Janelle's Guestbook

I'm doing ok overall. For the most part, I feel like I'm back to normal. I still have a little numbness in the center of my chest from the nerve block. I had minimally invasive surgery so my scar is actually along the bottom half of my areola on my right breast and then I have a scar from the chest tube under my right breast...sometimes I look at my scars and can't believe I really went through heart surgery and then other times they annoy me (I've always embraced scars before, so not sure why I feel that way sometimes). I've had on/off issues with my blood pressure getting too low since the surgery, mainly from being on metoprolol and then spironolactone (diuretic), had issues again in the beginning of August, so I had to go off both meds. The rollercoaster of feeling good and then feeling completely depleted was rough, especially with work being so stressful too. I was supposed to try to go back on the spironolactone but I just am done with the rollercoaster. I graduated from cardiac rehab at the end of July and have not done any exercise since....first, because my BP got so low, but then because I just don't feel like it, and it's hot outside (excuses, but the truth). I have always struggled with low energy anyhow and I have had issues with depression/anxiety for forever. Right now, I think the biggest energy-sapper is my job. I love what I do, but the drama/short staffing/politics, etc is just exhausting. I do have an amazing therapist who I see monthly, but had seen her weekly after the end of my last relationship because of all the trauma. I learned a lot about myself and how to cope better. But, I still struggle, I just deal with it better than I use to. How have you been feeling this past week? Do you feel you noticed changes every week with how you feel? I apologize if my post is all over the place, I'm exhausted - off to bed.

We’re all human and I’ve been thinking a lot about how much easier life is just excepting things that are not perfect. I was hoping to delay surgery for as long as possible but the surgeon didn’t want to delay. I can definitely relate to energy levels going up and down. A lot of things feel off balanced but I start with a therapist next week. I’m hoping the exercising and cardio gets easier as well / my motivation improves. Take care too!

Your scars are a badge of courage. The good news is they are not visible for the world to see. Hope not anyway. Lol. The ups and downs i think are pretty normal. I am lucky that i was always able to fight through physical injuries. I played hurt on many an occasion., but others can’t do that, i know. Its why many in my family were shocked to watch me deteriorate mentally at the loss of my dog. Not the guy they knew but i pulled myself up by my bootstraps and discovered there is life after death. You can battle the downs, i’m betting on it.

Thank you! (I just realized I didn't ever respond to you - sorry!) I can't believe my surgery was over 3 weeks ago, seems like a dream almost, can't wrap my head around the fact that I actually had heart surgery. Had some issues with low BP initially at home, but that is improving, now just have elevated heart rate but apparently all of this is common. Feeling stir crazy but thankful for the break from work (do I have to go back??? LOL). Overall, I am doing really well. How are you feeling now that you are 4 days away from go time? For me, once I was in the last few days before, I felt like it was over and done with so quick and then the focus was on recovery. I hope the same for you. Wishing you sweet dreams during your nap. 😊

Hearing from others like you really helps to know what to expect. I think stir crazy is a great sign of progress! I'm doing well. I've had just enough symptoms (shortness of breath, some chest pain, 1 short trip to ER, to know I need the surgery. Having it moved up a month really helped. Bit worried about 1st couple days after, but otherwise ready to start recovery process. Congrat's again on your progress!