Need Help - Depressed
I am 67 years old and had my bypass surgery November 5. Had stent and two by-passes. Because of complications, an artery had to be repaired and right vocal cord paralyzed. I have been told my recovery is coming along remarkably well, in the nearly four months. And I have enjoyed many good days when I have felt much stronger and excited about my progress. The problem I am having is I believe I have overdone and have set myself back in my recovery. Last week I started driving myself to cardiac rehab and doing some errand running. Since then I have had sensations in my chest and back like someone was sitting on me. I could not say I had pain, but the pressure has caused me to become extremly cautious, afraid to do hardly anything. I don't want to over- react; hence I have not talked to the doctor yet. Snow has prevented me going to the doctor and rehab this week. I've rescheduled my appointment for this coming Monday. But, I have been doing alot of sitting and staring at the things I want to do around the house. My husband of 45 years, is completely supportive and has been more attentive than I would have ever expected. We have always done things together; but, he works so hard doing the necessary things around the house (cooking, laundry etc) and now I sit. I'm having trouble getting my attitude straightened out. I know I am only doing myself more harm than good, by fretting over what I can't do and feeling guilty. I'd like some idea what others do that find themselves depressed. I think about how stupid and get discussed with myself, yet I can't seem to shake this self-pity/ guilt attitude. I don't think I'm weird. Nor, is it unusual. I was doing so well and now I'm feeling set-back. Please give me some reassurance.
In a message dated 2/26/03 11:36:21 PM Canada Central Standard Time, ramonar@... writes: << I have enjoyed many good days when I have felt much stronger and excited about my progress. The problem I am having is I believe I have overdone and have set myself back in my recovery. Last week I started driving myself to cardiac rehab and doing some errand running. Since then I have had sensations in my chest and back like someone was sitting on me. I could not say I had pain, but the pressure has caused me to become extremly cautious, afraid to do hardly anything. I don't want to over- react; hence I have not talked to the doctor yet. Snow has prevented me going to the doctor and rehab this week. I've rescheduled my appointment for this coming Monday. But, I have been doing alot of sitting and staring at the things I want to do around the house. My husband of 45 years, is completely supportive and has been more attentive than I would have ever expected. We have always done things together; but, he works so hard doing the necessary things around the house (cooking, laundry etc) and now I sit. I'm having trouble getting my attitude straightened out. I know I am only doing myself more harm than good, by fretting over what I can't do and feeling guilty. I'd like some idea what others do that find themselves depressed. I think about how stupid and get discussed with myself, yet I can't seem to shake this self-pity/ guilt attitude. I don't think I'm weird. Nor, is it unusual. I was doing so well and now I'm feeling set-back. Please give me some reassurance. Ramona, I urge you to call your Cardiologist (or at least his nurse) NOW, and tell them what you are experiencing. You may have overworked some sore or out of condition muscles in your chest. Chest pressure *can* also be a more serious condition that needs evaluation. In either case, your Doctor should be advised ASAP. Once you are cleared, it would be good to add some arm / chest exercises to your rehab program if you are not already doing so. Exercise does wonders for restoring energy and physical ability. It also helps to elevate mood. If you are depressed, and that is common following heart surgery, medication can also help but it must be prescribed by your Doctor. SO, get on the telephone and tell your doc / nurse what's going on. 'AL'
I was treated for fibromylagia for 18 months and one morning no pain meds would help i had been up all night and i was exhausted so i asked my daughter to stay home with me ..well she said i need an excuse for work so if i stay home u are going to the ER well i gave in i was so tired i just knew if they gave me some kind of pain shot i could sleep..well i walked in the ER and I was having a massive heart attack.. my heart was jump started a few times and they put a pump on it to keep it going and the next day did a quadruple bypass i spent 11 days on life support and guess what? it cured the FIBRO...but i still have NO why I am still here and it will be a year March 20th Rose
In a message dated 3/5/03 5:21:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, art.smock@... writes: but I feel it's a bit of a payback, albeit small. And you know what? It makes me feel good. That's kinda why I teach CPR and AED (defibrillator) skills , having survived same. Harold