From ICU Nurse To ICU Patient To Cardiac Depression… Carol’s Story

Hi Carol,
Please don’t expect too much from yourself re the depression … it is very early in your recovery and it takes what it takes. I am now 6 months post operative from mitral valve repair and ASD repair (atrial septal defect) and I am just, in the last few weeks, starting to feel like myself again. I went through a protracted period of depression from April to July, cried every day, felt very low. I too am not married and live alone. But I had my ex husband and others around, and I still went into a lot of sadness. Other life problems do NOT go away because we have surgery so we have to continue to cope with them while we are on the mend. Hang in there and know that time is your great ally and patience with the recovery process is very important
Hugs
Leslie

Just to let you know I too suffered w/ depression after heart valve repair. It was the Worst part of the recovery for me. But 4 weeks after starting on an antidepressant, which seemed like FOREVER, it went away completely. I’m glad you are going to someone about this. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s the recovery talking.

I am an ER nurse with upcoming mitral valve surgery. I am very anxious and my PCP just put me on antianxiety and antidepressants to help hopefully pre and post-op. I hope your recovery is going well. Wish me luck!

I am an ER nurse expecting Mitral valve surgery in December. I am suffering with anxiety and sleep issues currently, my PCP just put me on medications for anxiety and depression to help hopefully with both pre and post-op issues. I wish you luck in your recovery.

Hello Carol,
Oh my goodness, your history of surgery is almost the same as my own. I recently went through aortic valve replacement June 16,2009. I received a St Jude mechanical valve. I am also an RN (charge nurse for ER) I returned to work just shy of 4 weeks post op. I thought getting back to work would do a world of good (NOT!!!) Everyone thought that I was so brave for returning to work. I weaned myself off all pain meds and gritted my teeth with the pain. I would not suggest doing this to anyone…..just more distress than needed.
I am suffering from post op depression at this time. Everyone says that this is common and to just keep pressing on. However there are days that I just can’t seem to function. I continue to work full time and try to put on a brave face. How long did it take for you to overcome your depression and be back to your normal self? Also how long does the pain continue. I’m managing my pain with Tylenol but there are times that that just doesn’t seem to work. Any response will be appreciated. Thank You Sheryl

Hi, I to am an ICU RN and was a patient in my ICU for 4 1/2 months. I had ARDS x 2, went into respiratory distress in recovery. After 7 months in hospital and rehab – I went home. Finally 18 months later I went back to work and am working one 12 shift a week. It is really tough. I can tell you – everyone expects you to know the answers to your questions — so not true. I found that I was handling a lot of my care — no one hardly treated me as a patient. Depression was and is present in my life. I try to keep going — but it is a daily struggle. I have permanent lung scarring and have a hard time with SOB. But, I am here and am considered a mirarcle. I wish you all the best.
Elizabeth