mental health

[W212]

Good Morning everyone, just trying to understand to make sure it isn’t just me. But has anyone suffered with depression and PTSD after series heart surgery, because I have and wanted to make sure I wasn’t alone, although I do at times feel depressed, I was 17 when I had surgery. And just now wanted advice and comfort from someone who has gone through something similar.

Thank you very much

-W212

[alicebear]

absolutely I did I think it’s only natural to be worried

I had my aortic valve replaced 3 times about 14 years ago because I kept on picking up infections while I was in hospital I was scared everyday

[Lparis1]

Yes it's normal and also anxiety is also very common. Id recommend seeing a psychiatrist to get medication that suits your condition and lifestyle. I was prescribed buproprion and diazepam and they help out a lot. Just take them in moderation and only when needed. Good luck and Godspeed.

[Happyrosie]

from what I read on here, it’s so common! A poster has recommended medical,therapy vis your doctor. What out “cognitive behaviour therapy”? Look it up on NHS website and see if it’s for you.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am three times your age and had 3 heart attacks and triple Bypass and I have PTSD as well as anxiety so I feel so much for you been so young as well and this is common and you certainly are not alone in how you feel I can assure you of that

Have you spoken to your Doctor ?

If not please do

You rightly need some help and support to help you deal with this so reach out and ask for it

Things will get better even though it may not feel that way but get the help talk to your friends and family if you can let them also help support you if they do not know already

Come and talk with us whenever you want and let us know how you get on x

[Larneybuds]

Going through any heart event is scary and the big surgeries are even more scary but it's only natural. I think because it's the heart we go into a kind of meltdown but have to remember that the people who treat us are so specialised and clever so we have to put our trust and faith in them. I was fairly calm before my open heart surgery because I knew there was no other option available so it had to be done. If you really feel you are having trouble taking everything on board then you definitely should be having a word with your GP or do you have a designated heart nurse you could talk to? Also have you been to cardiac rehab classes which should be arranged through the hospital for after surgery. It's a great way to start exercising under supervision and also it's a place where you can express your feelings and be given advice about your condition and the dos and don'ts which in all might make you feel more confident about everything. I hope you can find a positive way forward and also hope you will find from replies that what you are feeling and experiencing isn't out of the ordinary after what you have been through at such a young age. Xx

[TriumphLover in reply to Larneybuds]

Couldn’t agree with Larbet buds more on the cardio clinic. I’m finding it a great confidence boost. They push the limits and you know you’re not going to keel over!! Highly recommend getting on the waiting list

[TriumphLover]

hi, of course it’s natural. I’m 6 months post op, definitely ups and downs. I went to see a councillor after a month, had a couple of sessions. It helped at the time, I would definitely go again if I dip again.

This forum is excellent as its people who’ve been there one way or the other. As much as friends and family care, they can’t possibly understand and I’ve found the support a little finite!!

For me the biggest battle is not over thinking, you can only work on that at your own pace / level. Don’t read too many websites!!!!

Talk to someone, chat on here and try and stay positive.

Colin

[fishonabike]

i hope others have made helpful suggestions as this can be very difficult to live with

there is evidence that Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be very helpful for people with PTSD as a result of heart and other health conditions - also there are increasing numbers of therapists trained in this - i hope you find help with his soon