Updating and uplifting

[ClaireATP]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give all those who've just had a heart attack and are still reeling from everything that's happened to them a little uplift.

I had a heart attack back in February, completely out of the blue and unexpected. I was pretty mad about it as I love my life and wanted to keep it that way. Since it happened I've had an angiogram, MRI, chats with my rehabilitation nurse and chats with my GP. I've yet to have a follow up talk with my consultant, that appointment seems to keep getting postponed but I don't feel too worried by it.

I wanted to reassure all those who've read posts on here from people following their attack and then don't hear what happened to them, the posts stop and everything goes silent. Back in February I felt incredibly down and I assumed the worst. I thought that people stopped posting here because, well, they couldn't. When actually it's just as likely, in fact more likely, that like me, they've just got better.

Although I'm not 100% and although I still don't know the full story of what has happened to me (most likely a 'plaque event') I feel relatively normal again.... me, just with more meds.

So please don't panic, especially as stress is good for no one and keep positive. Not everyone's story is the same, not everyone gets 100% better, but many here do. Give yourself time to rest, sleep lots, don't read anything on the internet (fat chance, we're all experts) and know that the reason those who once did write posts on here and don't any longer is most probably because they're just getting on with life.

Claire xx

[Ketantanna]

Really good advice which I will take on as I had a heart attack 5 weeks ago and although I think I am doing, lost 8 kg in weight, walking 30 mins each day and eating a healthy diet, I still do have lots of questions.

[ClaireATP in reply to Ketantanna]

Ahh yes, that's one wake up call I had too, to get fitter. I'm finding it too easy to go back to my old lifestyle and forget that I need to change some habits. I must stop thinking of joining some classes and actually do it!

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

What a lovely post, Claire. Brings balance. Have a great life!

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Claire

Thank you for this post, really does help others to know what goes on both before and after. Glad you came back and shared

Take care Mark

[Zena166]

Brilliant news Claire. Thanks for reminding us there is life after heart attack! Yes 32kgs down and 14 inches off my waist and getting a tad complacent now so off to the gym this week...ouch ouch ouch! Take care and a delight to read your post. Zena x

[Hidden]

Hi Claire

Yes agree with all you say. I had MI in December had stents fitted, then through rehab and now attend a Cardio gym session 3 times a week. Am very very grateful for the care and prompt attention I received. However even tho I'm over a stone lighter and much fitter there is always a nagging doubt. For example I watched a medical drama the other night and when they were trying to resuss (sp?) someone all I could think of is that'll be me soon, and I cannot even go to place flowers on the in-laws grave without wondering where they are going to put me? So yes its good to get fitter and lighter and have a positive outlook BUT it doesnt always mean you are better.

[Jwcr]

Excellent post Claire. After my MI, 8 years ago I was reading the BHF mag and someone wrote in saying, “Never get complacent”. I really took that on board, getting fitter, better diet, always taking meds etc etc. Sometimes it’s a bit of a slog & I have the odd relapse....

It’s a game changer for sure and certainly makes you reevaluate life, after all, it’s for living & enjoying as much as we can. ❤️

[Anya58]

Thank you for that Claire..just what I needed to read...I had my heart attack on the 19th of this April..so I’m only two weeks or so in..I’m doing everything they tell me to do..I have my rehab appointment on the 17th which I’m looking forward to..just to get to find out what I can and can’t do...

For me..it’s the nights that are the worst..hard to fall asleep..negative thoughts..any little pain I think that’s it.. some days I feel great, and could get in my car and drive for miles...then other days I feel I’d break..

[charliestel]

Thank you Claire.just had heart attack on 29th april.1 week tomorrow.at the minute my head is all over the place.So good to hear that a lot do get better. I had a stent fitted on Tuesday.so now need to wait on appointment for Cardiology rehab..terrified...

[Magicmog12]

Thanks Claire that's useful as someone whos just been diagnosed with a badly leaking valve and has got an agonising wait till may for surgery-like you say, we want our life back