Thanks

[Sandra1964Marie]

I’m so glad I looked this site up. Coming up to my first year after attack has really knocked me side ways, going over every minute thing I can remember and questioning why, can I get a life back and how I’m still here. all your stories and the support and positive thoughts I have received have been tremendous. To know there is a community out there going through the same and able to chat if need be is inspiring. I wish I had done this earlier, now Hopefully I can get rid of this black cloud and anxious thoughts that are really haunting me. Thanks to you all

[Brandibell]

I totally agree with the PTSD comment and I am a year to the day and i have got worse not better due to lack of follow up..I am seeing a HF Nurse tomorrow.First bit of support. I think we go over it to believe it was real and also to say we are still here breathing and moving forward slowly..Take care.x

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Post traumatic stress disorder is not just something former military personnel suffer from.

There is a well recognised questionnaire and scoring system similar to the anxiety and depression scoring scheme used by Clinical psychologists to diagnose PTSD.

When I completed the PTSD questionnaire my psychologist asked me to complete several years ago she told me my score was very high and she diagnosed me with PTSD.

I recognise well your words

'Hopefully I can get rid of this black cloud and anxious thoughts that are really haunting me.'

Please do keep your hope and faith with good support you can have joy back in your life. Those troublesome thoughts less present in your mind.

I have fantastic ongoing support from my psychologist and I suggest you ask your GP to refer you for further support of this kind if feel that would help you too.

Our mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical well being.

[080311]

Hi Sandra1964Marie, I spent 7 weeks in hospital before being moved to a heart specialist hospital for open heart surgery. That was nearly 4 years ago, and when I see the scar those 7 weeks were I had so many tests, camera’s put in places where they really shouldn’t go! Then the surgery it can take me straight back. But I look on it that my heart is now mended and I have been given a second chance to live a life.

All of us on this forum have some difficult memories, if you are finding it hard maybe some counselling will be helpful speak to your GP.

As someone as already said we are always here to listen if you want to vent!! And we can relate to how you are feeling. I found that when I did my cardio rehab it was as much for my mental health as to help me get my stamina back. Being around people who have had the same experiences as myself was such a help.

Stay safe best wishes Pauline

[francesw47]

I'm so glad you have found us all helpful and supportive. This site has been a great source of comfort and information for me over the years. PTSD following major, life altering events is a 'thing' so try and treat yourself with compassion. Sadly the mind can remember and stay vigilant long after the body appears healed. Keep talking to us and your loved ones and if you think it necessary, talk to your GP and ask for therapy. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) is excellent - but waiting lists are long.

[Harbourside]

I can completely understand where you're coming from. I'm now 18 months on from a HA and CA. In those early days, I was so physically exhausted that I didn't really feel anything emotionally. After a few months, I started to experience flashbacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. I was prescribed Sertraline and counselling. The counselling was offered (free) for 6-8 weeks and proved immensely useful. (I didn't think it would help but was proved wrong). If you're still struggling, speak to your GP.

[isobelhannah18]

I had my heart attack 18 months ago and found the 1st anniversary very difficult. I relived every minute. I think the first few anniversaries are going to be hard. This forum is fantastic for advice and support.