Feeling blue today

[alicia]

I have done so well with my recovery at home and I got my staples out yesterday and that felt better but, Ive been crying today for no reason and just generally feeling sorry for myself. This is not like me at all. Im usually so positive and upbeat. Does this happen alot after surgery? Its been 3 1/2 weeks sicne my surgery and this is the first time Ive actualy cried.

 

[Guest]

Hmm...don't know about how common it is, but, frankly, I've been a bit "sad" for a few weeks, too, but I know that it is mostly because a good buddy of mine has suddenly abandoned me.... I'm told it has nothing to do with me...but, it still hurts nonetheless. I try to not let it get to me...and believe it when others tell me he'll come back around and talk to/see me again...but, since he is one of about 2 people that can look at me and know what I'm thinking without me saying a word...it is quite frustrating.....

Hmmm...could say more, but I better not....heh.

Peace...Always,
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[sylviayasgur]

hi alicia!
you are not alone. this is very common among o.h.s. patients.
you can either do a search on "depression" or check out the following thread:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2367&highlight=depression

i hope this helps and that you feel better in time.
we are all here for you.
be well, sylvia

 

[Ross]

What your going through is perfectly normal though it doesn't seem that it should be. Some start the crying right away, some have a delayed reaction by a few weeks. I've been in both ranges. Mine seemed to peak at about 5 or 6 weeks out. Give it some time and your body chemicals will start doing the right thing again.

 

[Guest]

Hang In There!

Hang In There!

I definitely agree with Ross. You have been through a whole lot of stuff over the last several months....or is it longer? I think it is perfectly normal to be feeling the way you are. God put the emotions we have inside us for a reason....to help us deal with whatever life throws our way! I've heard it said many,many times that God never gives us more than He knows we can handle....Just keep that thankfulness in your heart and keeping leaning on Him. I know you are going to be feeling better soon!

Julia

 

[Paula]

Hi Alicia,
I have not had my surgery yet, but I have been told that this is very common. I know it probably does not feel "normal" by NO means but I'm sure it will pass. I live in NC as well, so maybe the warmer temps soon to come this weekend will help out. Bring some sunshine to your day!!!! Take care and God bless you!!!

 

[terry40]

Alicia

Alicia

Yes this is common, the recovery booklet they sent me home with warned me of this (crying) or of anger.

Of course I was the crier, never angry, Whenever my family would see me crying I'd show them the article in the booklet mentioning that this is common. I always felt a lot better afterwards, like I released a lot of bottle up stress.

I started (crying) in the hospital, and it was everyday for a while, then maybe once or twice a week, now 3 months later I don't remeber my last good cry, maybe a month ago or more, The nurses in the hospital understood, I would just tell them I'm not in any pain, I just need to cry.

It was the strangest thing, but I was glad the booklet mentioned that this could/will happen, and I was not going crazy, or something.

Terry40

 

[Sagebrush]

Oh Alicia,
I know exactly how you are feeling. I started to cry the first time they made me take a show and I had to see the scar. I think I cried every day after that for at least 1 month untill my doctor that was monitoring me thought I should take some anti-depressants. That has helped a ton and I am now weaning myself off them at 4 months post op. On thing that I think would of helped me about not being so depressed was being around people more. I live way out in the country so after a few days of being home I didn't see many people, only my husband but he went to work so I was alone most of the day. Exercising after surgery helped me feel better emotionally. Also exercising helps get out all those drugs that they put in your system in the hospital and I think that has alot to do with depression after surgery.

Hang in there you will feel better eventually and I think that was the hardest part of the surgery for me was the depression and feeling sorry for myself. I don't feel that way anymore.
FAYE

 

[Ken O'Dell]

Did you say MPV surgery?

Did you say MPV surgery?

Well I do not know your particular situation besides what you said in note about surgery. I am scheudled (sp) for MPV surgery April 28. How much time before you can return to work or otherwise leading a normal life? I hope this note finds you cheering up! Ken

 

[Ross]

How much time before you can return to work or otherwise leading a normal life?

Hi Ken
If there are no complications, most people return to work and small activity within 4 to 6 weeks. Personally, I wouldn't want to do anything until after 6, but that's my opinion.

 

[hensylee]

Any good cardio will tell you that with heart issues, there is strong emotion involved. Take heart - this, too, will pass away, given time. If it hangs on too long, get to your dr who should be able to help. But, over the years, here in VR this we have seen that this is quite a common side effect of heart surgery. God bless - and go ahead and cry.

 

[Vicki448]

Alicia,
What you are experiencing is perfectly normal, and actually expected, after a person comes through heart surgery. To me, it was very much like post partum depression after giving birth. It will fade and you will find yourself less weepy. If not, make sure that you talk w/your doctor about it. DEPRESSION is normal after heart surgery and needs your immediate attention. Best of luck to you.

 

[ALCapshaw]

Hello Alicia,

Consider it to be a healthy part of the recovery process.

Think of the crying as a way to release the fear and other pent up emotions. Rejoice in the knowledge that you survived the ordeal and are poised to begin the rest of your life.

Bon Voyage !

'AL'

 

[joy]

Hi Alicia, there was a thread on depression a while back, and it discussed depression after surgery, and having a life altering experience. Your body has been through A LOT! It just needs time to heal. A lot of us, like myself ask why it had to happen to them. But I accepted it about 8 weeks after I had my surgery. I just told myself, I am not alone, I have my family at home, and my family here at vr.com. WE will always be here for a shoulder to lean on. You take it easy, alright?

 

[alicia]

Thanks to all. im feeling alot better today. I had a very emotional weekend for nor real rhyme or reason and Im doing better today. I guess I got it out of my system. It was a beautiful day today and my husbnad and I walked for a mile! I thought that was fantastic being today is 4 week surgery date. It was a great walk. NO SHORTNESS OF BREATH AT ALL!! I still have alittle pain right at the knot area over my scar but its not that bad just bothersome. My scar is healing nicely. I think the infection has cleared up, its nice and pink now (not red) and looks much better.

Thanks for all the kind words. It meant alot to me and I needed to get it out and let go and start my real road to recovery!

I know theres so many sick people out there with cancers and other life threatning illnesses and this valve is doing great and I should count my blessings. Thanks everyone!!