Life on hold..

[Phoenix35]

Happy New Year. Thanks for your advice to keep me calm over the festive period. As a New Year begins I feel at 35 that my life is over or most certainly on hold. I have Royal Brompton referral on Friday for Consultant and ECG having been referred from Watford General ongoing since Feb 2018. I have a sub aortic membrane diagnosed as Congenital. Came about coincidentally due to anxiety and palpitations which seem under control with Bisoprolol. Future seems bleak and uncertain. Can't face surgery and not sure if that will be the treatment. Viscious cycle as a big part of my anxiety is health related. Not sure why I posted but had to get this out. Scared of everything right now and not living life to the full.

[Williams72]

First of all Happy new year! I am 46 and have dilated cardiomyopathy, also a mutation in one of my genes, which means they have told me in need a ICD this month, which I obviously don't want but know I need. I know how you feel with regards to anxiety . I get so stressed with not having energy to feel normal.

But after hearing that my 49 year old cousin was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has been in ITU all through Xmas and getting weaker by the day , leaving two kids, I suddenly realise how lucky I am and to make the most of every day , whatever our challenges.

I hope this year will bring you all the health n happiness you deserve kind regards Yvette.

[Heartlady123 in reply to Williams72]

Hi Yvette.... I fully understand your worry 're having to have an operation.. .. however please let me say I too have cardiac myopathy and have felt so much better since having my ICD fitted. I don't feel the palpitations of irregular heart beats any more... in fact I feel more "normal" than I have done for a long time. The ICD also helps stop deteriorisation too ... so it's a win win. All the best 're your op and here's to you feeling better in 2019 and beyond. Karen

[Williams72 in reply to Heartlady123]

Hi Karen, thank you so much for replying to me. Yes I think it will take away a lot of anxiety once I've had the ICD, although the type I'm having is a S-ICD because of my age , although it won't help me everyday , just if I go into cardiac arrest. As my blood pressure is low they can't up my Ramapril or Bisolphrolol. So I'm still getting pains and chest tightness almost everyday. I did speak to my cardiologist , he said he doesn't think it's anything to worry about ? So have been left feeling very stressed. I'm going to mention it again when I have my op on the 30th. Thanking you , wishing you a great 2019.

[Hidden]

Stuff living life to the full - expectations that you should be posing on mountains and “living your best life” are so irritating. Reality means dealing with the present & what’s happening.

Have you considered asking your GP to refer you for counselling to manage your anxiety/stress? That seems like a good step towards taking care of yourself and your health whilst you wait for hospital appointments. Your mental health will be affecting your physical health and it is something it’s within your control to improve. Wishing you the best, me

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Hidden]

Hi Phoenix. Just wanted to underline the points made by The_Bear. Sorting out the heart plumbing is really important but the mental health aspect often gets overlooked. Your Doc/Cardiology Nurse will be able to steer you in the right direction. Personally I'm going to have a social media detox this month. Lots of evidence that this increases stress, poor mood etc. Hope you have a a much improved 2019.

[isobelhannah18]

My anxiety levels were sky after my heart attack 10 weeks ago and I think my almost continuous chest tightness was down to the anxiety. This forum helped to calm me down and I've self referred via Minds Matter for counselling or C.B.T. I think Minds Matter is a nationwide N.H.S. service so have a look. I've been recommended yoga as well so that might be worth looking into. Good luck.