Next phase

[CarolW2121]

So, following the scariest week of my life I went to see the cardio nurse today (lovely man).

Had an ECG today which he said wasn’t too bad but my BP was ridiculous- which he put down to how nervous I was.

I’ve been put on beta blockers and statins and have to have angiogram and echo, which will be in about 4 weeks.

He said the meds should start making me feel better which I’m certainly hoping they will as my symptoms have got rapidly worse the last week. Nurse said it’s likely because of the shock I’ve had finding out I have a heart problem.

I’m trying to stay positive still ...... have many wobbly moments, but I’m told people live with angina / stents / bypasses for years and often feel better than before they were diagnosed.

Have you all gone on this emotional roller coaster?

Would love to hear from you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Not such a roller coaster as was expecting it as CVD runs through the male line. A colleagues father had a bypass in his fifties and is still quite fit in his early nineties BUT he did make the lifestyle changes!

[IanGordon in reply to MichaelJH]

Stable angina is just that and treatable and stents/bypasses are provided to improve life expectancy and quality of life - whats not to like! Hope that doesnt appear flippant but there are solutions, which is a positive. Your emotional response is so completely normal - just read the similar experiences and journeys of the many forum members who have been similarly ambushed by heart disease. Universally, the human spirit will find a way of dealing with what seems like a cataclysmic change. The really good news is that you are now in the system which will help you to a diagnosis and a solution, going forward. The drugs are there to protect your heart whilst you wait for the two tests. Hang on in there, use this forum to tap into and share experiences and build on the positives. You are not alone and although the first phase of your roller coaster ride was uncomfortable, you're probably already through the scariest bit. Hang on in there - it will get easier.

[angedogs]

Hi Carol

I am glad to hear your appointment went well and you are now on the first rung of the ladder for treatment. Once you have the echo and angiogram they will have more information and will know what treatment you need.

Do you know how high your blood pressure is? High BP can cause angina attacks because it makes the heart work harder. Mine has always been uncontrolled and my angina attacks are often worse when it is high. Hopefully when the beta blockers kick in you will find the angina attacks improve.

[CarolW2121 in reply to angedogs]

Hi Ange

It was very high that’s all I know but he decided to go off resting reading hospital had given last week which was still high but nowhere near as bad.

I’ve made changes in my food; eating loads of veg, fish and chicken. I have to be careful with fruit and nuts as I have allergies.

Once meds kick in want to join yoga class.

I have a desk job, sit on my bottom all day so am getting up every hour for five mins walk.

I walk dogs three times a day and more at weekends so will keep moving and get my little ticker happier.

Thanks for your support

xx

[angedogs in reply to CarolW2121]

Hi Carole

I think if it was exceptionally high they would have admitted you into hospital. Try not to worry about it and hopefully the beta blockers will help get it down.

You are already quite active with all the dog walking and you will find yoga will help keep your stress levels down and a change in diet can only do good.

I have 7 dogs and in the summer I was well enough to go on walks with them but I am unable to at the moment due to breathlessness and more frequent angina attacks.

[Dhomewood]

Hi Carol

I can relate to your emotions and fears. I had unstable angina in September, it was a complete shock and very scary.

I had a stent fitted and I’ve changed a few things in my lifestyle and now feel better than I have for years.

I’m very positive about the further and I’m hoping to stop / reduce some of my meds at the end of this month.

It’s so amazing how they can fix you these days.

All the best to you - stay positive and focus on anything you think you can do to help yourself.

Daren

[CarolW2121 in reply to Dhomewood]

Thank you so much, it really helps to hear from people like you 😊

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Carol,

sounds like you are on the way to be sorted out great news. The meds, beta blockers will make you feel fatigued, statins, may have side effects like aching muscles. Have a read of the leaflets, if you recognise anything get back to your GP as there are alternatives meds, for some no ill effects, for others not so good.

take care

Mark

[anke123]

Hi Carol, I can understand your emotions. When I first had chest pains, I was given a GTN spray, I was already on a low dose of BP medication and a blood thinner. I did have one stent fitted nearly 5 months later, they were slow doing the tests. I was amazed how soon after having the stent fitted I was able to walk around again with out problems. Sounds like you are doing well with walking and healthy eating, it will all help, keep it up and all the best, Anke

[latmaz]

I too understand the emotional part. Whilst trying to stay positive, right now it feels like a massive change has happened without me realising. I was fine exercising going on holiday, feeling better than I had in years and wham I feel like an invalid.

I am sure it will improve but it takes a while to get your head round all this doesn’t it

All the best

[CarolW2121 in reply to latmaz]

It’s like someone waved a wand and suddenly turned a switch off in my body 😢😢

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to CarolW2121]

I know that feeling exactly, Carol. It's so hard to stay positive when you've had this sort of a shock, isn't it? Sounds to me like you are doing all the right things with your lifestyle, which is a great start. Hopefully your treatment plan is sorted soon and you begin to notice an improvement to your physical wellbeing - that always helps with mood too, I find. Keep chatting to the folks on here (and to people in the "real world") about how you are feeling and revisit those comments that have reassured you or cheered you up. Be SO KIND to yourself. If someone you loved was going through something like this, think about how you'd want to treat them and treat yourself the same way - give yourself treats, compliments, time out to rest and relax... And it will get easier. I know that sentence probably doesn't ring true for you right now, but it really will get easier. Lots of love x

[CarolW2121 in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Thank you Laura.

I’m so up and down still.

I struggle when I’m alone - ive had my nephew staying with me but he’s gone home and I’m alone again. Every twinge, every ache scares me stiff. I don’t know if I’m being a hypochondriac or if it’s something to be worried about. I wonder if it’s anxiety .......

has anyone else gone through feeling like this?

My echo date is 18th April .......

oh boy I’m struggling today - sorry folks xx

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to CarolW2121]

It's absolutely normal to feel anxious in your situation. After I had my defibrillator fitted I used to feel the same. I would force myself to go to the cinema on my own but had a friend I would text to tell her exactly what screen and seat I was in and to call 999 if she didn't hear from me within two hours. It takes a long time to get your confidence back after a shock like this but you will get there. Is there anyone who could stay with you/who you could visit until you start to feel a bit less anxious? I really feel for you at the moment, it's such a tough phase of the process. Keep in touch with us all here x

[Plum53 in reply to CarolW2121]

Hi I know how you are feeling . When I was first diagnosed with angina every ache I thought I was going to have heart attack . When I saw the consultant and told him where the aches were he said they are not heart related and said it sound like chest wall. I think I worked myself up and was stressing by it but now I know I feel so much better. Tell your consultant he can reassure you . All the best x

[latmaz in reply to CarolW2121]

yeah i so understand that :(. i put so much effort into looking after my body and its just said stuff it to me