Recent HA & diagnosis with CHD

[45sue]

I had a heart attack 1 week ago - medium damage, 2 stents, on the usual medication, still adjusting. I am otherwise fit & healthy & it does not feel 'me' at all. Because I feel more or less OK it is hard to believe I need to take it easy & am not yet sure what to do/not do . Am due to go to France on holiday in 2 weeks & even if I can find travel insurance ( thanks for advice already given here) my partner does not think we should go mainly because of the stress & strain of getting there- we are travelling independently. Cardiologist said OK to fly but what about carrying luggage, getting on & off trains etc? Not seeing rehab for another week. Any comments meanwhile?

[Lezzers]

You can book assistance with your airline company, you will find this on their website. Usually they will put your luggage and yourselves s on the luggage trollys you often see in the airports. However, they may ask for a fitness to fly certificate. They should also help you through security, boarding the plane etc. If you're traveling by train to the airport ask your train operator for assistant, they should help with luggage etc although there's usually a weight limit. Youur partner is understandably worried. If your cardiologist is OK with it, only you can decide if you're up to it, but definately listen to your body.

[Clerkenweller]

Lezzers has given sensible advice. All conditions are different. However this is very soon after the procedure and as you say your major organ has had ‘damage’ and has undergone significant intervention. I had a mild heart attack and 1 stent in November and only got back to the gym last week and I still have to go gently. Maybe I’m over cautious but I wouldn’t undertake a holiday so soon since there is always stress and your partner will be worried sick. Also don’t underestimate the effect on your body of the ‘usual’ drugs.

[Qualipop]

I would agree with delaying if you can. After my HA last year I felt on top of the world for 3 weeks although terribly shocked. Then the side effects of tablets started to kick in and the reality of what had happened and I felt terrible. I know I'd have been dreadfully worried being away or trying to travel. I doubt the reality has sunk in for you yet. I was told not to drive for 3 weeks after having stents fitted or to do anything strenuous until they had bedded in.

[mandm65]

I couldn’t agree more with above advice, its an individual thing and only you can decide what is best possible course of action for you. I know exactly what you meant when you say that you are fit and healthy and more or less ok, I went through similar journey two years ago. If you are looking for encouragement then do take a look at the link below, I am not promoting that you go out and push yourself, its just an indicator of what our bodies are capable of and its out choice how far we are prepared to push.

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

Whatever you do, I am sure it would be best for you. Take good care of yourself.

[Rbrealey]

Hi Sue. Not wishing to put a downer on your holiday plans but my advice would be to delay. I went on holiday 8 weeks after my HA and stent and although I was ok to go physically, I soon discovered I wasn’t ready mentally. I had a panic attack on the plane, felt trapped and just wanted to go home. My partner spent the week worried sick about me and really I was just going through the motions. As others have said the side effects of the drugs will kick in and it takes time to find the right mix for you. You may be perfectly fine but it’s very early days and maybe it would be advisable to get into a rehab routine and save the holiday until you are much stronger. It’s now been 6 months for me and I finally feel ready to be away from home without any worries.

Hope that helps you x