Jennifer's Journal

Terrie Syvertsen  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!

Steven A Husted  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

Pat Bluemel  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.

Robert Osmachenko  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.

Bill Cherry  (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

Jennifer Bramlett  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.

Nancy D  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!

Cheryl Batzing  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.

Nancy D  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!!

Tim Goff  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

Nancy D  So good to hear the news that she did well and is beginning her recovery process...continued prayers for all of you!

Terrie Syvertsen  Tom- Thank you for posting to us about your beautiful wife Jen! Great news to hear she is on the other side of surgery and on the road to recovery! Take good care of her and give her the love of all her heart brothers and sisters!

Mary Myers  So thankful that all went well. Tom thank you for posting this fantastic news. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Sending big hugs from her heart sisters and brothers.

Tammy Pilcher  Jennifer, you have a wonderful outlook and you'll do great! Keeping you in my prayers tomorrow! God bless you! Isaiah 41:13.

Terry Shermeister   Hi Jennifer, thank you for your great words and attitude. Prayers, positive thoughts, and look forward to seeing your recovery progress!!

Tammy VanBuskirk  Jennifer you are a great and positive roll model!! Praying for you and wishing you a fast recovery!!

Duane Beeman  Nothing to be afraid of. You'll pop out the other side looking and feeling great. How would you like to be me....knowing that when you get up each morning, this is the best you're going to look all day !!! My thoughts are with you. No negative thinking allowed.

Laura Metrano  All good thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow for a very uneventful surgery! Glad to hear how kind and gentle you are being with yourself. I hope to follow your example when it's my turn :)
Best of luck!

  What an awesome, positive attitude! Praying that your surgery goes smoothly...and that your recovery is steady. God Bless You.....

Rhonda Rawles  Great outlook and the best way to look at it, attitude is such a big part of recovery! Stay strong and know that each hour/day/week gets a bit easier and closer to pre-surgery. Everyone is right, the waiting is worse than the day of surgery, I remember VERY little which is awesome.

Duane Beeman  I would have made you write, I will not forget my Handbook" at least 100 times. I only have two cats. "A good cat is more valuable than a swift horse, when mice infest the palace" --- Mark Twain.

Bob M  Yes, nurses are awesome. I pray that your upcoming surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. On April 7, it will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Nancy D  enjoy these days of self care! You will need to put yourself first for a while! Praying for smooth sailing ahead for you- all the way to Recovery home!!

Jennifer Bramlett  Thank you everyone -- you have made me "heart happy" with your encouraging thoughts! It was a good day.

Rodrigo Ponce  Sounds to me your into life 100%. And I promise you that after your surgery is a complete success and recovery is over and you're back home, that 100% will still be there but with more intensity, with more vitality. That 100% will change (you) so much you'll be amazed to discover that now you enjoy life a whole lot more.

Have a Good Friday, in every sense of the word, Jenny. And to the rest of you too.

Nancy D  One thing I have learned through this journey- is just what you expressed. In the past 7 months of recovery I have such a new appreciation for the every day things, and sort of remind myself "If not now, when?" as I try to decide how to spend the day and I always accept invites out or in with good friends and family! I see how they need it too, to see how I was doing, if they could do anything for me. Your mind and heart are in the right place! Take good care!

Jennifer Bramlett  Thank you Nancy. You made an important point -- that friends and family also need the opportunity to connect and see in person how one is doing.
Be well!

Robyn Tatu  Would it be helpful if she could be more involved with your recovery? Or help you with the planning or details? I know you have a family that you care for, but could she join you for a time and be a help to you? Channel her sorrow into action? My 85 year old father moved in with us last year. The thought of moving him in to "help" me makes me giggle.... but he is so willing to help and he also has a very active prayer schedule which I know keeps his spirits up (so to speak). I'm so sorry about your brother, Jennifer. I know thoughts of his death are still so fresh for your family. Thankfully you are NOT in his situation and are getting help. Considering my recent experiences with therapy - would a visit to a therapist be too far fetched?

LaDonna Mangile  I agree with Robyn and think that's a great idea! My Dad is 93 and he has offered to come take care of me and I just told him sounds great!

Jennifer Bramlett  Thank you Robyn and Ladonna. It's a very good idea. She can't physically help, but perhaps I can find another way to give her a role that will be positive. At the least, I can share my thoughts with her. And perhaps we both could use a visit to a therapist.
(I hope you ladies are doing well.)

Tammy VanBuskirk  I have found that taking my mom to visit her friends helped to ease her anxiety of my upcoming surgery. Sometimes going to a senior center or taking her to visit a close relative can help also. I also allowed her to speak to my cardiologist about any questions she may have. My mom has dementia and we lost my dad about three years ago. My dad had a quadruple by pass and did not go through the surgery well. I can sympathize where you are coming from.

Jennifer Bramlett  Thank you Tammy. As a matter of fact, we both have the same cardiologist! I also "introduced" her to my surgeon by showing her videos of him speaking about heart valve surgery. Knowledge can be comforting, it's the unknown that is scary.

Meredith Bray  I second the suggestion of involving mom in your recovery planning. maybe she has some great recipes for casseroles that you can make together and put in the freezer?

Ben Hyman  Hi Jennifer. I'm in the same boat (severe MR) and now exploring my options . It's daunting to try and figure out what to do next. I'm getting cardiac monitoring for the next month, meeting with surgeons at some of the local Heart Centers here in Minneapolis (Abbott Northwestern and hopefully Mayo in Rochester) getting a TEE in April, and whatever testing is necessary to see if my leaky valve can be replaced with a minimally invasive technique. Adam's book is excellent, as is another book called Heart 411. Both provide great tips to get prepared . We're all in this together. Stay strong..,you'll come through with flying colors

Ben from Minneapolis

LaDonna Mangile  I can empathize, I don't have two households, but I do have 30 head of horses, donkeys and ponies. Two are expected to foal while I'm away and one is high risk. I also have a big yard and gardening project that already out of control. One of my worst fears is losing my independence totally for a while...not being able to control or take care of things! Today is my last day at home before drive up to Mayo and I still don't know if all is covered!

Jennifer Bramlett  Thanks to all for your support. LaDonna, you are amazing to be taking care of so many members of your animal family. My very best to you.
All of you helped me realize that my worries are not atypical. I guess we just have to concentrate mostly on ourselves, preparing for surgery or healing afterwards - but that is hard when others have depended on us. Letting go should feel like a zen action, but instead for me now it is hard. Still, I deep down do believe it will come together ok. And that I too will be ok.

Tim Goff  Jennifer many depend on you which can be quite a load, especially under these circumstances. You must work on what is medically best for you as job one which probably hasn't been part of the deal for some time, an adjustment is coming for many. Take care of yourself, we are pulling for you.