Unexpected heart attack Sunday

[Flitchick]

Hi

I’m a 63 year old female who had a heart attack on Sunday, despite living a fairly healthy life and exercising regularly

Been discharged from hospital after an angioplasty and stent fitting and find myself at home with what feels like a million tablets. I did have high cholesterol before, but my doctor said my lifestyle didn’t indicate statins. Now of course, I’m beating myself up with a load of “If I’d only... “and “why didn’t I?” thoughts.

I’ve joined this forum to get real advice from people who’ve been thru similar. I know the one thing I have to work on is my stress levels. I have a 94 year old mother who has mild dementia, which has got worse these last few months and while I try to cope (mainly with alcohol) I’m sure that the stress caused by by interactions with her hasn’t helped.

I’m going to have a wander round the posts on here and hope that I can get a lot of useful advice.

[shopman]

Welcome to our world. Some have been here a long time others only a short while. For some, like me, the events happened years ago and for others like yourself it is a recent happening.

I would like to think we are all correct in thinking "what if" and if we all had hindsight then nothing would have happened. But it has and we have to get on with it. The beauty for me of this Forum is I can explain what happened to me all those years ago but I'm still here, and I'm still learning.

Whatever the question then usually someone here will have the answer and if not there is always the back up of being able to contact the BHF and/or other professionals in the cardi fraternity.

Never feel alone and just ask away, no one will judge you.

[Flitchick in reply to shopman]

Thanks for this. I feel better already. It’s good to be in a community of likeminded folk!

[Rose54]

Hi

I am only 2 years older than you but am main carer for my Mum who is 91 she has health conditions as well as been diagnosed with HF so understand stress you are under.

Its early days for you but it is time to put yourself first for a change as your health is important .

If you are able take advantage of the BHF rebilitatoin course its reassuring to know others are feeling the same as you .

I suffered a lot of health anxiety after my HA I was so conscious of any movement of my heart often imagining things .

However that's all behind me its taken 6 months to get here and sometimes I do have the odd day when I feel anxious .

Best advice I can give is stop the Alcohol it only causes more anxiety get help if you need it in this area

Get in a routine of taking your meds

Try something just for you Tia Chi ,Relaxation or a new hobby

Plenty of exercise but start slowly .

Hope this helps

[Flitchick in reply to Rose54]

Thanks.

I’m pleased you mentioned the anxiety. In hospital I was really cool but it hit me when I was discharged. I’m sure I will turn into a huge worrier for a while. Luckily my husbands very sensible and will keep me grounded. He’s already said he’ll join me in taking off a few pounds.

And I’ve already decided that I need tai chi AND a lot of relaxation apps. I’m quite looking forward to the rehab classes, tho I guess now it won’t be till after Xmas. It feels bad that I’ve not spoken to my mum by phone yet (she just knows I’m ill) but I realise I really do have to look after me now - at least for a few months. It’s time for other family members to pitch in!

As for the alcohol - that’s a biggie but I was prob drinking far too much and have resolved to at least cut down substantially if not completely.

Merry Christmas

[Rose54 in reply to Flitchick]

Merry Christmas and good Luck

I ended up in Casualty twice due to my anxiety

Now if I imagine my heart racing I take my pulse and monitor blood presure

Once you understand why things happen thay are much less scary .

I have Polymyalgia for which I am on Steroids for. and a underactive thyroid .

Even my GP says it is hard to lose weight with the combination of illnesses

However since end of May I have lost 1 and a half stone following the BHF healthy eating plan .

If it helps I have gone from hardly being able to do anything for my Mum to being able to start deep cleaning the whole house and nursing her through the worse case of Shingles GP has ever seen .

Even able to start taking her out in her wheelchair again .

I dont drive so walk every where and am back to doing this where before HA had to use bus as so breathless

[Flitchick in reply to Rose54]

Thank you. That’s so encouraging. I have low thyroid too. However currently I’ve lost my appetite and intend to start the BHF eating plan tomorrow so there’s hope I will lose the weight!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Flitchick]

Hello Flitchick

Welcome!

I also find Tai Chi and yoga really helpful to manage my stress.

I also use this free app it has loads of techniques which may help.

insighttimer.com/

Do talk to the Cardiac Rehab team and in some Heart centres you can access the help of a Cardiologist Psychologist.

[Flitchick in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for this. I’m assuming I won’t get in a rehab programme now till the New Year, but at least it gives me time to get a list of questions together, based on huge part from help from this forum.