Learning to take it easy

[Lainey50]

Well, I've been trying to not get stressed since my Heart Attack but it seems that sometimes it creeps up on you anyway. I ended up in hospital yesterday afternoon and kept in overnight for checks. Thankfully all ok. No further heart issues and it wasn't a stroke. All down to anxiety. I met up with my mums best friend for lunch. (Mum died in October after a lung cancer diagnosis in June whilst recovering from her heart attack in May last year). I obviously have a lot of other emotional trauma still to deal with as well as my HA issue. Maybe my recovery will take longer than I anticipate but I am learning to identify stresses and strains daily. The staff in cardiology were fantastic and I am totally reassured that with my upcoming rehab along with the support from the BHF forum I'm sure I'll be back to my old self soon. I've never really understood the phrase "take it easy" but I'm learning! Ohmmmmm.....

[Effiecat]

Hi Laine. You’ve been through such a lot. What a hard time you’ve had.

So two things

1.Be kind to yourself

and

2. Learn about your own stress patterns.

Over time, I got quite good identifying the big things that set my angina off, but next I have had to learn my early signs of stress/anxiety so I can stop before it gets to the serious stage!

I hope it goes well for you.

[Lainey50 in reply to Effiecat]

Hi Effiecat, I am trying very hard to catch my stress and anxiety symptoms now as I know no where it can lead. Sometimes my head swims with what ifs and if onlys and I wish... It's very difficult sometimes looking back to life before my HA. You are right though in that the best way forward is to try and do as you suggested and that way hopefully avoid another HA in the future. Thank you.