how long to recovery after open heart operation

[gandrdixon]

Had hole in heart repaired 16th July but still feeling very tired. I struggle to stay awake after 21:00. is this normal also every joint in my body aches too

[HeroOfChaos]

Hi gandrdixon,

I had open heart surgery way back in 2004 & it took me 9 wks before I was able to return back to work & longer after that before I was able to do what I couldn't before

It will take as long as it takes, try & do a little bit more each day to slowly build your stamina back up

Sadly for me things have gone not good again & don't wanna do anything to help, so I'm back to where I was before my operation, incase you're wondering, I'm 39, had surgery when I was 25

[gandrdixon in reply to HeroOfChaos]

Trying to work nights isnt working so back to drawing board

[HeroOfChaos in reply to gandrdixon]

No, I worked split shifts in the job I'm doing & now I'm working just days found it loads better even after all this time after my operation

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi gandrdixon

Was your hold repaired through open heart surgery or through a catheter? Either way, it can take several months to build up strength and get back to normal. If you are trying to do night shifts it may take longer than 9 weeks in order to build up stamina to do that. If you are struggling with returning to work, you could speak to your GP if you need more time off or discuss with your manager (where possible) about changing your working patterns whilst you are recovering.

Take care,

Ashleigh

[gandrdixon in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

Im was off 16 wks with open heart surgery. Looks like meeting with hr

[Ashleigh_BHF in reply to gandrdixon]

Hi gandrdixon

Sounds like a good idea-16 weeks is about a normal recovery period after open heart surgery, but then trying to work nights may be a step too far at the moment. I hope HR are supportive!

Ashleigh

[gandrdixon in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

I work for large supermarket chain for 16 years so should accomidate

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to gandrdixon]

I should hope so but you never can tell. From people I have spoken to over the years the best seem Waitrose. Best not say the worse but PM me if you want.

I am five months post op but still get very tired later in the evening. IMHO it is the Bisoprolol!

[Becksagogo in reply to MichaelJH]

That's brilliant. Most good employers will support you in your return to work especially as most of them are insured. I started my heart journey two years ago and this is my third phased return to work! (3 separate heart ops). The lady at our insurers and I are on first name terms now! Good luck with your phased return. Stay well.

[gandrdixon in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

Operation via open heart and just agreed new phased return to work until jan days only, so good news

[Hidden]

Had my 5x cabg in April back working short hours,only 8 per day,but when I come home I collapse in my chair and sleep for a half hour.Sleep when you want to and good luck.x

[gandrdixon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for info

[wiltsgirl]

It will be a long road to recovery and you should take it easy for a while. I am 8 months post triple CABG and still have days when I don't want to do much. You haven't said what medication you are on? I was on 3.75mg of Bisoprolol and have cut it by a third, this has given me more energy and I hope to reduce this further if I can. Might be worth speaking to your GP about meds? Best of luck with your recovery.