On February 28th will be a year I had my aortic valve replacement. I’m 32 still on medicine like Beta blockers and blood pressure.
I have found everything so hard to deal with mentally. I’m stressed and worried every day. Any thing that don’t feel right I blame it on my heart. I’m scared all the time something is going wrong.
I still don’t feel very well. I don’t feel anything like I did before I had the op but I don’t feel 100%.
I was wondering if anyone else still felt poorly after the op. I just want to feel better. Will I ever feel like I did before all this happened. I’m really struggling to stay positive.
Thank you for reading my moan
Keely
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bee862
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I had 4 CABGs before stents were in wide use, 1997, when I was 41. I have never totally recovered my fitness. Many people on here have though. Obviously, I am in my 60s now so I am never going to be that fit again.
I haven't given up. I do plenty of exercise. After my op I built it up slowly. I probably do more exercise than most people I just can't do the amount of exercise that I used to do.
I used to walk my dog (Cocker Spaniel) for an hour every morning and every evening, play football, basketball and badminton at lunch times,
take the kids swimming 3 times a week (one of us would play with them while the other did 10 lengths then swap over, 3 times = 30 lengths each).
At weekends I would walk the dog for hours. You can't tire a Cocker Spaniel, the are built for going all day.
Wow. You was busy. Some times I think am I imagining feeling poorly because all test are fine and the doctor is really happy with them. I have lost my get up and go. I have no energy. I feel very sad at the moment
That seems a very common statement following heart surgery. I don't know if it's the operation, the medication, or psychological; but whatever the explanation very many people on this forum experience the exact same thing.
I too found myself hitting that energy wall after a bypass operation. However, I'm half way through the cardio rehab course and I've found the physical exercise element to be particularly valuable. I've now joined a gym and I find the exercise feeds back into weight loss, which in turn feeds back into a general feeling of wellbeing. I'm guessing there's a virtuous circle which begins with a decent amount of aerobic exercise.
I realise it can be really hard to get motivated, but if you can get yourself moving you may well find one thing leads to another and soon you're climbing out of that post operation trough.
It is indeed sometimes very hard to keep positive after major surgery etc but like you I also find if you can manage to kick yourself into exercise, even if it’s just for a walk in the fresh air ,but make sure you keep at it then the rewards are endless
I also feel stressed and no-where near like I was before my heart attack and cardiac arrest etc ..... I don’t know if it’s the drugs or wether this is me now either . I lack energy and have to kick myself out of bed quite often ! BUT....... I have found that exercise in various formats - from a nice easy country walk to cycling or running really helps me keep positive and gives me goals to aim for ! I think our body’s been through a lot and also the mental effect is more than we realise but healthy eating and exercise is keeping me going
I had my AVR September last year and everyone has down days but the best thing my surgeon told me was “ your life going forward will be dictated by your attitude” it doesn’t matter what meds we are on it how successful the op was if you don’t have a positive attitude the healing process takes longer and your heart condition becomes all consuming . What I’m trying to say is you can let your operation and condition manage YOU or YOU can manage your operation and your life going forward . I decided to be positive about everything and even when I have a bad day I try to look for something I can cling onto and not dwell on all the negatives. Confidence is massive set your self little goals and keep building on them. This may sound patronising and it’s not meant too be but whilst you keep concentrating on your issues you’ll never move forward pick a positive from today and concentrate on that then the same tomorrow and again and again you’ll soon see how great your life is and start to enjoy it as you’ve been given a second chance take it with both hands and live your life to the full
Hello, I’m sorry to hear your feeling down. It’s a big thing to get your head around. Have you thought of having some counselling to talk it all through? Your GP should be able to help with this or if you work your employer may have an Employee Assistance Programme you can get free counselling through. All the best. X
I’m sure the exercise would help me but I’m finding it so hard to get up and do it. I want to feel better more than anything but my low energy and low mood wins all the time. It’s so nice to know that I’m not the only one that feels this way.
Some days I really feel so alone and desperate.
Hi bobattack
I think I thought a few months after the op I was going to be myself again and that couldn’t be any further form the truth.
It was all such a shock. I still can’t talk or think about it without crying. Thank you so much for your help
Hello Pete
Thank you for your kind words.
I think your right I need to think positive. I’m just not too sure how to do that right now.
I think your all right and exercise is the key I just need to be able to make myself do it. It’s so hard battling in your mind everyday and never win. Maybe if I try with the positive thinking things will fall into place. Thank you all so much for getting back to me. It really helps. Life can be very lonely and scary some times x
I was talking to someone but couldn’t keep travelling up to London every week so moved closer to home but because of the move I am on a 6 month waiting list.
Hi Keely. Wow, reading your post is like reading my own words.
The advice that's been given to you so far is spot on. I had emergency open heart surgery last May at the young age of 51, my condition was found by chance and the shock was overwhelming. You're younger so you're probably feeling it more.
As you know, you need to recover both physically and mentally. Exercise is vital for both and as well as walks I found nhs post cardio exercises on YouTube which I could do at home.
I'm self employed and live alone and desperately needed someone to talk to and ask was it normal to feel this way. I only came across this site a few days ago and I wish I'd known about it last June, it's so good to read that others are experiencing what I am and that it's normal.....some recover faster than others though.
I phoned the British Heart Foundation for help as I was feeling so low and my GP wasn't a great help and a cardio nurse explained I was suffering from Post Traumatic Shock as a result of the surgery, suffered by many. Seek help from your GP for counselling or seek counselling or a support group. You can get counselling over the phone if you can't see someone face to face. The nurse also advised me to see my GP to have a review of my medication. My blood pressure tablets have been reduced slightly as a result and I feel much better. I also understand now the side effects of the medication.....betablockers for example can reduce your energy levels.
I'm still struggling to stop listening to every heart beat, and also blaming every twinge and ache on it being a heart issue even though my consultant has checked me out and says I'm fine. I'm so frightened that I will need more emergency surgery.....and yet the reality of it is I won't need any. I find distraction to be the best help for me and I can go for longer periods without thinking about my heart....and feel much better as a result. Find an interest, even if it's doing a jigsaw to start with, and try to get out every day for a walk....you'll be surprised how fresh air can help.
Good luck Keely. I'm on my way out of the dark now, not quite there yet but I can honestly say you'll get there.
Aww bless you. If your anything like me your still be in shock. Think I always will be. I wish I could let go and get on with my life but it’s so hard to do. I’m hoping I will get there one day.
It’s nice to know I’m not alone not that I would want anyone feeling this way.
It’s hard to not feel lonely. I’m always around if you need a chat.
Things you say is like listening to myself. I wish you all the best I’m sure your be out the darkness soon.
Hi I had my valves replaced about 10 years ago. After the rehab I started going gym and different exercise classes until I developed AF. My job was very stressful and that how my AF started and since then I have had a difficult time. However, I think if you stick to a good program of exercises you should fine. So, get motivated and also consider yoga. I do do yoga almost everyday and that’s helps me to keep calm and content. Best wishes
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Still in hospital 
ectopic beats for 7 months 
Scared 
Late Happy Christmas
