Jennifer's Posts

Hello Jennifer- Please do yourself a favor Heart Sister; Look up "Cardiac Depression" online or discuss it with your Cardiologist or just wait a bit as You are going to hear from many Heart Brother's and Sisters who will tell you that this is a very, very common event that takes place after cardiac surgery and it helps to read about the fact it is all too real an event and will back off in time. I have had depression off and on and I am nearing the 9 month period since my surgery. Don't beat yourself up over it as it is nothing you are doing wrong just your body taking a bit of time to sort itself out and talking about it with a friend, family member, when it hits is a good thing. Writing a journal to see when and what preceded it is a good idea as well to see if there is a pattern so you can work on it. Sometimes it also goes with medications we are put on and taken off as the body adjusts. I think that reading about it online is an immediate way of finding answers and hope that you find it lessening soon. I know I have gotten close to several people over the months of my surgery and afterwards who have all experienced it during recovery and expect you might hear from them as well. You take care and I hope your healing time is good for you as you continue!

yes jennifer i agree with terrie it comes and goes and i think your idea of going to cardio rehab is a good one i know it has helped me to have others to talk to who have been there done that so to speak i mean ohs i will keep you in my prayers

Yup. Very real. It's a roller coaster. I am headed to the three month mark and fight every day. Move your body, get fresh air, and talk to your doctors about pharmacological intervention if you need to go there. It's not a pride thing, we are all wired differently. Do what you have to to get through. I'm on 5mgs of lexapro a day for anxiety and the blues and have no idea what I do without it.

Yes, Terrie has summed it up well. This is very real and affects each of us differently. I also had bouts of anger and forgetfulness. It has improved greatly over the 9 months but have to be patient and pray like ever that it will go sooner than later. Eat whole foods, take your cardiac supplements and exercise. Research Bill Clinton's syndrome" and "pump head" syndrome to find out more online.

(Just my opinions) Yes, it is real, but it is a fairly complex area that is not well understood. And since each of us is unique and different, the effects are somewhat different in individuals. If you were to ask 30 people to define 'depression' you would probably get 30 different definitions. I read one paper where the author defined 5 general types of depression; some improved with medication, some got worse with medication. So which depression is post heart operation depression? When the word depression is used, most people think of a mood disorder caused mainly by a chemical imbalance in the brain, usually a deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin. What is usually not realized is that less than 10% of the serotonin producing cells are in the brain. The other 90% are out in the body, mainly the digestive tract and are also impacted. The result can be nerve problems (muscles), sensor problems (pain), etc. How would open heart surgery cause 'depression' or a hypo serotonin condition? One way is stress. I would say that open heart surgery is very stressful. If you want a more detailed description of the body's reaction to stress, I would recommend watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gFVQGD-aB8 So, in my opinion, at least do the following: - healthy cardio diet, hydration - exercise, cardiac rehab, and then on your own - good restful sleep - stress management, positive attitude bc

Oh my goodness, each and every one of you has helped me. I will do my best to follow your advice and find a way to push through it and come out on the other side. I am having "one of those days" now but am keeping busy around the house and listening to taped David Letterman shows playing in the background. Thank you so very much.

So glad you are doing so well in your post op journey!! Sounds like you are making all kinds of good progress!! I too had minimally invasive, and was told it was more painful initially, but a faster healing time. Well, I can't say for sure which is more painful as I have never had an OHS midline sternal incision. I have had the luxury of really taking my time getting well but am now looking for work, and getting back on track. I am sharing your feelings of gratefulness, for sure. So happy it is over and I am getting my life back on track! Good going for you, keep up the good work!

Jennifer, I had "minimally invasive" mitral valve repair Dec. 16, and I also had a follow up chest x-ray and got to see the "ring" that had repaired my valve. It was bizarre. I also got my "card" in the mail to give me the ID # of my valve ring. That freaked me out! The nurses told me at the hospital that "minimally invasive" surgery is more painful up front (which I experienced), but the recovery is quicker (which I've also experienced...at 4 months post op). HOWEVER, no one told me the nerves/muscles they cut through on the right side are numb for a long time. They are starting to "wake up" and sometimes it is not fun. Not unbearable at all...and I'm a wimp. It does tell me, "hey you had heart surgery!" So glad you are doing well and will pray for your continued healing and recovery.

I have to agree with Cheryl about the numbness and nerves regenerating. My right arm pit is no longer numb- made shaving interesting.....but do also have some soreness as the nerves find their new pathways. Nerves take their own sweet time, so I am trying to be patient. LOL It isn't unbearable, just a wee reminder that some one was in there and I did indeed have heart surgery. It all takes time.....be patient with yourself, but you sound like you are off to a great start!!

Glad to hear you are home and I hope you are feeling well. It truly is a miracle what these Dr's do for us, a new lease on life. How great is that? I wish you the best in your home recuperation. I am several weeks ahead and feeling better each day. Best Regards, Tim