Advice needed

[Pixie07]

Hi, I am new to this. I have had 2 stents put in after several heart attacks. I am struggling to come to terms with what's happened as I am in in my mid 40s. Wondering if how I feel is normal

[Joliv61]

Hi Pixie, it’s quite a shock mentally to come to terms with the why me question. I had a heart attack and 3 stents fitted last month and was hit badly. But there’s a number of risk factors, some completely out of your control. But having said that you’ve survived it and will be on the right meds and program to assist you. It’s all about targets now, achievable ones then as you get fitter more stretching. And those targets can be weight loss too, not just exercise. There’s lots of help in these forums as I’ve found. But don’t just take our word as gospel, use them to aid your discussions with your cardiac rehab teams and gp. Good luck in your journey 👍👍

[Pixie07 in reply to Joliv61]

Thank you, its nice to know your not the only one

[Joliv61 in reply to Pixie07]

Yup you’re definitely not alone as you can see. We can’t change what’s already happened but we survived it and can move on and make adjustments or even complete changes. Lots of inspiring stuff in these forums.👍👍

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi Pixie07

Welcome to the forum. Yes it is a shock, and most of us have taken some time to come to terms with what has happened. The first thing to keep in mind is that you have survived, you're still here, and you're young enough to make a good recovery. There are a number of thing you can do to aid your recovery

If you smoke - stop, smoking is the worst thing you can do, if you need help ask your GP, although if my hospital stay was typical - they put a nicotine patch on me the first day!

Adopt a Mediterranean diet - there are a number of articles and recipes on the BHF site

If your BMI is over 25 - bring your weight down to be within the good BMI range

Get active - our hearts need us to be active

Don't drink too much alcohol

Try not to get stressed

Make your medicines as prescribed

If you haven't already being referred to cardiac rehab, have a word with your GP to get referred, rehab is one of the most important things you need to do - as well as helping you physically it also gets your mind back into the idea that you can recover.

It's been a year toady since I had my heart attack so I know only too well how you must be feeling at this point. Try not to worry or get stressed, it will, day by day, little by little get better.

Good luck

[Pixie07 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thank you. I have an appointment for cardio rehabilitation in couple weeks.

[road2ruin]

This, of course, will be a great shock. My illness, whilst not as sudden as yours, set me back mentally too. What you need to remember is that the problem has been identified and they have taken action. Onwards and upwards.

Keep taking the meds, exercise, eat right and there is no reason while you shouldn't live in good health.

We are all here for support too.

[Pixie07 in reply to road2ruin]

Thank you for advice.

[Clerkenweller]

All of the previous comments are right on the money. If you feel anxious or the medications are causing you problems (many such issues on this forum) talk to your GP or cardiologist or failing that raise the issue here or talk to the excellent nurses at the BHF. Finally there are many here who have lived and are living full and active lives for decades after a heart event. Good luck!

[Pixie07 in reply to Clerkenweller]

Thank you. It's all a bit of a shock so nice to have a place like this for support

[Pixie07]

Thank you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I have previously posted about a friend's mother who had a heart attack over 40 years ago. She is still doing well considering she is in her nineties. It is ly a few years since she gave up on Tea Dances but she still regularly visits NT properties for a (naughty) cream tea. She was also diagnosed Type II diabetic at the same time.

There is no special secret to it: maintain a healthy weight, healthy Mediterranean style diet with limited carbs, keep active and take the medication. Over the years there have been adjustments to the medication as things change and over 70 the kidneys and liver function less well.

Work with your medical team and keep a PMA (positive mental attitude).

[Andyman]

Yes it's normal. If it gets too much don't be afraid to ask for counselling it did wonders for me. I got to talk it all out and was pointed in the direction of Mindfulness as a method to cope long term.

[rouluer]

Hi Pixie, it's totally normal how you feel, only natural, with determination you can be feeling great sooner than you think. Start with a healthy diet and cut most fats out, salads, hot meals like lentils/potatoes, wholemeal pasta with veges etc. Eat lots of fruits and some raw nuts like Almonds & Walnuts. Revert milk to Almond/Oat milk, reduce alcohol, cut cheeses, eat yogurt to replenish your calcium. Then gradually build up your exercise, start walking then run/walk and soon you'll be running and cycling. Myself when I had my emergency stent, I decided that's it! I'm only eating healthy from now in and exercise, unless special occasions. It seems to have worked and I feel the best I've ever felt at age 50. Best regards.

[IanGordon]

I had come to terms with my lingering Aortic Stenosis but then following a cath lab session, to be told that I also had Coronary Artery Disease took me by surprise and frankly left me angry - as if AS wasn't enough to deal with?

But I was stented, and the risk of a heart attack, somewhat neutralised, so just the impending malfunction of my aorta to contemplate.

My coping mechanism was to both learn and understand my AS, thereby feeling , to a greater extent, to be in control of my destiny (probably an illusion) plus to regularly remind myself that many patients are stented following a damaging cardio vascular event - how lucky was I to get my retaliation in first?

Anyway, this approach worked for me, both pre and post Aortic Valve Replacement , so just reflecting my personal experience. Now nearly 2 years on from surgery, still feeling positive and enjoying the benefits of a partially refreshed cardiovascular system. Many of us are gifted a 'second chance' so enjoy it, if you can.

It's an amazing gift.

[Ianc2]

Take a good look at white bread , biscuits, cakes and chips, then wave them goodbye. Have a look on diabetes.org to see what unrestricted sugar can do. You don't have to have clogged up arteries.