Jennifer's Posts

Hello Jennifer- Please do yourself a favor Heart Sister; Look up "Cardiac Depression" online or discuss it with your Cardiologist or just wait a bit as You are going to hear from many Heart Brother's and Sisters who will tell you that this is a very, very common event that takes place after cardiac surgery and it helps to read about the fact it is all too real an event and will back off in time. I have had depression off and on and I am nearing the 9 month period since my surgery. Don't beat yourself up over it as it is nothing you are doing wrong just your body taking a bit of time to sort itself out and talking about it with a friend, family member, when it hits is a good thing. Writing a journal to see when and what preceded it is a good idea as well to see if there is a pattern so you can work on it. Sometimes it also goes with medications we are put on and taken off as the body adjusts. I think that reading about it online is an immediate way of finding answers and hope that you find it lessening soon. I know I have gotten close to several people over the months of my surgery and afterwards who have all experienced it during recovery and expect you might hear from them as well. You take care and I hope your healing time is good for you as you continue!

Yup. Very real. It's a roller coaster. I am headed to the three month mark and fight every day. Move your body, get fresh air, and talk to your doctors about pharmacological intervention if you need to go there. It's not a pride thing, we are all wired differently. Do what you have to to get through. I'm on 5mgs of lexapro a day for anxiety and the blues and have no idea what I do without it.

(Just my opinions) Yes, it is real, but it is a fairly complex area that is not well understood. And since each of us is unique and different, the effects are somewhat different in individuals. If you were to ask 30 people to define 'depression' you would probably get 30 different definitions. I read one paper where the author defined 5 general types of depression; some improved with medication, some got worse with medication. So which depression is post heart operation depression? When the word depression is used, most people think of a mood disorder caused mainly by a chemical imbalance in the brain, usually a deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin. What is usually not realized is that less than 10% of the serotonin producing cells are in the brain. The other 90% are out in the body, mainly the digestive tract and are also impacted. The result can be nerve problems (muscles), sensor problems (pain), etc. How would open heart surgery cause 'depression' or a hypo serotonin condition? One way is stress. I would say that open heart surgery is very stressful. If you want a more detailed description of the body's reaction to stress, I would recommend watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gFVQGD-aB8 So, in my opinion, at least do the following: - healthy cardio diet, hydration - exercise, cardiac rehab, and then on your own - good restful sleep - stress management, positive attitude bc

So glad you are doing so well in your post op journey!! Sounds like you are making all kinds of good progress!! I too had minimally invasive, and was told it was more painful initially, but a faster healing time. Well, I can't say for sure which is more painful as I have never had an OHS midline sternal incision. I have had the luxury of really taking my time getting well but am now looking for work, and getting back on track. I am sharing your feelings of gratefulness, for sure. So happy it is over and I am getting my life back on track! Good going for you, keep up the good work!

Glad to hear you are home and I hope you are feeling well. It truly is a miracle what these Dr's do for us, a new lease on life. How great is that? I wish you the best in your home recuperation. I am several weeks ahead and feeling better each day. Best Regards, Tim