Why am i feeeling worse after 2nd surgery

[Trulen21]

Had a heart attack mid August, one stent on the right side, before leaving hospital they found moderate furring on the left side. 2 weeks later went back in and had 2 stents on the left side. In between i was feeling ok, got my walking up to an hour at a time, albeit slow pace. Thought having the 2nd surgery would improve things even more, but i have felt worse, and can only manage 10mins walks and using the GTN now and again, which i didn't need before the 2nd surgery. Very disappointed i'm not feeling great and now not as positive as i was. I don't understand why i'm not improving quicker and now worried i won't get back to how i was and normal life etc.

[Alison_L]

Hi Trulen. I had my HA last year and one stent. Apart from side effects of the medication, I was going to the gym and doing quite well until June, when the cardiologists told me I needed more stents, and to stop doing most of the exercise. He said I'll feel much better once the new stents have been put in, but given that I feel fine now, I very much doubt his word, and it's all just very upsetting.

Have you been referred for cardiac rehab? Talk to the nurses there and get their advice on a good recovery.

[Trulen21 in reply to Alison_L]

Yes, i have been for an assessment and just waiting to hear when i can start the course. Should be 3 to 4 weeks. Everyone keeps telling me to slow down and not to run before i walk so to speak. Sometimes i'm my own worst enemy and too independant, and feel i have to appear normal when with other people, instead of accepting it's early days.

I can understand it must be upsetting for you, especially as you were doing so well, I'm sure if you've recovered well once you will again, just a bit of a set back for you. I can relate to how you feel, before my HA i wasn't aware of any problems apart from feeling tired, which i put down to an increase in my working hours and getting older.

Hope you don't have to wait too long to get the procedure over and done with.

[Alison_L in reply to Trulen21]

"Everyone keeps telling me to slow down and not to run before i walk " Oh, that sounds so familiar!

I loved the rehab (so much so that I'm now a volunteer there!), and most of the talks we had were really useful. Although rehab courses vary wildly around the country, so you may not get any talks!

[Harbourside]

You've been through 2 recent procedures, don't be so hard on yourself! It WILL improve, just 'listen' to your body. Best wishes.