Father home from hospital after heart bypass and coughing up dark blood- is this normal?

[anastasia74]

My father had a bypass a week ago and is now at home. He is having trouble breathing so will not go to bed - he sits in a chair all night and is now coughing up dark blood. is this normal? thanks.

My father had a bypass a week ago and is now at home. He is having trouble breathing so will not go to bed - he sits in a chair all night and is now coughing up dark blood. is this normal? thanks.

Mmmm not sure....but i think dark blood would indicate it was 'old' blood and not bright red fresh blood which would definately be a worry.
Could you ring his GP or the ward he was on at the hospital? I'#m sure they could put your mind at rest.

He really needs to speak to his GP, or the hospital team. Coughing up blood should never be ignored.

Was he having the trouble breathing before, or is this new ?

Dark blood means it's old blood, and it's not that uncommon for patients to cough up little bits of sputum streaked with old blood post op. I would be more concerned about the fact he can't breathe.I would be getting his GP to see him ASAP. Another alternative is to ring the ward he was discharged from, speak to the nurse in charge and explain what is going on - IME, they would be happy to get him back to the ward for review by the medical team. He shouldn't be feeling like this, so needs sorting out - good luck!

I didnt say it was normal to cough up blood....just there is a difference between old and fresh blood that's all !

Thanks for quick replys. will act on it.