Heart Bypass surgery- how permanent is it?

Question

My Wife had a triple bypass ten years ago. She also has severe Diabetes in which has caused problems with her kidneys which are only functioning about 60% now. She also has Neropothy as a related condition from her Diabetes.

The surgeon (10 years ago) said that do to her Diabetes and overall condition it is conceivable that she would have another by pass in the future..... Is this common?

Answer 1

It is unfortunately quite common. Reason being that those who are usually in serious enough condition to warrent a bypass surgery have had some combination of poor diet, lack of exercise and bad luck with genes -- and so they are likely to have problems again.

Especially in your wife's case, she is suffuring from prolonged Diabetes. It is well published that uncontrolled Diabetes is a HUGE risk factor for Athersclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other vascular diseases (hence her neuropathy).

I truly wish you and your wife the best of luck and hopefully she is well taken care of.

PS with your wifes unfortunate kidney problems, I can see that her Diabetes is very progressed. Please also make sure she has her eyes checked b/c diabetics can suffer from retinopathy and become blind. Good luck.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Yes, even without the diabetes and the neuropathy, the factors which precipitated a heart bypass may continue and necessitate a repeat surgery (either same artery or some other artery may get blocked or the bypass may get blocked). In any case, whether she is in a fit condition to withstand a surgery, and whether she really needs a surgery is a big question which needs expert opinion. Consult 2 or 3 top cardiologists before you decide.

Answer 5

It is conceivable to have a second bypass---but it's rare. And honestly, I don't know that your wife is a good surgical candidate with her severe health problems. That is something she and her doctors would have to discuss together.