Kody's Posts

Oh honey, you've had a lot thrown at you. All of us know what you are going through... It'll get better. Sometimes things need tweaking to make them all gel. You look great so stay positive and get recovering. You will do great... Just give yourself time one step at a time. Hugs..

Kody, I am so sorry you are experiencing this. My need for surgery was a surprise to me, my EF kept decreasing and after coming home I was in and out of the hospital 3-4 times due to either dehydration, rapid heart rate, and then in the hospital I had an AF event so that night an ICD pacemaker was implanted 2 months after the mitral valve replacement surgery. I felt like I would never get my life back, but, now it is 9 months post surgery and there has been improvement in the EF and my activity. I was told numerous times just go slow and steady, which is frustrating, but it did help. Kody, give yourself time and take advantage of this time to re-learn about you.....Hope this helps. linda

Kody, I'm so sorry this is happening to you, and I know it must be a worry. Have you talked to your doctor about how you feel and what you can expect in the way of recovery? Some cardiologists have nurses standing by to answer questions. I'm not going to dismiss any of your feelings of negativity, because not all surgeries come out shiny and bright. BUT, if you had an airlift and emergency surgery, you've probably had a very rough time. It may take you longer to recover than "typical" patients because you had more heart trouble. You could be suffering not only from the lingering effects of surgery and some complications, but from PTSD. Many OHS patients do. There's also an emotional component that goes along with heart surgery and can make people depressed. Be kind to yourself, and try to take it one day at a time. Or one hour at a time if you have to.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I hope you are able to find support here. I am sorry you are going through all this now. The surgery is hard enough, but to deal with having things go on that were not planned makes it harder. It might be helpful to talk to your surgeon or cardiologist about someone you can talk to about your concerns and process out your fears. Jean has really good points about symptoms of trauma. It is very common to have anxiety and depression around these types of surgeries. If you need support finding resources, I would be happy to help you find something in your area. I am a psychologist and I experienced significant anxiety myself with my AVR. Hang in there and sending healing thoughts your way.

Hang in there Kody. I'm sorry to hear about the need for a pacemaker. I got mine after OHS in 1993 due to AV Block from the surgery. I got a new mechanical aortic valve with my aneurysm repair last May. I told my surgeon this valve was louder than the last mechanical valve. He thinks it might be do to the stiffer graph tissue for the aneurysm repair. I understand about hearing the beat, especially when it seems the rhythm is off. I know I'll get use to it and it beats the alternatives, but it is frustrating. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that things settle down for you.

I haven't gone through as much as you but I can relate to the AF post surgery. On top of OHS which is exhausting enough, AF can really slow you down. I have recovered a sinus rhythm through rate management but am forever checking my pulse and wondering what the future will bring, and what meds I'll require. Hopefully your pacemaker will steady everything and you can turn a corner on your recovery.