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Carla

I have valve replacement surgery on February 29th. I have had some problems with Atrial Fib and blood sugar.. I have been given Amiodorone for the Atrial Fib. I have many ups and downs. I limit my pain meds to no more than one every 8 hours. I have had nausea and extreme fatigue. I know that I am supposed to be walking, but just walking to the bathroom wears me out. I hope that it will get better soon. It is hard to fight the depression of my situation. I am hear, so that I can find some encouragement and support.
 
Hi Carla -

Welcome to the site; glad you found it! I was really encouraged at the support when I found this site and I hope you will be also. I even found some relief just to know that I wasn't alone dealing with valve issues.

When I was having A-fib/A-flutter post-op, I was really worn out and exhausted--maybe somewhat like what you are describing here. I was readmitted to the hospital and put on a med called Sotalol (betapace) and I was also given magnesium IVs. That knocked the rhythm problem right out for me. I have no personal experience with amiodarone but from some of what I have read, it is quite a strong medication. Have you been on it for awhile? Is it halting the A-fib? When your A-fib quits, you will likely feel much better.

Regarding depression, I remember being pretty bummed out a couple of weeks after my valve replacement. It is common to have some feelings like that, also from what I've read. But it will get better. I hope you will feel much better very soon. Take care and post again :) .
 
Welcome to the VR community. You've come to the right place for encouragement and support. The first few weeks are the toughest post-op. Even short walks would wear me out. For months I had good days and bad days, but the good days become more frequent the bad days fewer and fewer as the weeks progress. Just listen to your body and pace yourself. It's not a race and everyone's recovery is different. You'll be feeling as good as new before you know it. Best wishes and good luck.
 
Dear Carla,

Please don't get discouraged with the progress that you are making! Your body has been through tremendous trama & it will take a while before you can start to see some major improvements. Some patients heal quicker than others, so take it easy on yourself. :) It's only been 2 weeks so be patient & do only what you can do; don't push yourself. And the depression comes with the territory; once you start feeling better, the depression will start to subside. In the meantime, sit in an easy chair or wherever you are most comfortable, don't try picking up heavy objects, eat what you can & rest, rest, rest! Best wishes to you & I hope you get to feeling better soon & welcome to the forum! :)
 
Welcome Carla is this amazing site......some will call it the zoo ;)

Feeling depressed? Been there! In my case I dug deep down to find some inner strength - and not to think about what I went through (except in the shower when I saw my scar ;) ) I went on A LOT of walks alone just to think.
I wish I could tell you more, but walking is important no two ways about it.

More informative members will be along soon, but I do wish you the best and try really hard to keep your head up and call your doctor.

"When in doubt, get it checked out" is one saying around here.

Take Care
 
All of those feelings are normal. I am eight weeks tomorrow post op. At two weeks I was still very weak and only walking up and down my hall in my house. I too had A-Fib and was put on sotalol for that. Depression as well wondering if I would ever get better however as others have said it got a little better every day. Some days I could see it some days not. At eight weeks I am walking 45 minutes a day others are running so we are all different in some ways. Try doing something you like I read a lot and listened to some relaxing tapes.
Welcome and you have come to the right place. Keep posting. This site gave me so much support. My family was wonderful but they didn't know what I was going through. People on this site did.
Good Luck
Earline
 
Just wanted to say welcome. I can't add to all the good advice, but concur that you are very early in the recovery process and things will improve each day. Can't stress enough that when in doubt give the cardio a call- that's what they are there for!
 
Carla, at 3 weeks post op I was still very weak, miserable, and tired. After that a tiny improvement was seen every week...it did take a long time, but I took up some hobbies to pass the time. Spring is coming and you will feel better when you can sit outside.
 
Phyllis said:
Just wanted to say welcome. I can't add to all the good advice, but concur that you are very early in the recovery process and things will improve each day. Can't stress enough that when in doubt give the cardio a call- that's what they are there for!
Click to expand...

I agree please call your doctor if you have any doubts at all. Check it out as the saying here goes.
Earline
 
Welcome !

Welcome !

Carla,

Welcome to this site. Im two weeks and a few days post op now and am able to move around reasonably well. Be patient, everyone is different in their recovery. This site is a great resource and Im so pleased that I found it, its been wonderful to ask questions and get feedback from others who have experienced the same things. I've posted two new questions today myself !

Hang in there, better days are in your very near future !
 
Welcome to our wonderful community. And welcome, fellow Oregonian!!

Don't be discouraged!!! As many have said, we all heal at differing rates and in different ways. And don't worry about being tired....most of us were! Many of us have warned the newbies not to walk too far from home since you might feel good on the way out, but once you are worn out there is NO reserve in your newly healing body, and you just cannot take another step!!

All the medicines and pain killers and dreadful but necessary stuff that they ran through you in the hospital are all going to take a while to dissipate. Some say it takes 6 months to rid the body of all the chemicals and effects. It is a slow but steady process.

Usually, we can tell when something just is not right with our recovery. You honestly should not be in terrible pain, or having true difficulty with your breathing. Certainly, your wound and your energy level will be bothersome, but if you are not feeling a little better each day, please consult the hospital or surgeon's office.

My surgery was at Good Sam. Where was yours?

Best wishes!! Hang in there!

Marguerite
 
Can't offer any help but just wanted to say i hope things start to get better for you soon and welcome. Stick around, sending my best wishes your way.
 
Carla said:
I have valve replacement surgery on February 29th. I have had some problems with Atrial Fib and blood sugar.. I have been given Amiodorone for the Atrial Fib. I have many ups and downs. I limit my pain meds to no more than one every 8 hours. I have had nausea and extreme fatigue. I know that I am supposed to be walking, but just walking to the bathroom wears me out. I hope that it will get better soon. It is hard to fight the depression of my situation. I am hear, so that I can find some encouragement and support.
Click to expand...

Welcome Aboard Carla,

Your tale raised some questions in my mind.

How long have you been on Amiodarone?
Can you tell us your dosing history?

Has the Amiodarone stopped your Atrial Fibrilation?
(If not, you need to discuss this with your Cardiologist ASAP).

How is your Blood Sugar behaving?

Do you have someone around to help you with your daily medications / tests / meals, etc.? (Most of us needed some help in the first week or two. Someone to drive us to appointments and just 'look in' on us for a few more weeks is also helpful).

'AL Capshaw'
 
Carla, I had OHS 5 years ago. In the meantime I have nursed my mother thru 2 OHS 1 year apart and am facing a second. It can be sssoooo depressing to feel bad! The goal though is to look for any improvement possible. When I was able to put on my own underwear-progress, get out of the chair on my own-progress, put makeup on standing instead of sitting-progress. Everyday you have to look at the silver lining, accepting that this is the biggest operation you have ever had and likely will ever and you won't be back to normal in a long time. The best part is because of this pain and misery -you will live!!!!! And before you know it you'll feel better than you have in years and anxious to help others that are in the club. Take Care,
 
Carla, depression goes hand in hand with cardio problems. I am sorry y ou are having problems and hope that you will be feeling stronger soon. It takes a while to get over this - it is MAJOR surgery as all on this board can tell you and the body has been strongly insulted and just trying to make it back to where it ought to be. We are here to support you every day 24/7. Please keep in touch and so will we. Blessins.........
 
bluebird.gif
Hi, Carla!
I'm glad you joined us, and I hope our support and personal experiences can help you through this difficult time.
 
Hi Carla,

You have restricted your pain meds to no more than one every eight hours. You still have a broken bone, mixed up chemistry and are likely really sore all over. I hope you're not limiting your analgesics because of monetary concerns because it sounds like you may need them more often than you allow.

Pain is a major contributor to depression and slow healing. You try to deal with soreness and then you haven't the energy to eat and walk or quite possibly to get out of bed, besides having bad effects on sleep. You're allowed to nap and rest whenever you feel the need, so don't feel guilty.

Please, if you don't think something is right, see your doctor (he may have access to free sample packs of pain meds and other drugs you need, too).
 
Hello Carla, I'm a newbie too. :)

Depression after valve surgery is quite usual and to be expected. It's yin and yang. After the positive pre surgery fortitude and the immediate post surgery high, a down often comes. Look out the window, trees, birds, grass, sky, human activity. You're here alive. Thats good.
 
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