Hi Shaz, welcome
Hi Shaz, welcome
You've found a terrific site. Everyone here is friendly and very caring. All understand what you're going through and all here who have had this surgery are the greatest heroes, real inspirations. Also the significant others, of which I am one are heroic in their own rights.
My husband Joe has had 5 thoracic surgeries. Three open heart and two lung. He has two mechanical valves and just had a repair on his mitral valve. He also has a pacemaker.
After every one of these surgeries, there is a period of raw feelings, both physical and emotional. It's unavoidable. The body takes a real beating. But due to the phenomenal healing properties of the body, in time, most all of these feelings will go away or at least subside significantly. Some have lingering depression, but this can be treated with antidepressants if necessary. It might not even be an emotional problem, but something physical which might be caused by the operation itself. I think there is some research to that effect.
The wonderful news is that these operations are lifesaving and in years past, valve patients would have died. Be kind to yourself. Allow your body to heal. It's working hard every day to do that. It takes massive amounts of energy to recover and will take a little time, but each day will get better and better. There might be little fires to put out from time to time, but that's all normal and part of the healing process.
I wish you continued good healing and hope to see your posts frequently. Ask, vent, anything you want. We'll all try our best to help and give you friendship.