Advise on coping

[Sandra1964Marie]

I had my attack May 2019 which came out of the blue, a piece of plaque broke off from an artery and caused a 100% blockage. I’ve found it hard to deal with since any advise please

[Rose54]

Hi

I had HA also in May 2019

I admit I am feeling a little anxious as the date approaches

Also I feel the current COVID emergency is having a effect on everyone

Try to plan your day and try time for meditation

Eat Healthily and get some exercise daily .

Come on hear and have a chat

We do all understand

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to Rose54]

Yes I think that’s maybe in my mind aswell. I’m trying to be positive with my health and daily life but slightest thing trips me up

[Rose54 in reply to Sandra1964Marie]

Your not alone

I'm getting worried about the stopping the blood thinner at the nd of the month

[Sandra1964Marie]

Both . I’m still finding the slightest twinge and I’m worried. Once it gets in my head it’s horrendous. I’ll maybe phone bhf this week. thanks

[Platypus6]

Hello Sandra1964Marie

I also had a HA on the 30/4/2019, I have a totally occluded right artery. I was sent home on meds which have all been changed. I am still struggling with the meds I take and have been waiting for the cardiologist to change the beta blocker as I have pounding headaches every day. Any twinges I was told are acid reflux, but the anxiety is still there. In these awful times we must try and stay positive as well as safe. Take care.

[Sandra1964Marie]

Ok . I went to doctors just feeling out of sorts and collapsed in reception. I had to get shocked 4 times from that point until I was treated in hospital. I had a stent inserted and was told because of where it happened I was lucky and minimal damage occurred albeit narrowing in arteries. I had good rehab and once meds settled was ok I thought but had to attend counselling. It’s all stopped since January and I’m still struggling.

[Pitt12345 in reply to Sandra1964Marie]

Most counselling can be done by phone. Is there anyone you can contact to ask for this. Do you have a local Wellbeing Centre - you can refer yourself in this area.

[Sandra1964Marie]

Thanks for that. I know Exactly I can be irrational at times and a nightmare to live with. I need to work through it and it’s kind of comforting to know it’s not just me. I should have talked earlier to like people and maybe I wouldn’t be so on edge and sleeping better.

[ItsEllie]

Hi Sandra,

My name is Ellie and I'm 19 years old. I also had a heart attack in September 2019 and I was only 18 at the time it happened but with much love and support through family, friends and my boyfriend I got through it, although it was a tough journey which felt like a roller-coaster I managed in the end. You will get bad days where you feel like you cant deal with it because I do and them days are the worst my advise and what I do to take my mind of the trauma is do something I love doing weather that's reading a book, drawing, writing or taking my dogs for a walk it helps and it feels like a big weight lifted of my shoulders. Please don't feel like your alone because your not were all here to support each other and help each other in times like this. Keep strong and stay positive

[Suziib]

Hi Sandra, I had my HA in October 2019, I had felt unwell for a couple of days, suffering as I thought from indigestion/reflux. I have 7 stents the last 3 on the left side done instead of a bypass.

Nothing can prepare you for the anxiety or the fear when you wake up at the same time night after night, Or how panicked you get when you go out on your own and the slightest pain sends you spiralling into total irrational fear. HOWEVER, it gets better with help and support, I know all rehab services have stopped but read as much as you can on exercise, I started yoga which I found amazing for sleep and relaxing.. a couple of meditation apps on your phone and plenty of feel good music. I went back to work within 6 weeks (reduced hours) and then a 6 day trip to Romania for the Christmas market. I pushed myself the anxiety us still there, but I won’t let it win.. too much to live for.. my life was saved by the amazing NHS so I need to repay them by living my best life.

There are so many great people on this forum, read everyone’s comments on everything!! I have a long way to go, I am determined to beat this!!

[Squoozy]

Hello Sandra, my husband has a heart attack at Gatwick Airport two and a half years ago as we were about to board a plane. He now has two stents and a pacemaker. We were both very anxious for a long time, and every time something new has happened, like the pacemaker fitting, we have worried. However, it’s amazing how the body adjusts and how life really does carry on. Keep doing everything you are told to do. Try to exercise gently, eat healthily if you can, and plan something you are going to do every day, like going for a walk or talking to someone on the phone. I think as someone said we are all a bit anxious at the moment, and that’s normal and understandable. Look for support, it is there and people do want to listen x

[HAPPYDAYS55]

Hello Sandra1964Marie

It is really difficult , i personally had a stent and experience in 2014 hardest part is mentally for me over the years which has prompted me to follow my passions in life and one is supporting NHS workers over concerns which i do on a daily basis and now studying for a counsellor /`psychotherapy course I am not qualified as yet but I am studying for this sort of role in the future.If you need a chat please contact and i will pass my details to you.

Stay safe

[Joliv61]

It’s a great club we are all in. We are survivors, we are winners. Odd outlook I know but it’s true, we have come through, slightly tarnished and battered maybe, but we are on the other side.

Life is different from before but generally what we did before, certainly in my case, brought me to this position.

Good days, bad days we will all have them, but the important bit is we are in a bit more control of our destinies from now on.

In my journey I’ve just started couch to 5k, and as someone that’s only run a tap in the last 20 years it’s a scarey sight. I’ll keep you all posted with how that goes on.

Loads of support in here but do give your cardiac team a call as well as your GP if needed.

Best wishes

John.

[Brokenheart19]

Hi Sandra, like you I had a HA out of the blue in May last year. I had only just got back to my preferred level of fitness having broken my leg in three places requiring surgery. It has taken time

to accept and as the anniversary approaches (15/5) I can feel myself getting more anxious. It doesn’t help with COVID-19 and the govt plan to open schools. The forum is great as everyone understands and supports each other. We aren’t medically trained. The BHF nurses are great too. Take care and relax -

[Heartattackvictim]

I was a very fit 59 year old (half marathon in under 2 hours) when I had my heart attack in October 2019, I really struggled to start with.

6 months on I have stopped "looking over my shoulder" as it were, and can now jog 5k, walk 10k, and do the BHF level 5 DvD (I think it's available on you tube too).

I've just about stopped feeling anxious and control any angina that happens when it's cold or windy, by wrapping up warm or not going out in those conditions, and rarely have to use GTN spray.

So, keep at it - small targets every day.

Best wishes, John

[Danceawaytheblues]

Although my situation is different, I totally relate to the anxiety that you all mention. I became ill with `broken heart syndrome` 3 weeks ago. I find coming on this forum a help. I sit here nodding, yes I can relate to that, and that. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. x

[Handel]

So much good advice from your friends on this forum. Keep in touch and ramble and rant if you need to. I certainly have in the past!!!! All our love and best wishes xxx

[hf54]

Hi Sandra sorry to hear about your heart attack. I have not had a heart attack I have had heart failure but I understand exactly what you mean about the twinges et cetera causing you panic. Speaking from experience I can say that after a while as the treatment progresses and your medications work you will think of this less and less. Of course I am not suggesting for a moment you should not be extremely careful particularly as you are in the early stages but the important thing is to get the right treatment which will minimise Your chance of any further episodes. As indigestion is very similar to heart attack symptoms it would be good to avoid any trigger foods such as spicy/chocolate et cetera to avoid unnecessary worry particularly in the short term. Good luck with your recovery

[isobelhannah18]

I had my heart attack in October '18 despite Mediterranean diet, moderate drinker, exercised daily, never smoked and no family history. It was an absolute emotional rollercoaster for months. every twinge was a H.A. Now I'm much calmer but if I get any discomfort or pain near my chest I still panic. However I've learned to talk myself down from the panic and so far so good. I'm not sure the anxiety will ever go completely but it does get much better. I found my 12 month annniversary very difficult and suspect that October will always be a difficult month.

[SianMonnow]

Hi,

I can do understand. In 2016 I had an Aortic Dissection which led to a huge emergency operation. It was against the odds that I am alive today at all. I am also fortunate to have escaped without handicap of any kind.

I spent a year just crying any time I thought about how lucky I was. Fortunately I have no memory at all of the incident, the fight to keep me going to get me to theatre, although I was chatting quite normally I am told.

See if counselling is available to you. It may well be the help you need. All I got from professionals was "my God you were lucky". It didn't help a bit. My partner, on the other hand, was my saviour. You will get through this time. You will feel normal again and you will stop wondering if "this is it" at any twinge you feel. You really will.

Good thoughts and peace of mind are what I wish you.

Sian xx

[Phil_London]

Hi,

Can I ask if they fitted a stent or bypass? I had a mild HA in May 2019 also and had 1 stent fitted,so I also finish the dual platelet meds in 10 days, but all we can do is listern to results on post HA recovery,I spoke to a friend to day 12 years post stent who now looks after his health more , as do I, it does get easier with time but like you I still.have moments of thinking what each twinge or pain is and I guess all.we can say is that after time, we can look back and say "well last time I felt that it was fine"