I have already had an angioplasty 10 yrs ago (1 stent put in). After that incident, I kept very well at my diet (zero oil, zero cholesterol) for well over 7 yrs. I could run a half marathon some 5 yrs ago and I declared myself invincible again (against any heart ailments). But this invincible feeling eventually led to the beginning of my down-fall. Gradually, I started eating out (infrequently) without any regards to cholesterol. Add to it some stress in office, sleeplessness, hereditary heart history (My dad and almost all his brothers/sisters succumbed to heart disease at an early age) and some congenital defect in heart artery anatomy, I was in for a trouble for the second time. Also I had switched my 3 days a week jogging routine to one day badminton per week (haphazard sprints compared to gradual build up).
I kept on ignoring my symptoms until one day in April, I was so overwhelmed by chest pain after a very small walk from home that I finally decided to call GP. The GP told me what I had guessed already that I was suffering with Angina Pectoris (the stable kind). They provided me a spray to be used under my tongue if the pain is too much.
Still, I was so convinced that the disease can easily be stopped from progressing by effective diet that I started my ‘zero oil, zero cholesterol’ diet again and decided to go through the angina. Gradually, my weight dropped by 9 kg in 4 months, however the angina refused to subside. One fateful morning while returning from Gym, I had the same doomed feeling that I had 10 yrs ago (my first heart attack). I rushed to A&E, luckily I did not have had an attack that day as they confirmed.
From here, the things picked up speed. We contacted a cardiologist via our pvt insurance who recommended an angiogram. 7 days later after the angiogram, it was evident that I needed CABG. I was petrified at this diagnosis and contacted at least 3 other cardiologists. But all of them just confirmed that I indeed needed a CABG procedure.
I made up my mind fairly quickly and was ready for a surgery the week after. (We did change the surgeon after carefully considering that while old surgeon suggested one venous and two arterial grafts, the new surgeon suggested full arterial grafts considering my age at 45)
Day -1
A day before surgery, I wasn’t anxious at all (this is unlike most other experiences). The mandatory shaving of chest, hand and feet did not cause any anxiety. I could sleep well and had empty bowel the next day.
Day 0, the day of CABG
I took shower and at around 8.00 am they took me to the Anaesthesiologist. All I remember him saying “first we’ll give you some antibio…”
At around 4.00 pm the ventilator pipe comes out of my throat. I am half asleep and I noticed that I can’t breathe deeply. I told to the nurse that I can’t breathe deeply. The nurse called another nurse and soon a lot many came while I am still saying “I can’t breath deeply”. Finally, a backup cardiologist came with the electric pedal in his hand, ready to pull the trigger. Sensing the Grimm future, I mustered all the remaining strength and told them ‘Keep the f****** thing away from me. Let me breathe normally’. Then, I decided to keep on shallow breathing rather than risking with the trigger happy man. Later on in the evening, they allowed my wife to see me in ICU. I slept by 9.00 pm, waking/sleeping every hour till next day morning
Day 1
Generally, I was little more aware of myself than previous day. My potassium and magnesium levels continuously running low which required replenishment via one of the multiple lines they had put through my neck. I was made to sit in a chair and have breakfast. In afternoon the chest drains came off (arguably the most painful experience so far). The missing left hand artery made its absence felt. I could not fall asleep for a long time due to pain. (I was off the fentanyl and on to paracetamol )
Day 2
I Woke up, I had breakfast in chair. I still hadn’t passed bowels (owing to anaesthesia and pain killers). After breakfast I felt like throwing up and told my nurse. Before I could throw up I passed out. According to nurse, I passed out for less than 2 minutes. However, ICU nurses decided to enhance my blood pressure (which is usually 90/60) by feeding more liquids.
Bladder catheter comes out (second most pain behind drains). I took a brief walk followed by lunch and sat on commode. Bowels did not move but urine did. By evening 7.00 pm, I was put in a normal ward.
Day 3
Heart pacing wire was taken out (least painful). The neck lines were taken out as well. I was allowed to have my first ever bath. After lunch, I could empty my bowels which instilled a great confidence. My attempt to hold the shower handle in left hand (from where artery is taken) stoked pain in left shoulder (which lasted for 3 days at least). At this time, I was actually ready to go home but they decided to keep me for one more day (It was a long weekend and the managerial staff was away)
Day 4
I walked all the corridors and 3 staircases up and down without any symptoms. Thus we are ready to go home and we did at the first opportunity. I ordered Pizza for all the nurses in ICU and General ward. Kudos to them for their hard work which provided me new lease of life !
Day 5
Still minor inconveniences such as I can’t cough freely or sleep lying flat ( I have to lean against a stack of pillows and sleep). I have reduced pain killers to only 2 paracetamol tablets (500 mg) at night.
Day 6
Pretty much normal. I walked for 3 km. slept with two paracetamols. I have removed all the plasters and left the wounds to dry.
Day 9
I could sleep without any painkillers (The painkillers hamper bowel movement)
Day 10
It’s a Monday morning. While the anxiety filled world of salarymen running around with coffee and stress, me and my wife took a nice stroll (3-4 km) around a lake. I made it a point to sit on a bench and watch ducklings and cygnets. It’s a surreal feeling to be so calm on a Monday morning. I would have never done this in the past 25 yrs of fast paced life, I am pondering why didn’t this thought come to my mind ever…
No comments:
Post a Comment