Hello, I'm new here!

[OldHippy]

Hi Everyone. Haven't properly introduced myself, how rude!

I'm enjoying this forum, as it seems to be so upbeat, which is truly welcome. Newly diagnosed with Coronary Heart Disease, had whopper of a heart attack in September which went undiagnosed, 'cos I'm a woman and that seems to be what happens - nothing abnormal detected in ECG for at least 24 hours, GP sent me packing with likely diagnosis of anxiety or oesophageal spasm. Hospital consultant about to send me home - thank goodness for 2 junior doctors who insisted - whilst quaking in front of the consultant - that despite no positive diagnostic tests, I had all the symptoms, plus family history, plus runaway hypertension. As soon as ECG showed changes I was fast-tracked for treatment and am now an honoured member of the Stent Group! Recovery seems to be phenomenally slow for me, and although I understand that no other coronary artery blockages indicated, I continue to feel really quite unwell, and struggle to get back to everyday life. I can't contemplate going back to work, which is good in one sense, as it is a stress-fuelled job in front line psychiatry, and nudged my hypertension into the stratosphere! Readjustment is key for a happy future, but it sure takes some getting your head around - youthful, active individual with loads of interests etc, suddenly shrunk into a wobbly individual whose body stops functioning after a mere 20 minute dog walk!

Anyway, that's me. Hello!

[-MOLLY]

Hi OldHippy, nice to meet you x

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi OldHippy. Welcome to the club 😄. It’s still early days for you so don’t worry about ‘getting back to normal’. I used my heart attack + stent incident over 3 years ago to rethink work/life balance and try to spend time with the people I love doing the things I love. I probably wouldn’t have had the realisation that I needed to do that (age 55) for a few years (if ever) so I’m really grateful that I’m alive and now fitter than I have been in ages. Eating pretty well (although I am partial to a mince pie so I can feel the diet sliding!) the meds knocked me about a bit for the first few months but that gets better the more you get up and about. Have you been offered cardio rehab (if you have then do it and if you haven’t then bang on about it to your doctor/cardiologist). It’s great. Check your insurance policies/mortgages for critical illness cover, take it easy and be kind to yourself. You will readjust but it takes time and support to regain your confidence. Take care.

PS. Hats off to the junior doctors.

[Lezzers]

Welcome OldHippy

[Sunnie2day]

Hiya from NE Scotland!

[Rose54]

Hi

Its still early days yet

I had HA in May no stents but found it was October before I felt back to normal and to be honest able to do more than before HA.

I was lucky that I had planned my retirement for June and given notice as like you I had a stressful job which I knew was having a negative effect on my health.

Time to be kind and put yourself first for once

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi OldHippy

Welcome.

It's early days is a phrase you're going to hear a lot, but it's a very apt .

I had a heart attack/cardiac arrest in December 2018, and the first few months took a lot of effect to adjust to the new reality. That said, nearly 12 months later and I'm feeling 200% better than I ever did.

It's a slow steady road, but you will get there. Hopefully you'll have been offered Cardio Rehab - it really makes a huge difference, mentally and physically. Keep pushing yourself, it will be worth it .

[Maisie2014]

Welcome to the club OldHippy

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello OldHippy

Welcome to the forum.

You have had lots of really good advice already....top of the list is definitely be kind and patient with yourself.

Good to hear the new generation of Cardiologists are listening well on your behalf.

The BHF have just launched a 3 year campaign about women and heart disease including the often missed heart attacks.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi OldHippy (love the Name).

Only one thing to add to all the good comments so far. Don’t necessarily expect to get ‘back to normal’. A few do, of course, but lots of us find a new life, often a better and more rewarding one.

I reckon it’s the up-side of all the dramas I’ve been through. A second chance.

[Mirador19]

Welcome to the forum OldHippy.

[Ianc2]

You are what you eat - so eat the good stuff and avoid the rest . If you can up your dog walking to a brisk hour every day you will start to become fitter and to develop more stamina. Your muscle tone will improve and your breathing will become easier as you march along. You might even feel like singing.

Or you can just keep on working long hours.. for a while.

[Hidden]

I a glad you are doing better and that they fixed what caused the heart attack. Did they send you in for an angiogram after abnormal stress test or something?