side effects of open heart surgery - #15777
I am freaking out a bit after my open heart surgery a couple of weeks ago. The doc said everything went okay, but wow, I wasn’t expecting all these side effects of open heart surgery to hit me like a truck. I mean, I was prepared for some pain and stuff, but lately, I’ve been feeling really dizzy and tired all the time, like no energy at all. And then there’s this weird tightness in my chest that comes and goes, and I can't tell if it’s normal or if I should be freaking out about it. Last week, I even noticed my hands were shaking a bit. Is that one of the side effects of open heart surgery, or am I just imagining things? My follow-up appointment isn’t for another week, and I don’t want to overreact but I’m also really worried. Are these symptoms common? Should I be doing anything different with my recovery? I’ve read a few forums, and some people mention other less common side effects of open heart surgery, like depression and memory issues, which makes me wonder if I should be aware of anything else. I guess I’m just looking for any advice or experiences you all might have?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
After open heart surgery, it’s not uncommon to experience a range of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, and chest tightness. Your body has been through a major event and it takes time to recover. The fatigue you’re feeling can be due to several factors, including the surgery itself, anesthesia effects, changes in medication, and just the natural healing process. Dizziness can sometimes stem from changes in blood pressure or medication, so it’s important to keep your doctor informed if this persists. Chest tightness is often caused by healing tissues and occasionally by inflammation, but if it’s severe or worsening, it would be wise to discuss it with a healthcare professional sooner than your scheduled visit. Hand shaking can sometimes occur due to anxiety or certain medications, but it’s less common as a direct post-surgical consequence unless linked to other factors.
It’s critical to follow your post-surgery care instructions thoroughly. This means continuing with any prescribed medications and avoiding activities that are too physically demanding at this stage. Listening to your body is key—rest when needed, and adjust your activities based on your energy levels. Nutrition and hydration are also crucial components of your recovery.
As for the emotional and cognitive changes like depression or memory issues, these can be related to the stress of surgery and recovery, sometimes termed “post-surgical cognitive dysfunction.” While these are fairly common and usually temporary, do not hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if you feel it’s impacting your recovery significantly. If any symptoms (especially chest symptoms) become severe or do not improve, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. Recovery can be different for everyone, so staying in regular contact with your healthcare team can ease many concerns you might have during this healing period.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.