, it will help with your recovery. Good luck and may God Bless! Jim

[@BradBrassman]

Sounds very similar to my own experience. First I knew after X5 BP surgery was coming round about 2.am to a lovely warm, fuzzy feeling and a nurse bending over me checking levels etc, who said. "ah, you're awake" she was whispering questions at me and it triggered my ASMR response, my scalp started tingling and I dropped off again.

[@johnfrensch9879]

He is spot on I had a valve replaced 10 years ago. I wished I would’ve seen this video before the operation would’ve made things easier