Hello everybody . I’m a 48 year old man with a very demanding job as a commercial director for a software company . I’ve had 4 heart attacks and still suffer severe unstable angina attacks . I’m also feeling very poorly most of the time but still work 60-70 hrs a week . I came of all my medication because it slowed me down . I’ve looked into possibly retiring through ill health but it doesn’t look like I can meet the criteria. I have pension pots But it says your not entitled to it unless a doctor says you have less than 12 months to live . Well with a serious Conary heart disease how do you predict when your getting a fatal heart attack?? Anybody else faces a similar problem. Stress of my job means I still have to keep working to put it frankly till the next one kills me !!
Working with severe heart problems - British Heart Fou...
Working with severe heart problems
Seriously! You need to slow down. It helps nobody - your company included - if you stop work abruptly through a sudden and serious deterioration in your health (Death?). Reduce your hours by half and delegate. You must reduce your stress and take your medication otherwise You will probably not make it to 55 when you can access your pension funds.
Thank you Ian sadly it’s all or nothing as always in life but thanks anyway . As with most posts on here every drug has some horrible side effect for me all of them made me ill enough for me to decide not to take them anymore . I have been told another heart is inevitable so rather have quality over quantity anytime mate .
For me, work stress led to heart failure. I should have seen it coming but I was too engrossed in my career to realise - I’m not medically trained and thought I could deal with the stress. I was wrong. I was signed-off work for a year and after a three month phased return to work was off again to get a pacemaker fitted. Two months on, I have my health back and have seen the light - I’m retiring in a month.
Hmm, have you thought about freezing your pensions, downsizing and changing your lifestyle altogether? It;s difficult because everyone is geared to succeed and not change direction when they are on top but no pockets in a shroud..... if you aren;t taking meds you are likely to get the next attack even sooner....... sorry to be blunt but you;ve had your wake up call and it is time to really consider your options. Good luck as it is not easy
Tony, it's your life so you live it your way. However, this is what I'd do (incidentally, before I took early retirement I was three steps removed from Rupert Murdoch, so I know all about intense careers).
I'd go back on your medication immediately, then I'd write down (and implement) a lifestyle plan featuring healthy eating, 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, weight loss, quitting smoking, etc etc.
Next I'd get an employment lawyer's advice.
In the meantime, while waiting for the lawyer's advice, I'd go to the gym every morning and get into work at whatever time the gym allowed, take time for a healthy lunch followed by a phone switched off meditation session. If a meeting became stormy I'd walk out. If your meds made you drowsy then I'd go home early.
It would soon become abundantly clear to all concerned that a negotiated solution (more assistance, fewer responsibilities, shorter hours, a generous redundancy package, etc) is in everyone's best interests.
The alternative to this doesn't really bear thinking about.
Thanks guys . I’ve fallen into the trap ! I had my first heart attacks at 33 . Major one 90 percent blockages in all 3 arteries. 10 years of clean living then 3 in the space of 2 years aged 42- 44 . I’ve got to the point if acceptance that the next one will probably kill me so I made a life decision to carry on the pace without the pills and hope a miracle will happen lol 😂
I don’t want to be rude tonyhall2015 but it sounds to me like you’re giving up and you want us to justify it for you. You’ve had some good advice here. Why not rise to the challenge of life with meds. We’re all having to do it. I don’t want my family worrying about me so I’m doing as I’m told for once. We’re all here to support you.
Aww thank you and no I don’t at all think your being rude . I’m just in denial after 13 years . I chose to deal with this condition by pretending it’s not real . Like a nightmare I’ve woken up from and dust down and carry on as normal . Yes I know you probably think I’m a complete idiot , and rightly so .
Hello Tony
I can relate here.. same age, same job just returned to work and had angina attack in meeting so went home.. but my head is wondering what to do.
No fancy pension or payout hidden anywhere for me.
Me neither mate
Well I hope it all goes well mate . God bless yer pal
Similar situation 40 years self employed knocking my pan in every day then 10 Nov 2018 massive heart attack followed by cardiac arrest that my son gave cprr to until paramedics arrived!Now enjoying life even though I am waiting for a triple bypass there is more to life than work and money believe me!
I pray you got well. I have different case with you mine is mitral valve problem .
I don’t think you’re an idiot tonyhall2015. Or you Mattuk I just think you need to take time out to think 💭 🤔 You can’t take it with you. I know that people in their 50s and 50s are under a lot of financial and work pressures. I’ve been there. But losing dad at 49 because of a heart attack and mum at 63 because of asbestosis makes you think. I looked after her. She was so proud I’d “made it” with a very well paid job, married with 2 kids and a mortgage. When she died I decided to downsize on my job (I didn’t want to work round the clock anymore even though I loved it). I got quality time with my kids who had grown up without my noticing. I don’t have money any more or a mortgage and don’t miss them. I don’t have a fancy pension but I’m here alive and kicking. Take care both of you.
I don't understand stopping your meds. Do you want to live? The meds are prescribed to help your heart.
Where I live if you were looking for MD back up for any early retirement or assistance you would be deemed non compliant. No one would help with anything if you aren't following md orders.
What does your md tell you about not taking your meds?
When I was initially diagnosed with PAD (peripheral arterial disease) the vascular surgeon would not see patients not on statins or a similar medication. This was 2010 but uncertain if this rule is still applied?
What meds are you supposed to be on?
For PAD basically a statin to try and avoid further narrowing of the main arteries in the leg. After bypass on increased statin dose, lisinopril (was started before), beta blocker, aspirin (again started before) and a PPI to protect my stomach. Various anti-anginals before. Insulin has been a lifelong chore!
So at this point in time you should be on a statin betabocker and aspirin? Just wanted to see if I'm reading correctly.
I wish you would slow down like others have said. Just going to a 40 work week would still be full time and give you some down time. Those long days won't help you in many ways. It's not worth it. You have to have time to decompress.
Hi Tony! Lots of good advice so I will not elaborate further on it. I have though posted before about two people who are both over forty years post heart attack and bypass respectively. They are both doing well considering they are in their nineties. Go back onto your medication and have a think what you really want/need out of life. Your decision at the end of the day!
As many people have said it's your life, but if you have heard what the medics have said, read any of the BHF literature and done the rehab programme (did you, I wonder??) you would know what the risks are. After 4 heart attacks the signs can't be clearer!
If you are that unwell all the time can't you take sick leave? I would have thought that your GP and Consultant would back you up if you explain that your work pressures are that great. The advice is generally to change your life style especially if your health is that bad. It may mean a change in economic circumstances but you get to know what's important in life. I took early retirement and worked part-time until retirement.
Thank you . Appreciated advice . However I’m also a father of 3 kids who still need financial support as well as the time and love I can give them . So no choice keep fighting for me .. that’s all that’s important to me . Not my health.
Hi Tonyhall2015.
Your health is perhaps your wealth?
I have 3 children too. They asked me to stop working. Teenagers can be blunt.
My children had witnessed too many ambulance calls, visits to hospital where they saw my fellow patients dying on the open ward.
I have been in hospital 12 times during the last 7 years from 5 to 16 days in length. During all of this they have sat GCSE's, A levels, and degrees.
My youngest son once didn't want to go away on a school trip because he was so worried about me.
I have let go of my career, independence, health and ability to be the mother I want to be.
However I have gained a different view of life the importance of being with those you love and love you the most for as long as possible.
Perhaps reconsider taking your medication again?
Talk to your Cardiologist or GP to see if alternative medication can be used if you have too many side effects.
My advice: If you’ve got kids try & be there for as long as possible, I have kids & a heart condition & lost my Dad to a sudden cardiovascular incident. I would give up any money he left for more time with him. Take the meds, if you don’t get on with them then go to a cardiologist & get different ones, if they don’t give you different ones then go see a cardiologist in France or Germany. Take up mindfulness, read, relax, go to the gym. Do whatever you can to reduce burdens, like hiring a cleaner. I wish you the best
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