Newby

[Mcgume]

Hi everyone, this is my first post but I have been reading so many helpful and informative ones from everyone and thought I should at least commit to one! I am 2 weeks post stent tomorrow and adjusting very reluctantly to what seems like a new way to live. Not sure about so many things but I guess it takes time and all I can do is try to make things work for me. I am certain though that life is only worth living if there is happiness and laughter and I willing to sacrifice a lot of things and vices but not if I am miserable. ONLY my partner and best friend know about my HA and I haven't told my children or wider family because I really don't want them to be overly worried...there is no point in everyone feeling stressed every time I move!!..my eldest daughter is studying to be a doctor and my 2 others are in the throws of GCSE life so it's not fair to burden them..not sure if that's right but it makes ME feel better and that's what is important ..right??

[Nathan53]

Hello Mcgume and a warm welcome here. Two weeks is a very short time so you are definitely at the start of your recovery. I guess you have been given lots of booklets and information upon your discharge from hospital? so I won't bore you with do's and don't. From my own experience I can recommend rehab which got me started on regular exercise which 1 year post stents I have continued with. I 100% agree with you that life should be filled with happiness and love for as much of the time as is possible. I have made lots of adaptations to my life style in the way of diet, exercise and making time for myself. Having said that I love food and for me nothing is banned I have just genuinely developed a healthier palate. I have always been a private sort of person and in the past I have sometimes viewed illness as a weakness - interestingly not in others but myself and I know that may sound odd. All of my friends family and neighbours soon found out I had a heart attack and for me it as more liberating than I imagined. Most people expressed shock but they were largely amazingly supportive and encouraging. We all deal with things differently but perhaps in not telling your dearest you are denying them the opportunity to support you sometimes. Also it may be useful for there own health as they may consider health screening either now or in the future. But you are right you have to do what's right for you I offer my comments as another perspective. Wishing you well in your journey as a new 'heartie'

[bantam12]

I haven't told my adult daughters I may have heart problems, I'm having a 2 week monitor fitted just before Easter so I'm wondering how I can disguise it as they will all be here and I don't want them to know !

They have had so much stress and anguish over my husbands long term untreatable heart issues I'm trying avoid further worry 😕

I wish you well and take it easy as you recover.

[Mcgume in reply to bantam12]

I guess there is no right or wrong..damned if you do etc..to be honest if my two younger ones were older I think I would let them all know but there is no way you are going to be able to hide that blinking beeping monitor!!

[bantam12 in reply to Mcgume]

It's a different type of monitor, sticks on the chest with just one lead and no box to carry around, so I'm hoping it won't be obvious, although it comes with a cable necklace thingy, I'm thinking a shopping spree for high neck tops 😁

I've never had one that beeps, that would be so annoying especially for 2 weeks !

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Mcgume,

I am sorry to hear about your heart attack.

It is a very personal decision about how or whether you tell your children and other people about your heart attack.

When I had my first cardiac event I was rushed to hospital by ambulance with a suspected heart attack.

My children at the time were 11, 15 and 17 years old they saw everything one I remember rang for the ambulance.

I have been in hospital many times since. My youngest found visiting me in hospital really difficult once as 3 patients died whilst I was in. I felt so guilty to expose them to this at such a young age. I could no longer be the mother I wanted to be.

My children have sat GSCE's , A levels and degrees and somehow coped with it all.

I am open and honest with them. They are an amazing source of support to me and my husband too.

There have been tears of anxiety and frustration but I have been so proud of how they have coped and grown into wonderful caring and compassionate human beings.

There is plenty of laughter and joy accompanied by a gallows humour too.

It takes sometime to come to terms with what has happened however it is okay to take sometime to reflect on the events heal yourself and then maybe begin to find your way of learning to live a different way.

There is no right or wrong way just what works for you.

I found talking about how I felt with a Cardiac Psychologist helpful.

Perhaps ask Cardiac Rehab nurses about how you feel too.

I hope you find the way easy on your ongoing journey.