Five weeks post Op

[AH31]

I am slowly feeling better, pain in the chest and discomfort in the back,left rib and sternum is still there but I know it will all fuse back together soon. I sometimes feel in my own world but present if you get what I mean.

The one thing I have found difficult is the mood swings, I push myself to do a task everyday and I am doing most of my daily routine.

I am aiming to go back to work in May which will be roughly twelve weeks after surgery and back to some normality, I have decided to drop a day at work when I return so will only be doing four days instead of five.

I am on medication at the moment and I will have this reviewed next month in London.

I am a very determined woman who just sees this congenital heart disease as part of my life and I have always looked well and got on with it all, hence why I was discharged within days from open heart surgery and travelled three hours home.

[Traveldreams]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m 7 weeks post OHS and have found that some things have got back to normal very quickly but that progress is incredibly slow in other areas. Also hoping to be back to work in 3 months but have been advised that I will need a phased return. Hope your journey continues with such positivity !

[AH31 in reply to Traveldreams]

It’s nice to talk to someone who has been through the same procedure and process.

Yes I have also been told I will have to go back on a phrased return which I expect. can I ask what you have found the hardest and what has taken the longest time.

I was up and moving a matter of hours after the surgery but that was because the hospital wants you to walk and prevent blood clots, I was slow and still feel it compared to my normal pace but walking has been the easiest part for me.

[Traveldreams in reply to AH31]

I genuinely didn’t consider my recovery in the 12 months I was waiting for my operation. My dad had similar 8 months ago and it didn’t go to plan so I really over-focused on the possible issues.

Apart from the first two weeks, I would say that the pain was remarkably manageable but it’s more in my right than my left and in my shoulders which I didn’t expect.

My wound has been a worry but Papworth Wound Care have been the most amazing support. Still not heeled in two places so no soap or moisturiser allowed yet and at the top my skin is so dry it almost feels puckered. Poor posture is also definitely an issue but I think that’s the sitting about.

I love my walks but I’m very reluctant to go too far in case I have a problem. To be honest it’s more aches in my hips and knees than breathlessness (and I’m 55 so not because my joints were failing pre-op). Really hoped for early rehab but the local centre can’t fit me in until mid-May and I’m hoping to be back at work before then. They’ve now offered me a distant do at home rehab but I need my pre-check first.

The other two things I’ve found difficult (except the exasperation when you see a tiny job that needs doing but you can’t manage) are sleeping (or lack of when everyone says you’ll sleep all the time but you can barely sleep) and the lack of medical face to face support. Discharged with a few blood issues and low oxygen but these haven’t been checked for 6 weeks. I understand the pressures on the NHS but would have appreciated a face to face appointment after 4 and 8 weeks.

Lovely to speak to you. Would love to hear how you get on as you recover!

[MarmiteB]

hey! I’m glad to hear that you’re physically healing well, sometimes I think that’s the easy bit. Mentally getting over it takes longer! Mood swings and feeling blue is very normal post op… I went along the “I’m going to be better as soon as I can!!” thought path but then the whole experience caught up with me and I started talking therapy 5 months post op. It really helped.

I agree with you pushing yourself and getting things done etc. but also remember that what you have been through is MASSIVE and not to be taken lightly xx

[Coper10]

I returned to work 12 weeks after OHS, with a phased return for the 1st 6 weeks. This started by doing just 4 hours on week 1, then adding 4 hours each week. My main issue when back up to full time was feeling totally exhausted. I dropped to 30 hours, with a day off mid week to break up the week a bit. After a 6 month trial, I continue with this as it's right for me. If I do too much due to work demands sometimes, I feel wiped out. The fluctuations in mood and emotions were a challenge initially - it is a big operation to come to terms with, especially when it was out of the blue as it was with me. I learnt to take each day as it comes, realise there will be good days and bad days but the latter got less as time went on. Most importantly, I focused on being kind to myself and not putting too much pressure on myself. Wishing you well in your continued recovery and when you do return to work.

[Traveldreams in reply to Coper10]

This is very interesting, thank you for sharing. Hard to fathom how anyone returns after 8 weeks. Trying to work out what my phased return will look like.

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

Every week you get through is such an achievement and I think it won’t be long before you turn that corner and everything finally starts to feel better 😊

With work I’d say if possible don’t rush and go back slowly and steady at your pace - you’re doing great!! x

[Traveldreams in reply to Bluedolphin123]

I think you’re right, when you break it down there is a daily improvement. I find that all the recovery advice is at odds with each other and not necessarily helpful. This forum has been very helpful.

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

I use to see a lady at the gym ( cafe 😂) whose husband had OHS and every week I’d ask how he was then one week every thing just changed and he was great and the following week I saw him and he looked amazing , even his scar was healed so well I could hardly see it just incredible so I’m sure it’s onwards and upwards for you 😊x

[Traveldreams in reply to Bluedolphin123]

Thank you, very much appreciate your reply.

[Isobel1]

Hello, I had an aortic valve replacement and an aortic aneurysm repair nearly 3 years ago. I belong to a Face book group for those pre and post op aortic valve surgery. From what those in the group have said, mood swings are very common post op . I think it's almost like PTSD. Mentally and physically you have been through a lot. Added to which you have been on a bypass machine, had an anaesthetic and very strong painkillers, and have been given lots of different medications.From what I have learnt, these mood swings will gradually stop, it's just a question of pacing yourself, being kind to yourself, and not pushing yourself too hard in the first few weeks. You will get there ❤️

[Angelique71]

I had a triple bypass 8 weeks ago and so far everything seems to be going very well (I assume). I had plenty of info from Papworth prior (i was given a manual!) to the op so I've been able refer to that to check. I have my rehab programme starting this week but still haven't had my check up at Papworth. Really keen to just make sure that everything is healing as it should then my mind can fully settle!

[MarmiteB in reply to Angelique71]

I wasn't given a manual but I did find a gew NHS guides on line... my two fave parts were specific weeks in which I could return to "pier fishing" and "indoor bowles"...the fact that I had the op as 34 year old woman meant that I didn't have either as a hobby BUT a couple of nice guys down the pub did invite me to their bowles game...but it was outdoor and that was only 10 weeks post op rather than 8

[Carsry]

Hi

Thanks for sharing your update.

I am 7 weeks post op, physically seem to be getting stronger, last two weeks the shoulder and back pain has really eased off.

I'm hoping to return to work April 8th - I only work 22 hours. Mood wise - varies, some days I'm elated, happy to be alive, grateful for my wonderful family.....loving life. Then other days , I hate my scars, dwell on what I've been through and become emotional.

Apparently being up and down in mood is normal post cabg surgery . Today I am going for my first haircut since December ( which is when I had my cardiac event).....onwards and upwards .

Xx

[TrevT]

Thanks for posting this - 6 weeks yesterday since my surgery. I recognise everything that you, and other replies, say. Especially feeling in my own world and mood swings - do any of my support network really know how i feel. But i need to recognise my own anxieties - before surgery i stopped work and most other things on advice of cardiologist. For an outdoorsy 58 year old bloke that was hard!

For me i try to focus on what am i going to do today, looking for small victories. Whether that be i've gone for a walk or simply cooked dinner - they are all successes and positives.

The NHS are great but it is a challenge to see them! I've ceen cardiac rehab at hospital and am due to start shortly but haven't seen anyone else. The nurses at my GP have been great especially as my would has had some infection needing anti-biotics.

Here is great, it's the only place i get to hear what others in the same boat think and feel. For example shoulder and arm pain aren't unusual; frustration and mood swings are de rigeur; and a very sensitive wound isn't unusual (the constant irritation of clothers rubbing/tickling is worse than pain!)

It's also reassuring to hear others thoughts on work - i'm also looking at May with a phased return. My role is sedentary but high stress, i'd be interested in any experiences from others?

Again thanks for posting and helping the likes of me who likes to read rather than share

[AH31 in reply to TrevT]

I agree with you it’s nice to talk to others who have under gone OHS and how their recovery is going.