Anxiety and fear

[Craftyhare]

Hello all and hope this message finds you all well for the last few weeks

I am 48 year old female and had HA and stent fitted in LAD in June this year two weeks after my darling Mum passed away

My anxiety and depression have been awful the last few weeks saw an improvement but today I have felt really off colour very aware of every twinge, jaw pain, dizzy, lethargic etc

I have been under the Mental Health Team and have taken myself into A&E three times since thinking I was having another HA only to be told it is anxiety

Anyone else relate

I have been doing really well

[Ian_farnish]

Hiya, I can truly relate to how you feel. Been in and out of several hospitals with panic and anxiety attacks. I can say they do get better. Have you had any CBT? I found it helped a lot with me. One thing I have always taken from my event is that every time I leave that hospital they tell me my heart is fixed. Keep believing that and it will go a long way I promise

[Nathan53]

Hello Craftyhare - The symptoms you describe are experienced by many. I often get the tight feeling in my chest and ache in my jaw during periods of strong emotion or stress. Losing your Mother is such a life changing event and has only recently happened to you. I have a feeling your symptoms will come and go but eventually improve as you come to terms with what has happened. It's not possible to put a time limit on grieving and of course feelings are often heightened on anniversaries and at Christmas. Be kind to yourself try to relax. Are you still in contact with the Mental Health team? Have you been to rehab? Maybe keep a diary to see if you can link your mood to what happens physically. I have days when I feel I can take on the world then occasionally ones like you describe. You will get there x

[Sususulio]

So sorry to hear this, my GP told me that it’s not unusual for those of us newly diagnosed or with experience of heart problems (stents, HA, angina etc) to present at A+E in the 12 months immediately after. It seems to be a case of getting used to our new normals, medication and so on. That said you have had a horrid year and the loss of your mum is very traumatic - Nathan writes so well. I imagine also you are trying to be strong for your family, in trying to protect and reassure we’re sometimes in danger of adding to our anxiety and distress. It’s OK to be sad and to have down days and to be worried - share that and say it, but also you have been doing really well and seeing improvement so grab hold of that and share that too and hopefully those days will eventually outnumber the bad ones.

Take care x

[Andyman]

Yes i think we all experience doubt and anxiety. After a year I asked for counselling and got a lovely lady who just let me talk for the 1 hour sessions. She said I had PTSD due to the HA and recommended I try Mindfulness. I have to say it has changed how I feel and would recommend both to all. Good luck. It does get better with time.

[jimmyq in reply to Andyman]

I find Shibashi very calming too. I do Mindfulness before I get up, sets me on an even keel for the day, and Shibashi once a week, at a class, but I am trying to work it into my day.

[CharlesL]

Hi Crafyhair

You have to give it time enjoy your life and you will forget about the HA

Take care

C

[Hometerry]

I can relate to, I had anxiety in the past but since my heart attack

its come back.It has eased a bit, I think its your body getting used

to the events, plus the outher events wont have helped either.

As a male you dont like to admit to stuff like that.Hopefully your

body will get used to your current situation. Its like its in shock with

the events in my view, unqualified.Hopefully things will come right

best wishes.