I have had double heart bi-pass in 93 - repaired 94
Since these operations i had no bad symptoms.
I had dilation of the ascending aorta in 2010.
Since this time i have suffered with anxiety. stress, sleeplessness, mood swings - to such a level that is effecting my work (i have been nearly sacked twice now) but my works seem not to be interested - just that i am not doing enough.
My GP has tried to help but not sure on what help there is out there.
I have all the symptoms of PTSD, and my GP seems to think that this is the case.
Has anyone else suffered with these symptoms?
If so what can i do?
Written by
carlosspicywiener
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"I have had double heart bi-pass in 93 - repaired 94
Since these operations i had no bad symptoms."
I'm afraid I don't have anything to add, just that as someone who's recently had a bypass it's wonderful to hear from someone who's had 25 healthy years following their bypass operation!
I fear that telling a 48 year old man to be grateful for 24 good years with nothing further to say smacks of someone who should actually say nothing at all. We are a support site and not a wind up one.
Not a wind up, just a genuine statement that I'm always grateful to hear from long term survivors of bypass operations. If the original poster is offended in any way I'd ask him to contact me directly so I can pass on my apologies directly.
First of all, stop worrying. It never solved anything. Look at it this way: you have survived!
Google your local NHS and council to see if any counselling is available or stress management courses. Go on the BHF website to see if there is a group in your area.
The notion of heart events causing PTSD seems to be taking more hold. It does fit. Traumatic, sudden life threatening events........then, when you think you’ve come through it all, and begun to relax, the same thing happens. It’s seems to have been a while since your last serious event in 2010, so if you haven’t improved, I would look for a good counsellor, as others have suggested.
Nothing is mentioned about the stress, is it home related or work related or fear about your health? Sleeplessness can have a severe impact on stress levels, mood swings and anxiety levels. When I had a ptsd diagnosis, the sleep issue was tackled first, through a bedtime ritual, so that I was prepared for sleep, a notebook to write down things if I woke in the night. Bedtime included a warm bath or shower, no screens of any kind, a warm drink (no caffeine) and a drop of lavender on the pillow. If I woke and could not get back to sleep instead of worrying about not sleeping I was to get out of bed for a short time (a green or orange nite light in spare room on all the time) and sit and concentrate on breathing techniques. Surprisingly this did work, though it took some time (weeks not months) to achieve. The breathing techniques helped with anxiety and the mood swings lessened as I started to recognise the onset of anxiety before it had taken hold. Also counselling and talking to others who have had issues can help. I think there is an online course that your Doctor can give access to and mind.org.uk. They are a confidential service that can give you lots of information and support. This might sound silly but joining a group, whether its a walking football team, a choir or a craft or cooking group really does take us away from the dark place. Hope this helps.
I know this may not sound like a viable suggestion right now but in the short term - have you thought about re evaluating your life and employment? Sounds like you have a stressful job and had this not been so, would you be feeling like you are today? If you have been employed for some time (over two years) you will have strong employment rights and if possible, should consult a union representative if you are concerned in that area since your employer has a duty of care and if ignored, can be deemed as neglect or even bullying. I have been in similar situations and was once advised that you can deal with a tedious work situation at work, so long as your home life is well or vice versa, but if both are tedious, you need help for humans can find that intolerable. That is just about it for employment but health wise, for your doctor to suggest that PTSD might be a good diagnosis is really not good enough. You must really press for referral to a specialist for health and your well being or if you can, change your doctor or if still in touch with cardiac specialist team, ask them for help. You are not alone in this but you do need constructive guidance that can begin to solve these complex issues. Good luck and try and remain positive - doors do open - all you need to do is make the decision to walk up to it and open the door!
Suggesting CBT and such is a good idea but unfortunately the waiting times are up to 12 months. Our health authority has a self referral system to "Minds Matters" who have specialists in dealing with heart problems and with chronic pain. The online course is quite good providing you don't mind a lack of personal contact. I've suffered anxiety and panic attacks for 30 years and the only thing I've found that has ever helped me has been hypnosis an being taught self hypnosis to tackle panic attacks before they build up. Your GP should be doing more and pointing you in the right direction for help. I've felt like you since my HA last year. The first few months I was fine. I don't think it had really sunk in but I am now struggling. See if you have a MInds matters team; it's quicker than CBT and insist your GP does something. As for work, it's discrimination and HR shoudl be able to help. Good luck
Hi, am sorry to hear that you have been struggling in that way...my husband also had a ha at age 48, and double bypass, after which he needed further surgery as they sent him him home too soon, with an infection in his wound. He has not been the same person since, similar symptoms to those you describe. I would also pressure your GP to refer you for counselling asap- if they have any resources in your area, you are likely to be offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the first instance (as it is quite time-limited but successful for some). EMDR is another type of therapy recommended for PTSD. In the event that none is forthcoming from the NHS, don't do what my husband did, which is to wait, and is still waiting for NHS funded counselling, 3 years on from his surgery/ops. If you can afford it, seek your own counsellor, and ensure that they are registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). (Have assumed that your employers do not provide access to an employees well being/counselling service?). Wishing you well, Carl.
Hi, also, forgot to mention...look on the BHF website for a heart support group nearest to you, where you will find others with similar issues but advice, tips and support to help you manage those. Yoga and meditation are also very helpful ways of retraining your thoughts and feelings, and therefore, your responses/reactions to situations you currently find stressful. Time to focus on yourself now and find healing for your past experiences. Take care, Marge.
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