Feeling Nervous

[RiveraC]

Hi good day to everyone. I would just like to seek opinions regarding the after stent procedure. My husband had stent procedure last January 12, 2019 and according to him he sometimes feel nervous. He cant figure out what causes him to feel that. He's now really strict with the food he eats and doesn't make himself engage in strenuous activities. Is it normal for him to feel nervous or is it because he's body is still adjusting? Thank you for those who will reply to my message.

[Hidden]

I think anyone who has a stent or open heart surgery is bound to feel a little self conscious about their mortality and how lucky they have been to have had a medical cure! As for worry, it is again quite normal to have fears which I would have thought would eventually pass as one began to have faith in the medical staff that have looked after him. One of the causes of arterial heart disease is high cholesterol amongst others and perhaps your husband having been given some stern advice on his diet, has decided to make changes. Personally, I think it might be good for you to voice your concerns with him and whether -TOGETHER - you could change things to suit his needs since he is trying to make some changes to his life style although he should not be cutting down on exercise but actually increasing it through meaningful exercise that will have the desired effect on his heart and his well being. It is normal I believe to offer patients rehabilitation at hospital where they are given "safe" exercises once or twice a week for about six weeks. If this did not happen ask the cardiac unit if they do it and whether your husband could take part although 15 months might be too long - but please check to make sure. Hope this helps and kind regards TT

[Pitt12345]

My husband had heart attack and stents fitted after being blue lighted inJanuary He returned four weeks later for more stents. He too was anxious about pushing himself but he started cardio rehab last week and already has more confidence. Did three mile walk on his own yesterday. It is still early days for your husband as you said it was only January 2019 - and I am sure he will benefit from rehab. Might be worth chasing it up.

[hutch123]

I would say what your husband is experiencing is totally normal. It is a life changing event as it makes you realise you are not immortal and you have had a close call. I had a lot of what if thoughts. I was incredibly nervous at first, was obsessively strict with food and wanted my family near me and was worried about going out on my own, in case I had a heart attack (I have 7 stents, age 51, no previous health issues). Cardiologist put it in perspective telling me 6 months earlier I had been a ticking time bomb, I was now fixed, go and get on with life and enjoy it.

The worst time was in the early weeks. I went to a large shopping centre on my own, walking around felt like my heart was racing and I felt like I was hot and sweating ended up calling hubby to come and get me (I think it was panic attack). After this my son bought me a watch that I can check my heart rate on and I have found this reassuring.

Nearly a year since my first lot of stents and I don't think about it often now and am carrying on normal life and my obsessive diet has become a sensible diet.

Very early days for your husband and time is a great healer.