After heart surgery- breathless and poor sleep

[Davewm]

Discharged 8 days after Mitral Valve Repair and Triple Bypass.

I've now been home 3 days and I'm rather puzzled on a couple of points that maybe someone has had experience of.

I'm still very short of breath when climbing stairs. Does this improve over time?

I'm posting this at 2.30 am as I haven't been able to sleep for the last week or so. I only seem to be able to sleep for a couple of hours before waking and then not being able to go back off.

Any answers gratefully received.

Kind regards

David

[Gail1967]

Hi- I definitely found for a few weeks post surgery that climbing stairs made me out of breath. I was fit before and gradually by following rehab including the deep breathing, I now puff much less!!! The sleeping also improved- although I was always able to get back off to sleep if I woke up. Think it’s just time that improves all post surgery issues. Good luck

[IanMK]

Hey David

Give your heart a break! It had a good thrashing only 8 days ago. Of course it will take a while to recover. Going to Rehab will help recovery but be patient; it will take a little time.

[SerenK]

Day 13, the stairs are not problem, no breathlessness, so better than before. But I cannot say the same for sleeping, waking at 2.30 most mornings, drinking some cocoa and eventually going back after reading a few chapters of my book. Waking early to 6.30 wish. It helps I have my own bedroom, or my lovely hubby would be disturbed by me most nights and he really needs his sleep.

[Becksagogo]

Your post came at such a good time for me as it mirrors my "symptoms". I have just had a Mitral valve replacement and expected better results. Climbing the stairs leaves me breathless as does any action involving bending down such as weeding and picking up shoes.

My sleep pattern involves waking up at two most mornings but I can go back to sleep quite quickly. I am still using three pillows!

I am due to see the heart failure nurse in ten days but am not certain I can manage the stress of getting there let alone the long walk to her office.

My mental health is suffering because I can't join in with anything and my QOL makes me question whether this is it.

Rehab aren't interested in me so I don't know what recovery should be like.

[Davewm]

Thanks for reply. I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulties after your operation.

My breathing after climbing the is a lot worse than before but hopefully that will improve with time.

Yesterday was a bit better sleep wise. The two previous days since coming home I was falling asleep throughout the day. So yesterday I tried to just have an afternoon nap and I managed to stay in bed through the night. I was still waking but decided to sleep propped up and I found that improved things.

Thanks again for your reply and I wish you all the best with your recovery.

Kind regards

David