feeling rightened

[underhill3]

hello my name is Norma I am 71 years young and had open heart surgery 11 years ago. I know that is a long time ago but I still get panicky and feel frightened at times. I would like to join a support group but there does not seem to be any near where I live. would like to receive more information about healthy eating and some advice on using my spray as I still feel frightened using it.

[Hidden]

Do you think you maybe suffering from post traumatic stress disorder? I had this after finding out that I was hours away from dying with multiple pulmonary embolisms. I couldn't come to terms with the fact that I had come so close to meeting my maker and that I hadn't even realised the severity of just how Ill I was when I finally dragged myself to casualty. Maybe you need to speak to a counsellor.

[underhill3 in reply to Hidden]

thank you Sharon you could be right but would it last for 11 years. I did see a counsellor at first because I was frightened to go anywhere but that was when it first happened

Norma

[Hidden in reply to underhill3]

It was 4 years before I was diagnosed with PTSD so it isn't something that goes away.

Maybe the counselling wasn't intense enough it may be worth speaking to your GP. Looks like you are suffering with anxiety because of it

[underhill3 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you i will do that. X

[gbtbag]

Norma, I’m sorry you’ve been living with such stress and anxiety for so long.

Have you asked your GP to help you find a support group? Or your local hospital? There are also a lot of resources on this website.

At the very least, your GP could refer you to a therapist or someone who could help you deal with your stress and anxiety.

Good luck. I hope you find some support.

[controlcause]

there are fb based online support groups but none can help you physically .. Your GP is local support I presume .. how you could attach your picture . i do not find any upload button .

[Anya58]

Hello Norma..It’s very nice to see you looking lovely and a picture of you eleven years after the event..very reassuring..even though you still get panicky..

I had my heart attack five weeks ago now..so very recent..I have found that being on this site has helped me..I don’t feel alone.. For me the nights are the worst..it’s very hard not to relive the event..and every pain, however small..I think I’m going to break..

I have started my rehab program at the hospital..which is great.. As for the spray..I take it when I get a pain in the heart area, and is a bit stronger than normal..I was worried about using it, but my Doctor said use it if you need it..two sprays, and that’s been enough..

My Father inlaw has one, and he says ‘ he uses his just before he’s going to do anything which he thinks will be tiring’..he’s 82.

[gal4God]

I’m still learning how to eat healthy and I’ve had my heart condition my whole life. I look for under 1% salt and good fats.

[underhill3]

Good for you I need to start eating healthy again but find it hard. I have some recipes from bhf which are good. I would love to join a group but finding one is difficult.

[Helen_BHF]

Hi Norma - welcome to the community Just to add to what the others have said, if you want to chat to someone about any of this, our heart helpline can give you further information on healthy eating and support available to you. You can give them a ring on 0300 330 3311 or email [e-mail].

I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling anxious. The BHF Heart Matters magazine have a few features where people who have also experienced anxiety after a heart event have shared their story about how they have overcome this:

bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-ma...

bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-ma...

Really hope this is useful!

[underhill3 in reply to Helen_BHF]

Thank you will give them a ring. X