Discomfort and anxiety

[Mishy2610]

Hi again, I have spoken before about my anxiety and how I "hope" I'm taking control. It's very difficult! I am 10 weeks post mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement tomorrow.How long do the muscle and nerve pains continue? Still only managing to walk just over a mile at a time by myself, twice a day mainly due to the anxiety. Getting pain and burning/stinging sensation in chest which is very disconcerting! Prior to OHS I had no pain just breathless and tiredness. Can anyone relate?

[Hidden]

Hello

I suffer with anxiety so I worry about anything and everything it is that bad

Remember you are only 10 weeks and walking a mile twice a day personally I think is a real achievement

Think about all the nerve endings that have been disturbed having your op and how now they need time to settle down and adjust again

If we fall over and really hurt ourselves it can take weeks before we have no pain the op you had was more than a fall and so I believe it is quite common to get the feelings that you are at the moment

I had a triple Bypass I think I have told you and for me it took a good year maybe even longer before I was not feeling a pain here and one there and a sensation here and so on but as I was told you need time for everything to settle back down and it did eventually even though now I can get a little twinge now and again

If you are really concerned though speak with your Doctor so they can reassure you

Also been a lifelong sufferer of anxiety try not to fight it when you feel it that can sometimes create more anxiety just let it come and let it pass again

Things will settle down and I think you are doing really well x

[Ageingfast]

Dear Mishy

That’s pretty much spot on for ten weeks. Well done. Can I remind you that you should talk whilst you walk. Ideally with someone joining your walk or failing that just talk out loud to yourself.

Have you been offered rehab ? That would be a good option.

I was 72 when I got my new valve. At about 16 weeks I felt wonderful. Strength and mobility came back by the bucket load. Wonderful. Marvellous.

best wishes

Sooty