Feeling overwhelmed

[Redsea]

I am recovering from two heart attacks,11 days ago. I have had a stent fitted to my right coronary artery ( 3 days post attack) although badly bruised iam OK. But iam finding it difficult, physically, emotionally and mentally to get my head around what's happened, this is also affecting my husband as it was he who called the ambulance when I thought it was indigestion! All I can think about is it happening again and dying. Do these feelings resolve themselves. I realise it's still early days into my recovery but feel very scared about the future.

[Maisie2014]

Hi Redsea. Yep it’s a shock and pretty overwhelming. I had a similar event. Just know that these feelings are normal and you will feel more confident. It just takes time to cope with it all. Try not to worry. I’m just 14 weeks post heart attack and stent and have more good days than bad. This site helps.

[Rienij70]

Hi Redsea, yet is is a big scare and frightening. But as you gain your strength back, you will start feeling better and reevaluate your life. I have been there and am on the other side. Not a heart attack but with a stroke.

Sending hugs and love, wishing you well 💕🤗 Rienij

[Hidden]

Yes it gets a lot better, you’ve got to trust your mind and body to heal by itself with a little help from you, your just like a vulnerable sick kid at the minute but before you know it you will start to forget all about it and starting looking for enjoyment in the everyday really soon, trust me it gets better sooner than you think

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Yes perfectly normal. It is a terrifying experience that comes out of nowhere. You're in the early days and I felt the same at that point, afraid to go to sleep at night thinking I was going to die.

Hopefully there is cardio rehab available where you live, and they should be contacting you in the near future. When they do, grab the chance, as well as helping you recover physically, I found rehab helped me emotionally and mentally.

I know you think you can't get beyond the point you're at now, but before you know it you'll be looking forward to the future with confidence

[FernCottage]

Hi Redsea.

I also think these feelings are very normal. I am now 3 and half months post stenting following a heart attack that came out of the blue. I felt very overwhelmed to begin with and found myself in tears and anxious, but with time this is gradually going and I have more good days than bad. Cardio rehab is helping to restore my confidence and I have also accessed some counselling via cardiac rehab, although my GP also offered it, and this has really helped me manage the anxiety.

It is difficult for partners and I know my husband has found it really hard, but as I recover so is he.

Wishing you a speedy recovery - it will get better with time.

[Andyman]

Yes we all had this. Some get over it and others don't handle it so easily and then seek counselling as I did myself. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it

It really helped me come to terms. Try to remember that you lived and that's a great thing and needs to be celebrated and so is a positive. Take each day as it comes, try to be rational when you feel a twinge. It's easy at early stages to feel a victim and begin to enjoy the feeling of others giving sympathy but don't hide in this as it stops and you will feel alone then. So try to be positive and look to change the things that brought you to this position in your life. Good luck.

[Saffron63]

hi Redsea, good advice given so far, we can all relate. I’m 3 months post HA and 2 stents. Like yourself it was out of the blue, I had no risk factors. It’s shock you are dealing with initially and of course every twinge, pain we a hyper sensitive to. Counselling and meditation helped me tremendously. It’s early days for you, be kind to yourself, your not allone, we are all in this together, I found that thought a comfort. Post a concern whenever you need to, private message me if you like, if will always respond providing I can find it., 😆

[Clerkenweller]

It’s a scary time but we have all been through this. The key thing is you are getting better and will feel better than you have have been for some time. Now you need to concentrate on getting better. Go to cardiac rehab and review your lifestyle, food, exercise. There will be some bumps on the road. Your meds might need adjusting and you will be scared by every ache you get. It’s normal. If in doubt talk to your GP or ask the BHF nurses who are brilliant. And we are all here.

[MattUK]

Hey hey, I've not posted so much as I'm still fairly new.. I'm just over a month out from having 2 stents fitted to left and right sides of my heart, I'm 48 and this happened out of the blue for me as well.

I'm not back at work yet, although due to start going back in a week or so, I think i am looking forward to doing something as this time at home really isnt doing me that much good.

I guess this is a place to be open about how we feel, so well done for posting. Personally, I seem to be going up and down like a rollercoaster. One minute, I am perfectly fine, no worries in the world.. next I have a pain and am convinced that it will only be a few more weeks and ill die.. my partner is constantly worried that im having a stroke or something else as well.

My biggest challenge at the moment, is my mood.. I can be really geared up to do something, and the something small will happen and my head just tells me there is no point doing anything now as ill be dead soon anyway, and ill end up doing nothing instead as im either worried ill over do it, or im frustrated by things i should be able to to do..

Its certainly a mixed bag in your head.. and to read others experience the same months out is kind of reassuring that this is fairly normal.

All I can suggest is use these groups, joined the facebook groups and chat to people who have the same feelings so you dont worry too much

[Redsea in reply to MattUK]

That is exactly how I am feeling, I can relate to you 100% A massive Thank You to everyone who has replied to my post! Just to know my feelings are normal has helped, but iam still finding it hard at the moment.

[bruceDavid]

yes it takes time' it does get better as we become stronger.it is a traumatic event

[daveofpensby]

Hi Redses

Yes your feelings are normal basically your still in shock and you’ve lost your confidence I was the same after my heart attack 9 months ago. You’ll build up your confidence over time go to the cardio rehab if you can really helps I’m now at the gym 3 times a week and going swimming and I’m nearly 70

Good luck 1 day at a time you’ll get there

[dragonheart]

I had no how you feel but that feeling will pass I had 2 heart attacks one on admission to the heart unit and 1 a hour later ...I had a stent fitted a year ago my heart consultant said I'm now in a better place than the 1000 who are waiting to have theres I said why he said you made it I hold onto that and believe me a time will come when you feel safe in your own skin give yourself time

[Nuby]

I'm,sorry to hear of your ,ordeal,my brother David had the same thing,last year a stem or what you call it fitted to his artery,afterward,but he is strong as ever now,and still carries on,as his old self,so don't worry,as like him ,he gave thanks for his life and is carrying on as normal,even through stress.