Talking therapy

[E16Pat]

Finally got my first talking therapy session next Thursday 23rd, still very anxious when first waking in the morning but once I’m up and get myself moving I’m usually ok, been doing a lot of walking with the boss, but still just can’t get out of bed very early by what I read on here it’s the meds especially the Bisoprolol, I did contact the British heart foundation and they said it can take up to a year before you get back to my old self and that’s what I’m work on, but I do still get very frustrated not feeling my old self but I suppose it will come in the end,

You all take care and stay safe

Pat 🙏

[Hidden]

Hello

I am anxious all day every day so you are doing better than me in fact you are doing great even though maybe you do not believe it

The BHF Nurses are right it can take up to a year to feel back to yourself after a Bypass and for some even longer even though you will not be one of those I still think when the Spring comes and better weather it is going to make a huge difference to how you have been feeling

That is fantastic news you have your first appointment coming up not long to wait now and I really hope it helps

Keep us updated how you get on x

[E16Pat in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your support as usual ,

I will keep you updated

Pat 👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to E16Pat]

x

[devonian186]

Its four months since your triple bypass and you are the same age as me-71. Its still very early days and anxiety will not help your recovery, but eating properly and moderate exercise will.

Bisoprolol is blamed for many things but many of us on here take it and feel little effect although we are all different and the cocktail of meds will affect us differently.

I would say I had fits of anxiety and gloom for the first six months, not helped by the winter weather. you will hopefully feel better when the clock changes and the weather improves. I am back to around 10000 steps a day walking up moderate hills and varying my pace but I don't always find it easy and some days are better than others.

[E16Pat in reply to devonian186]

Thank you very much for your very heartwarming reply, you are it’s just over 4 months since my triple bypass, I have changed my diet I was a bit of a chocolate lover but I know that can’t be done now, we hav always had loads of fruit and our walking is back to pre op 25/30 miles per, it’s just this anxiety when I wake up in the mornings once I’m up and we get out the house I’m fine, did you have your operation the same time as me ?, thank you and take care

Pat

[devonian186 in reply to E16Pat]

My unexpected operation was very early May. I have never been an anxious person but certainly at times since, I have felt very gloomy, but have found that getting out and about for a walk or a drive helps. In other words its better to be doing something than mope around at home getting miserable. It has been a miserable, long, cold and gloomy winter and that has a big impact.

I felt much more cheerful and optimistic on Tuesday when we had a lovely sunny day than today which is damp and miserable.. The weather affects us considerably and as heart patients we really need a goldilocks climate, not too hot and not too cold, not too wet and not too dry. .Strong winds or low cloud are known to have a detrimental impact.

Have you been away for a short break yet? It was just around 4 months from the operation that we went away in the car for 3 or 4 nights. I still haven't been abroad yet as I don't fancy all the fuss that relates to flying these days.

[Heyjude31]

Hello E16Pat, I think you are doing so well and as others have said it is really early days still. I really hope the talking therapy will help you. Apologies if you have mentioned this in a previous post but have you been linked to cardiac rehab for your area? I have found it so helpful to be with like minded people who all have shared experiences. The reason I mention it, is that it really helped some of my anxiety. You sound as though you are doing a lot of walking so that’s one of the best exercises we can all do.

I had to change from Bisoprolol as it had such an adverse effect on me. There are alternatives, but that is down to discussion with your GP. The only thing I would say is don’t suffer unnecessarily. I suffered with nausea, sickness and lethargy, so it was changed, thankfully, I am in a better place now.

Take good care and hope you post again soon, Judi