Heart Surgery and Depression

[ccrawford]

One of the on-line heart newsletters recently talked about surgery and depression. Some exerpts are as follows: about one third of bypass surgery patients experience depression post surgery. There is a difference between sexes: Men typically brighten up post surgery and women do not. This may relate to their roles and the fact that women feel more pressure to resume their "domestic engineering" roles quicker, while men feel like they have more time to heal. 21% of females were readmitted to the hospital while only 11%of men were readmitted. Nancy was right on target - depression is a common occurance after surgery and we need to be aware of this, especially when counseling our members in both the pre and post surgery threads. Chris

 

[Ross]

I'm not convinced that alot of the anesthesia drugs don't play a part or have something to do with the feelings myself.

 

[MelissaM]

Ross, the psycho-kitty avatar returns in time for the post on depression. . .should we be concerned for you?

Seriously, though, I would be interested to hear from our little group if there is a correlation between the length of mental prep time prior to surgery and depression after surgery. For me, the depression and anxiety seemed greater pre-surgery as I processed the impact of what was about to happen. But for those who are rushed into emergency surgery and don't have time to process things before hand, I wonder if depression is most likely to strike post-surgery, as the reality of what just happened sinks in. Also, it seems like ongoing complications post-surgery could also tailspin someone into depression as their dream of "getting better" gets put on the back burner. Any thoughts?

 

[HFK]

I felt the same anxiety pre op was not so bad post op but as thecomplications of surgery arose I seemed to get depressed because I wasnt feeling better .I felt great pre op but the valve was shot so maybe if Iwould of felt bad pre op I would of felt better after? But I ended up with pacemaker and another valve damaged during surgery. The pace maker really had an impact on me more than the valve ! I spent total of 5 weeks in the hospital! Had post pericrdectomy syndrome only 5% of patints get this so ,I guess to really compare everyone would almost have to have same procedure with same outcomes and then compare mental states.hfk

 

[LoraW30]

For me, the depression came post-surgery. And like hfk, it was over the pacemaker more than the valve replacement. I was told before surgery that it would be a 3% chance I would need a pacemaker and after waking up in icu I was told I would need one after all. Pile that on top of low blood cell count, basement level potassium and magnesium, and all the tubing and wires involved in the whole process. I had a hard time even looking my family directly into their faces. But, it got better as I got used to the idea of running on batteries, and as my body started to heal. I feel it was pretty normal for me to go through depression, given what I had been through, and I think that's what helped me get on top of the depression.

 

[Nancy]

There is some thinking that the depression is as much a physical thing as an emotional thing, really a chemical imbalance. Both systems of the body take a terrible hit. I have read many articles on depression and heart surgery. It seems to be as common as leaves on the trees. For those who are suffering from it, if things don't improve after a reasonable amount of time, please go to the doc and ask for some help. The medications for depression are terrific and make a world of difference. Why suffer, when things can be a whole lot better. Most of the time, if it is longer term, you cannot make yourself "snap out of it", your body will need help.

In my own mind, I see absolutely no difference in taking medications to correct lingering heart problems and taking medications to correct the chemical imbalance of depression.

We've come a long way from the dark ages. We know how to help lots of things now. We should use the modern ways, and not get stuck in the semantics of the problem. Body problems are body problems, simple as that, and the brain is part of the body.

 

[fyrfytr]

I think the biggest thing for me and I don't know if it is depression or not, is family, friends and co-workers telling me how good I look and wonder why I can't go back to work yet. When I try to explain they look at me like I am a woosh. That is why you can find me hanging out here a lot. Everyone here understands what we are going through and even helps us get through it.

Dave
______________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[nadi]

Personally I wasn't depressed prior to surgery, anxious, nervous, SCARED! Yes to all of those. Now post surgery, I can't seem to snap out of it. The Dr did give me some meds and told me to try them and see how they worked. They seemed to work some. The Rx ran out and I then really noticed how well they did work. I am now back on them. YEAH!

I "think"( probably should not do that !) my depression is because I don't feel like I am where I should be in recovery! I am not Superwoman yet. I can't work full time, take care of the house and my husband like I think I should. I am sure part it is from the other things that seem to have popped up and/or gotten a lot worse since the surgeries. Everything seems to be falling apart all at once, the Dr. is now scheduling all sorts of xrays, ultra sounds, sleep studies. Good thing the deductible is paid for the year.

Here I go being long winded again and belly aching to all. SORRY!

Have a great day!

 

[hensylee]

According to my guru, depression is part and parcel of heart issues.

If it's true that men get it less than women, - again, I'm comin back as a man.

 

[alicia]

I went into a deep depression prior to my last OPS in Jan 03..I was having problems with my daughter as well and my family dr suggested I try a low dose of Zoloft and I did and boy am I ever glad I did. I feel so much better for doing so. Im still on the Zoloft and it helps. Im happy just about everyday now and feel so much better about life.



Alicia

 

[ccrawford]

I'm gonna add my experience just to be fair, then fade into the background. These responses are really interesting, and I encourage everybody to contribute because we will learn a bunch from them - and maybe get better at helping others. My experience: As my symptoms got worse, so did my depression. I was disappointed that despite my efforts, it took longer and longer for me to walk the 1/4 mile to the mailbox, and then had to retire to the lazyboy for a recovery nap. I had no serious complications after surgery, and started to find that my stamina had gotten a whole lot better. The result of all of this was that I was very positive, and felt I had a new lease on life. Chris

 

[Georgia]

And I repeat myself

And I repeat myself

the physical therapist who counseled me just before I went home from the hospital said that he felt that everyone who had ohs should be put on zoloft for 3 to 6 months. He said that he felt that the amount of depression he saw was unnecessary. He really encouraged me to be proactive about treatment for depression if I had any. He also mentioned this to my husband (as a general observation).

I was very fortunate not to have any depression. Because it runs in my family I recognize symptoms. (I'm one of the lucky ones in my family.) Had I awakened in the black hole I'd have waddled as fast as I could to the phone to demand help.

Something else I've said before: I've had a fortunate recovery. I'm sure that my emotions would have been careening if I'd had to deal with any of the problems many of you have endured and conquered. And there you are out there all by yourselves fighting your way through all the troubles and feeling lousy and post-surgical issues; and then the pit of depression. You guys are my heroes; you're warriors and winners in every sense of the word.

Those of you suffering from depression: you must think of it like any of the other physical complications of this surgery. You wouldn't question your attitudes or worthiness if you had fluid on your lungs or a-fib. Rejoice - it's the same thing. It's a complication of a disease (exactly the same as post-partum depression is a complication of a disease), and there are good treatments.

And I has spoke!

 

[rcatalano]

Having just had my second AVR in 14 years, I had 2 completely different experiences.

At 30 years old, my first surgery came as a complete shock. It ended my Navy career, so I think my depression had as much to do with fear of a career change as fear of surgery. I had about 4 months to ponder the surgery and the anxiety was almost unbearable. It negatively affected every aspect of my life.

My second surgery was about 10 days ago. I again had several months to ponder, but had no anxiety. There's no career change and I'm lucky in that I have no other medical complications. I have good insurance and work at a big company, my job is not in jeopardy. While I have a ways to go before I'm recovered, I'm very positive and haven't had any depressing moments. My 15 yr old son and 10 yr old daughter give me a lot of strength. It's my career working wife that is going to suffer from exhaustion...

 

[Guest]

Yeah know...

Experiences can be very interesting, especially when they all are different.

For me...I had been somewhat depressed over the last few years for various reasons/issues. Heading into the surgery this past January, I was depressed, lonely AND anxious. Not a good combo. I stayed that way for a couple months or so after the surgery...partly b/c some close friends had stopped talking to me.

But, then, all of a sudden, something snapped...a good snap...and I felt SSSSOO much better. Not sure what was the kicker element, but since then, I've been happier and such. No, I'm not 100%, but nobody ever is all the time.... In fact, the last few days, I've been a bit down b/c of job issues...health issues (not sure if stress or heart related yet...will find out more at my checkup next Thursday)...etc.... But, I know I'm better...and am fine.... .

My 2 cents...peace...always,
Cort S, pig's valve & pacemaker-enhanced 29/swm
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[joy]

My theory about post op depression is: it depends on how you feel after surgery. How much support you have from family and friends, and how much time you have to prepare yourself for your surgery. The more time and support you have, the easier it is to snap out of it. My biggest problem was not being able to lift Erik for 6 weeks. I was tired, but basically felt pretty good for the most part. I had my mom, husband, grandmother, and my husband's command. Everyone in my family called me a lot to make sure I was doing alright, and they sent a lot of cards. I didn't have much post op depression. I did have a LOT of pre op depression though. I felt terrible, and could hardly take care of myself let alone a two year old and a newborn. I guess I just had post partum depression. It was pretty tough, but when I was depressed after both kids( I had two VERY difficult pregnancies) I thought of my loved ones and friends and thought about how it would affect those I left behind. I worked hard and asked myself "why me" a lot. I am selfless, and am thankful for what I have in life.

 

[delvoura66]

Hi everyone,

Depression is something major in heart patient's especially women. Since January I have been treated for depression. My
problem was extreme fatigue and sleeplessness. Some days are
good and other days are not so good. October 29th will be 2years post op for me.

My depression interfers with daily life but I try hard to over come it. My surgery was done a week after I was admitted to emergency. So there was no real mental preparation. Don't worry about what other people may think. Looks are so deceiving, no one can understand what we go though unless they have experienced it. Say positive.

 

[delvoura66]

Ross thank you....

 

[Nancy]

Hi Delvoura-

Nice to see your pic. Ross, you've been a busy boy with all those avatars.

 

[bvdr]

Nice to see all the new pics!

I'm going to be very mindful of this depression thing. I think it is the type of thing that one should never consider oneself immune. So far I'm doing just fine but I haven't hit any major snags or prolonged recovery period either. I have seen major depression in family and know how devastating it can be to not all the person going through it but also everyone around.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Georgia

Georgia

exactly the same as post-partum depression is a complication of a disease

Now, Georgia, I know you didn't mean it, especially in light of your pic. with the child, but pregnancy is not a disease! I don't think I would compare post-partum depression to the depression after OHS. too different.