I just received a troubled email from John that illustrates a frustrating challenge for some patients following surgery – total, complete energy loss. Here is what John writes:

Dear Adam,

Thank you for your concern for us valve patients. I had heart valve replacement ^[1] on April 29, 2008. I had no symptoms of the level 4, severe mitral valve regurgitation ^[2] up until the operation. But, after three opinions, everyone told me I needed this operation. Two days prior to the operation, I was using my push mower for an hour at a time with no fatigue or shortness of breath.

Now, over 6 months later I am not gaining my stamina back. No one told me this would be the case. The doctors and nurses only told me I needed this operation. I feel faint often. It takes me 2 or 3 different days to mow my lawn as I get tired quickly. I feel like I am regressing instead of progressing. Have you heard of this complaint before? The doctors say the echo and surgery is perfect. If I had known this would be the side effect, I might not have had the surgery. — John

Dear John (and everyone else reading this),

I can relate to everything you are experiencing. Like you, I suffered a prolonged, lethargic recovery even though my surgeon and cardiologist told me the surgery was a complete success. In addition to the pain of my broken sternum ^[3], I was a zombie. I was sooooooo tired, pooped, exhausted, sleepy.

For the first six months following my aortic and pulmonary valve replacements ^[4], it felt like I was in a perpetual cycle of two steps forward, three steps back. I declared this frustrating period the “heart surgery recovery doldrums”. Plus, I was anxious and not sleeping very well.

That said, I did take steps to re-energize my life.

• First, I consulted a nutritionist. After having a series of blood tests, I met with Karen Raden ^[5], an excellent nutritionist from Chicago, Illinois. Karen gave me several tips on “what to eat” and “what not to eat” to boost my energy levels. Plus, she put me on a multi-vitamin (Pure Encapsulation), Omega Fatty 3 Acid (Nordic Naturals), and Coenzyme Q-10. Karen’s instructions were very valuable. I started to notice a substantial increase in energy about five days after I started her program. If you are interested, Karen’s phone number is 312 441 1700.
• Second, I continued cardiac rehab and went to the gym by myself. I’m a big believer in exercise. I don’t know about you… But, I really benefit from the endorphin release from being active. I feel better. I sleep better. And, I laugh more. I know exercising is very hard to do when you’re not mentally feeling up to it. However, take it slow and see what happens. Perhaps you start by taking a short walk with a friend or family member. Or, perhaps you return to cardiac rehab. ^[6]
• Third, I changed my mindset. I COMPLETELY believe that our lives become what we think about most. (Yes, I have read ‘The Secret’ and several other books about the law of attraction.) On that note, I started believing in the possibility that I was energetic, dynamic, lively and powerful.
• Fourth, I started writing. To help me process the impact of heart surgery on my life, I started writing in a journal. Finding quiet time to express my thoughts on paper was a cathartic experience. (So you know, some of those writings were the inspiration for my book ^[7].)

Guess what? My body and mind reacted favorably to the steps referenced above. And, best of all, my pain started to go away.

I know you may be wondering, “Will this work for me?”

Well… I don’t know. I hope so. The trick is that you will never know unless you try. As they say, “Insanity is doing the same thing day-after-day-after-day.”

I encourage you to break the doldrums and celebrate life with your new, fully functional, blood-pumping heart.

Keep on tickin!

P.S. To learn more about cardiac surgeons, please visit www.HeartValveSurgeons.com. ^[8]