Mended Hearts Open Forum

It's been 11 weeks since "the event" and even though my strength is returning (cardio rehab is helping) I am still having bouts of fatigue or just plain tired feelings. Could it be the beta blockers and 'statin' meds or should I be concerned?

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Paul Benoit
CABGx5 Guy
Apopka Florida
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Hi Paul.  The Beta Blockers really made me feel fatigued.  But I think the 5 or 10 year survival rate is much better post MI for patients that take B.B.  Your symptoms sound normal to me.  I had CABGx5 about 5 years ago.  

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Ralph Fortson
Tampa FL
(813) 968-1170
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​Hi Paul,

You probably just need more time to build your strength.  When I returned to work in NYC, 13 weeks after my surgery, I generally felt okay but also felt as though I was walking in soft sand when everyone around me was walking on concrete and moving twice as fast as me.  It stayed that way for about a month and then, all of a sudden, it seemed, I was able to keep up with everybody else and even move faster than many.  Nothing had changed in my life or exercise routine other than the passage of more time.  You're still healing.  You'll get there.

Best regards,

Ira

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Ira Reid
Hoboken NJ
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Hi Paul,
I had open heart surgery about 2 1/2 years ago to repair a mitral valve.  While not the same procedure as your CABG I'm  certain the recovery is similar.  I can tell you after all this time I'm still seeing weekly improvements in my stamina, general health and overall sense of well being. It is definately a long term process and you probably won't get much guidance from your Doc.  It is a very individual thing. I also take a statin, beta blocker and an acid reflux medication. If you research the internet (which I don't recommend) you will be lead to believe that there may be some interaction, mostly mood related.  I guess I could dwell on that, but don't and just  keep on keeping on.   Be prepared for some possible anxiety and depression issues.  If so, get some help and this too will pass.  At 75 I'm playing golf daily, skiing in the winter and enjoying life to the fullest.
Hang in there.

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Gary
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Paul, it's quite possible the exhaustion and tired feeling is in fact due to your Beta Blocker and or Statin. Those are known side effects. There's a little trick that works wonders...talk to your Cardiologist about taking those medications at bed time. I felt like I was in a dream all the time and just no energy, taking both at bedtime Worked great for me, and I slept better too.

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Warren
TucsonAZ
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Agree with what you've heard from others. The big message is STAY POSITIVE.  My open heart surgery (MV repair, one bypass) was in late September 2011. By Thanksgiving, I was ready for cardio rehab, which meant I had myself walking 30 minutes. Finished rehab in Feb or March. Exercising at the same level, six days a week since. My meds get tweaked now and then but I'm still taking several. Life is GOOD. 

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Bob] Levin
Berkeley CA
adelbob@comcast.netRobertRobert
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2018 18:41
From: Ralph Warren
Subject: 11 weeks after CABGx5 still having bouts of fatigue.

Paul, it's quite possible the exhaustion and tired feeling is in fact due to your Beta Blocker and or Statin. Those are known side effects. There's a little trick that works wonders...talk to your Cardiologist about taking those medications at bed time. I felt like I was in a dream all the time and just no energy, taking both at bedtime Worked great for me, and I slept better too.

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Warren
TucsonAZ
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​Paul
I had CABGx4 in January. I am also on a beta blocker and a statin. I completed my phase 2 rehab at 4 months after surgery and went back to playing Pickleball.  Although at times I do feel a little tired, for the most part I am doing great and feel blessed to be doing everything I want without being fatigued or out of breath.  You should give yourself some more time  and continue to exercise.  Strength will come as your body heals.. don't push it and be patient.

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steve ketcham
acworth GA
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