Heart Attack Support Group

Hi DeeAnn: Sorry no help with your question about Your breast bone, but i believe by what I've been told about my problems and healing it takes a really long time for us to heal especially if your taking the strong RA meds that seem to interfere with all types of healing. Again I'm sorry i could not give you the answer You were seeking. Shepherd Tommy

DeeAnn: Now I really feel really really stupid. I'm in the wrong support group and answering what I thought was a Rhuematoid Arthritis Post. So sorry i tried to deletemy post but could not figure out how. Best of Luck and i pray You heal quickly. shepherd tom

Hi Deeann

You are not the only one. I had my last bypass surgery last May and I still have discomfort in my chest especially when I sneeze. I had my first bypass last August and it didn't seem to take this long to heal.

Thank you for replying. I am trying to be positive about all this, but it is so foreign and shocking. I have been reading the posts. I know now I am not alone. Everybody says be grateful you are alive...you shouldn't be depressed. THANKS!!! Now I feel guilty I'm depressed....and I end up more depressed. They don't understand that the depression, even though I believe you can mentally try to fight it, isn't your choice. It just is there. I'm thinking that I just need to hang on because over time it will end. And I am still hurting...but not like in the beginning, so eventually this must get better too!! Why did you have 2 bypasses Rich? Exercise helps me, but with the fires in CA right now and the heat, I haven't been able to walk. Thank all of you for your posts. It means a lot.

Hi Deeann
Don't worry about being depressed. Everybody goes through it, it's all part of the process. Have you gone to Cardiac Rehab? It helps a lot. I had to have the bypass surgery again because all the veins they used for the grafts collapsed and they had to replace them with arteries. Now they say I need a defibrillator put put in. See that doctor on the Sept. 22
Rich

There is a rehab here. Because of your reply, I just filled out a form asking for financial help so I can go to rehab. Thanks again & we'll see if they let me go. I hope and pray all comes out well for you.

Hi DeeAnn,
Welcome to DS. I didn't have surgery, but had a massive MI on 5/24/09 and now have 2 stents. Depression is very common after a life altering event like you and others here at DS have gone through. You should not feel guilty because you are depressed. Only those who have gone through this can truly understand the battles we fight or the feelings we have. If you are not taking an antidepressant you might want to talk to your MD about trying them. Wellbutrin has helped me a great deal. I also dealt with tremendous anxiety and am on a med for that as well. These have helped me and I am so grateful they exist.

Give yourself time and be patient. It takes time to heal both physically and emotionally. I'm sending good throughts and prayers out to you.
Pam

Hi DeeAnn,
I have been frustrated by the breastbone pain as well. I had MI and double bypass on 6/4/09 and then a staph infection. My support has been amazing but now it seems I can't really talk to family and friends about this pain. I moments of depression but reluctant to take any more meds. So you are not alone with this pain -some people say it can take a year to heal...Tonya

Hi DeeAnn and gracenpeace,
I hope I didn't sound like I was pushing meds in my reply. I was just letting you know what has helped me. Everyong must do what they think is best for themselves and that may or may not include medication. Hope I didn't sound 'pushy.' That was not my intent. Hang in there! I believe it will get better.
Happy thoughts and prayers to you both!
Pam

No worries Pam! I'm just so glad to find a group of people who understand what I'm going through- any information and advice is welcome : )
Tonya