July 2017 I Had Bypass Surgery . After Surgery, They

Posted on Thu, 7 Mar 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Mar 2019 Answered on

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Question : July 2017 I had bypass surgery. After surgery, they left the tube in my throat longer because they didn't like my low Respirations. I must have woke up enough to fight the tube. My upper airway has always bothered me. For the longest time, I have slept in a recliner. Off and on I could go back to bed. Now I feel like my heart is racing when I try to lay down. My neck is really hurting nearer my throat and I feel short of breath at times when I lay down.. I had a headache for two days and I never had h/a before surgery other than sinus. I do now off and on. My head has felt unclear and I have been unsteady on my feet since the incident at work my surgery, see history. It seems I might have been trying to have a stroke before the surgery, see history. Nothing showed on the MRI. last fall. I am really stressed because of my job so I know that doesn't help. What now?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on -Ask a Doctor- service!

I passed carefully through your medical history and would like to explain that the first issue to clarify is your actual cardiac function.

For such purpose I would recommend discussing with your attending cardiologist on the possibility of performing a cardiac ultrasound.

The next issue to investigate would be your pulmonary function status. It would be necessary to go through pulmonary function tests (PFT) and pulmonary imagine tests (chest CT).

Your need to discuss with you doctor on the above mentioned issues.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

I am up and around and now my breathing is fine but my throat and upper chest feel tight. I have no idea what going on.

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

I only feel SOB when laying down. The neck and chest stay discomfort remains. It feels tight I have two hiatic hernias diagnosis several years ago but have had minimal problems over the years could that be a problem now? I have no appetite and feel nauseated

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

Yes acid reflux and hiatal hernia can mimic this clinical situation too.

For this reason, I recommend trying omeprazole or any other PPI and see if your situation improves. If this is the case, a fibrogastroscopy may be needed.

I would also advice performing a cardiac ultrasound, in order to evaluate your cardiac function and structure.

It is also important checking inflammation tests (complete blood count, PCR, ESR).

Regarding SOB when lying down, it could be related to airway obstruction too. As you have suffered from sleep apnea, checking pulmonary function tests is necessary too.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.

Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar