Mended Hearts Open Forum

David, 

You're a fine writer with an ability to convey your personal passions.  You should remember that we all have different methods of continuing exercising after open heart surgery.  I was a runner but OHS and my age has modified my daily exercise to a 4.5 mile power walk in 1:20:00 each morning. If it's raining or snowing I go to the local Y for an hour on the treadmill and 20 minutes on life-fitness equipment. As long as your cardiologist agrees with your exercise goals, I agree with living life fully.

Vic

Throughout my entire life, I've come to understand the profound truth that exercise regimens after open heart surgery are not universally applicable. My formative years, from childhood through high school, were spent in special education, an environment where physical exercise was notably absent. On rare occasions, I might have been fortunate enough to kick a ball, yet mostly, I remained a spectator while others engaged in physical activities. This seasonal reminiscence during the Christmas season often echoes the narrative of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-much like Rudolph, being different meant exclusion from participating in games.

A significant portion of my life has been dedicated to therapy sessions aimed at processing the cognitive distortions resulting from years of unfiltered thinking about my heart condition. This journey has involved extensive listening, research, and study of the challenges faced by heart patients. Through this exploration, a belief has emerged-that while medical professionals diligently advise on physical capabilities based on cardiac assessments, addressing the mental and emotional struggles individuals endure due to their perceived limitations is not always at the forefront of medical considerations.

The trauma endured by the body and mind after open heart surgery can sometimes lead to a sense of being a "cardiac cripple." While cardiologists may reassure patients regarding the functionality of the heart, the mental and emotional rehabilitation required by the mind and soul often goes unaddressed. Throughout my more than 50 years of cardiac treatment, engaging in in-depth discussions about these psychological aspects has remained elusive in my interactions with cardiologists.

My journey spans over six decades, encompassing three open heart surgeries-each one associated with congestive heart failure experiences. I've undergone the replacement of both pig and bovine valves, currently in my ninth year with my second bovine valve. Additionally, I've undergone the replacement of five pacemakers and faced the distressing ordeal of two failed wires. As someone entirely dependent on a pacemaker, a failing wire translates into a catastrophic event, resulting in profound mental health struggles due to the associated trauma.

The core of my narrative, Vic, extends beyond merely completing a 10k run. It delves into the pervasive mental struggles faced not only by heart patients but by individuals navigating life's challenges. The inability to achieve personal goals often stems from the complex mental landscapes we traverse. While commendable strides have been made in post open-heart surgery research, I've found that the average cardiologist might lack the capacity for candid discussions regarding the mental and emotional toll post-operation.

Mended Hearts stands as a remarkable platform offering invaluable wisdom and support for pre- and post-operative patients navigating these challenges. It's essential to note that while I don't generalize about all cardiologists, my personal experience has highlighted their expertise in imparting technical knowledge yet left me wanting when it comes to addressing the mental struggles, both pre and post-operation.

This is an area where I believe further attention and support are needed for patients navigating the intricate mental and emotional terrains post open-heart surgery.

David, 

You're a fine writer with an ability to convey your personal passions.  You should remember that we all have different methods of continuing exercising after open heart surgery.  I was a runner but OHS and my age has modified my daily exercise to a 4.5 mile power walk in 1:20:00 each morning. If it's raining or snowing I go to the local Y for an hour on the treadmill and 20 minutes on life-fitness equipment. As long as your cardiologist agrees with your exercise goals, I agree with living life fully.

Vic

Hello David,

I  noted your discussion of the mental/emotional challenges surrounding the pre and post Open Heart Surgery timeframes for the patient.  My OHS was for the replacement of a bicuspid aortic valve in early fall of 2021.  My cardiac rehab directly followed my initial recovery and was completed in spring of 2022.  Within four months I began to lose weight, incur night sweats as well as a dry cough.  It was not until that winter that I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  My treatment plan included six months of aggressive chemotherapy (AVD + Adcetris). I was nervous about the possible impact on my heart and my cardiologist assured me of my heart's ability to handle the treatment and she remained close with my oncology team during the 6 months. I have recently completed chemotherapy with an all clear from my oncologist.  My mental and emotional challenge from OHS was having the confidence to trust my heart during the period of eradication of cancer cells from my body.  I was fortunate in that I was able to have frank  and open conversations with my cardiologist who became integral to my trusting my body to handle the toxic treatment.  Your points are well taken !  

Throughout my entire life, I've come to understand the profound truth that exercise regimens after open heart surgery are not universally applicable. My formative years, from childhood through high school, were spent in special education, an environment where physical exercise was notably absent. On rare occasions, I might have been fortunate enough to kick a ball, yet mostly, I remained a spectator while others engaged in physical activities. This seasonal reminiscence during the Christmas season often echoes the narrative of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-much like Rudolph, being different meant exclusion from participating in games.

A significant portion of my life has been dedicated to therapy sessions aimed at processing the cognitive distortions resulting from years of unfiltered thinking about my heart condition. This journey has involved extensive listening, research, and study of the challenges faced by heart patients. Through this exploration, a belief has emerged-that while medical professionals diligently advise on physical capabilities based on cardiac assessments, addressing the mental and emotional struggles individuals endure due to their perceived limitations is not always at the forefront of medical considerations.

The trauma endured by the body and mind after open heart surgery can sometimes lead to a sense of being a "cardiac cripple." While cardiologists may reassure patients regarding the functionality of the heart, the mental and emotional rehabilitation required by the mind and soul often goes unaddressed. Throughout my more than 50 years of cardiac treatment, engaging in in-depth discussions about these psychological aspects has remained elusive in my interactions with cardiologists.

My journey spans over six decades, encompassing three open heart surgeries-each one associated with congestive heart failure experiences. I've undergone the replacement of both pig and bovine valves, currently in my ninth year with my second bovine valve. Additionally, I've undergone the replacement of five pacemakers and faced the distressing ordeal of two failed wires. As someone entirely dependent on a pacemaker, a failing wire translates into a catastrophic event, resulting in profound mental health struggles due to the associated trauma.

The core of my narrative, Vic, extends beyond merely completing a 10k run. It delves into the pervasive mental struggles faced not only by heart patients but by individuals navigating life's challenges. The inability to achieve personal goals often stems from the complex mental landscapes we traverse. While commendable strides have been made in post open-heart surgery research, I've found that the average cardiologist might lack the capacity for candid discussions regarding the mental and emotional toll post-operation.

Mended Hearts stands as a remarkable platform offering invaluable wisdom and support for pre- and post-operative patients navigating these challenges. It's essential to note that while I don't generalize about all cardiologists, my personal experience has highlighted their expertise in imparting technical knowledge yet left me wanting when it comes to addressing the mental struggles, both pre and post-operation.

This is an area where I believe further attention and support are needed for patients navigating the intricate mental and emotional terrains post open-heart surgery.

David, 

You're a fine writer with an ability to convey your personal passions.  You should remember that we all have different methods of continuing exercising after open heart surgery.  I was a runner but OHS and my age has modified my daily exercise to a 4.5 mile power walk in 1:20:00 each morning. If it's raining or snowing I go to the local Y for an hour on the treadmill and 20 minutes on life-fitness equipment. As long as your cardiologist agrees with your exercise goals, I agree with living life fully.

Vic

Hello David,

I  noted your discussion of the mental/emotional challenges surrounding the pre and post Open Heart Surgery timeframes for the patient.  My OHS was for the replacement of a bicuspid aortic valve in early fall of 2021.  My cardiac rehab directly followed my initial recovery and was completed in spring of 2022.  Within four months I began to lose weight, incur night sweats as well as a dry cough.  It was not until that winter that I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  My treatment plan included six months of aggressive chemotherapy (AVD + Adcetris). I was nervous about the possible impact on my heart and my cardiologist assured me of my heart's ability to handle the treatment and she remained close with my oncology team during the 6 months. I have recently completed chemotherapy with an all clear from my oncologist.  My mental and emotional challenge from OHS was having the confidence to trust my heart during the period of eradication of cancer cells from my body.  I was fortunate in that I was able to have frank  and open conversations with my cardiologist who became integral to my trusting my body to handle the toxic treatment.  Your points are well taken !  

Throughout my entire life, I've come to understand the profound truth that exercise regimens after open heart surgery are not universally applicable. My formative years, from childhood through high school, were spent in special education, an environment where physical exercise was notably absent. On rare occasions, I might have been fortunate enough to kick a ball, yet mostly, I remained a spectator while others engaged in physical activities. This seasonal reminiscence during the Christmas season often echoes the narrative of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-much like Rudolph, being different meant exclusion from participating in games.

A significant portion of my life has been dedicated to therapy sessions aimed at processing the cognitive distortions resulting from years of unfiltered thinking about my heart condition. This journey has involved extensive listening, research, and study of the challenges faced by heart patients. Through this exploration, a belief has emerged-that while medical professionals diligently advise on physical capabilities based on cardiac assessments, addressing the mental and emotional struggles individuals endure due to their perceived limitations is not always at the forefront of medical considerations.

The trauma endured by the body and mind after open heart surgery can sometimes lead to a sense of being a "cardiac cripple." While cardiologists may reassure patients regarding the functionality of the heart, the mental and emotional rehabilitation required by the mind and soul often goes unaddressed. Throughout my more than 50 years of cardiac treatment, engaging in in-depth discussions about these psychological aspects has remained elusive in my interactions with cardiologists.

My journey spans over six decades, encompassing three open heart surgeries-each one associated with congestive heart failure experiences. I've undergone the replacement of both pig and bovine valves, currently in my ninth year with my second bovine valve. Additionally, I've undergone the replacement of five pacemakers and faced the distressing ordeal of two failed wires. As someone entirely dependent on a pacemaker, a failing wire translates into a catastrophic event, resulting in profound mental health struggles due to the associated trauma.

The core of my narrative, Vic, extends beyond merely completing a 10k run. It delves into the pervasive mental struggles faced not only by heart patients but by individuals navigating life's challenges. The inability to achieve personal goals often stems from the complex mental landscapes we traverse. While commendable strides have been made in post open-heart surgery research, I've found that the average cardiologist might lack the capacity for candid discussions regarding the mental and emotional toll post-operation.

Mended Hearts stands as a remarkable platform offering invaluable wisdom and support for pre- and post-operative patients navigating these challenges. It's essential to note that while I don't generalize about all cardiologists, my personal experience has highlighted their expertise in imparting technical knowledge yet left me wanting when it comes to addressing the mental struggles, both pre and post-operation.

This is an area where I believe further attention and support are needed for patients navigating the intricate mental and emotional terrains post open-heart surgery.

David, 

You're a fine writer with an ability to convey your personal passions.  You should remember that we all have different methods of continuing exercising after open heart surgery.  I was a runner but OHS and my age has modified my daily exercise to a 4.5 mile power walk in 1:20:00 each morning. If it's raining or snowing I go to the local Y for an hour on the treadmill and 20 minutes on life-fitness equipment. As long as your cardiologist agrees with your exercise goals, I agree with living life fully.

Vic

Thank you.
Just, thank you.
I needed to read this at this moment.

Thank you.
Just, thank you.
I needed to read this at this moment.

Thank you.
Just, thank you.
I needed to read this at this moment.