4wks after Sternotomy: hi all. I had a... - British Heart Fou...

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4wks after Sternotomy

Stillbanging profile image
12 Replies

hi all. I had a 4cm tumour attached to heart and aorta and 4wks ago I underwent a Sternotomy. I’m still in so much pain when I Cough or laugh and I’ve never felt so vulnerable, depressed, tearful and not wanted to live??? Any help advise or good stuff will be much appreciated.

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Deb1162 profile image
Deb1162

I sorry to see how you are feeling, I am the same after an ablation that went wrong at the end of May, cardiac arrest and Tampernade at the end of May I have been told by the Brompton that this very difficult time is normal and have been given PTSD counselling, early days but hopeful it will make a difference in the next few months. Can you arrange for someone at the hospital to talk to? I feel the same as you have described and taking things day by day as put too much on a quick recovery and when it did not happen the mental health crashed. Look for little wins every day even if it is just getting dressed or going for a walk. I did not realise how much of a negative effect this would have on me so take my advice and be kind to yourself. Take care

Stillbanging profile image
Stillbanging in reply toDeb1162

Deb! Thanks a lot. and means a lot. It’s so crazy , a strapping 6’2 57yr old lol….. but I just feel no a total wreck. I know walking is good or supposed to be but I’m now struggling to get meself out the front door. Maybe a bit of PTSD and not realise.. who knows? X thanks again.

PadThaiNoodles profile image
PadThaiNoodles in reply toStillbanging

Yeah, PTSD is very common after open heart surgery.

I took CBT years before surgery (for anxiety/depression), and I think it helped a lot. Especially when I ended up back in hospital for transient vision loss 6 days after getting out. (Turned out to just be a TIA in my retina, which can happen after such an invasive surgery. But yeah, it really felt like I was going backwards rather than forwards, which was pretty tough.)

I'm now at 5 weeks and things are improving. Coughing doesn't hurt much anymore, though sneezing is still pretty painful. Depression/tearfulness has eased as well, but vulnerability remains.

Hang in there. It will get better.

Stillbanging profile image
Stillbanging in reply toPadThaiNoodles

Thank you ! Just words of support seems ta b helping 😔👍

OldaYoda profile image
OldaYoda

7 weeks post open heart surgery. I can cough ok, try not to sneeze - and not had a big belly laugh since week 3 as it caught me unawares!

Pain down to an ache - just grateful every day that feeling the pain means I am getting better. Set some goals that are achievable each day - even if it’s just going to the shop, or reading instead of watching bargain hunt!

It gets better - it really does!

Stillbanging profile image
Stillbanging in reply toOldaYoda

Thank you Ol Yoda👍

Rubyzog profile image
Rubyzog

Hi it really is early days yet. I had a triple bypass 15 months ago. I think you are maybe expecting to much too soon, as you have had a major op. Your body really does need time to repair. Your nerve endings will also be repairing. I found it hard to cough and laugh too but in time you will start to feel that you are getting back to normal. Listen to your body and don’t rush things. Speak to your cardiac care team if you need advice as I found that helpful too. I hope you start to feel you are making progress soon but please take it easy you can’t rush your recovery after such a trauma. You are still here and you will get better in time.

Stillbanging profile image
Stillbanging in reply toRubyzog

Thank you x

andy110519 profile image
andy110519

Hi, do you keep a rolled up towel to hand for sneezing and coughing, just a standard size I think and hug it when coughing or sneezing. I think the aftereffects of the anaesthetic are underestimated by the medical professionals but hopefully things will get better over time. There are well being apps you can use, my local NHS basically prescribed me one, which is like a mild form of meditation.Hope you are feeling better soon and take care.

Andy

Stillbanging profile image
Stillbanging in reply toandy110519

Cheers Andy 👍 yes I sorta grab the 1st Squishy thing u can find and hold it to my chest when a cough is coming

Scho1 profile image
Scho1

Hi, sorry to hear you are struggling at the minute. My husband is 5 weeks post Triple CABG and still gets as he says uncomfortable on walking and especially if he coughs, sneezes or laughs. He’s been told by GP and cardiac nurses that this is to be expected. It’s just time and patience. Wishing you all the very best and a speedy recovery.

Stillbanging profile image
Stillbanging in reply toScho1

Thank you x

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