Post-op symptoms

[DebbiB28]

Well it's been 5 weeks now since my open heart surgery. I just wanted to ask if any of you have experienced palpitations (odd thumps and changes in rhythm rather than racing heart) during their recovery. The arrhythmia's were the main reason I sought medical help in the first place and am a bit horrified to find to some extent I still have them. I'm hoping it is just part of the recovery process with the heart healing rather than a continued problem. Any advice/experiences greatly received! Thank you.

[normal2]

Hello,your body is still healing I would think. I had a CABG X3 seven years ago. And I tended to notice my heartbeat and sternum moving and improving. hope I could help.

[DebbiB28 in reply to normal2]

Thanks for replying. At first I could really notice my heartbeat but that's settled, just seem now to be plagued with these irregular beats but I hope it's just 'healing' as you say.

[Hidden]

I found that at night symptoms were worse but think for me a lot was down to anxiety and being more aware of every little beat and twinge. Have a chat with your Cardio Nurse, I found their advice most helpful and far better than my (then) GP.

[wiltsgirl]

Hi DebbiB28 I had OHS in March and suffered from ectopics before for some years. All of a sudden about 4 days after the op my heart started to race and I could feel and hear it in my ears when I laid down. It felt as if my heart was beating out of my chest. It did settle after about 6 weeks and I was told that after a major trauma to the heart it does take time to settle down. Additionally have you been prescribed different meds? I was given a beta blocker that seemed to make my ectopics worse then better and when I reduced the dose they came back. I still get some but it has settled now 8 months post op. If you are at all worried I would speak to your GP. Have you been referred to rehab? If you do have the chance to go I would, you can also express your concerns to the rehab nurses. Best of luck x

[Fredders]

Hi Debbi

Yes I had palpitations after both my AVR operations during the first few months. If you think about what your heart has gone through I guess we shouldn’t be surprised, but is a bit worrying if you’re not expecting it. As the others have suggested, speak to your cardio nurse if you are still worried, but it’s early days in your recovery and if you are like me, they eventually stopped happening.

Wendy

[DebbiB28 in reply to Fredders]

Thanks its really reassuring to know I'm not alone with these issues but will certainly discuss them at my next appointment unless they worsen. I think you're right it's not just the ribs and scar etc., that need to heal but also what's been done to the heart! Thank you!