Heart Attack: Partner's Concern about Recovery
- Tak Poon, M.D.
Question
My husband had triple bypass open heart surgery with a terrific outcome. Since his heart attack, I'm not sleeping well. My doctor prescribed sleeping pills which I don't take in case he needs me. What can I do to feel more confident that he's doing ok?
Answer
To The Caring Wife,
Your concern is not uncommon among the over 1000 bypass surgeries I've followed through in the past 30 some years.
By the time your husband leaves the hospital, he should be able to get in and out of bed and back and forth to the bathroom by himself. And he should be getting stronger everyday, with an occasional off day now and then. If there are unusual circumstances involved, please ask his doctors for special instructions.
If you stay healthy, rest well and remain relaxed and confident, so will he; and vice versa.
Most people recover very well and very fast after a routine bypass. Probably both of you will have to be reminded of the surgery so you'll remember to include it in your Thanksgiving celebrations.
And if this has been a more traumatic event for you than statistics might indicate, then I suggest you use it as a “transformational experience” to re-evaluate what's really good and important in life. My patients who have done so live much richer lives going forward. I wish you and your family the same.
Explore related topics
Related questions
View all questions- Health Q&A
Natural ways to lower blood pressure?
I’m a 41-year-old woman who exercises regularly and eats healthy food. High cholesterol and high blood pressure run in my family. My blood pressure is borderline high. Are there natural ways to lower blood pressure without medications?
- Health Q&A
Chelation Therapy for Heart Disease
What is your opinion of chelation therapy for heart disease? Am I at any risk if I try it for my hardening of the arteries?
- Health Q&A
Alcohol Consumption and High Cholesterol
How much does alcohol contribute to high cholesterol, and can I drink while taking Lipitor?
I've been through some bad loses this year (relationship, foreclosure) and have had chest pain and shortness of breath. My doctor said I had stress cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome). What are the other symptoms, is it dangerous, will I get it again?
- Health Q&A
Abnormal Heart Rhythm Tests
My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?