I am an Engineer and when something is broken you fix it, put a new part in and away you go for another few years. 4 months ago after my heart attack and stents fitted, I have learned the body is different, a lot different. In the past I have had sports injuries, the usual illnesses, and once got betten by a scorpion, but they all got better and life went on. With heart failure it doesn't work that way, the axiety, fear, depression and even anger all come into the algorith.
I haven't been a religious person since i was a kid and I am now 67, but 10 years I married a Buddhist gal and this being a phylosphy absent of a superior being, it has always interested me.
Now I am in the doodoos I am looking at it more seriously, hoping it can help me straighten my head out which from day to day is all over the shop. Watched a few things on Youtube, with people like Richard Gere and wondered if anyone else had headed down that route, or was thinking of doing so.
Some of it does work, my wife often gets me to sleep with Buddhist chants, when I have scrambled eggs between my ears and the pill ain't working. Plus she is a calm person anyway, after looking at my face she can go away, wipe away her tears and come back and help me. Haven't worked out the meditation side of it yet, but apparently that helps.
I am perticularly vulnerable as I don't live in the Uk and get zero support where I am.
Written by
Khonkaen
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Hello and welcome to the forum! I started as an engineer (National Certificate) and then switched to Physics (BSc). I have noticed that those that suffer a sudden heart attack are more prone to depression and anxiety afterwards. Having lost my father, his brother and their father to heart attacks I expected problems and over two years ago developed angina. I was told I would probably be depressed after bypass surgery - I wasn't as I was happy to wake up, and then find myself free from angina and breathlessness. As a scientist I did research the issue (is cardiolgy a hobby) and reached some conclusions. The only thing I recommend besides lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medication is 1000mg SR Vitamin C to reduce irritation often a precursor to plaque formation. Vitamin C was given to old time sailors to prevent scurvy (hence the name "limeys").
When I was working as a specialist nurse ( the ones who listen, talk and dont "do" anything just know someone who can!!) as soon as someone confessed to being an engineer or in the forces, I knew I had my hands full.!! There should be a means to fix things and with the aid of graph paper I should be able to plot progress.
I am a firm believer in meditation, although I need the guided variety. Always used Headspace app but am using now using the free version of " meditation and relaxation " from playstore its a white square icon with a fuzzy blue circle. She has a gentle US accent.
How amazing to live with a Buddhist. I too have a nebulous faith as I can't believe so many are misled but still can't embrace a specific belief. I work on the principle that God or the Universe will understand. Trust yourself and your partner.
I admire your wife greatly and believe that there was a reason that you both came together. I am a spiritual person and it helped me enormously when I went through my unexpected open heart surgery and recovery process. Sometimes we have to trust in a higher invisible force and let go of our control which is a hard thing to do especially if your mechanically minded 😉 Louise Hay has a marvellous tape on You Tube regarding self healing which I found excellent when used alongside traditional medicine. That way you have both mind and body covered. Acceptance is the key.
I know that Tai Chi/Chi Gung practise helps me get into a meditative state and really helps calm my ectopics and other heart silliness (was never able to do anything with PAF attacks though!!) I feel it does help holistically with mind and body so is probably a good thing. It apparently also works to some degree like acupuncture encouraging healing and energy flow. I know that many Buddhist's also practise tai chi/chi gung as part of their religion/philosophy - does your wife? If not it may be worth a try (less likely to get tied in knots than following yoga). Best to join a class if you can but if not their are very good books about it and DVD's to follow - great for calming your mind and giving very gentle exercise.
You could give Shibashi a try. It is a cut down version of Tai Chi, to give you a taste of it. You don't have to go out, it's very gentle and easy to learn. It takes about 20 minutes. Just follow the video: youtube.com/watch?v=aAwbJ9M...
"Trust Me I'm A Doctor" on TV in the UK found that it gave a good workout without strain or pain. My tutor says it can be done every day.
My wife knows this Tai Chi used to do it as a child.
We are going back to the UK next week and would like to talk to someone about my condition, I am registered with a doctor but it is Somerset the last place I lived and I am heading to Norfolk where I have friends. It would be nice to hoin a heart club if only for a couple of weeks.
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