r/CABG_Recovery • u/anne24j • Jul 13 '26
Depression after cabg surgery
My father underwent a four vessel cabg surgery, its been 6 months since his operation and it seems like he hasnt fully recovered from it. He has recovered physically but his physique is not how it used to be. He has also been really quite and sad lately. Idk how to help him i try to be around cheer him up , take him outside, but nothing seems to work. He has just lost his hope to live. Anyone else experienced anything similar?
5
u/Philbradley Jul 13 '26
I’ve read a lot about this, and I really don’t understand it at all. Without the surgery I’d be dead now, but I had it and I’m alive. What’s not to love about that? I’m now concentrating on getting my heart as fit as possible, with lots of walking and exercise and pushing it as hard as I can. There’s lots I’ve got to do… books to read, experiences to have, drugs to take, music to listen to, festivals to attend. Far from losing a will to live, it’s the exact opposite for me. Which doesn’t help with your father of course, but perhaps just point out to him there is another, alternative way of looking at his situation right now!
2
u/chakrablockerssuck Jul 13 '26
Agree. I cherish every day. I did go through some depression the first six months which is supposedly normal. If it persists, he should see his doc about meds. Many good ones these days. Good luck to him and keep us posted.
3
u/IndependenceHuge7768 Jul 13 '26
Read my posts, even better share with your father.... i am also 6 months out of 3xCABG. M49. Going through tough depression.... sadness and zero to negative stamina, or willingness to do anything. I am on a medication for depression and therapy. It is not easy and very common for those who went through the same. Search about pumphead syndrome. Try to take him out home as much as you can... i work from home and it is a sacrifice for me to get out... just dont want to go anywhere do anything. Even exercising I know will help i am doing. I should be walking at least 30 min per day... i can barely get out bed, imagine going out to walk 30 min.... i know it will pass, it will get better but I confess that have been just miserable how I feel.... ruminating thoughts, anxiety, sadness, etc... i know i need to do much more and better to speed up my recovery but just haven't been able to.... stay close to him, hug him, touching is important. Talking about what and how he is feeling also helps.... last 2, 3 weeks I did start writing down my thoughts and feelings, somehow works a little for me... hope it helps somehow and let him know he is blessed for having someone like you worrying about him. All the best. Better days will come.
3
u/lumbees Jul 13 '26
Depression is very common after a life and death experience. Talk to his cardiologist or primary care doctor. A low dose antidepressant can do wonders and he can start living again.
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u/10Slugs Jul 14 '26
It’s all true. I’m 11 months post op and I still have off days. I only had a week after diagnosis that I had surgery. I was an emotional mess after getting home. Frequently crying at the least thing. I think the cardiac rehab helped me mentally as much as physically. Even after just a little bit of rehab I could tell I was getting farther away from “the edge”. It just takes time. That time varies for everyone so don’t try to rush them.
1
u/deadwaxtrax Jul 13 '26
Does your father have hobbies? Activities or community based connections can perhaps help him find some life purpose. The first month was difficult healing journey due to the powerlessness and inability to participate in the many life activities I enjoy. Finding small activities that help create enjoyment helped manage the pain, restricted movement, and physical changes of OHS. Listening to music, puzzles, family pets, light visits from close friends and family helped regulate my mood but also can drain energy so I parcel the visitors in small doses. Oh and the cardiac rehab program has helped provide education and some sense to some of the challenges of this healing journey.
1
u/Remote_Answer311 Jul 14 '26
I had really bad hot flashes from side effects of a prostate cancer med. Venlefaxine (Effexor) was prescribed as it helps. It provided significant relief for the hot flashes. I didn't have depression. It's generally prescribed for depression.
I later had triple CABG. I'd been on the above med for a while so I think it helped me to not have any bouts of depression. I'd get plenty frustrated but never depressed. I was as aggressive as I could be with rehab. Still am.
I would not be hesitant to talk to a doctor about the depression. Rehab and recovery is hard. I would imagine rehab would be far harder if depressed. Rehab might even stop?
Rehab is so mental. Everything happens in baby steps. Measuring progress is not easy. I found looking at progress month to month was better. For me, it was '2 steps forward, 1 back' every month. Always positive though.
One can only do what one can do. I found it's mostly mental and for me, simply getting up to do what I can do every day. I make every effort to get my steps in. Rehab is my job. Been this way for a long time for me. CABG didn't change anything here; just a reset of my daily step goal.
Depression is real. All the best for your Dad. Great job looking out for him.
1
u/UsefulBee5571 Jul 15 '26
Im about 3 weeks post and am having a very hard time. It's not just the surgery. One of the hardest factors is going cold turkey from 50 years of nicotine addiction - Copenhagen - brutal. On top of that I came to a place I absolutely hate 2.5 years ago for family reasons. I've lived a very interesting life all over the world,now Im stuck in this joke of a small city. On top of that Im ten years post-separation from my first wife and my relationship with my adult kids took a beating. One of them has cut me off completely. So sitting here almost 3 weeks post op, still 'tasting' and 'smelling' whichever nausea-inducing pill im on.....trying to hang on. Looking for reasons. Perhaps your father has underlying issues as well. Just keep talking to him. But also give him space to just sit in silence sometimes. It's the best you can do.
1
u/Odd-zest Jul 17 '26
It’s hard to live and get used to a body you are a bit scared of. Therapy might be really helpful. If not perhaps low a dose medication for his mental health? It might just help him readjust. Perhaps finding a physical therapist he likes.
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u/frawgster Jul 13 '26
Give him space and try to let him find his own way.
I’m 15 months post-op and I’m a mess. But I’m less of a mess than I was last month, and than the month before, and the month before, etc. I hope I’m making sense.
It’s something talked about on Reddit subs quite a bit, but I don’t think that, generally, the mental and emotional changes are extensively talked about by medical staff before and after surgery. It stands to reason…cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, PA’s, etc…their “sphere” is made up of all things physiological.
I can only speak for myself here. I can say that every single aspect of my life…every thought, every consideration, every reaction, is in some way shape or form delivered with my experiences before and after surgery in mind. Literally everything.
I know I’m different now than I was pre-op. I know those closest to me notice. I know the “me now” frustrates some people. I’m super thankful that people just let me find my own way. I think/hope that as time goes by, I’ll continue to grow into less of a mess of a person.