Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-21-2019 17:40
    Hi Everyone,
    I got off to a rough start for 2019. Day before New years eve thought I had indigestion, seem to get worse and then real bad toothache. I went to urgent care where to cust a long story short it was found my Aorta was torn and immediate surgery needed. I was very fortunate I keep being told that it was diagnosed. Without to much time to think about things the surgery was new years day and the Aorta valve replaced (not mechanical one).
    So far I have been doing great, The folks at St Marteen Hospital here in Vegas were outstanding and had me up and up about the next day. I was there 10 days as I had a lot of drainage for some reason. In the end they pulled the tubes and was fine...
    I still have some soreness and sensitivity on the right  upper side of the scar. I've been for follow-ups and an echo cardiogram and things are looking good.
    I am only 54 years old and at first felt like there must be some mistake. I am grateful for the support and now coming to terms that I have had this done and right now that is the hardest part, I feel like there is 2 lives ...before surgery and now after.
    Im back at work (work from home in IT support, so that's good) and back to driving around. 
    I just wanted to say Hi, and support others that maybe feeling a bit out of it.
    Thank You and I look forward to helping and participating as needed.
    Steve

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    Stephen Haygarth
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 2.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-22-2019 08:36
    Welcome,hang in there that second life gets normal.





  • 3.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-22-2019 16:25
    Steve:
    Your story is one of courage and determination to live life well.  I am so glad you sought medical help for your pain and discomfort instead of thinking it was just indigestion and a tooth ache that you could medicate yourself.  Have you given thought to becoming an accredited Mended Hearts volunteer and providing peer-to-peer support for other survivors.  I think sharing your story with others would encourage them to see their life after a heart event with new eyes and courage.

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    William Hess
    Accredited Mended Hearts Volunteer
    Chapter 81
    Altanta, GA
    (404) 452-8464
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  • 4.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-23-2019 11:01
    Dear Steve,
         Your story is great that yours has a happy ending.
    I was struck by your comment about feeling you have had two lives, because after my first open heart surgery in 1968, emotionally I felt very different. I was eleven years old.

         I feel to this day that had emotional therapy been part of the surgical plan before, during and after surgery,
    I would have had a complete recovery.
         I had two more open heart surgeries within 10 years. the final one in 1976, to replace a valve that was failing.
    I was quite literally recalled like a Ford Pinto!     After that surgery, I became depressed, had many panic attacks, and back then, PTSD. Yet no therapy or psychiatric therapy was to come. Life was supposed to be"normal" after heart surgery right?
         Not the case, I'm afraid. I am now 62, but for 41 years I suffered with severe depression, anxiety disorder, trauma and PTST.

         Finally, after being hospitalized just five months ago with another mental breakdown, a doctor read my record and asked me, "did you ever get counselling regarding your surgeries?"

         I told him no.
         The very next day I was driven, by ambulance ,to a facility where people get treatment for many reasons:
         Depression, physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault as children, trauma like traumatic brain injuries, well other traumas. Only there, after being in this program from October to January, did I learn that I too was suffering
    from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Here I finally received psychotherapy, counselling, and comfort, regarding the symptoms I lived with for all these symptoms.

       It took a lot of work, but I learned many skills and methods to help myself emotionally with the life-changing surgeries and was finally able to ACCEPT my heart and not be afraid of my body.

      I know I have become a self-appointed advocate for people like us to receive, and expect counselling before, during and after surgery, and I will stress IF NEEDED. We all respond differently, but I wanted to share my story of survival.
    I wish you well, friend, and am glad you are here.
    Peace
    Ken Levine
    Middlebury, Vt.
    05753





























    ------------------------------
    ken levine
    volunteer, retired
    802-236-8186
    kenpaullevine@gmail.com
    Middlebury, Vermont
    05753
    United States of America
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-24-2019 06:42
    Dear Ken your words couldn't be truer. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. I have a family memory who suffers from anxiety and short term memory issues after a quad by pass with serious complications. The medical community needs to advise and address this very real possibility for all heart surgery patients. I wish you continued success in your recovery.

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    Patricia
    NC
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  • 6.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-24-2019 09:02
    Dear Patricia,
    Thank you for your feedback. It seems that getting the emotional support for your family member may be a good decision. I am by no means a medical expert but I speak from the heart, no pun intended.
    Please keep me informed, if that is okay. I wish you well.
    Peace, 
    Ken levine

    ------------------------------
    ken levine
    volunteer, retired
    802-236-8186
    kenpaullevine@gmail.com
    Middlebury, Vermont
    05753
    United States of America
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-24-2019 11:07
    I truly believe that Counceling should be part of the recovery process, just like cardiac rehab is for your body. You really need mental rehab. I know I had so many emotions after my heart attack. My emotions were all over the place. I had so many questions as well that needed answering.

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    Elizabeth Atkinson
    Burleson TX
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  • 8.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-25-2019 13:46
    Hi William, down the road I would certainly consider volunteering and supporting others. I'm still getting used to coming to terms with my own situation first.

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    Stephen Haygarth
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 9.  RE: Introduce Myself

    Posted 02-25-2019 13:53
    Thank you all and your support. 
    It looks like one take away I see from just this brief back and forth is emotional support should be given a priority in the recovery. This all happened so fast for me that I am somewhat distrusting of my own body. My last follow up appointment with the cardiologist was me fire hosing the cardiologist with questions on can I trust my heart and its parts etc. Can I go on long flights ?long drives ? will I know if something is failing ? and so on. All his assurance and Yes answers helpful but really positive answers can come from groups like this and as time continues more trust in myself and the future.
    Thank You.
    Steve

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    Stephen Haygarth
    Las Vegas NV
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