The first guide to bypass surgery in Canada tells patients everything they need to know

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 23 May 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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A new book for patients on heart bypass surgery was launched recently at Canada's top meeting of cardiovascular experts.

So You're Having Heart Bypass Surgery - What Happens Next? is the first and ultimate guide to coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Canada. It is being officially launched today at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Toronto.

This book tells Canadian patients everything they need to know about the procedure, step-by-step, from diagnosis to recovery in 170 pages. It is authored by Tracey Colella, an assistant professor of nursing at Laurentian University, Suzette Turner, a nursing instructor at Ryerson University and Seneca College in Toronto, and Dr. Bernard Goldman, a former Surgeon-in-Chief at Sunnybrook.

"Many patients go into major surgery not knowing what to expect," said Helen Byrt, president and ceo of publisher, SCRIPT Medical Press Inc. "They don't understand what's happening to them and often feel they're losing control of their lives. So You're Having Heart Bypass Surgery empowers patients to take back control and make choices they're happy with-and, ultimately, make a good recovery."

"Going there I was scared, very frightened," said patient Mel Isen, who was interviewed for the book. He had a number of useful tips for fellow patients, including the importance of cardiac rehabilitation: "The program at the rehab centre was fabulous, a real psychological boost."

"We went the sponsorship route because it allowed us to do the best job possible in this challenging book publishing climate," said Helen Byrt. "Pfizer was totally supportive of the concept."

So You're Having Heart Bypass Surgery-What Happens Next? is the second book in the What Happens Next? Surgery Guide Series, published by SCRIPT Medical Press Inc. Bypass was produced with the support of an educational grant from Pfizer Canada, a pharmaceutical company.

By Jenny Lass

Jenny Lass is a specialist at SCRIPT Medical Press Inc. She can be reached at 416-485-7387, or visit www.whathappensnext.ca.

So You're Having Heart Bypass Surgery-What Happens Next? Author Bios

Tracey J.F. Colella RN, MSCN, ACNP

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