5 month check-up

[joanne6]

I saw the cardiologist yesterday for a 5 month check. It was a very emotional experience. Of course I am still having a hard time with my mom's death 2 weeks ago. The cardiologist is at the medical center where I had my surgery. I have been back for several problems since 8/15 but it was surprisingly tough being there yesterday.
The checkup went well. I will go back in 6 months for another echo and follow-up. Still need to see the electrophysiologist sometime soon.
I guess I didn't realize how much I have been denying the overwhelming emotion of the surgery. Glad the valve is fixed but keep waiting for the "other shoe to drop".
Anyone else had this reaction?

[Phyllis]

Joanne, you have been on an emotional roller coaster and it is easy to understand with the surgery and the loss of your mother. Dick lost his sister a few weeks after his AVR surgery and we know how difficult it is. The good news is that the check-up went fine and you don't have to go back for 6 months!:D Stop waiting for shoes to drop and go out and live your "new" life with your new heart- it will get better every day! Best wishes.:)
Phyllis

[MarkU]

In a lot of ways the depression I suffered after my surgery was harder to deal with than the physical aspects of healing. It is a normal reaction to the trauma you body has been through with the surgery.
I lost my father shortly after my AVR and that also had a significant effect on me emotionally. It was tough for a long time, but it does get better, and I think that I came out of the whole experience as a better person.
Like Phyllis said, the good news is that you had a good checkup. Things will better as you get back to a normal life.

[Mary]

I have experienced it the other way. I realized yesterday that I was feeling very upbeat and positive considering it is the month of January. January is a difficult month for me due to my dad's death (January 7), and in addition, the letdown after the holidays.
I'm six months post-op, and after reflecting on my feelings, I realized that this is the first time since 2001, when I first learned of my bicuspid aortic valve, that I could think make plans, months in advance, without the fear of upcoming surgery looming over me.
I hope that as time passes, and your grief over losing your mothers gradually diminishes, you will be able to find happiness in knowing you have been given another chance at life with your replacement surgery.

[jkn2kids]

Joanne,any death in the family is very traumatic.Having to deal with OHS and a death has to be depressing.I know it is hard to look on the bright side of things but you are heading toward a more healthy life.Again,I send my condolences on the death of your mother and hope you make it through this bump in the road with your health.