I am hoping someone can give me some encouragement. In August, 2015, I had two of my valves replaced with mechanical ones. I was doing fine until I started ...Read more
I am hoping someone can give me some encouragement. In August, 2015, I had two of my valves replaced with mechanical ones. I was doing fine until I started having some strokes in 2016 luckily with no residual effects. The only cause they could determine was the mechanical valves so I was scheduled to have them replaced with tissue ones in January. A week before this surgery I suffered a larger stroke. With clot- busting medicine I don't seem to have any residual effects from this either so they did the surgery and replaced the valves. Physically I seem to be doing fine, but I am depressed. I am retired and have no family around here. I try to find things to do around the house, but it's hard to find interest in doing anything. My worst symptom is not being able to get back to sleep at night. I can fall asleep and sleep for 3-5 hours, but cannot get back to sleep. I am taking an anti-depression. I'm hoping hearing from some of you can help me out. I had my stroke and surgery in January of this year. I am in cardiac rehab now.
Cathleen Weed Rita Savelis would be a good person for you to talk to š
Rita Savelis Debby, you've been through too much. Waking up in the night and being unable to fall back asleep is a ... Read more
Rita Savelis Debby, you've been through too much. Waking up in the night and being unable to fall back asleep is awful. I'm glad you're taking something for depression and hope that you have an opportunity to talk with a therapist about all that you are going through. Perhaps your doctor can increase/change your anti-depressants to get you to a state where you can get the rest you need and feel more motivated.
It is normal that you would feel down after all that you've been through.
I've been depressed and it's an awful place to be. It can take time to feel better. It is good that you are open about how you are feeling. If you are doing well physically, perhaps you can go outside and take long walks. I hope that you can find a support group for depression and/or for heart patients or just any group where people get together to speak honestly about the difficult things they are experiencing. There are many groups on internet and this group made me feel less alone.
Cardiac rehab can be a good place to talk to and see other patients who are in similar situations.
Debby Frank Thanks for the encouragement. There are no cardiac support groups in our area. I have been looking. I ... Read more
Debby Frank Thanks for the encouragement. There are no cardiac support groups in our area. I have been looking. I am hoping that talking on this blog will help and I am exploring talking to a therapist.
I am a wreck. I was told several years ago that eventually I would need both my mitral and aortic valves replaced. Now that I have retired the symptoms are ...Read more
I am a wreck. I was told several years ago that eventually I would need both my mitral and aortic valves replaced. Now that I have retired the symptoms are there and we are looking at surgery dates. My shortness of breath keeps getting worse, signs of congestive heart failure, but worst of all is my insomnia. I'm sure it's a combination of anxiety and the heart problems, but it is driving me crazy! My doctor has tried several different meds, but no luck. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate your help.
Debby
Ericka Carlson Hi Debby, are you looking for help with the insomnia? If so try magnesium taurate, it's not only goo ... Read more
Ericka Carlson Hi Debby, are you looking for help with the insomnia? If so try magnesium taurate, it's not only good for your heart but that stuff makes me sleep great. Please check with your cardiologist before taking any new meds though.
Sharon Madden Have you tried meditation? There are some good recordings out there.
Debby Frank Thanks for the suggestions. I was considering meditation. I'll ask about the med.
Susan Bach Because of your high anxiety , you would need some short term anti-anxiety drug, called Xanax . It ... Read more
Susan Bach Because of your high anxiety , you would need some short term anti-anxiety drug, called Xanax . It calms you down and helps you sleep. ask your doctor, my doctor gave me a prescription and it helped so much!
It's only temporary , I no longer need them after surgery.
Ericka Carlson I'd warn that Xanax is not for everyone and can actually exacerbate these symptoms in some people, it ... Read more
Ericka Carlson I'd warn that Xanax is not for everyone and can actually exacerbate these symptoms in some people, it's a serious and addictive drug. I'd definitely have a frank discussion with your doc on that one.
It is normal that you would feel down after all that you've been through.
I've been depressed and it's an awful place to be. It can take time to feel better. It is good that you are open about how you are feeling. If you are doing well physically, perhaps you can go outside and take long walks. I hope that you can find a support group for depression and/or for heart patients or just any group where people get together to speak honestly about the difficult things they are experiencing. There are many groups on internet and this group made me feel less alone.
Cardiac rehab can be a good place to talk to and see other patients who are in similar situations.