Anyone here had Open Heart Surgery or other risky operation?

[lofwyr]

I might be edging closer to my "lucky day." I am being a bit preemptive here, but I will need a "full crack" open heart surgery at some point in the next year or two, my first potential date is this June (TBD based on some tests to be done in May). No way around the surgery, not unless I can hang on long enough to have some serious medical advances occur, so even if it doesn't happen this June, it *will* happen.

I am not overly nervous about it, if I am honest, but do have some questions regarding an OHS and being a sufferer of anxiety of HA specifically. It also might work for those who have had major or dangerous surgeries too.

First, did you take any special precautions regarding your anxiety? Extra CBT, extra/any medication?

Did the anxiety get worse or better as the operation loomed closer? Right now I feel pretty good about it, but want to stay ahead of any anxiety. I do know the surgeon will prescribe a heavy duty anti anxiety med the day before if desired.

I do understand it is normal to have anxiety about this, and there is nothing unhealthy in doing so. That said, as a long time HA sufferer, I am perplexed as to why I feel so confident and comfortable regarding this potential scenario. Was that your experience as well? Did it come crashing down?

How was anxiety during recovery? Did it change, getting even better or worse? This is the time I am most worried about, because I know how I feel now, and can in no way anticipate how I will feel after.

I have also heard as many as 1/3 to 1/2 of open heart patients suffer with post op depression at some point in the first year, even people who have never dealt with depression before. Being closely related to anxiety, I was wondering if anyone dealt with this phenomenon?

Finally, an open heart specific question, regarding the phenomenon described as "pump-head." The idea that being on the heart-lung machine for a while causes forgetfulness and metal fog, did you deal with it, did you have any issues with it regarding your anxiety?

I know not many, if any, people here have had an open heart, but would love to hear from those who had major, risky surgeries as well.

[Fishmanpa]

Hey lofwyr,

I had a triple bypass in '07. I doubt you'll get any other responses here but who knows. Anyway, I can't really address the anxiety prep aspect as I'm not a sufferer but common sense prevails here. Use any dragon slaying tools at your disposal, if you have a chill pill, go for it as needed and of course, don't consult Dr. Google.

You're right, its perfectly normal to have some anxiety about this as its a big operation. I was fortunate in that I didn't have a lot of time to ruminate. I had my heart attack on a Sunday and I was in the OR by Friday morning. Definitely take advantage of any meds they offer. It's the good stuff for sure! My second major surgery (neck dissection for cancer), gave me more than enough time to ruminate but like you, I didn't feel nervous. I think it has to do with my attitude and just wanting that beast out of my body.

I suffered some depression afterwards. I knew what was happening and sought help. I had one on one therapy, took Zoloft for 6 months, worked hard and overcame it. I went through it again after my cancer too, took responsibility and helped myself. The CBT course here was very useful and I still use some of what I learned as it applies to everyday life stressors and situations.

I didn't have that "pump head" issue. Thing is, if I did, I don't remember (pun intended) as I was all fogged out from all the meds and opioids. Lastly, you already know it's a big surgery. Being so, recovery is measured in weeks and months, not days. I was in the hospital for 5 days and they sent me home. It was a good couple of weeks of pretty much waking up, taking meds and pain killers, getting a short walk in and sleeping.

The key IMO is attitude. Remember... "Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we handle it." - Charles Swindoll. Read positive things, do positive activities. You'll do fine! :yesyes:

Positive thoughts

[lofwyr]

That was a phenomenal answer Fish, I knew you had had a heart attack, wasn't sure about the operation though. Glad it seems to have gone well for you.

Yeah, following the slow expansion of my aneurysm has been a good tool in learning to recognize and deal with anxiety, the thing is, it changed so much how I percieve all my anxiety, I feel sort of taken aback a little in that I seemed so much more relaxed than I expected to. The net result is this weird anxiety about waiting for anxiety to show up, it had been such a lifelong partner. Yet here I sit, on the eve of medical tests which will determine if I have a major surgery that has a 12 week recovery time if things go well, and I am just amazed at how relaxed I am about it.

Sometimes I am envious of those who had emergency surgeries when they discovered their aneurysm like you with your heart attack. Scary, but it came at you so quick there was little time for anxiety.

Again, thanks a ton for that amazing look into your own recovery. I appreciate the candor.

[Fishmanpa]

Anytime... and IMO, your relaxed state is an indication of recovery. Its interesting, a few here that have faced real physical challenges had their anxiety take a back seat and remain there afterwards. When faced with the real deal as opposed to the fear of some imaginary disease or condition, one has no choice but to face it head on. It also makes you appreciate the important things in life. That's in my signature ;)

Positive thoughts

[Double_Rainbow]

Lofwyr, my "riskiest operation" so far has been hemorrhoids removal, if I learned beforehand that it would be done under general anesthesia I would have canceled it. But I didn't learn until all prepped in the pre-OP room at which point I was almost ready to run out barefoot with the hospital gown on. But the anesthesiologist came and injected some midazolam and it was a breeze after that. Midazolam was soooo good BTW! Definitely looking forward to an opportunity to have it again lol :yesyes:

Back to your situation, I have no real answers, sorry. I would have been terrified, that's for sure. I suggest just taking it 1 day at a time. If it starts being bad as the surgery gets closer, ask the doc for some meds. I don't think that there is a way to prepare for our reaction to something as significant. You may feel as if you've got this under control and crash at the last moment, that's why I suggest to just roll with the flow. I wish you all the best!

[Capercrohnj]

I haven't had heart surgery but I had an open total proctocolectomy (colon and rectum removed) which is a big operation. I was very anxious about it but for some reason I was totally calm the day of my surgery. It was very weird because I was panicking the day before.

[pulisa]

I think the "watching and waiting" approach must be far tougher than emergency surgery when it all happens so quickly and you don't have time to worry about all the what ifs..I had an emergency hysterectomy when my daughter was born, lost 7and a half litres of blood and had a police escort bringing in more supplies to the hospital. I was saved by the hospital being in London and being on the operating table for an elective caesarean at the time.
I was remarkably calm at the time and politely asked for a general anaesthetic when a whole load of doctors started punching my abdomen to try to get the placenta to come away..It didn't and the surgery saved my life.

This obviously doesn't compare with OHS or living with the prospect of it like the Sword of Damocles hanging over you. I'd just take all the help and advice you can from your doctors and take the anti anxiety meds if it all gets overwhelming. It may not and you could take it all in your stride but uncertainty is really unsettling for us and you have every reason to be apprehensive and anxious.

[ErinKC]

Sometimes I am envious of those who had emergency surgeries when they discovered their aneurysm like you with your heart attack. Scary, but it came at you so quick there was little time for anxiety.

While this is definitely a benefit in terms of anticipatory anxiety, I think you've really got a leg up by being prepared. In 2011, long before I suffered with anxiety - I had emergency abdominal surgery to remove a 14 cm uterine fibroid that had become necrotic. One minute I was fine, the next I was vomiting for hours until the pain was so bad I had to call an ambulance because I couldn't walk to my apartment elevator to get a cab. In the moment and the next 24 hours or so, I wasn't anxious at all, just wanting to have an answer and end to the pain.

It wasn't until I woke up with a 10 inch slice down my belly that the anxiety arrived. I had a tough recovery with some complications and I think my anxiety just kept coming back to the idea that all this time I didn't know this danger was lurking inside me (I obviously knew I had a huge fibroid, but no doctor had ever told me something serious like this could happen so I was taken completely by surprise). It made me lose a lot of faith in myself - why didn't I elect to have it removed? - and in my doctors - why didn't they explain the risks of leaving it there? I recovered from the post-surgery anxiety, but when my postpartum anxiety kicked in 3 years later it landed on health issues and that's where my continued anxiety stuck. I think this surgery is a big reason why. I kept thinking - I could have died. If I hadn't gone to the ER when I did, or if they'd taken me to a different hospital, or if I'd waited just a little longer.

If, on the other hand, I knew that there were potentially serious risks to leaving such a large fibroid alone and elected to have it removed, I'd likely have had some anticipatory anxiety about the surgery - even the least anxious people don't *want* to have surgery - but having control over the situation and knowing I was making a positive choice toward my improved health would have prevented a ton of the post-surgery anxiety.

Recovery is hard no matter what, but going in knowing that you'll be facing that hardship, making a plan to have support, etc... can go a really long way to making it much more manageable. For me, one minute I was working out, planning my wedding, going to work - the next I was faced with 6 weeks of difficult surgical recovery. It was traumatizing.

I think it makes total sense that you're feeling calm. Anxiety is so much about "what ifs" and a sense that we're not in control of things. But, you know exactly what's going on with your body. You have the right doctors and the right plan. So, while there are worries with all surgeries, you can proceed knowing you have a solid plan of action and keep yourself prepared for each step of the plan.

[Magic]

I had the same op as fishmanpa 2001. and got the scars to prove It. Saved my life. Not half as bad as pulisa went through
All the best.

[lofwyr]

Thanks again guys, wasn't ignoring you, was just taking a few days away from the forums. Nice for sanity every now and then. ;-)

I am amazed what you guys went through, and it is beyond encouraging to know if others have done it before me, I can manage too. I love the strength and support found in moments like this, and I thank you all for responding.