Anxiety and overblown worry during recovery

[steprightup]

Hey all,

This is my first post - I'm 35 and had a mechanical valve put in on April 30 to replace a BAV. Fortunately, I had no symptoms prior to surgery (it was discovered in a physical). Recovery has been going well, but of late I'm taking every ache, pain (which are few and far between and barely present), or discoloration, to mean that something has gone horribly wrong. Anyone else experience this? How do you deal with the unknown? Any tips for dialing down the anxiety and the thoughts like "my brain may be bleeding from the coumadin" or "I opened a window at 9 weeks and despite feeling no pain or discomfort, what if I completely messed up my sternum and ribcage?". These are the thoughts that I have now. I'm sure they'll go away with time. But if anyone has anything to share that might help me chill out, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Guyswell]

I think it's pretty normal to feel anxiety after what you've been through. After my first surgery, I asked my cardiologist "what now". He said "go live your life".

Remember that patients who've gone through this experience sometimes experience anxiety/depression even months later. I suggest you talk to your doctor. You might benefit from treatment for your anxiety.

For what it's worth, trust your common sense - if you had a brain bleed, you'd have an excruitiating headache, if you messed up your sternum, it would hurt a lot. It's normal to bruise more easily when you're on Coumadin.

 

[steprightup]

Thanks for the reply. This is helpful. I was wondering if I would feel pain if I messed up my sternum and ribcage. I thought I would. My brain is a runaway train sometimes.

 

[sood]

I hear what you are saying. I am only 8 weeks post op. Luckily I started talking anti-anxiety meds several months before my surgery, actually to treat my OCD and anxiety unrelated to the surgery. But that has helped me tremendously. You might want to look into taking something for your anxiety for a while. I think it's normal to worry about the things you are worrying, I worry about them at times too. But you have to use positive self talk and convince yourself that you are ok. E.g. "If I messed up my sternum opening this window it would hurt and since it isn't I shouldn't worry".

Take a deep breath, all will be ok

 

[scott.eitman]

Knowlegde can probably set you free. Learn as much as you can, but make sure you focus on the positive stuff, not the what ifs.

I am pretty certain that you could whack your chest pretty hard right now and nothing would be hurt. The sternum was most likely very close to 100% healed at 6 weeks. As for coumadin, if you are in your range, you should be great. Many of us do well more than open windows. We have weight lifters, runners, cyclists and much more living life without brain bleeds.

Start enjoying life
Scott

 

[steprightup]

Thank you very much. If it persists, I will look into meds but I am wary. Yes, I find comfort through knowledge and that's why I'm here. I've been looking up what I can but am mindful to make sure the resources are reliable, because I'm certain I could find just about anything on the internet. Self-talk is key. Staying rational and holding on to facts. This support helps too!

 

[AmyR]

Hello, Oh yeah anxiety is a part of it. I am having a bout of PVCs and hell yeah they make me anxious. One personal suggestion do not find for symptoms on google. It sucks. You would write a headache and it would say a stroke. You would write pain in the right side of my chest and it would say a heart attack. Google is just pure idiotic. they would not even know what exactly we are facing. So if you have doubts just ask your doc or the people here who have been through it are also a really good source, they sure have lifted my confidence throughout. All the best. Just try to relax and keep yourself occupied. Good health.

 

[Agian]

Amy, I went to the BAV Foundation website and it scared the xxxx out of me.

 

[dick0236]

I think it's pretty normal to feel anxiety after what you've been through. After my first surgery, I asked my cardiologist "what now". He said "go live your life".

Remember that patients who've gone through this experience sometimes experience anxiety/depression even months later. I suggest you talk to your doctor. You might benefit from treatment for your anxiety.

For what it's worth, trust your common sense - if you had a brain bleed, you'd have an excruitiating headache, if you messed up your sternum, it would hurt a lot. It's normal to bruise more easily when you're on Coumadin.

Hi "steprightup". Guyswell put it very well. Trust your gut, you will not "break". Stay informed, ask your cardio (put your concerns and questions on paper for your docs)....use the internet, but be careful, there is a lot of BS on it. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help after OHS.....it is a BIG deal for the person going thru it. I think you will find this forum very helpful, supprtive and full of practical advice.

 

[AmyR]

again- Exactly wat i was talking about.

 

[kimcdougc]

Steprightup - I am 53 and 6 weeks post AVR. I tend to look at the cup as half full and not half empty. Look at all the positives you have in life and don't dwell on what if's. Easier said than done but you have to start somewhere. Everyday I can feel myself getting better and say yippee all the way! Life is short. Don't waste time on the what if's. Surround yourself with positive events, people and thoughts. Just my 2 cents. - Kim
Good luck with it all.