Finding It Hard

[Ferrari10]

Hi Guys

I’m just over 4 months from having had a double bypass which followed a HA which happened about 5 months ago. I’m 55 and was in pretty good health - or so I believed. The actual op and post op treatment went well. I have followed all the steps in terms of diet, sticking to my meds and on top of that embarked upon a fairly rugourous cardio rehab programme with CP&R which I have found a way to pay for. My wife and family, friends have been amazing throughout.

Whilst I am better, fitter, healthier etc it seems that I have more bad days than good with constant pain, soreness, prickly sensations in the chest and general fatigue. I also have the odd inexplicable twinge that sets me off thinking I am having another HA. It feels like this is my lot and I find it hard to believe it will ever change. Given this I find it hard to think about the future positively. I have 4 kids and dread to think of not being there to see what unfolds in their lives. For anyone who is say a year or more ahead of me does it really get better or is it a case of having to adjust to get used to it? It could be I’m just having a bad day...in which case I apologise.

[Hidden]

I had open heart surgery almost nine months ago and I was surprised by the soreness, prickles and pain I experienced afterwards, but when the surgeon explained the healing process it all made sense really. Open heart surgery is a massive operation which takes time to heal. However I’m not a doctor! So if you feel worried speak to your GP or cardiologist.

Wishing you all the best ❤️👍🏻

[Ferrari10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Seeing the GP today. 👌🏽

[Hidden in reply to Ferrari10]

👍🏻

[Hidden]

I know how you feel. I've had 5 stents over 9 months. I've accepted I'll never be as I was and have made a conscious decision to live life to the full in the time that's left. It's all I think any of us can do.

[Ferrari10 in reply to Hidden]

I am coming to that view that there has been a life changing event which you have to accept but it’s important to not let it define you. Will keep ploughing on with the recovery. Thanks for your words.

[080311]

Hi,

I am 3 years on from open heart surgery, and yes things do get better, as others have said you have had major surgery and your body as been through a huge trauma, the soreness will get better and the prickly feeling well occasionally I can still get that from where they harvested artery in my chest ! Why not speak to your GP just to put your mind at rest.

You obviously have a young family and of course they will be foremost in your mind, but you are doing all the right things to stay healthy.

I wish you well Pauline

[stevejb1810]

Hi. I’m 2 1/2 years down the track from a triple CABG. It takes time but it does get better. But it is a slow process and you at still at the very early stages. You are doing the right things, but guard against overdoing it - recovering from major open heart surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. The bone healing is the easy bit but nerves especially take time and grow slowly.

Have you talked to anyone about how you feel - what you are feeling emotionally is very common. A session or two with a trained counsellor might help you deal with that - they are easy enough to find and your GP practice could probably help.

Good luck

[Ferrari10 in reply to stevejb1810]

Sounds a worthwhile thing to try. I will look into it. Thanks for the advice. I can see what you mean about the nerves and healing. Thanks

[Ianc2]

I had open heart surgery 6 years ago. All went well and stayed well and I enjoy life.

[Ferrari10 in reply to Ianc2]

So good to know. Thanks

[not2worry]

My husband had a HA and 5-way bypass 20 years ago. I can still remember the early recovery period you are going through. Every twinge scares you and I am sure your wife watches you as you sleep to make sure you’re still breathing. I think it’s just a natural reaction to an event we never thought would happen to us.

You don’t mention going to cardiac rehab. This was the one thing in my husbands recovery that turn the corner for him and for me as well. He learned so much about CAD and the comradely he established with others at the center lifted his spirits and his attitude. You also have the comfort of being monitored during the sessions so if anything is wrong they can detect it immediately.

Also, be aware of developing depression. It seems to be a phenomenon with bypass patients. My husband developed it and I recognized it after a couple of weeks. His cardio doc prescribed a short regime of anti-depression meds and a few counseling sessions. It worked wonders.

20 years later we have traveled the world, held grands in our arms, enjoyed Christmases with family and friends and made our Second Chance the best 20 years ever.

My husband was 65 when he had his HA and he will celebrate his 85th in May.

Yes there will be bumps along the way, but that’s life. Having a HA in hindsight, however, gives you wisdom to better handle and appreciate the life we have to live.

[Ferrari10 in reply to not2worry]

A very welcome message on a horrible wet and miserable day. It gives me encouragement to hear from you and well done to you both!

[Redsea in reply to not2worry]

Thank you for those amazing kind words, and about your husbands and your recovery from the traumatic events 20 years ago. I am almost 9 months on since my heart attacks, it has changed me as a person, the person I was prior to my cardiac event is no longer me, I have changed so much, at times it's difficult to think of the future, if I am going to have a future. I look at my husband of 44 years, our three boys/ grown men, and my adorable grandbaby and thank God I am still around. Your words brought tears to my eyes, thank you. Wishing you both well.