Any advice what to expect : I am 63 and... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Any advice what to expect

cakesandbakes profile image
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I am 63 and was bowling along with life fairly fit looking after grandchildren, walking, Baking etc. In 2010 i was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in the lungs but it never really stopped me doing things. Horse riding all my life up till last year. Then because of the sarcoidosis I was advised to shield . This for me along with a lot of others was extremely hard, not seeing my grandchildren or family or able get my usual exercise. I felt myself becoming extremely anxious something I had never felt in my life. Along with some other stressful events I could feel it building. On the 10th of July I had a heart attack which resulted in 4 stents .I was discharged on the third day. I felt very frightened and emotional in what to expect next. Due to the coronavirus there are no rehab groups to attend. So thank goodness i found this site.

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cakesandbakes
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080311 profile image
080311

Hello cakesandbakes

Welcome to the forum, not a place you ever thought to find yourself, life sometimes pulls the rug from beneath our feet, but there is life after an heart episode, there are plenty of us here to attest to that. Remember you need time to process what as happened to you, I haven’t had a heart attack but open heart surgery for Aortic valve replaced and bypass, you think how could my body let me down!

There are plenty of us here that will lend an ear or a shoulder to lean on. We have been where you are now and it seems a very scary place, but things will get better.

Take care best wishes Pauline

SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd

Hello cakesandbakes

Welcome to the forum.

Frightened and emotional is something we've all felt. It is a massive shock to find yourself in this situation. A heart attack is something we read about, something we hear other people suffering, but it's something we never expect to happen to us.

It's a particularly difficult time at present as there is no physical cardio rehab, which really is the most important tool is helping you recover both physically and mentally. Hopefully, as gyms start back up, you'll be able to attend rehab where you'll meet other people in the same position as yourself, being able to talk to people at the same point in their post heart attack journey is really beneficial, and of course the help and support of the cardio rehab staff is also hugely important.

Right now, your head and your emotions are all over the place, but try no to worry, just take it slowly, one day at a time, it does get better. Best wishes for the future,

Ageingfast profile image
Ageingfast

Dear CakesandBakes

This site is a good place to contact other people in your position. Things do get better, as you proceed through your recovery process.

I had an AVR op on 2nd May when the virus was rampant. Everything closed except one London hospital that would operate. No rehab, and hardly any NHS support. But, my nearest heart hospital, Basildon, has started up a couple of weeks ago and has put me on the list for rehab. Probably this is all a bit too late for me and I have managed without physio etc. But you are more than two months "behind" me and things are opening up. So perhaps you can ask to go on the contact lists ? Easier said than done, maybe your GP surgery can point you in the right direction.

In the meantime you would be well advised to do your own physio at home. I wont tell you what I do as my AVR is different from from your HA and stents. early exercise was crucial to help me forward.

Best wishes

Colin

cakesandbakes profile image
cakesandbakes in reply toAgeingfast

Thank you all for kind words of encouragement

EmmyLaury12 profile image
EmmyLaury12

Hi ,

I had HA in April this year and 1 stent placed . I’m getting there now as I feel sure you will too .

The worry and anxiety is normal I suppose mine is still there but Time is a good healer and this forum is great knowing there are other people who have been on a similar journey

Take care ,

We are here if you need us ,

Sheila .

Cazz1954 profile image
Cazz1954

Welcome to the forum. You will always find someone to help you on here. If you’re having a bad day and are worried about anything this is the place to be, Michael always have some words of wisdom for us. I was like you. Thought I was reasonable fit and healthy, Then at 63 had a heart attack and 3 stents. The feelings you get are why me, one day you’re up the next you’re down, but as for the rehab just try to do some walking and every time your out do a bit more, there no need to rush,

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