Bouts of depression after aortic aneurysm and valve repair!

[CeCe]

It's been almost exactly 3 months since my surgery and I'm slowly getting my physical strength back but now I'm subject to unexpected bouts of crying! Not like me at all. Prior to this surgery if I cried, I had a reason, joy, grief, etc. I'm afraid to be around anyone other than family or close friends, afraid that I'll fall apart!This is too wierd! Has anyone else experienced this? I don't really feel depressed (other than when I'm crying my eyes out) I look forward to your response.
Thanks,

 

[Ross]

Hi CeCe and welcome to the forums.

At 3 months out, I would think you'd be over that strange part of recovery. I went through it also, but it hit me pretty good along about the 5 or 6 week. I'd cry at the drop of well.....anything.

At 3 months out, I think I'd be saying something to the Doctor about it. While you say you don't feel depressed, perhaps you do and don't know it? The surgery is enough to do this to anyone. I compare it to someone going in and really playing with our human soul and then we don't know how to take it. I know I found myself wondering if I was crying because I was happy to be alive or whether I was crying because I hadn't been taken.

None the less, say something to your Doctor before you end up flooding the earth with tears.

 

[Nancy]

Hi CeCe-

Welcome to the site. You've got lots of friends here. Over the years, I've seen many, many posts regarding post-op crying. Most of it happens early on, but this surgery and indeed every major, major surgery messes with your whole body system. Could be a physiological thing

My own husband who has been through 5 thoracic surgeries and several other extremely serious medical problems, and who is about as tough as nails, not afraid of anything, did break down once. It was not in his character at all. It surprised him.

Since you are a little farther along in your recovery process, give in to your crying periods for a time limit you set. See if it will work itself out, and then if things don't straighten out, speak with your doctor and get help.

Life is just too short to allow yourself to be uncomfortable for too long. You have a beautiful life ahead of you, you're on the road to physical recovery, and you'll want to be on the road to emotional recovery also.

Best wishes.

 

[JimL]

CeCe, this is completely normal. Although it may be stronger at certain times than others, there are definitely emotional changes that come after this surgery. Some get medications to help with this. I've enjoyed the "kinder, gentler" kind of feelings. Ross will jump all over me for this, but I cried at my son's wedding more than two years after surgery -- I would never have done that if I hadn't had the surgery.

 

[Granbonny]

CeCe

CeCe

I looked at your user ID. You didn't post anything like your age, family, ect. that would help if you give us a little more info..I was depressed several months after my VR. surgery..because I was not up to doing things like before..I have a Grandson who wanted me to come to his games, ect..or do the things we did before surgery. I just could not explain to him..how I was feeling. Made me depressed. I never cried..just felt sorry for him. After a few months..I was able to drive him around to fun things.Bonnie

 

[CeCe]

Re: Depression

Re: Depression

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement. Since my first posting this morning, I did in fact go to my Dr. and he gave me two prescriptions,which he had wanted to give me a month ago, to get me past this phase of my recovery. I don't know why I was so determined not to take any meds for this,just stubborn I guess. I'm hopeful that the meds will help and I look forward to checking in on this forum often. Thanks again for your input.
CeCe

 

[Nancy]

Good for you. They will help, takes a couple of weeks.

 

[Rush20]

Glad to hear you spoke with your doctor and received medication.

I also felt a post-surgery type funk and somedays still do now that I'm approaching 7-month post operation. For me, it revolved more around how life goes on - period. Sometimes in our careers we become so busy and goal oriented that we forgot what's really important. Watching the company I work for go on while I sat on the sidelines for two months really opened my eyes and helped me realize to focus on what's really important - i.e. my family, friends and overall health (including spirit and faith).