Worried

[Black1938]

I am 79 I thought a very fit 79 year old woman , but had a heart attack three weeks ago went to Papworth had stent fitted sent home same afternoon with no information what I was supposed to do just a load of tablets , no one came to see to tell me what I am supposed to do , we have a holiday booked for one month in October worrying if I should go or not . I feel very confused and worried what I shouldn’t do now , can anyone help .

[daisy2311]

You could try and call the hospital and speak to a cardiac nurse. I found that they explained things to me in greater detail and more clearly than the doctors. Failing that go to your GP and make it clear to them that you need some information. The BHF helpline is also very good. If you are going abroad make sure you have good insurance and also a EHIC card if travelling in Europe..I am on holiday currently and had to go to the hospital. They asked me immediately for the card and I got free care.

[Black1938 in reply to daisy2311]

Thanks Daisy for replying, do you think I should go to Spain for a month , had stent fitted about three weeks ago , felt well, but just had a stiff arm think it’s from medication, and worried what can I do at moment .

[daisy2311 in reply to Black1938]

I suggest you get clearance to travel by a doctor. I always Google in advance of travelling the nearest hospital etc and if necessary keep enough money with me to get a taxi to the hospital etc if required. Familiarity with the local health systems etc is good practice I think not only for health reasons but for your own reassurance.

[Zena166]

Hi. Sorry you have had a heart attack it’s a scary time especially as it’s so recent. I had heart attack last June (just picked up your question to me in another post so will answer here if that’s ok). You asked about exercise. I gradually built up my walking from a couple of minutes per day through to 30 minutes after 6 weeks. I then did the cardiac rehab programme which helped enormously. It gives you confidence to increase the amount you do. As well as gives you information about diet lifestyle emotional support etc.

I think you should speak to your GP about cardiac rehab as well as whether or not you can fly or ideally the rehab team as Daisy suggests.

You will also need to inform your insurance company as to what has happened and that unfortunately will increase your payments but it’s not worth risking travelling without it even with an EHIC. You are early days at the moment so expect some niggles and pains but do seek help if you’re unsure in anyway whatsoever.

In your other post you asked about house work. You shouldn’t be doing anything heavy at the moment. And my personal opinion is that housework is the devil’s invention so I have always tried to avoid it before my heart attack and especially after it! Walking is much healthier for you and you get to be in the fresh air. Again you should be gradually increasing your exercise and remember to keep building on it. As Daisy says give the BHF helpline a call. Open 9-5 Monday-Friday but do chase rehab. Then you can make a decision about whether to go to Spain or not. Take care. Keep asking anything you want and one of us will help. Hope this helps. Zena x

[Black1938 in reply to Zena166]

Thanks Zena it’s lovely to be able to talk to people,who have been though the same thing , most of the time it’s just reassurance. Thanks for your comments. We have informed the insurance company hefty call . Just have to decide weather to go .

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

All good and valid points made in earlier responses. Personally your follow up seems appalling to me. You need to get the OK to travel and then look at insurance that may be unobtainable or prohibitive so soon after a heart attack. Is it feasible for you to delay your trip for a month or two?

[Black1938 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks MichaelJH for your comments, might be able to delay .

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Black1938]

The longer the time between treatment and a holiday the lower the premium if there have been no further issues. If EHIC disappears post Brexit premiums for Spain could be higher than other (former) EU countries as Spain's excellent health service has a high cost base. Sadly drunken Brits having accidents helps no one!

[Orangepeel60]

Hey,

Sorry to hear what has happened. Don’t get down.

Like you I am very fit and had a heart attack and two stents fitted. I was bemused by the amount of tablets I had to take. I went from taking none to 8 a day but I was told it’s the gold standard and we all have to take them.

I was told I could fly a week after my stent but left it for 2 and then went on holiday.

So it’s up to you but I would go. It may do you more good than sitting at home worrying.

Don’t forget to tell your travel insurance

Stay strong it does get easier

Neil x

[Janine5472]

Hi. Exactly the same happened to me. I had a heart attack on the 1st May 2018, had stent fitted and then sent home 4 days later with lots of medication and that was it. I phoned the doctors to see if I needed to come in and discuss the medication and they said “if I felt I needed to then yes”. Needless to say, I changed Doctors and they went through all my medication with me. They don’t contact you, sadly you have to contact them. I know exactly how you feel though as you are just packed off with no information at all. I would visit your doctor and ask them to go through all your medication and also ask about going abroad.

[Black1938 in reply to Janine5472]

Thanks Janine it’s all a bit worrying, I think you have to get used to it, going to doctor tomorrow, trying not to worry. Thanks for comments lovely to hear from people who have been there .

[EngineerP]

God bless and best wishes.

[Black1938 in reply to EngineerP]

Thank you and bless you for replying 🤗

[Black1938]

Hi Black 1938 , I had just the same as you same age same procedures, we had booked holiday three weeks after to Spain , I decided to go glad I did , felt more relaxed walked a lot lots of sun . When I came back got in touch with Heart foundation, went to rehab for eight weeks it was brilliant, now go to gym for stretch classes and yoga feel brilliant, don’t like taking tabs but just do as we need them .