Heart Valve Repair

[Langford65]

I underwent hear valve repair back in January and now struggling with post opp depression. Is anyone out there having the same problem

[080311]

Hello Langford65

Welcome to the forum, you say in your post you are struggling with post op depression. I am so sorry you are having problems, I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass 4 years next month and luckily haven’t had that problem, but I didn’t have the virus to contend with!

If you had your repair through open heart surgery remember you have been through a major op, and it does take time for our brains to process what our body has been through.

Have you spoken to your GP maybe a bit of counselling would be helpful. Because of the virus cardio rehab isn’t going on at the moment, that I found invaluable as much for my stamina as my mental health, being around others who have been through the same experiences as me was so helpful. See if you can get on a list for when it’s up and running again.

Remember you are not alone, us Hearties are here to lend an ear or a shoulder to lean on, things do get better,

Anything you want to post someone will come along to try and help.

Best wishes Pauline

[Langford65 in reply to 080311]

Thanks Pauline it's good to know there are folks out there. I have spoken to GP and it seems it will pass so we shall have to see

BW

[Sunnie2day in reply to 080311]

(Apologies in advance to the Bard) We few, we happy few, we band of Hearties!

@ Langford65 - we band of Hearties, always here for you - don't hesitate to call on us!

[080311 in reply to Sunnie2day]

Love the quote, I to would class us a happy band, 😉

My Mother use to say best foot forward straighten your shoulders and put on a smile, and face the world! 😊

[Lilredsz]

Give yourself time and do not label yourself as being depressed. Whether you had Open Heart Surgery or not, this is major and requires a huge adjustment to your life. Give yourself time and allow yourself time to absorb the surgery undertaken. I had an amazing nurse, can you call your hospital to receive advice on coping mechanisms? Allow yourself time to think, but also try and be positive, you are here, you made it, you are part of the heart failure soldiers.

[marypw]

My husband had a triple bypass but fortunately didn't get depressed, although everyone told me that he might. It is very common. Do try your GP or the BHF nurses or Mind. Covid isn't helping any of us because normal life has gone out of the window. Good luck and be kind to yourself.

[road2ruin]

Hi, I suffered terribly after my Op. it took maybe a couple of months to feel any better. I had therapy, although I paid for it privately as the NHS wait times for this are long.

My advice is talk to as many people as you can, friends, family, on here. I found posting on this site a great help.

Good luck

[Stevo1979]

I found the best cure for my mental side of things after AVR was the cardiac rehab program.

[Langford65]

Thanks so much to all who have responded to my post. Really helpful and positive comments.

Onward and upward

[ph5019]

Hi, there are many of us out there with varying degrees of anxiety and sleeplessness. Its normal your normal your body has been through a lot.You have suffered shock and trauma. One of the other replies mentions private treatment, I did the same , if you can afford it .My treatment is £45:00 per hour and I am happy to pay ,it is making a great difference to my life. You need to see a psychotherapist / councellor who deals with trauma and PTSD. At the moment they work via video link (Zoom)

This could revert back face to face

soon. Good luck Paul