Newbie to forums

[Gav_UK]

I'm new to forums but thought I would give it a go as I'm keen to connect with people who have gone through something similar to myself. I'm 33 and was diagnosed with mitral prolapsed valve a few years back. Earlier this year I came down with endocarditis which the doctors managed to clear up but I ended up needing my heart valve repaired. I'm now two months post-op and slowly getting back to my old routine. My heart rate seemed to be much higher than usual for the first two months and is now much lower - the doctors tell me that this is all normal and is just the heart 'adjusting' which can take 3-6 months. Open heart surgery was the scariest thing I've had to go through and not made easier by the pandemic which meant I was unable to see my family the whole time. I was lucky enough to have my partner with me who never left my side. If I'm honest, I'm still quite shaken by the whole experience but am hoping that I will feel like my old happy self again one day soon! Just wondering if any others have struggled with anxiety/depression following heart surgery? One day I'm fine but then the smallest symptom, for example a random palpitation still shakes me which leads to me feeling down.

Gav

[Helly75]

Totally normal to feel that way ,my situation isnt the same as yours ,I've had myocarditis twice ,my life just didnt go back to normal & feel like my personality has completely changed ! I'm also very down & constantly weepy ,it feels like grieving the lives we had before ,that's how I describe it . Take care of yourself & keep talking to those around you xx

[080311]

Hello Gav_UK

Welcome to the forum, and the happy band of Hearties.

I am a great deal older than you had my Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 4 years ago. All the feelings you have are perfectly normal, remember you have been through a huge operation and at the moment your brain is still struggling to work out what as happened.

I used to find the thought of someone holding my heart terrifying and then realised I had been given a wonderful gift.

Give yourself time things do improve, these swings in mood will settle, emotional tears are very usual.

If cardio rehab is up and running again, try and get on. It’s great for getting our stamina back under supervision but it’s also great for our mental health, you will be with others who have been through the same experiences as you, and you suddenly realise wow that’s the same as I feel.

I wish you a great recovery remember you are part of the Hearties family and we can lend an ear or even a shoulder to lean on if you need that.

Best wishes Pauline

[CBH192]

Hi Gav, I know you posted a while ago now but just wanted to connect! I’ve just turned 30 and had open heart surgery on 6th May, it was very unexpected and turned mine & families life upside down! I am now 12 weeks post op and like you, getting back to my old self. I was also 20 weeks pregnant to add to the drama of it all 😬 I’m exactly the same in terms of ‘health anxiety’ the slightest twinge or strange feeling gets me all worked up even now! I also had a set back in between with an unfortunate infection in my scar which is healing but I feel like I watch it like a hawk 😂 hope your recovery is still going well.

Best wishes

Sadie

[Gav_UK in reply to CBH192]

Thanks for your message, Sadie - glad to hear I’m not alone in terms of how I feel. Sorry to hear you had to go through all of that on top of being pregnant - that must have been really challenging. I hope you’re doing okay, too. I still have ups and downs - my partner is a huge support - when i start to over think things or worry he always reminds me that my heart is fixed and to focus on that and getting better. We actually just got engaged so I find having something new and positive to focus on is really helpful. I’m sure parenthood is keeping you busy

[Ghost84 in reply to Gav_UK]

I had an emergency operation to replace my aortic valve with a mechanical valve in 2019 aged 36 due to endocarditis which had totally destroyed my aortic valve. In the space of 3 weeks I went from a fit healthy man (gym 5x a week) to literally at deaths door. I was in hospital for 8 weeks. I've had the palpitations, anxiety and worries but trust me mate things WILL get better and you will recover. Time is a great healer just take baby steps set goals and focus on getting back to normal. Go outdoors into nature and free your mind from negative thoughts. There are people alot worse off then you so be grateful, enjoy life and don't worry to much mate.