6 wks post - still hard to get a deep breath - is that normal

[stemarfl]

I had mitral valve repair 6 weeks ago and although it's getting a bit easier, I still have a hard time getting a real deep breath or a true yawn.
Sometimes I have to try several times before I can get that deeper breath that is satisfactory.
Anyone else go through this and when did it subside?
Thanks,
Steve

 

[Julian]

I'm about 5 weeks post op and I have noticed a great improvement in my ability to take deep breaths at rest now. When I was in the hospital it seemed to be improved compared to before surgery, then I got home and about 2 weeks post op it seemed hard to take deep breaths again just like before surgery. I was disappointed. I started wondering if my breathing issue wasn't heart related, or the surgery went wrong and I have a leak somewhere!:eek2:

About 2 more weeks of dealing with that and I've noticed it has gotten better overall over the past several days. I still get SOB if I do too much but just hanging around and doing light things I notice it a lot less now.

I know exactly what you mean about a satisfying deep breath and a true yawn! These things were extremely elusive before surgery. I would sometimes get yawning attacks and only 10% of the yawns were full the rest were weak.

Don't get me wrong, I'm 5 weeks post op and I still tire very easily as well as my brain. My mood overall is sucky, like I need a shot of serotonin and dopamine. But overall I notice measurable improvement from week to week.

At 6 weeks you should still be pretty much on target with the SOB, my doc told me if its something that is still bugging 3 to 6 months out than we can start to "worry" but till then its all part of recovery.

 

[Freddie]

Although everyone is different, if it's a concern ask your doctor.

 

[Lynlw]

Although everyone is different, if it's a concern ask your doctor.

I agree. Have you been doing your breathing exercises and walks? Are you seeing any improvments when you do your spirometer or is it mainly staying the same?

 

[Jkm7]

Have you been using your spriometer with regularity? And walking? Both make a huge difference.

But even if you have or have not, at six weeks, I probably would call my doctor. Just for the peace of mind, you may wish to see a doctor.

Hope it improves soon.

 

[Cooker]

Time will improve this issue. It took a long time for me to breath normally again. Hang in there!

 

[Bina]

Immediately post op and for several weeks breathing was easy, but deep breaths were more difficult.
Hope your doc keeps checking on it.

 

[enkaynj]

Walk! Walk!! Walk!!! It really helps.

 

[Superbob]

I agree with the walking and breathing exercises and patience advice. In addition, you might ask your doctor about the possibility of signing up for cardiac rehab. I found that very helpful in getting me back on track.

 

[stemarfl]

Thanks to everyone who answered!
I am doing the treadmill daily and I have started using my spriometer again.
I am improving even since my last post.
Thanks again.

 

[GordoAVR]

I think part of not being able to get a full lung of air is related to the fact the chest muscles are still tight from surgery. Like you, I am just short of five weeks. When I began my cardio walks I could feel what seems like a tight band around the chest preventing the thoracic cavity from fully expanding. Being a jogger I have experienced this sensation before when I had a chest cold or injury to the rib cage.

Try practicing some deep breathing while stretching the chest cavity outwards in order to fill the lungs with fresh air. I visualize the chest muscles loosening up, and the chest cavity expanding wider. After a while, the perceived tightness diminishes making a full breath possible.