My turn to be tearful

[MKB38]

I thought I'd escaped the post op blues, but today my sternum pain was worse on waking (think I may have slept in a funny position), when I hoped it should be reducing. But what really got me was I wasn't able to see my 4 year old granddaughter in her nativity, though my son has made a bit of video for me. It's the first time of feeling sorry for myself after the op. Come on girl pull yourself together😂

[KazSumm]

Ahh bless you, no one escapes the post op blues, don’t be too hard on yourself. To make sure I didn’t end up sleeping in a funny position I used my body pillow and bed pillows to cocoon myself, that stoped me and supported me. I’m 18 weeks post op today and I still can’t lie on my front or sides for too long, I don’t get pain just an uncomfortable feeling. If the sternum pain continues go see your GP . I’m sure your Grand daughter will adore performing the highlights of her Nativity just for you, which will be a special memory for both of you. Chin up your not a lone Kaz 💖❤️💕

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

I'm not surprised you are feeling a bit tearful but hopefully the pain you are going through now will mean many more nativities (and other things) for many years to come. Lots of love x

[Nettyanne]

Good morning Margaret, sorry to hear you are in more pain this morning but you aren't feeling sorry for yourself, all the emotions are part of the healing process.

Some days I felt able to cope with my feelings and other days I remember crying for no apparent reason. I know how you feel about your granddaughter, I seem to have missed lots of things over the years. Try to think about all the times you will have in the future to enjoy your granddaughter and I am sure you will soon feel more positive.

Take care and hope you soon feel better.

Annette

[MKB38]

Thanks everyone. Just writing about it made me feel better. I've certainly got nothing to be upset about, my surgery and recovery couldn't be more straightforward. I'm very lucky. It's great to have this forum to talk to. Love Margaret xx

[Fredders]

Don't be hard on yourself Margaret, I'm 4 weeks post op and I woke up this morning with a sore sternum and shoulders, perhaps it's the cold weather! So far I've even okay as far as mood swings go but I'm not counting my chickens just yet as I know from last time that anything can kick them off, you just need to remember that you will have good and bad days.

Take care.

Wendy xx

[skid112 Heart Star]

It's oh so easy to have a small set back, you have done very well thus far and will soon be back fighting fit

[kefalonia1]

Try and keep strong honey, soon you will be able to concentrate on sharing Christmas with your family and your feelings have been shared by most of us. Take care. Sue.

[Hidden]

Dear Margaret...I prescribe a couple of episodes of Poldark for you 😉

Hope you feel brighter soon. I've had some low periods too but I try to buck myself up. Talking to the dog really helps, she seems to understand, bless her!

Claire x

[MKB38 in reply to Hidden]

I don't want my blood pressure to go up too much though. I'll keep a bucket of cold water nearby 😀

[Spatz76]

Oh bless you I hope you feel better soon. I remember putting a brave face on it after my sternotomy and then one day whilst trying to have a shower I was struggling to wash my hair whilst holding on to my boobs so they didn't pull the wound and I dropped my shampoo and couldn't pick it up. Dropping that bottle suddenly made me feel so helpless, sore and devastated at what had happened/what I was going through the floodgates opened. I've never sobbed like that before or since but I really needed it. Sometimes it's ok to feel down and sorry for ourselves. It's tough having a poorly heart.

Chin up, dust yourself off and tomorrow is a new day.

Take care xxx

I also might try that Poldark prescription 😀😉

[MKB38 in reply to Spatz76]

Thanks Spatz. I bet you can laugh about it now. I've been fine today. Margaret xx

[Spatz76 in reply to MKB38]

Great stuff I'm glad you're feeling better. I must admit rarely think about it these days but if I do mention it I always say, ....you know that time, when I was walking around like the tin man! 😂 x

[Twobells]

My sternum just use to be very painful, but it does ease as time goes on. Feeling low is a normal reaction to what you have been through. It took me a good few months to turn that corner. I just kept busy doing craft and of course using this site reading everyone' else story when I became overwhelmed with sadness after what I'd been through. So don't be too hard on yourself this is mind blowing stuff as well as life changing. One day at a time and tiny baby steps.

The scar area takes a lot longer to heal and don't forget your chest will have been battered and bruised on the inside. I used lots of cushions to prop up in bed and don't lie flat just yet as it over stretches the sternum, but I took a codeine with paracetamol half an hour before I went to bed which seem to take that edge of.

In a couple of weeks it will be Christmas and hopefully your granddaughter will enjoy the magic of Santa.

Take Care

Fran

[MKB38 in reply to Twobells]

Thanks Fran for your kind words. I've really got no complaints. When you read on here some of the experiences people have endured, my own is a 'walk in the park'. I will be pleased when Christmas is behind us and we can start the new year with optimism. Best wishes to you. M x