• It is common to feel depressed, frustrated or angry when recovering from this type of major surgery.
  
  
• Often, your loved ones do not let you do enough for yourself - this is normal.
  
  
• Let them know how you feel. They might be feeling the same way.
  
  
• Take time to discuss these feelings. This is a stressful time for everyone. Take time to relax, read a book, or some other activity you enjoy.
  
  
• You might feel fine one day and exhausted the next. This will pass.
  
  
• The important thing is to stay involved with your loved ones during this time.
  
  
• It is not uncommon for people who have had a heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery to develop a second illness called clinical depression. Clinical depression is not the same as the "blues"which often clears in a couple of weeks. Clinical depression is a treatable medical illness due to a chemical imbalance. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have been experiencing several of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks:
  
  
  • Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
    
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
    
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as headaches, digestive problems and chronic pain
    
  • Irritability, restlessness
    
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
    
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
    
  • Sleeping too much or too little, early morning awakening
    
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities including sex
    
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
    
  • Thought of death or suicide
    
    
• Your doctor may order medication or refer you to a specialist who can further evaluate and treat clinical depression if necessary. Appropriate treatment can significantly improve overall health and increase quality of life.

Notes to Family and Friends

• Encourage your loved one to exercise. You may want to exercise with them.
  
  
• Help them to move back into their normal routine by pacing themselves.
  
  
• Make communication a priority - talk about your feelings.
  
  
• Try not to be overprotective. Let them do activities they are allowed to do.
  
  
• Plan rest periods for them. Keep it quiet and restrict visitors during this time.
  
  
• Diet is important, but first your loved one has to get their appetite back. Do not restrict their foods until they are eating better which should be at about 1 month.
  
  
• Once they are eating better, stock the kitchen with healthy foods. Prepare healthy meals for them.
  
  
• Share the healthy life style with your loved one. Plan activities that you can both enjoy. It always helps to have a partner.
  
  
• Learn to relax with them. This helps to reduce stress in your lives.