Weird feelings

[zee112]

So I had my second heart op back in 2016 to replace my RV-PA conduit, my pulmonary valve with a homograft and my aortic valve with a mehanical carbomedics aortic valve.

I've been fine since then apart from having these weird mental moments where I experience dejavu/weird 'oh I've dreamt that moment' then it leaves me feeling weird for 20-30 mins then I'm back to normal.

I've read up on a phenomena called 'pump head' but I'm not sure if that is it.

Has anyone experienced anything like this before with their first or repeat ohs?

Thank you

 

[Agian]

We'Ve all had those Zee. 'I think I saw that in a dream... I feel like I've been here before.' The only difference is that you dwell on it afterwards.

 

[Agian]

PS Isn't it funny how we can reassure others whilst being nervous wrecks ourselves? We lose our objectivity when it's us ;-)

 

[pellicle]

Hi Zee

...
I've been fine since then apart from having these weird mental moments where I experience dejavu/weird 'oh I've dreamt that moment' then it leaves me feeling weird for 20-30 mins then I'm back to normal.

yeah ... I think I got that sort of thing now and then. Not only confined to my heart surgery, but other "big life events"

so I don't think its related to:

I've read up on a phenomena called 'pump head' but I'm not sure if that is it.

which is a bit different.

A friend of mine once said to me (about these things) that when we are exposed to such monumental events as this our brains just simply don't know how to cope with it intellectually, so we just cope with it emotionally.

Its not bad or good in my view ... its just part of who you are now.

same as its part of who I am now ...

Best Wishes

 

[epstns]

PS Isn't it funny how we can reassure others whilst being nervous wrecks ourselves? We lose our objectivity when it's us ;-)

Drat, Agian! Now you've gone and given away one of my secrets.

Seriously, your point clearly shows how the mind works. Outwardly, we can react based upon facts, logic and logical projections of future events based upon history. When we, ourselves, are the "owner" of the issue, all logic goes out the window and emotion takes over. It is human nature, and it helps to explain the success and real value of support groups. We tell ourselves "Oh my God, this could happen, and then that would happen, and then. . . " We get all worked up about the "could-be's" with no valid reason to expect them to happen. We "over-exaggerate" by thinking of a semi-linear event series, but we always think of the worst possible outcome at each decision point. By the time our minds reach the endpoint, we are nervous wrecks. Our many friends here and at other support groups drag us back to reality by reminding us of the actual real facts. We are reminded that although these bad things could happen, the probability of them all going bad in sequence is very remote, and the likely outcome it much better than we envisioned. If others see this and remind us about it, we are more likely to accept it.

That's one way I have managed to avoid melt-down's over the years. I may not show it here, but I do have that occasional sleepless night with my mind zooming through all the bad scenarios. Eventually, though, I am able to bring myself back to earth. . . the earth where logic rules and the outcome is almost never the worst that could happen. Reality shines through with the morning sun, and I am once again confident in my future.

End of philosophy lesson, with one nugget to close it. I always try to live by the rule of: "If you can't have a nice day, be sure you royally screw up somebody else's." ;-)) {Steve runs and hides before the natives start throwing things. . . }

 

[Zoltania]

Steve, those are words of wisdom. I am copying and saving them. Thanks for sharing your realistic and positive perspective.

 

[Agian]

There are good people here.

 

[mick1807]

I just came across this thread as I’ve recently been having dejavu moments. I’m living what feels like I had previously dreamt. (Hard to explain). I’ve had a few of these moments but this last one was particularly worse where it made me feel sick and dizzy.

I’m 4 years post a second surgery and all has been going great but this latest feeling was very unnerving.

I wonder if it’s the medication as I regularly (2-3 times a month) get migraine auras where I see coloured half circles in my vision. I wonder if it’s all linked.

Anyone else have anything like this?

 

[ckeogh]

@mick1807 yes exactly as you explain. Had my 2nd open heart surgery in 2010 and had these moments ever since. Had a 3rd surgery in 2022 and I think they have gotten worse again.

I got ct scans and eeg done as they were worried I was having TIA's, all was good on that end so it was all kind of dismissed.

When it happens, I know all day that it is coming, then someone will say something or I will see something that will trigger that dejavu moment, after that the best way to describe the symptoms are a "brain fog" like state. Memory ect is OK but it's a little fuzzy. I usually just try take a nap to reset things and that works. Probably not the best way to deal with it but there you have it .

 

[mick1807]

Since surgery I’ve always had issues with migraine auras seeing the crescent shaped colours in my vision which last about 30 min then go away.
Had that seen to and no one has been able to tell me why or what’s actually wrong. So I just deal with being uncomfortable for 30 min, 2-3 times a month.
The dejavu feeling was next level though. Thankfully that didn’t last long either though but I will start monitoring the frequency of it.

 

[DebraB]

I’m 4 years post a second surgery and all has been going great but this latest feeling was very unnerving.

I wonder if it’s the medication as I regularly (2-3 times a month) get migraine auras where I see coloured half circles in my vision. I wonder if it’s all linked.

Anyone else have anything like this?

I have had a laundry list of side effects that have been going on since my AVR surgery.
I stumbled across a forum regarding side effects of Metropolol. Lethargy, nightmares, sleep paralysis, brain fog, can’t concentrate, shortness of breath, auras in the eyes, and many others. I have decreased my dosage and 85% of the issues have gone away.
I have no idea if this is problem for you or if you even take this drug but I figured it’s worth mentioning.

 

[mick1807]

I have had a laundry list of side effects that have been going on since my AVR surgery.
I stumbled across a forum regarding side effects of Metropolol. Lethargy, nightmares, sleep paralysis, brain fog, can’t concentrate, shortness of breath, auras in the eyes, and many others. I have decreased my dosage and 85% of the issues have gone away.
I have no idea if this is problem for you or if you even take this drug but I figured it’s worth mentioning.

Hi Debra, I do take Metoprolol. Thank you for the information. I will ask about that.

 

[carolinemc]

I have had a laundry list of side effects that have been going on since my AVR surgery.
I stumbled across a forum regarding side effects of Metropolol. Lethargy, nightmares, sleep paralysis, brain fog, can’t concentrate, shortness of breath, auras in the eyes, and many others. I have decreased my dosage and 85% of the issues have gone away.
I have no idea if this is problem for you or if you even take this drug but I figured it’s worth mentioning.

You may need to mention this to your pc and get blood work done and MRI.

 

[carolinemc]

Hi Debra, I do take Metoprolol. Thank you for the information. I will ask about that.

I have not experienced anything like that laundry list, and I have been taking Metoprolol for 10 years, no side effects. I think he may have other issues to be looked.

 

[Eva]

Since surgery I’ve always had issues with migraine auras seeing the crescent shaped colours in my vision which last about 30 min then go away.
Had that seen to and no one has been able to tell me why or what’s actually wrong. So I just deal with being uncomfortable for 30 min, 2-3 times a month.
The dejavu feeling was next level though. Thankfully that didn’t last long either though but I will start monitoring the frequency of it.

I get these auras too every now and then and way before my OH surgery before my valves’ replacement. Ophthalmologist asked me to go and see him when they happen, but by the time I’d reach him they would be gone!
so, I shut my eyes and relax my sight and mind!

 

[Elcarim]

I just came across this thread as I’ve recently been having dejavu moments. I’m living what feels like I had previously dreamt. (Hard to explain). I’ve had a few of these moments but this last one was particularly worse where it made me feel sick and dizzy.

I’m 4 years post a second surgery and all has been going great but this latest feeling was very unnerving.

I wonder if it’s the medication as I regularly (2-3 times a month) get migraine auras where I see coloured half circles in my vision. I wonder if it’s all linked.

Anyone else have anything like this?

This happens to me sometimes... I did some googling and apparently it is anxiety-related dissociation. Which tracks for me. I find that if I lie down and concentrate on deep breathing it goes away, but it used to freak me right out.

 

[Jack Julles Jackson]

So I had my second heart op back in 2016 to replace my RV-PA conduit, my pulmonary valve with a homograft and my aortic valve with a mehanical carbomedics aortic valve.

I've been fine since then apart from having these weird mental moments where I experience dejavu/weird 'oh I've dreamt that moment' then it leaves me feeling weird for 20-30 mins then I'm back to normal.

I've read up on a phenomena called 'pump head' but I'm not sure if that is it.

Has anyone experienced anything like this before with their first or repeat ohs?

Thank you

This is a big moment and its OK to feel weird. I aways say that if you can, you need support from a mental helth professional that you trust.
Asking for help is also courage.

Try to understand whats goin on with you, what is causing it, and whats is the plan to solve it.

And I repeat: ask help from a professional.

 

[tommyboy14]

this started to happen to me after i started exercising. But i never exercised before like I do now after syrgery 2. Long story short, i was dehyrated. My symptoms went away 90% after i started to drink water during exercise

 

[tommyboy14]

i know this sounds very simple, but sometimes the simple solutions are the best

 

[Eva]

Since surgery I’ve always had issues with migraine auras seeing the crescent shaped colours in my vision which last about 30 min then go away.
Had that seen to and no one has been able to tell me why or what’s actually wrong. So I just deal with being uncomfortable for 30 min, 2-3 times a month.
The dejavu feeling was next level though. Thankfully that didn’t last long either though but I will start monitoring the frequency of it.

Hi @mick1807 again. Here’s a *diagnosis* that applies to me!

Today I was exercising at the gym when I started seeing my auras in both eyes. My coach, luckily, is senior with many years of experience. He asked about these auras. I explained to him what I was seeing and how they last for 20-30 mins. but not followed by a headache. He stopped my training session, asked me to rest and to check my INR once I reached home. (Note: I was drinking enough water before and during the session).

My INR was 2.2.

So, I’m not sure if this is why they happened or simply a coincidence, but IF THEY HAPPEN AGAIN, I’LL TEST AGAIN.

If you test at home, or any other member here gets these auras, test your INR next time and let’s exchange notes.