One month after the stent - better

[DavidG1971]

The stent was very uncomfortable to start - now just the occasional twinge. But wanted to post for anyone feeling rubbish just before / after the procedure. I was terrible for a week - depressed, tired, emotional. But week by week I’ve improved - with the occasional step backwards. I’ve not exercised hard yet, just walking. But my insides aren’t the last thing I think of when I fall asleep and the first thing I think of when I wake up. Haven’t cried for weeks and Monday I’m flying to Orlando for work. Life is close to back to normal. Ideally I’d like to play football again - but I’m happy to be where I am right now.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

All seems good news. I have noticed that the emotional recovery seems longer post stenting/bypass following HA rather than treatment for angina or other issue. What drugs are you on? Bruising could be an issue if you are on say Warfarin - maybe major issue if you are referring to American football!

[DavidG1971 in reply to MichaelJH]

I’m on Clopidrol (think that’s how it’s spelt). Had a horrible blood splatter bruise on my hand from bowling last week. I won’t rush things - but its ‘soccer’ not American Football. Consultant said ‘no issue’ with me playing again. So I’m going to start with 7 a side and see if I can get one more game of 11 aside under my belt before I officially retire. I was worried about everything last month - decided to ignore that side of my brain now.

[DavidG1971 in reply to DavidG1971]

And reading your post - I’m not sure how much was emotional vs feeling emotional because I was so tired. I’ve spotted that before when I’m travelling long haul.....tired = emotional. Once the physical side felt better a week or so back, my mental side caught up.

[Jaycey in reply to DavidG1971]

Are you at all worried about long haul travel at this point? I have a trip scheduled - the first since my stents. And I am worried as it really wipes me out. Just thinking about it has me anxious.

[DavidG1971 in reply to Jaycey]

I’m not today - I’ll be in a panic Monday. Consultant said no issue, so will trust him. Will be hard being on my own in a hotel for 9 nights away from family. Been so long since i didn’t have people looking over me.

[jimmyq]

If you are not ready for running about there is Walking Football.

[DavidG1971 in reply to jimmyq]

I’ll never be ready for walking football!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to DavidG1971]

Mobility scooter polo perhaps?

[Anahatta]

Well done, and good luck luck with the business trip. I flew twenty days after angioplasty. I am curious about how you can feel the stent?

[DavidG1971 in reply to Anahatta]

Hard to describe - a discomfort in the left side of chest. Like something is poking into it from inside.

[DavidG1971 in reply to DavidG1971]

Noticeable if I sneeze or stretch.

[DavidG1971 in reply to Anahatta]

Thank you. Confidence is waning now. Son went back to uni this pm - thought of saying goodbye to everyone else is now a bit overwhelming. Needs to be done, but realise how dependent I’ve become on other people.

[Anahatta in reply to DavidG1971]

Ah, that's tough, you'll miss him. It's all rather overwhelming, especially when you've been fit and looked after yourself, son will be worried about you. With my daughter it motivated me to try to speak very positively to her and it seemed to affect my mood for the better by doing so. She flew out to Malta to be there for me 😮

[DavidG1971 in reply to Anahatta]

I think my son is hurting a little - we’ve been very close since day 1. He came back in the middle of the night pre xmas when I’d had a tough day- fortunately he also seems very strong. I find it very hard to tell my kids my worries - especially him. My daughter is 16 and is becoming increasingly detached. Could just be an age thing, but it’s very hard not getting a meaningful hug from her at the moment.