Karen's Journal

  Hi Karen, I am sorry you are feeling down. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for many of us. For me personally, I found cardiac rehabilitation to be a great place to meet other people who experienced what I went through (or similar) and also just getting out and exercising made me feel better...even if I was moving slowly. There are some great folks on here who can normalize the experience of being post-surgery, but nothing can replace the support and training of a professional. Every state has an association where you can look up counselors/psychologists with various specialties. Hang in there and I hope you feel better.

Christine Oliva  Karen, its a tough operation and recovery takes a lot out of you. You are not alone, I've dealt with some depression and many of us have. Talk it out, spouse, friend or this website. One of the greatest thing about this site, no judgement just a lot of compassion. Also, let your doctor know, he may be able to refer you to someone or just some meds temporarily. Hope you are feeling better soon Karen.

Elaine Cutri  You are not very far post-op. This is a hard time because you don't feel like yourself. You've had surgery - yay, yet your body and your brain are a little shell shocked. We're here for you and hope that that brings a little comfort. Keep us posted. Hugs and prayers!

Joyce Shelby  Karen, I hope you are feeling better today, my prayers go out to you. Maybe some comedies on Netflix might may you laugh and feel a little better.

kathleen savoy  Hi Karen. You are only a week post op. Its natural to feel some depression and anxiety. Have you let your doctor know how you feel? I am sorry that you are feeling so alone. I hope you have someone coming in to help you. God bless you.

Karen Border Hardwick  My husband and kids have been great. More patient and understanding than I could have hoped for. But they have work and school everyday. I haven't talked to my doctor yet, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to.

Wanda Mroz  I'm so sorry that you are feeling so down. It is common and some depression is normal but yes talk to your dr. Try to focus on the positives and that you are on the other side now and on your way to recovery. Read, listen to music... Maybe that would help. Will you be scheduled for rehab? That would really be good as you would be around those who have similar problems... I hope you feel better soon. We're all here for you. Hugs...

Clare Auten  I remember the alone time, while everyone was at work and school. It was difficult. I was used to being at work and talking to lots of people every day. When are you able to drive? I could at week 4 and that helped - a lot. Maybe set a small goal for yourself while you are home alone,( walking, a small chore, etc). It might help you to feel like you had a productive day.I am assuming my kids were younger than yours from your picture. Mine were 4, 7 and 13 so I always had stuff to do at the house.

Tina Maroon  Karen I hope you begin to feel better soon. I know that feeling of being alone and all. It takes time to feel back to your normal self.

Sophia Ridley  Hi Karen, it's a long day. My kids were in day care until 6 when my husband came home and the time between 3.30-6pm I always found the slowest especially when nights drew in.

Can your husband work from home at all? It made such a difference for me knowing someone was in the house. When I was on my own I would put a talk radio station on (as a Brit, BBC Radio 4!) which kept me company. I found daytime TV awful.
I had parents from my girls' school who would pop in for a cuppa and chat, and people from the church offered too. Just found something or someone to look forward to helped considerably. It does get better when you become more mobile as you can get into a walk routine around your local area.

Mary K  Calling friends and family, and warching Netflix got me through, (I watched all the seasons of Downton Abbey, but started wirh mindless sitcoms), along with walking four times a day, I did mine around the house, starting with only a few minutes and working up.

susan kotansky  I cried for weeks and weeks Karen. Everyone called it depression. ..I don't know,what it was. .I didn't like feeling so compromised.and uncomfortable. I promise you it will pass but it takes time, patience, and acceptance. You just had surgery. It takes,time but it will get so much better. You'll see. Keep us posted! And enjoy the down time while you have it.

Karen Border Hardwick  Oh my gosh. I can't imagine having to wait that long. I only knew for a few weeks and I thought I was going to go crazy.

Karen Border Hardwick  Thank you Susan. I was having some of these feelings before the surgery too. I've read that heart problems can cause anxiety and depression. I was/am worried about them becoming overwhelming. Having people to talk to who have experienced the same things is really going to help.

susan kotansky  Although I'm someone who tries to steer clear of drugs and medical interventions (haha just had the biggest medical intervention ever and survived!!!) I did and still take ativan before and after the surgery. I actually needed something before as I was so anxious I could barely function and my surgeon kindly supported me. I tend to feel weird every morning still so I take a tiny dose (.25) when I wake up. I think it's mostly a placebo effect cause I feel better pretty much before I can digest it. All I'm saying is anxiety/fear/ nervousness about heart surgery is really common. The reality is the surgery has become so common and so safe that our fears I think are based more on the unknown factor. Post surgery I worried about every little nuance I felt in my body....I felt that my doctor should have told me more about all the little discomforts and strange sensations that are common so I wouldn't have to worry about each one. So read about everyone's experiences on this site...it will help you most of all. You're in great company!!!!! I wish you the best and be patient with yourself!!!!

Sophia Ridley  Karen, it's all very natural after what you've been through to be up/down. Each of us have probably had some degree during recovery however prepared we were. Meredith mentions some books in the post above, Adam's is relevant even if you're post surgery, the other looks vg too.
I found having things to look forward to, fresh air and change of scenery all helped. I even read funny stories on the internet and coloured to distract me. If there's anything medical, the worse thing is to worry so best to ask surgeon / GP as soon as you can.
You will get stronger, and celebrate that! I still now get really pleased with myself when I can do something that a week ago I couldn't :)