I had a heart attack 11 days ago and was back home 3 days later. Fortunately no stent etc required. I live alone and it is very hard to understand what you can or should not do.
I did get a call from the BHF lady I met in hospital after a few days but that's it. I'll see my gp after 2 weeks and then get involved in the rehab programme after 4 weeks, but virtually no support in the un- nerving first week or so, when nothing is known or clear.
Hello Pilgrim and welcome to the forum. I am sure you will find useful information by browsing the posts on here and by using the 'search field at the top right hand corner of screen'. I am attaching a link to some BHF info on what you should be doing after a heart attack bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
I wouldn't feel under pressure to try and exercise you can leave this until you start rehab. In the meantime I would suggest keeping active by walking but when you walk start off slowly so that your heart rate increases gradually. Build up the distance you walk steadily and a few hundred metres before you arrive home slow right down to allow your heart rate to gradually come back to normal - these 2 steps are very important. Day to day it's tricky when you live alone but be careful not to lift heavy items for about a month. Be careful even making a bed not to lift mattress. Rest when you need to. If you feel tired and can do so have a short nap. Try and relax each day - search relaxation on YouTube if you find it difficult as there is a lot of free relaxation listening. I am sure you will be fine and your confidence and ability to get back to your normal routine will happen. Rehab is good for most people so keep chasing this up if after a couple weeks you have heard nothing. Any specific concerns you can speak with a Specialist BHF nurse by calling 0300 330 3311 If any of the symptoms that preceeded your HA happen get immediate help don't worry about bothering Dr's or visiting A&E it's what they are there for. Hope this helps a little
Thanks for the information. I'm already doing a steady 20 minutes plus walk a day without getting breathless. My instinct is to continue to build a little more every day but advice seems to be suggesting I shouldn't for now.
Rehab is just around the corner yes a little walk is good most important is to say how you feel don’t say okay if you aren’t you will go from strengh to stench but try and be open if you are sad feel bad tell someone anyone
My nurse told me walk for 10 minutes every day. No more until I went to rehab. Take it easy and don’t worry. People on this site are very friendly and helpful.
I have rheumatoid arthritis 13thyear and other things connected to it have to wait for scan results as had been on antibiotics and steroids for 6 weeksfor chest infection.5days in hospital 4th April discharged but have heard nothing yet.Like you I stay on my own can't say I feel much better just have to wait and see.🤗🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏 For allxx
Frustration of the wait is unhealthy and unsettling. Just receiving one update, even if not a solution, can make such a difference.
It's the small things that's good to be able to get answers to and reduce worry. Things like how quickly angioplasty wounds heal, can I take Ibruprofen with my meds, blurry tv in first couple of days, what's my cholesterol level, what should my heart rate/BP be.
All different for each as individuals but some sort of online FAQ would be valuable
The angioplasty ‘wounds’ heal quite quickly, with the bruising which in my case was severe on my arm taking weeks to vanish but 6 months later I have only a tiny mark on my wrist. I think Arnica cream helps the bruising and is safe. Ibuprofen is tricky and depends on your medications which by the way take time to settle down and might need adjustments. The BHF nurse can advise re the Ibuprofen and d if you develop other symptoms (tiredness etc. ) talk to your cardiologist. Above all as others have said take it slowly and carefully. 😉
I think it is fair to say that once you have entered into the "system" for heart matters within the NHS, they rarely let you go until everything has been done for you. It can be long winded but rest assured you are being looked after and with the help of your GP, everything will be done for you that can be done. All that said (and the suitable information you have been given here) there is one matter that has not been covered yet and that is "stress" which can come in many guises such as worry for future, money, prospects, ongoing health etc. It is easy to say however stress can do more damage that any other one contributer. Try and remain positive ie as a generalisation, after a heart attack people usually come our fitter and healthier than before the event and at least you survived the attack, many do not. As you are on your own it can be difficult but try and not to isolate yourself and try to discuss fears with friends etc. As you progress you may wish to join a walking club or ramblers association which will be good for health and for interaction with others. Even here, there are many good people who only want to help, so keep in touch. Watchword stay positive and look forward to a long and fruitful life. Doors do not open on their own, you have to walk up to them and physically open them. Good luck
I know exactly how you feel as I had a very similar experience and little or no input from anywhere - until cardiac rehab class which was a lengthy drive away in this rural area. It’s hard to make sense of it all isn’t it? I wanted someone to explain exactly what had happened to me and how trying different activities would affect me. I also found it quite hard to get used to the meds as they slowed me down and made me breathless until the doc reviewed and changed them.
Found this guide quite useful and passed it on to my 40yr old nephew who had a heart attack in February
chss.org.uk/documents/2014/...
heart-attack-guide-recovery.pdf
Hope the link works and it helps.
Hi. Thanks for that link, it was a really useful read.
Good! It sort of gives you a framework until you get the “expert help” I hope you soon feel more confident. Keep us posted please.
Thanks.
Hello Pilgrim, take your time to recover and keep gently active until you go to rehab. Have a nap when you are tired.
Always ask if you are unsure and if you ‘don’t feel right’ phone your doctor or the hospital you were in - they would rather check you out to make sure you are ok.
Best wishes
Think about joining a choir, it uplifts the spirit, as long as you don't go uplifting the spirits afterwards, Join a political party (any one will do) and mix in, help out in your local food bank. Try and be as active as much as you can?
I think I would be tempted to pop in and see your local MP. I think you still have the right to be treated by a different health authority if yours can't manage.
Thanks everyone for the support and comments. I think I need to slow down a bit for now and be patient.
That ws exactly my experience after a HA and stents. I was told nothing at all, given no advice except not to drive for 3 weeks and discharged to my GP. I then had 6 months of hell with side effects of various tablets and no rehab. They just told me they didn't do rehab for anyone in a wheelchair. I couldn't even understand the discharge letter. You would need a medical degree to make sense of it. Thank goodness for the BHF nurses' phone line. I felt great for the first 3 weeks then the side effect s kicked in and I'm only just now, 8 omonths later, starting to feel remotely normal. It was the complete lack of advice or explanations that hit me so hard. All it would take is a 5 minute talk with the cardiologist before discharge.
Not knowing stuff is always a source of anxiety. Often 'trivial' questions are important to the patient.
I think you need a few days at home to get your head around your situation then a home visit would be best but I appreciate resources are limited.
Glad to hear you are making progress.
I felt exactly the same after my heart attack (and stent) in January. I left hospital after a few days and then...nothing! After about 6 weeks(?), a Cardiac Nurse contacted me. She was able to talk through the procedure I'd had and got the ball rolling with regards to the treadmill test and subsequent cardio rehab fitness sessions. I agree that those first weeks at home were confusing and worrying. (I was fortunate that I had family to help). I've now done 4 cardiac sessions and am starting to feel the benefit. I've met some lovely people through these sessions; they're definitely worthwhile.
Perhaps I'm fortunate to be in a good area. I've a rehab assessment session booked for 29th ( month after HA) and start weekly sessions 1sr week of June. I hope I get good things out of the sessions as you have. Thanks
Hi. It's a scary time for the first few weeks. I'm now 3 weeks post HA. Every ache, twinge and pain brings it all back. I'd recommend being proactive with the cardio rehab. Get in touch and attend any talks they have. You'll meet people who you can talk to as well. Above all else, don't push yourself. Take it easy and relax as much as you can. Good luck and don't worry.
Thanks. Looking forward to rehab starting in a couple of weeks. I think I'll have a much better understanding of where I am then.
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