Scared you know whatless.....

I am 52 y/o male who had a Nuclear Stress test today and found out I have to have a quintuple
bypass on Monday morning. They are keeping me in the hospital to monitor my heart.

My Father and Brother have gone through this.

The recovery was long but my biggest fear right now is how to deal with the respirator.

Everyone says that it feels like you are choking and puts you in a confused panic.

Any suggestions on what I can do to not freak out about the respirator ..or the thought of my chest being sawed open...or spending most of the summer bummed?

Yes Try to concentrate on the fact that this one bummed summer is going to let you have the opportunity to spend many, many enjoyable summers in the future - something which could have turned out the wrong way if you wouldn't undergo this surgery.

This said: I wish you LOTS of strength and faith - those two things will pull you through.

i asked every question i could think of in advance of my surgery
and it was the beggest nightmare of my life

i had a stroke right after yhe surgery and now am paralyzed on the left side of mt body

i regret having it done

OMG I am SO sorry to hear that! Did they in advance warn you these "complications" could happen? Wow.... I am shocked. I hope you'll get better though. Is there a possibility you will regain the use of the left side of your body again?