the surgery is over, Actually it has been over for a long time. A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft is abbreviated CABG which is pronounced like Cabbage.
The operation went well but everything went south in the ICU. First, My heart rhythm would not stabilize, My Kidneys shut down, and I developed Pneumonia. Instead of the expected 24 to 36 hours in ICU, I was there for nine days. that was followed by 20 days in a rehab facility. Then three days at home. I then had a follow up visit with the surgeon who sent me to the ER, CT Scan, Admission and Surgery the next day. The sternum had separated needing follow up surgery. Recovery at least in the early stages went much smoother this time. I now have 4 plates and 24 screws holding my sternum together. I am now going grocery shopping, visiting friends and going for regular walks. I am planning a two week camping trip for next summer. (Tent Camping) I am also hoping to make a 50+ mile backpacking trip next summer. I am the only 80 year old that I know of that is still doing such things. In fact, while my kids are still camping, if I want companions for a Hiking or Backpacking trip, I need to round up some grandchildren.
It was not that long ago that they would not have done this surgery on a man my age because the risk was too great. But things change and my Doctors seem to think I am good for at least another 10 years.
My father died at 73, and the family history shows that no male member of the family had ever lived that long before. I have outlived him by 7 years and I am not ready to check out yet. When the angel of death wants me, he will have to catch me first.