Heart Attack

[markjh68]

Hi i had a heart attack two weeks ago at the ripe old age of 49 (now 50) i had jaw ache and pain to my upper left arm but at first no chest pain that came in the middle of the night with an extreme sweat i was taken to my local hospital and then airlifted to a main hospital where i had three stents fitted i was let home after three days in hospital and a 6 week post appointment bookeď.I feel ok but anxious as hell,scared to go to sleep in case i dont wake up again imagining pain everywhere etc not really having a good time of it tbh,money is also a problem as im only on SSP which is rubbish so im constantly worrying,i am a smoker and giving up is a nightmare for me ive bought a vape but cannot get on with it,im in allsorts at the minute and it would be nice to hear a few nice voices if you get my drift.Thanks for reading.Mark

[Lezzers]

Hi Mark, it's early days for you so will be very scary. My husband was 42 when he had a massive heart attack which resulted in cardiac arrest. He wasn't suitable for a bypass or stents so he changed his lifestyle & medication has worked for him since. It took about 18 months for him to feel normal again so don't be too hard on yourself. It's a bit early, but have you been offered cardiac rehab? If not ask about it, it really helped my husband who was severely depressed afterwards. Also ask citizens advice as to what benefit help you're entitled to, to help your finance situation.

By the way, Kevin's heart attack was 20 years ago) although his heart is damaged he's never had another heart attack, life will get better for you. Best wishes for your continued recovery xx

[Heartlady1]

Hi Mark....firstly happy birthday and this birthday will be the first of many more.

I had a heart attack 23 years ago... and still here! There is life after a HA .

Of course you will be worried/ scared/ and grieving too. This is all natural and what all us hearties go through. However there IS life after a HA and you need to spend time looking after yourself right now and take life slowly.

It's also important to feel supported and know that you are NOT ALONE.

This site is a great support and information site... and o definitely have felt like part of a community since joining. And I have had some great practical help as well as "met" some truly inspirational people.

The BHF nurses that can be contacted have also been a great source of practical help and advice and they have TIME for you which perhaps doctors don't always have. Do use them if you have any questions or worries they are a great source and will make you feel better and help you through.

Another support area is going to rehabilitation. You need to ask your GP to put you forward for this however it's a great way of getting back to fitness.. . Please check out my earlier post on rehab... and you also meet others in your local area too. Getting this support can really help you to move forward... feel positive... and feel you are not alone. It is also important that we do look after ourselves... and again working through and getting support will help you in your efforts to stop smoking. Why not work through a health regime for you... healthy eating.. .. exercise and no smoking or alcohol. And that will make you start feeling great and will help you get back in control too.

I am sure others will be along to make suggestions 're finance help.

All the best and many more birthdays to be had 😁

[Zena166]

Hi Mark

Sorry to hear about your heart attack. You are in shock and you are on a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. It’s a natural reaction to feel scared and frightened. As others have said you are grieving and need time to heal physically and emotionally.

Cardiac rehab is a good starting point. However it maybe helpful to ask to see a counsellor or health psychologist (I saw both as I struggled at the beginning).

It will be good to give up smoking and you can get help to do that and there is a link here to local services as not sure where you live

nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-a...

As others have said Citizens Advice will help with financial queries or the government website

gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay

The BHF have a great set of resources to access about lifestyle and a helpline that you can discuss everything with. Try and increase your activity daily. So I started out walking to the front gate and back about 20feet. Then to my neighbours then 2 doors down etc. Until walking 30 minutes after 6 weeks. Just do it slowly and you will notice the difference. Obviously I always took my spray and phone with me. Increasing activity will also help with sleep.

You may also like to try relaxation and the NHS has some information about mindfulness to help alleviate some stress the link is here nhs.uk/conditions/stress-an...

I hope this helps along with others ‘ suggestions. You have lots of support on here so just ask. Take care. Sending hugs and positive thoughts. Zena x

[markjh68]

Thankyou for the replies,all i was given on discharge was the little red book no mention of rehab etc,i will definately look into this today,i know its early days but i worry about everything ive always been the same my job is very hard work and i do not believe that i can go back to it but as i said previously i desperately need the cash but know i cant rush going back,ive other health probs as well i only have 1 kidney,no gallbladder high BP,Barratts etc im a lost cause lol but reading the replies has helped,thank you all

[GeeMan]

Hi Mark,

I feel for you, you are clearly going through a tough time currently but please note that you’re not alone.

I’ve only just joined the site and the reply’s I've had to my posts have been full of warmth and support.

I’ve only just been diagnosed with an exercise induced arrhythmia and that I am in serious jeopardy of a HA so Im having to sit on my arse and do as little as possible while tests are on-going and a course of action can be agreed. I’ve also recently been told I have prostate issues and with major surgery for that on the imminent horizon life has taken a sudden and very un-welcome turn.

Trying to remain positive is tough and you will no doubt find periods when dealing with the day to day seems impossible. The advice given by some of the replies you have had is sound and seeking support where and when you can find it is going to be the key to your recovery.

There are others out here you can talk to fella so keep your chin up.

[Robbie38]

Hi Mark , I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest at 47 it will be a year next week , This year has been hard to say the least , After I had my stent fitted the cardiologist said to me “ok mechanically you are fixed however emotionally it could take much longer “ I now understand what he means , I have had panic attacks and anxiety things which I had never had in the past , I now may need a icd implant but I am in work now and things are starting to turn around , it just takes time but it does get better Take care mate

[Grayjay]

I had my first heart attack aged 40. I gave up smoking and started getting fit, i.e, I bought a bike with the money I'd saved and went cycling . If the craving for a ciggy came I'd get the bike out and go for a brisk ride some where. While puffing and panting for breath I'd ask myself, would you like a cigarrette? The answer was always no😂. I'm now 66 and have kept myself going by being active and watching my diet. I have had more problems, but have come through the other end. The stents that you had fitted will do you a world of good so you should now look on it as a new beginning. Good luck and good health.👍

[markjh68]

Update.had my 6 week check up ecg was ok,bp high so having a blood test tomorrow after an echo to see if my ramipril will be upped or not.still off work....8 weeks now,2 more off if not more have had to result to food banks a couple of times,rehab starts Thursday am also attending stop smoking sessions (nightmare trying to quit) still anxious and think im having another attack if i have the most trivial of pain but am ok.Mark

[Zena166]

Hi Mark. Good to hear from you. Glad rehab is starting soon. It will help with confidence and anxiety. Stay strong with your stop smoking sessions. I appreciate it’s difficult for you but worth the effort in the long run. Take care of yourself. Sending positive thoughts zena x