Sab
Sab thinks that the investigation of a chest pain saved him from a heart attack that was about to happen. He had several tests including an ECG and an angiogram. The angiogram confirmed that he had coronary artery disease. Six months ago he underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). He joined his local cardiac rehabilitation programme and increased his exercise routine gradually Sab was originally interview for heart attack but some of his experiences like what it’s like having an angiogram and an angioplasty are also relevant to heart failure patients.
Sab is married with four grown up children and several grandchildren. He worked as a driving instructor and now in his retirement works occasionally as a driving assessor. Sab was originally interview for heart attack but some of his experiences like what it’s like having an angiogram and an angioplasty are also relevant to heart failure patients.
Sab thinks that the investigation of a chest pain saved him from a heart attack that it was about to happen. He had several tests including an ECG and an angiogram. The angiogram confirmed that he had coronary artery disease and six months ago, underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). Sab has always maintained a healthy and active lifestyle so he found it shocking to be a potential heart attack victim and to have been diagnosed with a serious heart condition. He has run 10k for charity several times, played golf, worked in his allotment and he and his wife went to the gym and for regular walks. So the prospect of having heart surgery made him apprehensive and disappointed. He had coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).
Sab said that the most challenging part of his experience was the initial recovery following surgery. When he woke up from the operation he found himself disoriented, bed-ridden, unable to move and in pain. In fact, the only part of his body he was able to use was his finger to press the button and call the nurse if needed.
Sab is full of praise for all the hospital staff that took care of him: surgeon, nurses, auxiliaries, and so on. He describes them as professionals but also as caring and sympathetic. Sab felt well cared and informed and hasn’t had a need to look for information elsewhere. A cardiac rehabilitation nurse talked to him about what to expect in weeks after his discharge from hospital and provided a sheet with exact instruction of what activities to do and when: like climbing stairs or washing the dishes.
Recovering from a triple bypass graft surgery is a slow process that requires patience and perseverance. There were times during the first few weeks that he felt apprehensive and worried but he was always able to contact his GP or the district nurse to get their advice or a checkup. He recuperated well and without complications and thinks that his fitness levels prior to surgery greatly contributed to it.
In line with the nurse instructions, Sab increased his daily exercise until he was able to walk to and from the nearest town totaling fifty minutes. Afterwards, he joined the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Where the nurse and physiotherapist were always at hand to reassured and check on his progress and wellbeing. After he completed this programme he went on to join another class run at his local gym by a trained instructor. He still attends that class alongside other people who have had experiences of heart disease(s) and enjoys it a lot. Sab’s goal is to recover the physical fitness he had before his operation and in addition to his gym routine he is playing golf, walking regularly and working in his allotment. He also has managed to run for two minutes and he is thrilled by it.
Sab and his wife have been married for many years and he says that they have always have had a close relationship that became even closer after his illness. His friends, children and extended family’s love and support have also played an important part in aiding his recovery. One of his friends had triple bypass surgery before him and for Sab this particular friend became an important source of information and support every time he felt worry about a post-operative symptoms or frustrated due to the pace of rehabilitation.
Sab’s feels that he has been given a second chance after his surgery and he is determined to live life to the full; appreciating everything life has to offer and ignoring the silly; things that used to worry him before.