Now I know im not alone : Hi all,this... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,328 members33,995 posts

Now I know im not alone

JayGunning profile image
5 Replies

Hi all,this is my first time on here.Last year I sufferd from a heart attack whilst I was at work,this has now left me with angina heart disease and ptsd,I didnt relise just how big an impact it would have on my life,I had spent 2 and a half months without leaving the house,the cardio rehab team have been amazing with the support and ongoing Help.

Written by
JayGunning profile image
JayGunning
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
5 Replies
NathanBlau profile image
NathanBlau

I can’t soeak highly enough of the cardiac rehab process - the monitored exercise program gives you more and more confidence as time goes by. It’s worked wonders for me as I have now returned to scuba diving and am doing the London - Brighton cycle ride for the BHF in a couple of weeks.

Sincerely hope you are on an steady upward path

blueshark profile image
blueshark in reply toNathanBlau

Hi Nathan, can I ask what your problem was?

I’m also a diver and recently had 2 stents fitted; what are the implications for diving, if any and what kind of exercise testing were you subject to in order to be deemed ‘fit to dive’? I’m making the assumption that you have undergone a similar procedure to me; if that’s not the case, I’d still be interested to hear what kind of rehab program / support you received?

Regards

NathanBlau profile image
NathanBlau in reply toblueshark

Hi - I had 3 stents in one artery immediately after a heart attack aged 64 in Nov 2016. I initially gave up all hope of diving but realised through the cardiac rehab process that I was actually feeling fitter than I had done for quite some time and started to research it. Clearly a return is subject to getting 'signed off' by a doctor to state that you are fit enough. There are a number of specialist doctors and in London there's also a clinic that specialises in dive medicine for recreational and professional divers. I can answer specific questions if you want to pm me but the basis of the check is an assessment of your cardio health and a 'stress test' using the Bruce system. Basically you are connected to an ECG, put on a treadmill and walk, jog, run until you can do no more! Alternatively they pull you out if any abnormal ecg reading.

Also note that BSAC associated doctors will not consider you for at least a year post heart attack and do not take consideration of where you dive e.g. deep UK diving much more challenging than shallowish warm water etc. I was fortunate that my own doctor was sufficiently knowledgeable to also consider the type of diving I was doing and did not apply this BSAC 'rule'. Basically I satisfied the medical community but have a depth limit rigorously regulated by my wife!

NessaArthur profile image
NessaArthur

Hi Jay, I have had 3 heart attacks, the last being 4 years ago and have had heart failure since the first in 2012, but I have always been positive and have kept up my fitness as best I can. I walk, swim and have land that I manage with my husband as well as my work. I have just (4 weeks ago) had an ICD implant and I am amazed how well I feel, I didn’t realise how much I was struggling with everyday things before even though I still did them. My goal now is to start cycling again. I think how we feel is all in the mind and trying to stay positive and optimistic is more than half the battle! I hope you soon feel a lot better and I agree that the cardiac rehabilitation is the start of your future - they will make you feel you can do everything you used to and not worry about the effect so much. I hope you find this post useful, you are not alone with sometimes feeling down and worrying about the future. Just keep going forward and try not to dwell on the past too much, that can’t be changed. Good luck.

NathanBlau profile image
NathanBlau in reply toNessaArthur

Thank you - your story is real inspiration and endorses the benefits of a positive outlook. Shame you can't bottle it and sell it on!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Not long now

Hi Everyone Been reading posts for a few weeks now and thought I would take the plunge and join in,...
Nobo12 profile image

Alone

Has anyone on here got complete congental heart block, long qt, heart murmur, dual chamber...
Piggy2 profile image

I know you're not doctors but...

Do you think this sort of change to resting heart rate is anything to worry about or just a...
laura_dropstitch profile image
Heart Star

feeling alone

Hello, I wondered if anyone else felt like this? I have a very rare heart condition and require...
Chloebw profile image

Not now

My heart failure nurse just text me to sag the cardiologist doesn't want me to start rehabilitation...
Hazeg profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.