Nighttime anxiety after quadruple bypass.

Posted by bobbecker @bobbecker, Dec 7, 2019

Since my bypass 2 1/2 weeks ago I have been experiencing anxiety which manifests itself into feelings that I have restrictive breathing during the night. I was given Ativan while hospitalized but was sent home with nothing to help me with anxiety. How long can I expect to experience this sleep interrupting after affect of surgery?

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Hello @bobbecker, welcome to Connect. I'd like to invite some other Connect members who have undergone bypass surgery to share their experiences with recovery and if they experienced any anxiety as well. @cepatchwork1955, @harriethodgson1, @jeanern01, @crhp194, and @crhp194 have all discussed either a bypass surgery or some other type of open heart surgery. Although their surgeries may have been for different reasons, they may be able to share their overall experience with heart surgery and the recovery afterwards.

@bobbecker, other than the anxiety, how is your recovery and rehab going?

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Looking forward to hear what others have experienced.

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@bobbecker

Looking forward to hear what others have experienced.

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Other than shortness of breath, I am pretty much pain free. Rehab consists of just walking around the house at this point and trying to do more to take care of myself. I have always been a shallow breather so that doesn’t help either.

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Hi @bobbecker,

You’ve undergone quite a major surgery, so I can imagine how even little things can trigger uneasiness! Even though the procedure seems to be successful, you are unprepared for the anxiety you feel afterward. And, with all the focus on the ‘physical’ aspects, (treatment, rehab.) we forget the significance of emotional support – I’m so glad you’ve joined Connect.

I’m sure @cepatchwork1955 @harriethodgson1 @jeanern01 @crhp194 will join in soon; in the meantime, you may also be interested in reading some of the other discussions where where members – @hals @mikegh @thankful @ronbee @dreamin @callalily74 @jackj @retairforceman @joem and many others – have shared their bypass experiences:
– husband's open heart surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/husbands-open-heart-surgery/
– After a quadruple bypass https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/after-a-quadruple-bypass/
– Staying healthy physically (and mentally) post heart attack https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-there-i-just-now-joined-your-group-and-after-reading-a/

Mayo Clinic research shows that most heart patients are not receiving the follow-up care that could help them heal faster and live longer. @bobbecker, have you considered enrolling in a structured or customized cardiac rehab program?

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@bobbecker I,ll add my welcome to our caring group.I had a triple bypass in 1996 .Dr didn't send me to rehab but that is generally what they recommend.My case was my activity all my life so I did rehab at home from the Dr. I ate right and exercised that was all I did I couldn't go upstairs so for 6weeks I slept on a recliner The big thing was I did exactly what the Dr said on cholesterol medicine and didn't worry about my ❤️ Best of luck to you

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@kanaazpereira

Hi @bobbecker,

You’ve undergone quite a major surgery, so I can imagine how even little things can trigger uneasiness! Even though the procedure seems to be successful, you are unprepared for the anxiety you feel afterward. And, with all the focus on the ‘physical’ aspects, (treatment, rehab.) we forget the significance of emotional support – I’m so glad you’ve joined Connect.

I’m sure @cepatchwork1955 @harriethodgson1 @jeanern01 @crhp194 will join in soon; in the meantime, you may also be interested in reading some of the other discussions where where members – @hals @mikegh @thankful @ronbee @dreamin @callalily74 @jackj @retairforceman @joem and many others – have shared their bypass experiences:
– husband's open heart surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/husbands-open-heart-surgery/
– After a quadruple bypass https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/after-a-quadruple-bypass/
– Staying healthy physically (and mentally) post heart attack https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-there-i-just-now-joined-your-group-and-after-reading-a/

Mayo Clinic research shows that most heart patients are not receiving the follow-up care that could help them heal faster and live longer. @bobbecker, have you considered enrolling in a structured or customized cardiac rehab program?

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I did not have the anxiety as my tests and surgery were all done within a week and I had no time to think. Still now is the time to be good to yourself, take it easy, meditation and yoga may help. Put yourself first for a change. Take care and best of luck and happiness to you!

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