A year ago in March, I had what I thought would be a routine follow-up to a cardiac stress test. I wasn't able to get my heart rate high enough, so I had to use the chemical stress test. The doctor said something didn't look right with the stress test, so it was followed up with cardiac catheterization. During the cardiac catheterization, several blockages of 80 to 90% were discovered; this was on a Friday. Since I had tried Plavix and couldn't tolerate it, stents were not an option. (Also I am a type 2 diabetic.) I had triple bypass surgery the next Monday. They managed any pain I might have been experiencing very well. I did experience nausea for several weeks after the surgery and was on an anti-nausea agent. I followed up the surgery with cardiac rehab therapy three times a week for 12 weeks. I still sometimes experience a greater sensitivity to cold. Other than that, most things are back to normal, and I exercise several times a week. I just concluded a one-year follow-up stress test, which I passed with flying colors.

I had a quadruple coronary artery bypass graft at age 36. I was totally asymptomatic. Thanks to a very alert physician, I was able to avoid a heart attack. Surgery itself was a great success, with outstanding care at the hospital. The post-operation period was very critical both mentally and physically. The pain during that time was unbearable. I had constant mood swings and despair. It took a while to get through it all, with great support and understanding from family. I feel very good now with a strict diet, exercising, and avoiding people who cause me stress. I have multiple medications and regular follow-ups with my cardiologist as well as an annual nuclear stress test.

I had a quadruple bypass on the 5th of March of this year and all seemed to be well. After a week or so I was released from the hospital and was glad to be home. As the days went on i was feeling that something was not right. I was always getting nose bleeds that required a visit to the local hospital to solve and as well as the days went on it seemed that I was feeling much worse rather than better. After another x-ray it was found that all the wires used to sew the sternum had broken and another surgery was required. Another three weeks in the hospital and I am home again. Just goes to show that it is not always as easy as they say it is all the time. After a total of 9-10 total hours under the knife things have been taking a long time to get back to normal. Taste and smell seemed to change and even something as tasty as milk did not taste good at all for a few weeks. It has been three weeks since the last surgery and things seem to be on the mend now. A word of caution! Do not under any circumstances over exert yourself when you get home. Take it real easy and do the heart rehab program for sure. We don't seem to be able to determine exactly why all the wires broke, but I tell you I would not wish this on any man that walked the face of this earth.

My Mother was 80 years old. She survived the CABG surgery, 24 hours later was alert and tolerating commands, responding to family, then the next time around the 33rd hour she took a turn for the worse. As a family we have had our Mom ripped away from us. I do believe in the outstanding medical marvels in today's era; with a word of caution, read and ask questions of your Doctor about everything you can think of. Ask if alternatives are available even if the procedure is an emergency. This will be a life changing event. Hopefully a positive one for the majority, but like my Mother who I believe was/is in the minority it is better to know all that is available to you. My Mother loved life and had a very positive attitude. She was very independent and in moderately fair condition, before surgery. She had all the "old age" conditions that one would have but she tolerated all very well. I wish things could have been different.

In spite of being in good physical condition, I reported to an emergency room on December 30, 2008 with severe chest pain. I was discharged a day later after a PET scan assured us there was a low risk of heart disease. Unstable angina continued, so I changed hospitals and doctors. I had an arteriogram performed January 22, 2009 and triple bypass the next day. I was home after four days. I went back the second day for an ablation to treat an atrial flutter. I returned to work after two weeks, and flew to a distant city on business February 18 with no problems other than requiring frequent rest during the trip. I'm eight weeks from surgery, and I still require lots of sleep. It was a mistake trying normal sex at eight weeks, however. Other than chest muscles making a slow recovery and being sensitive to cold, life is normal and wonderful. I'm looking forward to working back up in weight lifting.