After mitral heart valve replacement and 2 strokes

Jan.3.08, I had surgery, it's 7 months later. Depression set in and the doc increased my prozac. I had surgery out of state so I believe by doing so, I lost the oportunity to join some kind of program to help improve my state of well being. I became parinoid, of my surroundings I'm fininally finding a little relief. My strength, and interest in life I have lost.
I'm an artist and I can't find a single creative bone in my body. Zero energy and I'm pushing so hard to find my way back. My question is : how long will it be until I'm me again. I was light hearted and loved what I did in my studio. I'm so greatful that I came out of the stroke with just my perheral vision lost in one eye but no other complications. Memory or retaining things is very difficult. I sometimes can't remember where a store is. Can you tell me what's going on...I long to know so, I can fix things.
I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you so much,

Well, you didn't explain much about your strokes post valve replacement. You should have been on blood thinning medication post surgery to make sure you won't develop blood clots.
It is highly unlikely that you were not prescribed that type of medication. You should have also been watched very closely by your doctors to make sure that complications do not occur.

As far as your mental well being, I believe you ought to see a therapist to work things out. It is not uncommon for patients post op to go through conditions you have and are going through.
You are not going to be able to sort through them by yourself, you need help.

Talk to your surgeon about medications and why strokes happened. Find a good therapist and a support group and I am sure you will be back to normal soon, whatever normal is.

Good luck

You are so lucky to have come through with only a small complication. It takes us all different lengths of time to recover and get back to normal life after such a major surgery...and the strokes just add to this time.

Its quite normal for you to be depressed after your experience. There is a marvellous valve replacement forum on-line where you will find hundreds of people who have had the same surgery as you. Have a browse thru the site and you will see that you are not alone.

Memory problems after open heart surgery are common. I myself still have difficulties 2 1/2 yrs later. I had 3 cardiac arrests after my valve surgery and needed another emergency surgery to save my life.

I know you can get back to your regular life. I am back to normal now so it is possible to recover the life you once had.

Best of luck...


http://www.valvereplacement.com