New to the site.

[Strutty65]

Hi all, I suffered a heart attack 2nd of December whilst on holiday in Morroco. Totally out of the blue. Resulted in having 3 stents. Knocked me for 6. Still not really come to terms with it.

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Strutty65. Welcome to the club you member wanted to join 😄. I had my heart attack and 1 stent over 3 years ago and feel mainly great now. It did take me a while to get my head around it but I try and look at things from a positive angle. Before I had the HA I didn’t know I was unwell but I was lucky enough to survive and now I do know I need to take care, eat better, exercise more, get a better work/life balance and try to chill more. I’m mostly OK at most of this but need to work harder on some! You will get there in the end but if you’re like me it won’t be a smooth trajectory. It’s still very early days for you. Be kind to yourself and try to enjoy your second chance doing the things you love with your friends and family.

[Strutty65 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thank you for the reply. I certainly intend too.

[Strutty65]

Yeah you're right that's what I've struggled with. Thank you.

[Strutty65]

Yeah staying positive is the key.

[Imin]

Hi Strutty65.

Three months ago I was reading posts similar to those NorthantsSteve and Thatwasunexpected have written in response to your post.

Three months ago I had written a post very similar to your post, asking if I would feel less fearful after suffering a HA and two stents in September.

Three months ago I didn’t believe the very kind people who replied to my post telling me the fear would get less, that I would feel more confident, that I would be able to do the things I love to do - garden, run around at 200miles an hour fitting into a day what most people would do in a week, the park run, hill walking.

Three months ago I was thinking “my HA was three months ago, I should be feeling better in mind and body by now!’

Six months on and I am feeling better in mind and body and soul!

My mind has accepted I am living with heart disease and I’m now grateful that, other than the heart disease, I am fit and healthy. I had felt like I had no control over my health but in fact I have more control now I know - I can control that I take my meds as prescribed, I eat a healthy diet, I exercise regularly, I take a step back when I am feeling overwhelmed.

My body is healthier than it has been in years thanks to a regimen of medication, eating healthier and more regularly than I used to - I would often get to the end of the day and realise I hadn’t eaten all day and quickly have some cheese on toast! Exercising regularly instead of as and when I could fit it in.

My soul is happier as I have slowed my life down considerably and do more of what is really important and enjoyable and less of what I used to do out of duty/guilt/pressure from others.

Before my HA I was relied on too heavily by my employer, my siblings and a voluntary organisation I helped with - I put myself in that position as I cared for my Mum, who sadly died a month before my own HA. My siblings were always grateful I was there for our Mum as they always told me how busy they were with their work and children and felt guilty they couldn’t help more, in reality they were taking advantage of me and I let them! I had a full time job which I was a bit of a perfectionist about, in reality I am very good at my job without being a perfectionist. I gave too much time and effort to a voluntary role which people took advantage of - I let them!

Since my HA I now prioritise what is really important to me - my children, husband and myself! People don’t like it, people have said I’ve changed, people have said I have become selfish BUT it is necessary for my own health and well-being and that of my own family.

Please give yourself time to learn a new way of life. See this event as a new beginning not the end of life as you knew it. Do things in your own time, do things you only really want to do, do things that make you happy. Take it easy and rest when your body is telling you to.

Enjoy the little things in life - a walk in nature, the sunshine, your family - because really they are the big things. You will come to terms with things but you might not do things exactly like you used to before your HA, but that might not be a bad thing.

Good Luck with your recovery. Let us know how you are getting on.

[Strutty65 in reply to Imin]

Ty very much. I will keep up dating.

[russino1]

I know what you mean. i’m only 5 weeks out from mine and having had 2 stents fitted.

Although having upped exercise in past 7 days i am feeling much better mentally (and physically)

i’m far more concerned with this damn coronavirus and having to social distance than my Heart!

keep doing the right things. diet and exercise wise and be kind to yourself! call BHF if need help.

good luck

[Strutty65 in reply to russino1]

It's just good to talk to people who understand. Yes same here focusing on all the coronavirus.