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← Return to Heart Disease: Let’s Talk About the Emotional Side
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Heart Disease: Let’s Talk About the Emotional Side
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Oct 1, 2023 | Replies (132)Comment receiving replies
I've personally experienced the depression following all 3 of my open heart surgeries. Fortunately, the docs and nurses warned me that it was probably going to happen and to just ride it out knowing it would go away. I think it lasted about 6 weeks with me. So, after the next 2 open hearts I knew to expect it. In talking with many people who have gone through open surgeries, I've found that this is not often discussed prior to the surgery. I'm going through it right now after having my 11 stent placed in my heart in January. It's different than the "after open heart depression" but nonetheless, still very real.
I'm just trying to "ride it out" hoping it will pass soon. I fortunately have a very loving, supportive wife that has been my sounding board.
Replies to "I've personally experienced the depression following all 3 of my open heart surgeries. Fortunately, the docs..."
miracleman,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Though I do not recall depression as being part of my recovery from the quad bypass I experienced almost 5 years ago, I do recall working hard to feel better physically. I was given loads of support by my son who became my chauffeur and main cheer leader. I also recall being told I'd go to cardiac rehab and never got the call from the one where my cardiologist, but did get directed to the closest one by the nurse running the gym close to my cardiologist. I did my 36 visits and have benefitted from this.
Perhaps it is time, if you haven't returned to the support at the cardiac rehab gym near you, to go back. AND 11 stents are a heavy load to slogs through. I find your journey to be admirable.
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@miracleman When I had my by pass surgery after I was back home I did have some depression but I kept my self busy by hobbies I had and taking care of my husband who was sick at the time. Dr. Didn't send me to cardio rehab but told me to exercise by walking 45 min. a day so me and my dog put a whole in the carpet. Do you have any hobbies or crafts you like to do? This really helped me took my mind of my heart surgery . Hope I helped some. Remember this will pass so make some plans of some kind nothing drastic like travel though just to visit friends or get out to grocery store or as my husband like the hardware store .