Hi, new member.
Had a heart attack 4 days ago with 3 arrests. Came out of the blue with no family history. Had angioplasty and 3 stents. Feeling shocked and worried about the future. Love to hear any stories from anyone else who's been through anything similar or just any advice or reassurance anyone may have.
Thanks David
The musician Rick Wakeman suffered three heart attacks in his twenties. Forty year later he is still performing at the age of 68 but he no longer smokes or drinks. Make any recommended lifestyle changes and remain positive. In a recent interview Rick did joke that he now has a carer as well as roadies, but I think he was joking! 
Thanks, I guess once I've had time to come to terms with it all I'll be far more positive.
Hi David. I had a heart attack in June last year. I went on an emotional roller coaster. Shock. Fear. Tears. Anger. All sorts of stuff. However that’s part of the recovery process I still have good and bad days but the bad days are less. You will go to cardiac rehab which is excellent it’s an exercise and lifestyle program run in the community local to you by expert nurses and health care professionals. It gives confidence. I started by doing a couple of minutes exercise and walking daily. Building to 30 minutes then the rehab programme. They are incredibly supportive. Michael mentioned lifestyle changes again the rehab programme gives advice but you can check out the BHF website which has excellent resources. Talking is good. Voice your thoughts and feelings because sometimes getting it out of your head and into the ether helps. There are options. I was referred to a health psychologist who helped with coping strategies. I also saw the counsellor at my GP surgery. There is something called talking therapies that you can self refer to. I got through by realising that my heart and health is better now than before the heart attack and I know exactly the state of my heart whereas many don’t. It’s a journey that we have to go on not out of choice but hopefully being prepared will help. Take care David stay strong and take each day at a time. There’s a saying by Oscar Wilde about when it rains look for rainbows when it’s dark look for stars. You will find both in time. Best wishes Zena
Thank you Zena, that’s incredibly reassuring. I’m seeing my gp Wednesday and hopefully will get my Echo appointment soon so I’ll be more confident about my recovery journey. The rehab nurse saw me in hospital and said they’d be in touch very shortly so that’ll be another step. May as well make the most of my time off!
I went through a very similar experience. My GP sent me for a routine angiogram and they would not let me leave hospital. Seven days later I left with 3 stents in one artery. All a total shock.
The good news is once you recover from your angioplasty (and it does take time) you will get back to normal daily activity. Allow yourself time to adjust to all this - including any new medication they might have given you. Start any new activity slowly and build up. Cardiac rehab is a great way to get back your confidence.
Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Clare
Hi David,
Sounds like what I experienced 3 weeks ago, which was had a Heart Attack, followed by 3 Cardiac Arrests resulting in 3 stents being inserted in the LAD. I have good and bad days but support on this group and another on Facebook called Sudden Cardiac Arrest has been valuable and very supportive. I am also waiting for Rehab appointment though have received an appointment for 1st May for an Echocardiogram followed by an appointment with the Consultant in Sept. By the way have you been fitted with an ICD?
Thanks for the reply. No I haven't had one of those fitted, I assumed that the arrests were due to the heart attack but it's a question I'm going to ask my gp
I suspect you are correct David. I haven’t had one fitted and think it’s for the same reason.
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