Rena's Journal

Sheila Harrison  Hi Rena I had aortic and mitral valve replacement on 9-9-15. I had a pacemaker put in on 9-18-15. I to have a battle with the cardiac depression. It does get so much worse when I am exhausted. Walking helped me even walking around the house. I am so sorry for all of your misery. I would insist the Dr.'s give you something to help you sleep. I also took Tylenol pm when I was so anxious from exhaustion it helped. Hang in there it gets better.

Mary K  I hope that your doctor is aware and is treating you for this. Anti-depressants can be miraculous for situational depression like this.

Are you in cardiac rehab? The exercise and the comradarie will probably help.

And see a psychologist if you can. There us no reason for you to be in suffering without help.

Sending prayer, heart sister.

Ginger Marine  I had to be reopened also about 10 hours after the first surgery ended because my heart stopped. I was bleeding into the pericardium,which kept the heart from being able to beat.

Being put to sleep twice and for such a long time can have a huge impact on your body. I have had a very easy, quick recovery, but I think I am very fortunate. I second what you heard above--communicate with your doctors and see if you are a candidate for cardiac rehab. It is very individualized, and gentle. It makes me feel like a million bucks, and I am in better shape overall than I have been in years, maybe even a decade.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Sophia Ridley  Hi Rena, you've had quite a journey ! I do also urge you to talk to a professional.

I had low BP during surgery 5wks ago and required a transfusion. Low BP continued after surgery and hampered my mobility in hospital as all I really wanted was to sleep. I still suffer now from low BP but am better at recognising it. This BP coupled with persistent AF has made me light headed and exhausted. I have been frustrated that my recovery isn't progressing as fast as I would like, but on the other hand I'm amazed what I can do so soon after surgery. When I have good days I seem to overdo it (I'm a 101 things all at the same time person !) and then set myself back so had to learn to pace myself.

If you're not already, please check your BP when lightheaded, drinking water is good as increases blood volume, increasing the pressure. I use a free iPhone app from Azumio to check my heart rate trace. It gives me peace of mind or alerts me to an issue.
I'm sure your bloods have been checked... Iron, Free iron, thyroid, B12, Vit D, Mg and Potassium plus the usual tests were my latest batch... I've been prescribed iron tablets as my haemoglobin is too low, I was cold and lethargic. I'm already hypothyroid.

Rehab does sound fabulous - been told that as much for the social as fitness. I try and walk as much as I can, even if I must look like a demented puppy circling patio! I've found that just looking back over the day and picking something I've been able to do however small (whether physical or mental) new or not, and then having something to look forward to the next day has helped... I'm not good at doing 'nothing' so best when I realise I've done something!
Another thing that's made a difference is that I'm resting not napping. This was seriously disrupting my sleep and I was exhausted the following day which made the cycle worse as needed to nap again...
Best wishes with your recovery, sending you a big virtual hug !