Anxiety and Indigestion.

On August 15, 2016, I underwent surgery to receive my first pacemaker due to complete heart block.  One week later, I felt sick and it was determined that one of the pacemaker leads had penetrated my heart wall, causing bleeding that was compressing my heart.  Consequently, I underwent surgery for placement of a drain, and then I underwent another surgery for replacement of both pacemaker leads.  On September 8, 2015, I was re-admitted due to chest pressure, which was diagnosed as pericarditis.  January I started feeling much better, but I was told I had some AFIB, and my shoulder was frozen.  (Rehab helped solve my shoulder issues)

I am Improving each week, and it is amazing how much better I now feel - thanks to this site, family, my cardiologist, and my family doctor.

I continue to have Anxiety Issues and Indigestion.  My family doctor has put me on meds that have helped, but I continue to have anxiety and indigestion daily.

I go to Cardiac Rehab three times a week, I stopped all caffeine, I read the Mayo Clinic book on Stress Free Living.  I am doing some online meditations and listen to calm music daily.

Any suggestions on how to control my anxiety and indigestion.

4 Comments

Anxiety after surgery

by Selwyn - 2017-04-15 23:30:21

I don't think that there is anyone reading this that cannot sympathise with you, having all had some anxiety after our own surgery.  As you learn to forget about events and time is a great reassurer the anxiety lessens.

What to do now to help?

Firstly, well done at making the posting. Talking to others is a good way of helping stress, especially if you can address your specific worries.  Your relexation method sounds useful ( personally I like diaphragmatic breathing). Your triggers for leading you into an anxiety situation should be addressed. You may have particular pathway of thinking that leads your mind into a stress actual or imagined memory scene. If you recognise these you can train your mind to think of more relaxing scenarios before you get these thougths established.

Not drinking caffeine is an excellent idea, and the same goes for alcohol. Exercise is said to be the most useful activity for dealing with stress, and for those of us with cardiac problems, your ability to exercise ( if the medics allow) is reassuring. 

Having done all these things ( and there are excellent web sites about how to deal with anxiety), especially if the problem persists, I would try cognative behavioural therapy.

Wean your self off the medication for anxiety gradually, with medical help, as these can in their own right perpetuate anxiety like states.

Selwyn

Magnesium, maybe

by Gotrhythm - 2017-04-17 12:34:24

You have certainly been through the mill. It seems to me a bit of anxiety would be entirely rational under the circumstances.

Good for you for being proactive. Confronting our fears and taking control where we can is always helpful in dealing with anxiety. Your regimen sounds excellant, but I notice you mention indigestion. 

Some of the acid-blocking drugs deplete the body of magnesium, and magnesium helps nerve function generally and also is relaxing and calming. I'm on those drugs and find supplemental magnesium to be helpful in reducing PVCs and in promoting restful sleep.

Be sure to get magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate. You can find cheaper forms but most are poorly absorbed by the body.

Thank You

by LORIAAA - 2017-04-17 19:58:13

Thank you everyone for your help.  I appreciate all comments.  

Thank You

by LORIAAA - 2017-04-17 19:58:14

Thank you everyone for your help.  I appreciate all comments.  

You know you're wired when...

You name your daughter “Synchronicity”.

Member Quotes

We are ALIVE! How wonderful is modern medicine.