Hello Tony,
You seem to be doing fine. I agree that it could be related to stress and fear. I had some of the same feelings about 4 to 6 weeks post-op from my CABG. I only lasted about 2 weeks but I remember the concern I had. Going upstairs is something we take for granted but after heart surgery, the body needs time to catch up to the mind. I tried to walk from my front door to the end of my driveway and back and I was puffing like an old freight train. My wife started to call the doctor but I was able to relax after getting into my recliner. I fell asleep after the long walk for about 30 minutes.
I spoke to my visiting nurse about that the next day and she advised me that it is normal to feel stress and for me to just not push my body faster than it will allow me to.
I agree you should see the doctors and get everything checked out but I think you will find as you slowly exercise more the fear will slowly go away and things will become easier for you. Keep listening to your body and when it says rest do so. I am 5 years post-op and stairs are still a challenge for me. I just go slow and like the tortoise, I eventually get there.
I am glad you are healing well and you will be able to share what you are going through with others in the future.
Take care,
Richard Short
Chapter 395
------Original Message------
This is my first post here. Sorry for the long length.
I had CABG surgery Jan 17th, 2020 (10 weeks ago). Ejection fraction 50+ -- heart is working great. BP hovers around 140/80, pulse 72. I'm taking several drugs (Amiodarone, Losartan, Metoprolol, Amlodipine, and a statin).
After 10 weeks, I still have significant chest wall pain (surrounding sternum) but, my biggest problem is
extreme shortness of breath. I've discussed this with my PCP and my Cardiologist. Heart seems to be working well (very good ejection fraction). PCP has listened very carefully to my lungs and can hear no issues. Cardiologist is hard to see right now -- Coronavirus lock down, etc.
Here's the big question...
When resting I can take deep breaths and I'm just fine. As soon as I try to walk upstairs, carry anything heavy, etc. I launch into this very shallow panicky breathing -- where I'm only able to get half breaths. It can take me as much as 3 minutes to calm down after walking up the stairs. My PCP has listened to my lungs and reports no problems. He has entered a referral to a pulmonologist -- but that could take several weeks.
So, it appears my lungs are clear, my heart function is awesome, but I still get this panicky thing.
I'm beginning to think that there may be a psychosomatic component to this. The combination of my chest pain (surrounding my sternum) and flat-out fear/post operative anxiety.
I did an experiment last night. I had two very strong drinks (alcohol). I was completely relaxed. I walked upstairs, and had no problem whatsoever.
What the hell is going on?? I'm scared!! In this Coronavirus situation we're in, it's almost impossible to see a doctor -- which might be dangerous. I'm staying home no matter what...
Tony.
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Anthony Smith
Lake Elsinore CA
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