Frence's Posts

In response to your question on my post, I do feel something in my chest after I exercise. It's not painful but more of a tightness. I've talked to other folks who have had open heart surgery and they told me they felt the same thing for several months after surgery. I met with my cardiologist tomorrow and I plan to ask him about it.

Hi Frence. I had a lot of anxiety post-op and they actually added another dose of my medication to keep my heart rate lower. (We tried BP for a few weeks post-op, but I dropped too low... then anxiety kicked in. I have pre-existing anxiety so it wasn't a big leap to make). There are some great apps out there that can help with anxiety too. Personally, I meditate a lot and journal. Both are a big help. Speaking with friends, family, and/or a counselor can be helpful too. Do what feels right for you. If the people around you are an issue, consider finding a "safe place" that you can quietly get away for even a few seconds and just ground yourself again. I would consider mentioning the BP for sure. I am guessing you are perhaps a "young heart", meaning not over 65+. One of the issues I was warned about with young hearts is they have their own sets of issues. Sorry I can't say much about the pain. Personally Tylenol was what I took the entire post-op process. My arms didn't have pain, just no strength which I am still rebuilding. It really started to bounce back at around 10 weeks. Hang in there. No you are not alone. Take it one step at a time, one day at a time. You will get through this. Most of all, treat yourself with kindness in the meantime.

I am at 5 weeks and have some of the same issues still. My chest hurts. My BP is too low. My pulse is now either way too fast or way too slow. It scares me. Also at times I feel dizzy and my blood pressure cuff keeps showing that I have arrhythmia but the two times I went to the Cardiologist for testing the EKG showed it is a safe rhythm. I don't really care what the EKG shows, I find it stressful and scary. Hang in there. Heart surgery isn't for sissies :-) We can do it.

Keep your faith Frence, it will get better over time. Your blood pressure 125/80 is not bad at all so do not let that bother you. Have you started your Cardiac Rehab yet? That will help you out a lot with regaining your strength back to normal and it should also help out with your shoulder issues. Do not look for daily improvement, look more to weekly improvements and I am sure you will notice a difference for the better. My prayers & thoughts are with you, but keep your spirits up and you will feel better & better as time goes by.

Be gentle with yourself, France. The anxiety is normal. Stay within yourself, and avoid stressful situations. Limit visitors. Make sure you have quiet time. Listen to music. Heart surgery is a big deal. So I'm coming up on 8 weeks and have more good days than I did at 6 weeks. Takes time. Everybody's different. I'm starting cardiac rehab next week and am sure that will make a big difference, too.💪🏼🌺

It gets better! It took me a long time to get in/out of bed without issues. And rolling over in bed? HA I still look like a flopping fish. Have you ever had a massage? I had my first one at about 9 weeks, and was very clear with the therapist when I booked the appointment about having had surgery. I wore gym shorts and a sports bra when I went, because I knew I would need assistance getting on/off the table and positioning myself. It was awesome! Best $30 I spent on myself during recovery! (I still don't like to lay flat on my back in bed!) -Meredith Holiday, FL