A Patient's Guide to Coronary Bypass Surgery and Its Aftermath: Advice from a Survivor

This short book is a concise reference for those facing coronary bypass surgery as well as those recovering from the procedure. Writing in a friendly and easy-going style, Mr Ewing introduces medical jargon only when required and pertinent to the discussion. One month ago I underwent quadruple bypass surgery and found the book a real comfort in the weeks leading up to my hospitalization; it has been indispensable since my discharge from the hospital, as it guides the patient through commonly-experienced feelings, both physical and emotional, with helpful advice and remedies. The only major criticisms that I have of this book could have been eliminated by more rigorous editing; some of the chapters lack the depth of others, and some items of levity and supposition (list of "heart" cliches, and ear-lobe fold correlation) are misplaced in such a reference. On the whole, though, I would strongly recommend this guide to anyone anticipating or recovering from coronary bypass surgery.