Cardiac support ? Don’t think so not when you leave that hospital car park behind you .

[dreams020280]

New to this site my husband had Cardiac Arrest over a year ago arrested 3/4 times . Out in a rural village in the countryside while at work on his own ( miracle ) Flown To Hospital by air ambulance arrested in that on route then Was on life support then CCU then cardiac ward this period seemed like we’d been to hell and back for me and my sons ICU could not fault them but once you leave the hospital car park I felt totally alone Have found getting support for this condition / Experience , emotionally for myself as the carer has been very hard as there’s plenty for Stroke victims , Heart attack patients for which he was the previous year but CARDIAC ARREST no there’s no way of preparing you for this one maybe it’s because people didn’t usually survive this although there are remarkably a lot more survivors than I thought there was maybe it’s time a support group was available nationwide and the problem is maybe the hospitals aren’t geared up for supporting the next of kin for this unfortunate Life changing condition for the patient and their families . UNLESS YOU KNOW OTHERWISE OUT THERE . One day at a time that’s my philosophy .

[Deanosbeano]

I have to agree that after I left CITU following my triple bypass the level of support and quality of care dropped like a lead balloon , it wasn't the individual but simply the structure wasn't there .

It was a massive shock from minute by minute care for the first twenty four hours to on demand to reactive to actually paying for my cardio rehab at the local sports center .

I'm all for independent living and getting on with it yourself but I was self employed and even the application for PIP whilst I recovered was " lost in the post " twice and still haven't had a reply .

I had to start some work at 4 weeks when I was allowed to drive to pay the bills , couldn't do a lot obviously being a gardener but thankfully have two lads I could chauffeur to the sites and supervise .

Thankfully I managed but there was some dark days and more stress than I needed at times and I didn't think it was necessary but we mustn't complain apparently :). Hope all goes well for you and yours.

[sturon]

Hi.

I know that feeling all too well.

My partner had an out of hospital cardiac arrest in December 2017. Fortunately, I was with him and am a trained nurse. After CPR, a rapid responder and ITU followed by 3 weeks in cardiac care and surgery to implant a defibrillator. He was discharged. No follow up with the cardiologist just a weekly download from his devise over the internet. We have a fantastic GP who has seen him over the 17 months weekly at first then monthly. The hospital has a support group for patients with implants so that is helpful twice a year. Like you I was more than apprehensive at first watching him every minute and even had a baby alarm if he went to bed to rest in the day.

Time has passed and we are slowly returning to normal living. So as time passes you will start to feel more confident.

There is a national support group for sudden cardiac arrest survivors and for cares which you may find of some help:

suddencardiacarrestuk.org/

Good luck and keep in touch if you need any support.

Regards Ron.

[jim_]

Hi there, I was in pretty much the same position after my SCA and release from hospital- a bag of tablets and get out. Fortunately my gp is very good so that was a massive help. I don’t have a link but for info and contact with others try

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors uk

They are on Facebook and have a lot of information and support if you need it. Best wishes to you both.

[Qualipop]

Only a heart attack for me but I have felt exactly the same. The "plumbers" fix you up in hospital but the second you leave, you are on your own. Feel a nuisance phoning the GP often, one visit to a rehab nurse, no rehab, no information zilch, nothing. Husband too has just had 3 months of tests for something that showed up on a pre op ECG but still doesn't know what they are looking for. NO one helps or explains anything. Abive all, mental support is desperately needed.

[Harbourside]

I had a cardiac arrest in January whilst at home. (Luckily for me, paramedics had just arrived and after a couple of attempts, stabilised me enough to get me to the hospital). Excellent care from ambulance service and hospital but when you leave hospital, you're left without advice/support for weeks on end. GP has been sadly lacking. I attended a general heart info presentation (held after 4 months) and am now doing cardio fitness rehab sessions. However, there doesn't appear to be any support for those who have suffered - or those who have had loved ones suffer (or have witnessed) - cardiac arrest.