Support services/counselling

[Concerto]

HI I'm just wondering what support/counselling people with heart disease have been offered when having to make difficult decisions regarding treatment and prognosis. My experience is that there was none. I was wondering what others have found.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I’m sure your local counselling services (through your GP) would help. Also the liaison nurse doing Coronary Rehab here is very helpful for guiding you to the right services.

He also spent time with me mulling over a difficult treatment decision.

Of course this forum is a support group, and I’ve found the BHF on line nurses here very helpful, also in answering technical questions. They’re v up-to-date and nice to deal with.

[jimmyq]

The BHF have groups all over the country. Unfortunately, the 2 near me both shut down.

[Qualipop]

Cardiac Rehab - some slight help; MInds Matters self referral for general worry; BHF nurses for more detailed medication and treatment advice; your own GP. Our cardiac team give sno advice at all and is almost impossible to get an appointment

[Upknitcreek]

My partner’s experience is that there was virtually no counselling/support offered through NHS when he initially had his cardiac event 6 years ago and there is even less now (following a further recent event). He eventually found some basic counselling through a work-related charity but it was very generalised and not particularly useful as the counsellor seemed to find it hard to understand exactly what my partner has been through. We talk a lot together about what has happened, which I think helps him. Sorry not to be more helpful

[daisy2311]

The NHS has a service in my area and others called Wellbeing. You can refer yourself online, so much easier can trying to jump through hurdles at the doctors.