Character/ temperament change following heart surgery

[JamesP]

Has anybody had complaints from partners about changes to temperament or personality following heart surgery? What were those changes and how did they manifest themselves?

[BobD Volunteer]

Nothing personally but being all spiritual here there are many people who believe that the soul resides in the heart so messing with the heart could change the soul. Would make an interesting debate about heart transplants.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Hi James, Having been in the medical field for over 40 years as a nurse practitioner, I can tell you that it is not unusual for many patients to have a bit of a change in temperament after heart surgery. Many people become fearful and anxious about their heart condition and its impact on their life, and that can manifest itself in anger or depression. Part of post operative cardiac rehab is to help with the psychological impact of having one's heart tinkered with. Usually once you regain confidence that your heart will behave, anxiety tends to be lifted.

Speaking from personal experience, my temperament changed post ablation in my decision to no longer "sweat the small stuff" While I have always been a joy to be around I am now much more relaxed and am loathe to pick a fight with my spouse over little things that used to aggravate me.

Be well and happy, James!

[JamesP]

I have done the full post rehab after my operation 16 weeks ago which included psychological help. I had also done yoga and meditation for some time before my treatment and afterwards. This has helped enormously

As a single man the worst element was the breakdown of a short but joyous affair during my recovery due to apparent changes in temperament. This nearly drove me into breakdown but was saved by meditation and two very good male friends who had had very bad patches in their life. I like to consider I am on the road to recovery now with a full and active social life grabbing life's opportunities.

I am trying to get frank comments from trusted friends on any changes they have noted as self monitoring is not easy.

Thanks indeed for your post

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to JamesP]

Sorry to hear that you had to contend with a break up during your recovery. Remember, that sometimes a person will claim any reason as part of their rationale, and maybe the problem wasn't really you. We all have bad patches in our lives. But my favorite thing about a bad patch is knowing that the upswing is not far away. Keep doing all those good things! Hoping for joy for you!

[JamesP in reply to SRMGrandma]

Yes, I had suspected that too! It was all fixable.

I follow the same logic with bad patches as yourself. It would seem we are singing out of the same hymn book

[Hidden]

Please Google " Rudolf Steiner and the Heart".There you may just find the answer that you have been looking for.

[frenchgoose]

James

Having had two ablations and all the emotional stress that goes with living with AF, I do think I have changed inside...don't get as uptight about little things anymore, I am even more considerate to others (always was though!!), but I am more anxious about my heart and its impact on my life now and in the future. I had a relationship end during my second ablation recovery and I think some people cant cope with a partner not up to a healthy life!!!! No compassion or understanding was felt. But I also have another male friend who went above the friendship to help me during and after ablation.

So, yes I do think it has changed me....

And being single still, the whole heart condition has impacted on me finding a new relationship, but I am ever the optimist!!!!!

Maybe we should have a 'AF dating' service!!!!

Ann

[JamesP]

I go to tango three times a week and a ukulele group (50 of us!) Don't despair, one on one may not always be the answer. Pass amongst them!! If in doubt go out.

[seasider18]

The leaflet the hospital gave me about heart surgery and its after effects mentioned that as a possibility.

[1931]

Yes l never noticed it but my wife said it did