2 years after open heart op

[funnyfennel]

Had my Mitral valve replaced and a bypass, so now "done" and just have AF and a few pills daily....

I think that the whole experience has left its mark in psychological terms. I feel that I have a shorter fuse and become angry more easily which is not helping with my relationships and peace of mind.

Does anyone else have this effect after their op? I do follow some spiritual teachings and have various interests so am not wallowing in my health worries. Am also 72 now and feeling often a bit muddled and have less concentration.

Anyway, just wanted to compare notes with others. Have not used the site much and felt the need.

All the best.....

[LadyPumpkinseed]

hello FunnyFennel, I’m almost 2 yrs on from mitral valve replacement ( with stroke from which I feel recovered thankfully ) but I’m only just starting to feel more like my old self - the psychological fall out is not talked about so much but it really is life changing. I’ll DM you tomorrow if that’s ok. Spring is coming, enjoy nature and soon there will be more light.

[funnyfennel in reply to LadyPumpkinseed]

Good I look forward to your next message thank you for answering and yes I'm loving the spring.

[devonian186]

Same age as you and definitely feel the psychological effect. shorter fuse, more anxiety, less concentration but this is probably age as well. Things seem to decline pretty quickly after 60 or 70.

Medication doesn't help, as these cause in themselves aches, pains, nausea and neither does the weather. Constant rain makes us all miserable and weather in itself-high humidity, low cloud, low temperatures-often have a direct impact.

I have been trying to lose a stone but find it very difficult but that is my aim before my next trip in 2 months time.

[funnyfennel in reply to devonian186]

Thank you for your helpful comments and I agree with everything you say. I too would feel better if I lost a stone. Less weight on the hip. Some days are better than others and I feel more active. When the weather's bright I definitely achieve more and feel lighter. Keep in touch.

[devonian186 in reply to funnyfennel]

A stone would bring me to exactly the very top of the "correct" BMi so really 16 pounds would be better to give me a bit of leeway. I seem to put on 2pounds just by looking at a picture of a chocolate cake.

I also need to get something off my waist. I smugly get into 36 Inch waist trousers but the Real waist size-measured correctly-is MUCH higher than this. That constitutes fat in all the wrong places.

[scentedgardener]

I haven't had your experience but I wanted to say well done for recognising this . I've had a couple of significant events in my life that have resulted in me feeling the same way, but I didn't realise it, I had to have it pointed out to me by a dear and trusted friend.For myself I had to learn to accept a slightly different version of me, same on the outside but still different, and I didn't choose to be different, but still had to learn to live with it

I think that we have to find our own path through it as we are all individuals, but I did try some guided meditation which was useful to me.

Best of luck.

[maggie80]

Hello, have you spoken to your doctor about how you are feeling. The medication you are taking might need changing.