Coronary Artery Bypass Operation: Psychological and Medical Problems

Abstract

A patient who had undergone two coronary artery bypass procedures is interviewed and discussed with respect to his adaptation to the operation and his illness. The complex biochemical, social and psychological interactions, often overlooked when proposing this operation as a life-saving procedure to patients, are emphasized. This patient's difficulty in adapting demonstrates how threatening such an illness can be to a person who is hard-driving, success-oriented and self-sufficient. An attempt is made to set up a rehabilitation program in which the patient is allowed as much independence and activity as possible in order to encourage an image of physical strength and prowess and to restore self-esteem.