Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-23-2020 13:22
    Thanks for being a supportive group.

    Now 8.5 after 3 x Cabg and defibulator. and still working through heavy chest and breathing issues. Still do walking everyday ,but no rehab because of Covid. I want to be close to normal again that is all I think about. Its been a journey for sure...one that I dont ever want to go on again.. Fortunate, I have a great support group in my family , my little doggie and  little walking buddy.. I got to keep my head on straight and not let depression sink in and douse my recovery. I notice from reading the blog that depression is pretty common and part and parcel of the recovery process. Just keep moving forward and look for a brighter day that is sure to come.

    Robert Sauder

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    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
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  • 2.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-24-2020 01:14
    Hi Robert. I love this group. You never know when you're going to connect to something someone says. I've discovered that there is no getting back to normal. There is a new normal that takes time to figure out and get to know. Joining MH helped me realize that I was depressed because I just wanted to get back to "normal" but couldn't. I was stuck. When I had this revelation I have finally been able to move forward with a new normal. God Bless.

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    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
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  • 3.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-24-2020 02:42
    You got Henry not Robert.





  • 4.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-24-2020 12:17
    So sorry. I normally don't address a post by name but this felt personal Henry and I thought I remembered the correct name. Nonetheless I meant what I said to YOU!!

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    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
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  • 5.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery
    Best Answer

    Posted 08-25-2020 05:21
    Hi Robert. Carrie hit the nail on the head.  There is a new normal and that's always changing as well.  Hanging on to what you believe was the old normal is futile and doomed to failure.  It's no different than trying to look the way you looked when you were 20.  No wonder it's depressing.  You're trying to capture a fantasy of the way you think you once were (and whether it really was that good or you're forgetting the bad stuff is another story).

    If you can focus on right now, on your little dog and your walks, on what is happening right now with you and the people in your life, you will experience the joy and gratitude, every day and hour, of just being alive.  The past is just a painting you've created in your mind of what you think you remember, and the future is just something you imagine will happen.  The only thing that is real is right now.

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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  • 6.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-25-2020 11:00
    Thanks Ira,
     Most if not all want to hang on to a past that in our minds was a better and uncluttered time. Like looking at a Norman Rockwell painting of a simpler time of life without all life's complications. Yes, I do desire my old life before all this heart issue stuff happened out of the blue, but understand that the old normal that served me well for 70 years may be gone and have to adjust to a new normal for my remaining time. The old days of 3-mile power walks and sprints are over and have to adjust to a pleasant nature walk and rest after. I can make that adjustment and don't consider it a life-changing event as long as I feel well and can enjoy the blessings in my life.
     
    Robert Sauder 


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    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
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  • 7.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-25-2020 11:14
    Hey, Robert, don't sell that 3 mile power walk short just yet.  It may still be in the realm of possibility.  Of course, you might be a bit slower than you were.  I quit running post OHS when I realized that I wasn't going any faster than when I walked.

    Best,

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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  • 8.  RE: 8.5 months into recovery

    Posted 08-24-2020 18:43
    Dear Robert: many doctors will prescribe an antidepressant for post op period.  I had heard about post op depression ( plus they put the idea in your head by constantly asking you if you are depressed etc) ; and was pleased that I never had it.   I was very happy especially since I had a very good support frim family and friends .  Well, three months later I learned that I had been taking  them since surgery.  Joke is on me 😍

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    Marilyn Rosenhouse
    Dallas TX
    (214) 850-0219
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