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Shaun's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: June 28, 2025

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Shaun Bloodworth posted an update

1 month ago (May 19, 2026)

Hey Guys Radidly approaching 10 month post Mitral Valve repair. Physically feeling fantastic and I am back Surfing, Fishing Offshore on the Great Barrier Reef, Camping, Crabbing and generally loving life. However, this year as per my previous journal update, I have been feeling a little depressed and anxious. This... Read more.

👍 ❤️ Markos Barrios and Katheleen Luz reacted to this

Fidel Martínez Ruiz

Hey Shaun, I think yhat your feeling is very common and normal. After undergoing a major surgery, even if it went well. Your conscious mind accepts it, but the fact of being on the edge makes oneself aware of the fragility of life reminding us this from the deep inside.... Read more.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz

Greetings from the other side of the ball😊

Marie Myers

Great to hear you have made progress in your full recovery from surgery. I believe the magnitude of the surgery can change us in some ways, and it does take time to adjust. Enjoy that saltwater life!

John Cook

I'm glad you are doing physically well. Depression & anxiety are 100% normal post-op. I'm physically doing well, mentally is a mixed bag. This week I'm good mentally. A month ago, was a lot tougher. This time of year is tough for me. In a 30 day period I have:... Read more.

Trygve Harris

Hi Shaun. I think some depression and anxiety is quite normal after heart surgery. It will pass....

Robert Miller

Often depression comes right after surgery, not 10 months after when you already did go surfing, fishing, etc. Maybe those activities were "cover-ups" to say you are back on track but then later reality kicks in and makes you aware of mortality. Not because of your heart, which is fixed... Read more.

John Cook

I haven't found a study on depression & anxiety for heart valve patients. But for CABG & CVD surgeries, the post-op depression & anxiety rates are as high as 50% after surgery and stay up around 10% at one year (about twice the general population).

Shaun Bloodworth

Thanks Guys, I have been seeing a psychologist and inconjuction with doing the things I love including spending time with family and friends, I am feeling better.

Shaun Bloodworth posted an update

2 months ago (April 2, 2026)

I am now 8 months post OHS. I was extremely positive, helping alot of people who were struggling with the surgery and mental health. I am going great and back at the gym. My heart is fantastic and have had a very positive outcome. The problem for me over the... Read more.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz

Hey Shaun. I was reading your simptoms story, with the heavy feeling at the stomach level and are very similar to what I'm feeling. I visited the gastroenterologist Who made me an endoscopy with null results. Then I guess that in my case, given the good results of ECG and... Read more.

Marie Myers

I think that having a surgery of this magnitude does change us. It does present our own mortality in a way to us that makes us truly realize we won't last forever…And our recovery is both physical and emotional. Discussing this with your doctor and coming up with a plan... Read more.

Pamela Gregory

I definitely had a lot of emotional ups and downs for a long time. I am now 3 1/2 years post op and can say that is a rarity now. For quite some time, I would cry at the drop of a hat which is not like me. I think... Read more.

Rose Madura

I'm glad you are addressing this with your doctor, Shaun and coming up with a plan. I believe we really are warriors. It's not just a cute saying we use. We have had to come to grips with our mortality. But we overcame and went through with the surgery. This... Read more.

J Alexander Lassally

Hi Shaun - as others say well, this is a life changing surgery and it is a really big deal. I think there are many residuals to OHS, and mental health is one of those. I, too, struggled through the first year a lot. And sadly, I found the cardiologist... Read more.

Shaun Bloodworth

Thanks Guys. It is hard but my small portion of positivity atm tells me, it will get better. I am having a break for 3 weeks doing the things I love, hopefully this will help. Appreciate the love.

Kimberly Eisenhut

I agree with everything said by everyone. I'm also struggling and can relate for sure. I'm 6 months out and still dealing with chronic complications. I've finally started cardiac rehab last week and it is helping. I just wish I had more people in my class, as about 6 others... Read more.

Shaun Bloodworth

Thanks for the input guys. I have had 3 weeks holidays doing everything what I love. First time back surfing, fishing the great barrier reef, mudcrabbing etc. I feel great on my return and didn't wake up this morning feeling sick with anxiety. Will see how things progress and I... Read more.