Common Ailments ???

[PeteGS]

I have had a few issues following my surgery on the 6th of December to repair a BAV (if interested then see my thread under anti-coagulation).
A number of other things have really bothered me following surgery:
- I have a loud ticker or maybe I have sensitive hearing. This really makes it hard form me to concentrate and to get any sleep without drugs.
- I was left with a numb left leg (outer quadriceps area) which my doctors haven't really given a great reason for except a pinched nerve that should go away over time. It pains me at night time but I have been told my pulse is good and it should not clot.
- I felt pinched nerves in my shoulders following the removal of the chest tubes (which occasionally flare up and I feel pain).
- I'm extremely emotional (more so then my pregnant wife) and I seem to lack patience when completing tasks (typing this thread feels rushed).
- Forgetfulness

Does anybody have any advice regarding the above?

Peter

[Nancy]

I've seen my husband through multiple thoracic surgeries. These are all things he's experienced at one time or another.

The loud heart sounds are common. It believe it's a combination of a heart which is used to pushing against itself to get the blood moving with a weakened heart, and eventually it will not be pushing so hard. It does take some time for that to resolve. Most people complain about this at first.


Joe had something with his leg after onne surgery. The surgeon sent him for an ultrasound to make sure there weren't any bloodclots there. There weren't. It did resolve.

The shoulders and back areas are painful after this surgery. They contort your body to get at your chest, with your elbows almost touching. And the muscles and nerves take some healing time. This is a very commom complaint.

Most people say they feel very emotional post surgery and have mood swings. There is some thinking that this is more of a physical reaction from the surgery itself, but of course, the surgery is so difficult that it would be understandable if the emotions are in an up and down mode for a while. It usually resolves in time. But many people find that anti-depressants help tremendously. Life is way to short to let anything cause you to feel poorly.

Confusion, forgetfulness and other cognitive disruptions happen frequently. Time on the pump can cause this, as can anemia and any fluid retention. Almost anything which interferes with the oxygen in the bloodstream can cause these symptoms. Most of this will go away in time.

As you can see, time is your ally. It can take up to 8 weeks for the initial healing, and then 6 months to a year to be feeling much better.

You've been through MAJOR surgery. Patience. You will get there.

[Dan W]

Peter, I had almost everyone of those symptoms. I am 30 years old and live in Baltimore County. My surgery was 1/20/05. They have all gotten better with time. The heart is still louder but that is normal and I learned to live with it. The memory has definitley gotten better. It was really frustrating after the operation because I would never forget anything and suddenly I couldn't remember a thing. My left leg was also numb but that is where they had me hooked up to the bypass machine. That also got better. The most difficult thing I went through after the surgery was the mental issues. They were alot harder that the physical. My surgery was an emergency surgery. Basically I was fine one day, woke 4 days later and my entire life was changed. Life shortly after the surgery was very frustrating but that all gets better. For a while after the surgery I was wondering if I would have been better off if I wouldn't have made it. I was having thoughts and feelings that I have never had before and I coiuldn't control. They hit me the hardest in the middle of the summer about 6 months post op. They eventually got better with time also and I am glad they did. I would rather deal with the physical over the emotional anyday. My wife was also pregnant at the time of my surgery. It was hard not getting upset over every little thing and trying to keep her form seeing me upset. I did notice that at about 5-6 weeks the recovery began to speed up really quick. Overall, It has almost been a year and I am almost back to normal. Where was your surgery performed? I was at Union Memorial with Dr Dibos. If you have anymore questions feel free to PM or email me. Good luck, Dan

[bani]

Hi!

As for the emotions: I had severe anxiety that I could not control for about six weeks after the surgery, and still have some to a much lesser degree, now 12 weeks post-op. You are very early in the recovery process. Patience.....;)

[Ross]

Peter if I didn't know better, I'd say you had heart surgery! :D

Everything you mentioned is all part of recovery. This is some of the things that they don't tell you before hand, but we try to prepare you and loved ones for, in here.

[rbl1999]

I agree with all of the above, no one prepares you for the aftermath! You will be fine, it is just going to take some time. The good days will soon outnumber the bad ones... Rose

[Cris N]

I agree with all of the above, no one prepares you for the aftermath! You will be fine, it is just going to take some time. The good days will soon outnumber the bad ones... Rose
Amen to that! It really does get better, but don't be squeamish about asking for help.

Cris