How to Talk to a Doctor About Bypass Surgery

It is important to both give and get information when you talk to a doctor about coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The doctor you choose should be one who listens to your concerns and provides answers you can understand. Building a good relationship with your doctor before bypass surgery will help your confidence during the recovery process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Medical history
• Cardiologist

Know What to Ask

1. Go prepared to talk to your doctor about the symptoms that have you concerned about the need for bypass intervention. Take a complete health history with you. Include the frequency and dosage of all medications and supplements you take.
2. Ask your doctor to explain why bypass surgery is needed instead of a less invasive surgery such as angioplasty.
3. Ask the doctor how many coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries he has performed in the last 3 months. It's important that the doctor you choose has the experience of more than just a few surgeries yearly.
4. Discuss the possible complications that may arise from any other medical conditions you might have. Conditions such as diabetes will play a major role in the recovery process from bypass surgery.
5. Determine what kind of medication may be required following bypass surgery. Common prescriptions following a CABG include blood thinner and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
6. Question your doctor about the success rate for bypass surgery in patients with similar medical histories. While each patient is an individual, general medical conditions are documented in relation to the successful outcome of bypass surgery.
7. Talk openly about the lifestyle changes that will need to take place following the bypass surgery. Diet and exercise will be among the topics for discussion.

Prepare for Surgery

8. Ask for brochures or videotapes about the surgical procedure. Reading or viewing the information is a good way to reinforce the answers or instructions your doctor has given you.
9. Call your doctor after you get home if you realize you forgot to ask something, or if the written information raises more questions.
10. Keep your appointments to have all the tests performed that your doctor has ordered. Rescheduling can delay the surgery and put your life in danger.

Tips & Warnings

• Take someone with you or ask the doctor if you can record the conversation. It's easy to miss important information when you talk to your doctor.
• Pay attention to the symptoms your body gives. Putting off talking to your doctor can increase the damage to your heart or result in a major heart attack or death.