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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis

Member Since: September 9, 2025

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Denise Elia posted an update

6 months ago (October 28, 2025)

Good evening everyone, I recently had TAVR surgery, October 22nd. I started feeling better yesterday and went for a short stroll, today almost a mile walk. So Iâ€™m encouraged. But I have had some depression that I didnâ€™t expect to have. Is this normal? Iâ€™m guessing most likely but was... Read more.

❤️ Susan Lynn reacted to this

Susan Lynn

Denise - It sounds like you're doing well! Be careful not to overdo it. Cardiac depression is a very real condition. Be sure you treat it as you would any other post-op symptom. Don't be afraid to reach out to your surgeon, cardiologist, or physician about options to address it.... Read more.

Kimberly Eisenhut

Wow, it's been over 4 weeks and I can't even go halfway around my block! I'm in so much pain tonight I need to take a pain pill, which I haven't done in two weeks. This so called "less painful, quicker healing" mini thorecotomy is NOT what I was told... Read more.

Kimberly Eisenhut

Home health nurse comes in morning at 10am, I'll be very strong with her about my pain and ask her to also reach out to my Dr and surgeon and if she feels I should go to ER, I will of course.

Richard Munson

Yes, for sure do not let the nurse leave without exploring your chest pain. After all, thats why she is there, to help you. Plus, you can point to the pain.

Kimberly Eisenhut

I will , thank you Richard. Wish you a nice evening with Nancy and your nap buddy Shadow ðŸ˜ŠðŸ¾ I'm sorry for hijacking your post Denise. It is very normal to have some depression and emotional ups and downs after heart surgery. I've read and seen so many posts from... Read more.

Cathleen Weed

Hi Denise :) The cardiac blues are so real. If you can find a place near you that does sound baths or reiki, I really think it would help. It's basically meditation but it helps you cry it out. Be encouraged by the fact that it's temporary. You just went... Read more.

What is the Cardiac Blues â€” Australian Centre for Heart Health

https://www.australianhearthealth.org.au/cardiacblues

Having a heart attack, heart surgery or other cardiac event generally comes as a huge shock. Around 75% of people experience the â€˜Cardiac Bluesâ€™ after a heart event, with unexpected changes in mood and emotions, including sadness and tearfulness, anger and irritability, worry and anxiety, confusion and forgetfulness, withdrawal from friends and family, and loss of interest in life, amongst other symptoms. Many people worry whether they will ever get back to normal.