Cardiac arrest

[Moliver908]

My husband suffered a cardiac arrest in Monday and they are sending him home on Friday I don't know what to expect as I have not been able to see him due to vivid 19

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Moliver908

Welcome to the forum

I acknowledge your shock and bewilderment.

My brother in law had an out of hospital Cardiac arrest a few years ago.

It has effected our whole family.

It is a shock and it takes time to adjust to the ' new normal '

It is also important to look after yourself too.

There is a support group which you might find helpful.

suddencardiacarrestuk.org/

There are few other members on the forum who I am sure will be along to share their experiences and provide you with further support.

We are living through uncertain times and this doesn't help you at the moment.

Has you husband been offered any Cardiac rehab and psychological counselling?

[Dolphin14]

What was the cause of the arrest and what was the treatment?

[sturon]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Two years ago, my husband suffered two cardiac arrests and was in hospital for three weeks before he was allowed home. You don’t say the cause of your husband’s arrest and, of course, there are many causes. It doesn’t really matter what the cause was as the feeling of apprehension for both of you will be the same whatever cause his arrest.

My experience was utter terror at the thought of him at home with me alone. I even bought a baby monitor so if I left him on his own I could hear him. I woke up every hour or so at night to check him. For month we never ventured more than a few feet from each other.

That was two years ago and over time life has slowly returned to ‘normal’, well until March of this year when no one can say life is normal now. To get his confidence back we took a couple of short breaks in the UK but since then we have started back on our bucket list and travelled overseas a number of times. Airport security is a bit of a challenge as he now has an internal defibrillator so can’t go through the security screen but even that is no problem now. Of course, no one is travelling right now. Last November we ticked Japan off our list of must dos.

So, what I am saying is you will feel apprehensive at first but believe me life will get back to normal over time. Try to relax together and take your time. Talk about what has happened and how you feel let him talk to you as he will be feeling very fragile too. In a years’ time you will both look back and hopefully by then we will all have returned to some degree of normality.

Take care and let us know how you are getting along. People will say 'look after yourself', not that easy to do but try.

[Hidden]

They're very good. Hell need to have his pills regularly and start exercises in a controlled manner. But they'll tell you about all that. He might be in shock still, reduced appetite and if he's had stents he'll probably be getting a lot of aches and pains. Don't be afraid to use the gtn spray, that can be a hurdle to overcome and call 999 if any issues. He'll be fine 👍 p. S. Don't forget to look after yourself!

[Moliver908 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks he is home today so here goes

[StDogs]

Well... I too had a cardiac arrest in Nov 2019... I had 2 stents... I was in 5 days... Your Husband is coming home - so they are happy with is condition. He will need to rest up - for a month I would think. He will be on 8 to 10 tablets a day. He does not need to sit still ! - he can move about, make you both a cuppa... Given the current state of affairs The Family should self isolate... I wish You., Your Husband., and Your Family's All The Best... I know having a heart condition can be a bit scarey... but I feel sure all will be good...

[Ianc2]

Take it easy, but try to work in some gentle exercise to slowly improve muscle tone. Regular gentle walking on a flat path will help greatly and you can try and build up to a daily mile.

Rehab is a bit of an eye opener as it is very easy to slowly and gently get very , very unfit without any indications at all - cars, armchairs and telly have a lot to answer for.

[Andyman]

Just love him. Be there when he needs you and stay away when he needs space. He will be worried about everything. Don't add more to his worries. If he has been told to go for walks go with him to support his weakened efforts. He will get stronger the more he walks.

[Moliver908]

Thanks walks are no problem we live on a farm thanks for the support

[Dolphin14 in reply to Moliver908]

Best wishes to you both

[Sorcha1973]

I’m post 2 heart attacks and 2 stents 6 weeks ago. I was very nervous the first couple of days. As after my stent procedure I had bedding in pains. I took paracetamol because I was very anxious when I had the pains. The paracetamol stopped the pains then I didn’t worry.. I took things easy for 2 weeks I didn’t do very much. I would shower with the bathroom door open as I was scared. The security of heart monitors where all gone. My surgeon told me what pain to be worried about when I was in the cath lab. Also he stressed the importance of my medication. With the virus I was careful of things coming into my home. Wiping them down with antibacterial or bleach solution as I was advised to do this. I changed my routine of eating and started walking with my husband after 2 weeks building it up gradually. The other thing I was advised was to by a heart monitor watch. Which did settle me. Also people here are very kind. Xxx I hope this helps. Also I’m 46 so I’m young and I contacted someone who is the same age as myself who had the same problem same. Chatting to him helped.

[jowalk6]

I had an out of hospital cardiac arrest 6 years ago and was in hospital for a month. It is scary when you get home. He will need your support but you must remember yourself as well. It's tough on everyone, you will get through it hun and my thoughts are with you x

[Moliver908]

Thanks so much you are all so supportive on here and I hope you continue to be well