I'm new on here

[DawnP]

Hi last year at 54 I had 2 unexpected heart attacks in 1.5 hours followed by a balloon insertion an emergency transfer to St Thomas's and a triple bypass 2 weeks later when I was more stable. The physical side of things are painful enough but I have also found the mental health side of things equally as hard to handle. I followed the cardiac rehabilitation program which really helped me to get into a regular exercise and also helped me to focus mentally. I continued with the exercise at my local gym which also has a cardiac trained instructor. I found setting myself goals helped and also going out for a walk everyday worked for me. I have now just got past the year anniversary and finally I am feeling more like my old self. The pain and discomfort is pretty much gone now. I have this weekend managed to complete a sponsored walk up Snowdon raising money for BHF. I would like to encourage people to stay strong and focused and give yourself achievable goals to help you move forward.

[Jo_BHF]

Hi DawnP - lovely to see you here with us! Sounds like you've been on a real journey over the last year, and I'm glad to hear that you're doing so well. Also, thank you for supporting BHF by taking on the Snowdon challenge - absolutely incredible!

I think hearing such a positive message from someone who's been through what you have will be a really nice thing for a lot of our members, so thanks for posting

[Marc68]

Hi Dawn, welcome from another newbie.

Jo is right.. it is very encouraging to see that you've made such a great recovery and gives hope to others, me included.

[Heather1957]

Thanks for this Dawn - I have not had half as many issues as you but nearly 6 weeks ago I had a bypass which is still uncomfortable. I have had 'down' times but try and remain as positive as possible but that can be hard.

I see the physio on the 10th Aug for assessment and then will start some physical exercise which I am looking forward to. At the moment I am still going for some supervised walks (about an hour) daily in an effort to get some energy.

I am still a good 3 stone overweight but while I try and make good choices I feel I need to take one step at a time and will start looking after my diet when I start the exercise plan. I suppose I was put off in January after losing 3 stone, I had the angiogram then had a stroke, it really effected my enthusiasm. Luckily I have only put a stone on since then so hopefully when I start I can get back to where I was quite quickly.

It is really helpful to read a post like yours as it does give people like me goals to work towards, you were very young to suffer all you have but at 59 I still feel young although not sure a sponsored walk up Snowdon is on the cards in the near future although I have always wanted to walk up Pen y fan.

Thanks again for this and long may your recovery continue.

[angelaj71]

Hi Dawn, I read your post and it brought a tear to my eye, I especially identify with how you mentioned the mental side of things hard to deal with. Your recovery is an inspiration and has given me hope.

I have recently been diagnosed with variant angina, which was out of the blue, used to walk everyday, not overweight, don't smoke and drink very little, but I do suffer badly from stress. Still pretty wary of doing much, but your story has encouraged me to stay strong and to try and talk more to people about how I feel.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Dawn, thank you for sharing. Im 8 months in after a heart attack and a quad. Still struggling on a few days mostly good though. I'm pleased to hear your recovery as it helps with the light I see at the end of a long tunnel. I'm planning a walk along hadrians wall next year for the BHF that's my target