Post-op fatigue

[CaptGinger]

I am 65 y.o. female who until two years ago was very active. A year ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aotic valve with a tissue valve.  (It was an hereditorial by-valve) I had no by-passes or stints.  Since then, I have been extremely tired to the point that I feel exhaustion almost daily.  If having full energy to do things is a "10",  Then, I operate from 0-3 all the time.  It is as if I have no reserve and can't build any.  With this comes shortness of breath.  I am also on Lopressor (I don't have high blood pressure, but it helps PVC's) and a host of other drugs.  Can you give me some ideas of what is causing the problem and help in dealing with it?  Thank you.

[kenkeith]

Thank you for your response.  You are on a heavy regimen of medication, and perscriptions  may need some adjusting.  Keep in touch.

[CaptGinger]

Thank you both for contacting me.  Ken, I do take synthroid for Hashamotos and I take iron, as well.  Yesterday, I went through all my meds and discovered out of eleven, nine were causing drowsyness.  I will make an events list for seeing my doctors this spring.  Again, thank you both for responding.  Ginger

[joanincarolina]

I'm glad you looked at my journal.I need to tell you that there appears to be varying degrees of microvessel involvement from person to person and complicated by CAD, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac spasm etc. So keep it in the back of your mind.I started out with simple SOB with an exertion, then nothing for weeks, then more signs.I have always exercised, no bad habits, good career,bounced around with Navy husband, and kids.Keep track of your signs,prepare an events listing for your doctors and be persistent.Best of wishes. Joan.

[kenkeith]

Has the most common cause, hypothyriodism and anemia, been ruled out with a blood test?

[CaptGinger]

Thank you so much for your post.  I can't believe what you have gone through!  I send you my very best and hope that life gets more managable.  At this point I am missing several of your symptoms, but you inspire me to make some more demands on my Cardiologist.  Thank you again,  Ginger

[joanincarolina]

Take a look at my journal here at 'joanincarolina' and see if you can identify with any of my signs.I'll assume you've been back to cardiology and had assurances regarding the valve and I'll assume they had a look at your coronaries given your statement of no by-passes or stents. I am not hypertensive, have a long history of PVCs, but shortness of breath with caths showing no problems with coronaries is 'hallmark'. Let me know what you think. Joan.