First day home after heart attack and overwhelmed

[Naemi-kilbey]

Hi I have just returned home from papworth after a heart attack and having a stent fitted in artery ..I am 52 and always ran and trained and now home with so many drugs and a bit shell shocked as to what I am supposed to do or not do ...I have been put on averostatin which I really don't want to take and just feel shell shocked ...anyone out there have any advice ?

[JakJenLew]

I think it’s just getting over why me ... you will get back to normal at some point but when your offered cardiac rehabilitation take it at 42 I have had 3 heart attacks ... but take your artovastatin and if you have any concerns speak to your GP ... ♥️

[Naemi-kilbey in reply to JakJenLew]

Thankyou so much for your advice , and I think I am lucky I have found this site

[Dhomewood]

Hi Naemi

Sorry to hear about your heart attack. I had a stent fitted in September (I was lucky I had the warnings before a HA) I’m also on a cocktail of drugs and get a few side affects.

My advice would be to research your condition and get to your cardio rehab classes. I changed my diet after reading up on research by Dr Dean Ornish and Dr Esselstyn. There is also a great book called “how not to die” and film documentaries called “forks over knives” and “What the Health”

I’ve managed to change my diet and lose 2 stone and I must say I feel better than ever. I’ve just had a cholesterol test and it’s down to 3 so I’m hoping to reduce my dose of Statins at my next appointment.

I see this as a second chance and I’m determined not to make the same mistakes. I read this BHF site nearly every day. It reminds me how lucky I am because there is always someone worse off and the stories are really inspiring. There is loads of support here!

Think positive and best of luck

Daren

[Naemi-kilbey in reply to Dhomewood]

Thankyou Darren ..I feel better after reading all the things on here and whilst I have all this time I will for sure be doing my research, and I am hoping to get a call from rehab today as I really want to start my road to recovery .

I think I am lucky I have found this site , Thankyou for your advise and support

Naemi

[Twobells in reply to Naemi-kilbey]

Don't google it really is a mine fied. This, drug does this does that research does or found... or this diet is better than that one.etc. It makes you overload with info. The rehab will give you all the relevant guidance you need. Hope you start to feel a little better soon.

[Cube58]

Hi Naemi

You have certainly come to the right place for the moral support you need. There are so many people who have experienced so many things heart related who will be willing to help you with your decision making.

I have had a turbulent 4 days after my diagnosis and have used this site to help me unravel my emotions, prior to my diagnosis I was put on Aspirin, Statins, Betablockers and a Nitrate spray. I am so unhappy about having to take this cocktail of meds after not having not being prescribed a drug for over 20 years apart from an antiflamatory for a knee injury.

Take the medication or challenge the decision and ask questions until you fully undertsand the reasons why you need them. The meds are designed to protect you from future cardiac issues.

I like you have kept myself fit by cycling,hill walking, gym Hiit sessions and swimming and "Wham bang thank you man" I have 2 or 3 arteries which need a graft.

I was in a bad place yesterday and I give myself a real talking to this morning and with the help of this forum, My wife and family I have pulled my head out that worry hole (for the time being)

We have another chance to change our lives for the better from a health perspective. I hope you feel better over the next few days. Keep popping back for this online support. We all understand what you are going through.

So take care

All the best Cube

[mikealford]

I had an HA in December, right side so didn't get any of the classic symptoms. But fortunately I took Aspirin and that has saved much of my heart. Two stents were fitted and now I'm back to two more in the LAD and CX . It gets better after a month, the chest pain subsides, and you feel more normal. I have reduced my BB which are quite debilitating to 2.5mg and my argument was that my EF ratio was 60 - 65% and therefore the pumping action of my heart is better than normal. Challenge the doctors, ask for your notes, get them to explain the terms and tell what you are taking the meds for. The anti platelet meds you will need for a year, can't do much about them, but the Beater Blockers are a real pain, put you to sleep all the time and make you breathless. When I reduced them I could be more normal and my wife had me back to talk to without falling asleep. Stay in there, ask questions, and after about a month you will feel more confident in getting back to normal, and don't worry, sex is good for you. Good luck,

[mandm65]

Hello Naemi and welcome to the forum.

I am really sorry to hear that you suffered the heart attack.

Like yourself I recently joined the forum and am really getting a lot of support here.

The best piece of advice I can give you that don’t let this event worry you. I know exactly what you are going through, I have been there and know how challenging this can be. I was fighting the battles alone until I found this forum, so you are kind of fortunate that you found the forum at the right time.

I suggest you read my story, see below link,

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post....

I have documented pre/post process in detail so hopefully it will answer all your questions, if not, you can always ask :-).

Best wishes and speedy recovery.

MandM

[Eyeballs]

Hi, I'm 51 and have just been diagnosed with HOCM. Like you I have always been active, so this news has come as a bit of a blow. Also, have been put on statin, plus beta-blockers. Unfortunately life has dealt us some dodgy cards, but rather take the drugs than be making the situation worse. I used to ride my push bike into work everyday, so once my ICD (Defibrillator) is fitted I'm going to look at getting an electric bike. Means I can still enjoy the experience, but not put the strain on my heart. I've had a few teary moments, especially over Chrimbo, but now thinking very positive. You'll still be able to take part on life, but you might have to make a few adjustments. Chin up!

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Naemi,

Adding to my welcome to the forum. It comes as a shock to the vast majority of us, what I will say is that it gets easier, the support and help from Cardio rehab, the support and help from the BHF and this forum.

Please take all your pills, alas we are all different, its not quite an exact science, some will be reduced, others will cause side effects to you and will be swapped for another. Get to know your GP, make regular appointments with one in your practice. Write down questions you have, we all go in with great intentions and we all forget, this goes for your cardiologist follow ups too.

Get back in the outside, take some, slow at first, walks, gradually build up your distance. Please take extra care if its cold, that is not good for you, the cold air restricts your breathing capacity and makes your heart work harder, same effect on your veins. Learn to listen to your body, when you are tired rest, when you feel great do a little more, but expect to be wiped out the following day, again most on here have done that, got the tshirt etc.

The dark side, well its there, the shock, the post traumatic stress, has a big effect, you will be emotional, you will feel down, but we have a wonderful little community here, growing by the day, we are here to help each other. So come in grab a cuppa, or something stronger, and rant, share the joy, share pictures, pets we love them all

Some great advice here, thanks to all for their input, wonderful to see this place going from strength

Take care

Mark

[Caddy61]

Hi, I can relate to your story. I was where you are now in June last year and it was a complete shock and surprise because I had been going tot he gym three times a week, my diet was good, so much so that when I had my initial chat with the cardiac rehab team there was nothing they could suggest I changed. That said, my doctor told me that I had I not been going to the gym before the HA then I wold not be here now - sobering thought.

Had meds changed - ramipril because of the cough and my statins were reduced because of an aching in my shoulder. The Cardiac Rehab sessions were tiring but good and something you must take up when offered. I am now on phase 4 and working with a trainer at my local gym and just got her sign off to use the gym twice a week with a programme she has devised for me. I am back at work now full time but have completely changed my outlook on life - especially with work as the doctors believe mine was caused by stress at work, so now I am relaxed and calm and take no c**p - works a treat.

Like you, when I came home I was lost about what I could and couldn't do, my family were very protective and very supportive. My son even cut my lawns for me every week for a couple of months - that is an achievement lol Take the opportunity to let others run around after you for a change, it took me a while to think like that but you should. Daily walks, few steps first day and building up over the days is great for you and gets you out of the house.

Slowly slowly and you will get there, just don't rush it. I know my GP very well now, regular appointments and blood tests to monitor my progress. This is a second chance for me and I am not messing it up.

Good luck buddy.

[barniecroft in reply to Caddy61]

Hi,

My situation is exactly like yours. Not sure what caused mine as I lead a healthy lifestyle. With me the depression has been the worse thing. Have you found the shock wears off?

[Caddy61 in reply to barniecroft]

Hi, yes it does get better, but I was very emotional and it scared me. The GP told me it was PTSD and prescribed some mild anti-depressants, short term to calm the anxious feelings.

[dickielex]

Of course you are shell-shocked. A heart attack is a pretty big event and takes time to recover from. And I would STRONGLY advise you to do what the cardiac team suggests that you do which includes taking the prescribed medication. They wouldn't prescribe it if they thought you would be better without it. Things in your head as well as your body will calm down as you recover. There are thousands and thousands of us out there who have had heart attacks and live normal lives.

[Cube58 in reply to dickielex]

Wise words indeed.

[Hidden]

Hi

I had an MI 4 days before Christmas then had stent fitted, like you there were a few why me days, and every little twinge felt like it would be my last. The good folk on here gave me some sage advice as did the rehab people who are fab.

I have an intolerance to statins and after 4 differing types I gave up, however am now on 10mg Averostatin, and while not good, i think at present that its the better of any other evils. My consultant says to give it another few weeks and if still not happy there are other non statin types they can give, so ask your GP.

I think my main point is that it does get better, yes you will have down days, but with the help and guidance of rehab and those here you do get over them, it takes time, and I'm not out of the woods yet but it willl happen.

Good luck

[seaniz]

The exact same thing happened to me mid December, I am 54 and also had a stent fitted. When I got home I was completely overwhelmed I got no proper discharge from hospital and was basically handed a bag of pills and told I would be taking them for life.

I wrote a list of questions and went to see my GP the next day (booking a double appointment is a good idea). I have also only just got cardiac rehab after chasing them as I was lost in their system.

Now that I have stopped thinking every twinge is another MI and have found out that going for a swim and sauna to relax over Christmas was a bad idea, I am feeling more confident.

I want to start the gym properly I feel the first cardiac rehab session I attended was so light it was embarrassing. I think I am learning that I need more patience.

Advice- everybody has a heart attack story about somebody they know , treat advice with caution. Secondly educate yourself and only you know how you feel so listen to your body and don't over think things.

[Transformerman]

I recently had a heart attack whilst vigorously exercising. I had a stent fitted and was provided with various medicines and have absolutely no problem with taking my low dosage of the same statin. I am not a medical specialist, so consider my opinion amongst others (although I do have a PhD and work in the biological sciences and also exercise regularly like you too). My diet did go off the healthy rails over past couple of years for various reasons and my attack made me make a real U-turn there, but I see the statin as helping me in combination with everything else to arrest and possibly (tenuous) contribute to some small reversing in rest of the placque that has built up. Like all my other medicines, I carefully read through the accompanying medical guidance that comes in the box with them and talk to my GP accordingly if anything possibly is of concern.

[DAFFODILLS]

I remember sitting and crying saying Why me ?The day I came home from hospital, and tbh I have not had many days without crying since 3 months on . However I got my blood test reults thus week and it was good all is excellent cholesterol normal BP perfect , and I have also shed 22 pounds ,.However my lostartan was increased by 25mcg which achieved this perfect BP but has I think left me with dizziness, I just have no idea what to do ,

[Black1938]

Hi Naemi I was discharged from

Papworth three weeks ago , after heart attack and stent fitted, home now with not to much information, how are you feeling now .

[Cooper1410 in reply to Black1938]

I was discharged from Papworth Sunday

[fedupoffeelingtired]

Hello I'm now 6 weeks post heart attack and stent fitted. Like you I was totally shell shocked by the whole thing. I felt nervous and scared about carrying on with my life. Normal reaction to such a big event. My cardio rehab nurse has been my life saver. I enjoy my rehab sessions they are giving me my confidence back. My nurse always greets me and makes sure I'm ok, I can tell her and ask her anything. She doesn't judge me or tell me I'm daft for feeling the way I do. I have a bad day now and again when I feel very tired and a bit low. But I rest and try and think positive, I've got a second chance at life. Give yourself time, it will get easier. You will get strong again. Take care X

[hf54]

sorry to hear tis i have just been diagnosed with hf at 54 and ran and trained regulalry.how is your progress 2 years later??

[Qualipop]

NOrmal to be chell shocked; so was i. You are suddenly faced wih your own mortality and sit thinking "I could have died"> Well you didn't and you' are being treated to stop it happening again so take what they gave you. No one wants to take tablets but you must. You are in a far better place now than you were, even if you didn't know it before. Do the rehab, it's essential for your confidence alone. If it still hasn't started, try bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Cooper1410]

Hi, I was discharged from Papworth last Sunday, had one stent. I'm 49 with no underlying heart condition apart from carrying a couple of extra stone. I too am overwhelmed. Started on 7 new medications. I'm finding resting really difficult but realising what I'm able to do daily which is not as much as I hope. I have been put on atorvastatin. No advice yet as I too am looking for advice, nice to hear from somebody so local. Good luck xx

[SuzieR73]

Hi NaemiI completely understand how you feel - I’m 48 and came home from hospital yesterday - still waiting for more tests to be done as an outpatient- currently diagnosed with unstable angina- sent home with 5 lots of meds one is a statin - just stunned that this has happened x