Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Feelings

    Posted 03-13-2019 08:30
    is it normal to feel no interest in any thing after open heart surgery?   Had surgery Feb 1.  How should I be feeling? 

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    Judith Ell
    Noblesville IN
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  • 2.  RE: Feelings

    Posted 03-14-2019 09:44

                  People's responses to surgery vary widely. Depression, which you may be manifesting, was discussed here a couple weeks ago, and is quite common. I suggest making your cardiologist aware of how you are feeling. Mine put me on an anti-depressant from which I seemed to benefit greatly. 

    Bob Levin

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

     




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  • 3.  RE: Feelings

    Posted 03-15-2019 15:37
    Hello Judith,
    As you may have noticed from the others we all feel different after our surgery. It is normal to feel up, down and anywhere else depending on the person. The one thing we can all agree on is you do need to tell your provider. 
    We all agree that it may be your meds or you may need a med. What is really good about all of this is you asked the question. That is the first step in feeling better. It took me about 6 weeks post op to feel any enjoyment about things again. 
    I felt my whole life was turned upside down and I did not like it one bit. The first thing that helped me start to enjoy things again was cardiac rehab. Once I was able to do some physical activity other than getting out of bed in the morning I began to feel better about everything.
    If your provider has not referred you to rehab tell him/her you want to go. Even if they do not feel you need it, ask to be referred. Checking your meds is a must, talking to your provider is a must, REHAB IS A MUST.

    Take care 
    Richard Short 
    Chapter 395 



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  • 4.  RE: Feelings

    Posted 03-15-2019 12:42
    Hello Judith,
    I had a valve and 1xCABG Dec 2015 and have been a MH hospital visitor since Oct  2016. I have no training or education in medical or psychological health but I can tell you from visiting dozens of patients that everyone reacts differently after surgery.
    There are many factors to consider such as your physical and mental health before surgery, how much pain you have, your Rx meds you are taking, hobbies you're involved with, any support from family, friends, church, etc.
    You may want to seek the help of a  psychiatrist or Psychologist or maybe your cardiologist needs to adjust your Rx.

    Personally I didn't experience any depression although I did experience lethargy and low blood pressure from 2 of my Rx. I was OK immediately after surgery but as I went through rehab and was getting stronger, the 2 Rx were slowing my heart and keeping my BP too low. Once my cardiologist reduced the 2 Rx I felt more energetic and was able to complete my rehab.

    It may also benefit you if you could attend a meeting at your local MH chapter. According to the MH website there is a chapter in Noblesville, here is the link

    Sincerely,
    Bill Cekala
    Orlando chapter 296



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