Recovery after heart tumor removed

Posted by maggielaf @maggielaf, Oct 21, 2018

I had an open heart surgery 9 days ago to remove a tumor. I would love to find anyone out there like me! In reading other open heart recovery stories, it is really encouraging. My biggest problem is sleeping problems- I’m tired, but don’t even stay asleep an hour. Anyone else? I will wake up with headache or shoulder pain, and then it takes hours before I fall back asleep. Is this a phase?

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lioness | @lioness | Oct 21, 2018

@maggielaf Have you talked to your Dr.about your sleep problem? If not give him a call

maggielaf | @maggielaf | Oct 21, 2018

Thanks! It was so great to see someone respond! I’ve only been home a few days, so I thought I’d give it time. I’ll be seeing my home cardiologist this week and I’ll mention it.

lioness | @lioness | Oct 21, 2018

In reply to @maggielaf "Thanks! It was so great to see someone respond! I’ve only been home a few days,..." + (show)

@maggielaf your welcome anything comes up talk with your cardiologist first he,ll be able to help you remember your emotions play into your health so try not to worry. Let me know how your doing Linda

Jamie Olson | @jamienolson | Oct 21, 2018

Hello @maggielaf! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for posting. Congratulations on day #9!

Tell me more about the procedure and type of tumor you had. What sleep issues are you having?

You could always try a new nightly routine- start with relaxing thoughts, maybe a warm neck pack, some chamomile tea and light reading? Just some of my thoughts on the sleep topic.

lioness | @lioness | Oct 21, 2018

@jamieolson when I had my back fracture Chamomile tea relaxed me I went through a couple of boxes

maggielaf | @maggielaf | Oct 22, 2018

The tumor biopsy hasn’t come back yet. Before it was removed they thought it was a fibroelastoma, but my understanding is that they haven’t seen anything like crazy thing they took out. It was 8.3cm long x 2mm. It was highly mobile and flipped in and out of valves and chambers. Before surgery things were going downhill fast. Now that it is out, my heart rate is good, my blood pressure is normal, I can breathe! It’s like a parking brake has been removed.
What I don’t do is sleep. I’m tired, but I just lay for hours. I’m keeping a journal. Last night I did get 3 hours in a row, so maybe it’s just a phase. I’m always wondering what to expect or what is normal. Thanks for your input!

lioness | @lioness | Oct 22, 2018

In reply to @maggielaf "The tumor biopsy hasn’t come back yet. Before it was removed they thought it was a..." + (show)

@maggielaf maybe its just an adjustment for your body if it doesn't get back to normal sleep then Id ask Dr.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 23, 2018

In reply to @maggielaf "The tumor biopsy hasn’t come back yet. Before it was removed they thought it was a..." + (show)

Hello @maggielaf. I see that you are new to Connect and I would like to welcome you.

As @lioness said in her post, it does take a while for everyone to adjust after major surgery. However, as she said, if you aren't feeling better, it might be good to talk with your doctor about your post-surgery symptoms. Most likely, your doctor knows all about the type of problems that a patient can have post-surgery and he/she should be able to put your mind at ease.

Will you make that call?

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