I had open heart surgery about 9 months ago, and I haven't been dealing (mentally) with it very well. I've constantly been reliving it and I feel like my brain won't stop thinking about it, I also struggle to sleep and feel like I've become numb to life and feel like I won't ever move past it. I wanted to know if anyone has been through the same thing and if it's worth trying to get some therapy to help.
To note I had a double valve replacement from a congenital condition, so I've lived with the condition my whole life and had a prior surgery at 2, so I'm dealing quite well with the scar even though it still affects me every now and again.
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Labradorrosey
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I was diagnosed with depression about 10 years before heart surgery, so I was already on antidepressants (and had already done CBT for anxiety). I found them both helpful. The antidepressants, in particular, were a real game-changer for me. Hugely improved my quality of life.
I had double-valve surgery 9 weeks ago. I still get some of the numbness (there are a couple of hobbies that I haven't yet rekindled any interest in), but I suspect I avoided the worst of it due to therapy and meds.
I'd definitely encourage you to look into some form of intervention, whether it's therapy, meds, some of the other alternatives (yoga, meditation, etc.), or even all of the above.
I hope you find something that works well for you.
Hello, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had a traumatic experience, it sounds a bit like the PTSD symptoms I had years ago (for something else) the reliving and other symptoms you describe. Maybe have a little google on this subject, it’s not just war veterans that get it. You can heal from it if it is a bit of that. But be kind to yourself and allow yourself to understand it’s a big event you have lived through, frightening stuff. It’s normal to feel like this I’d say, but do try to reach out and get some therapy around it. Maybe someone who has experience in that field. You will feel better again one day but don’t bottle up how you’re feeling to yourself x
You have come through your massive surgery. And recovered physically.
The (?depression/PTSD?) and the heart operation are probably two separate things. I personally recovered from the heart op within about 3 months and felt just great.
I also have previously wrongly assumed that sundry physical and mental issues were heart related but in fact they were not. So I have learned from that and continue to be thrilled that my heart is now operating rather well.
I agree with the comments from Thainoodles and Samphotos and hope you can get some therapy or treatment. In the meantime, please try to be delighted with your new valves etc and the pretty wonderful surgeons and nurses.
Hi Labradorrosey, first thing to say is well done for reaching out on here for other people’s experiences. I’m still waiting for my op so can’t comment from experience but my understanding is that the mental side of things is a huge challenge. Having read your post I know I’ll be more aware of how people can feel so thank you.
I’d say it’s always worth trying to get therapy if you’re feeling down so go for it. There’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t.
Good luck, I hope you find a bit of peace and your brain gives it a rest!
PS: it took me about 5 minutes before I realised what how to say your name on here 😆
Hello ASD46, I'm in Week 7 after my surgery and so I can tell you that the mental side of things isn't necessarily "a huge challenge". It certainly isn't/wasn't for me. We are all different so it may well not be for you either. Probably best to be optimistic and look forward with positivity about getting fit and well again. Just say "NO" to negative thoughts. Just advice, and I hope it helps you. All the very best 👌
Thanks MoretonCross. Always good to know different people’s experiences. I think physically and mentally people’s range is so large it’s really difficult to predict. Fingers crossed on both counts!
Hi, I had AVR 5 years ago following a cardiac arrest and through the NHS was advised to use the Sorted app which I describe as a mild form of meditation. It worked for me and I still use it from time to time when I'm feeling depressed.Take care.
Definitely seek counselling. After my heart attack I couldn't shake the feeling of being a victim and a bit pathetic. I managed to get counsellor. I had 8 one hour sessions with a lady who really just listened to me talk until I talked it all out. After I was do much better and along with mindfulness I have managed to be on the up since.
Hi so sorry you have been feeling like this, I can relate fully to how you have been feeling as I went through something similar after my bypass,I had a bad time after whilst in ITU I started reliving the same scenario night after night still believe to some extent that things were not right while I was in, havnt slept well now for over 2 years, what I did do was go and see a psychologist who helped me deal with what had happened and who taught me some coping me mechanisms that I still use today
I still feel quite frightened some days and for some reason I don’t know
I do go out more and love the company of my friends and family
Please go and seek some professional help got to be worth a try, i opened up and it helped me 100% to cope
I was told that there is a 50-50 chance of experiencing PTSD like symptoms after OHS, in my case a triple bypass nearly7 months ago. Whether it happens or not depends on a lot of variables, some of which you have no control over and it won't necessary strike at the same time as someone else if it happens.
It is so important to work with where you are and not compare your situation with others who you may perceive to be doing better than you. No two people have the same journey, so direct comparison is unhelpful. As others have said, it is important to ask for help if you need it. I had already been warned and had had CBT previously for something else so was able to navigate my negative feelings, I was lucky to not experience flashbacks.
Don't underestimate the scale of what you went through with the operation. I am very happy for those who have sailed through the whole experience unscathed, unfortunately I wasn't one of them. I am fine now and, with the right help, you will hopefully be able to say the same.
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Approaching 8 weeks post Aortic Surgery
Progress post surgery 
Post AVR: 12 weeks, post OHS.
Post-surgery Prognosis
Heart condition and non heart surgery
