Advice after my father had a cardiac arrest

[Daffodil18]

Hi my dad has had a cardiac arrest just over a month ago after 45 minutes with no oxygen a miracle happened and after fantastic care he is alive. He returned home and now we are all a little nervous as there does not appear any after care support and he is having a few few issues and we don’t know whether things are normal or not, just looking for some advice as we spoke to his own gp which appears to be a waste of time

[shopman]

If you have some concerns that are not urgent medically then try the BHF Heart Helpline for advice 0300 330 3311 open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. There is a good range of literature on their website which you can look at.

[Thubrj]

Hi My husband spent time on a ventilator post Cardiac arrest and had a ICD device in place apart from his GP we didn’t get any support we looked to the support from British heart Foundation and found a group which we attended this was a great help it’s a slow process and you have to find out things as you go along .. and I am also a community specialist nurse !

[Daffodil18 in reply to Thubrj]

Thanks for the advice Dads own Gp Doesn’t appear interested even when I called for advice she was very rude,I wonder why some people become doctors no empathy at all makes me mad .

[Dractrek]

Hi Daffodil

I had a Cardiac arrest last April not out for as long as your dad but thanks to all the wonderful people out there I'm still kicking about. Slight difference with mine was that I was rushed in for a quintuple bypass straight after being brought back.

There will be a lot the he will go through and I'm still coming to terms with most of it, the worst is memory as hypoxia is a hidden not often talked about impact of dying.

I found here a help but also a Facebook and website group call Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK its a closed group. Last Sept I got to meet lots of people that had a cardiac arrest and it was refreshing gave me hope as it all help you and your dad.

Things will get better I was told I'd not be riding my bike again properly, well before the event I was cycling 100 mile a week and now a year later I'm back up there again.

All the best to your dad

[Daffodil18 in reply to Dractrek]

Thanks for your reply stressful times ahead

[Lezzers]

Hi, thought it might help you to know my husband had a heart attack and cardiac arrest in 1997. He was put on meds, didn't see a cardiologist again for 15 years and only had 6 monthly check ups at GP surgery because of the damage the heart attack caused. He had an ICD fitted in 2012 as he now has heart failure due to the damage.

Cardiac arrest is very stressful for all concerned and its completely normal & understandable to be nervous and scared. Dractrek has already mentioned the group SCA UK, I second this recommendation, there is lots of help & advice there including how/where to get counselling.

Good luck best wishes, it will get easier for you all in time

[Daffodil18 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you so much

[Jaka]

Hi - my husband had a cardiac arrest 2 years ago - he survived like your dad and spent 6 weeks in hospital - had an ICD fitted and and I had to fight to get him home and get support for his recovery - I got good advice from people on this site - don’t take no for an answer if he needs support - contact your local MP and councillor if you get no joy from social services/GPs - recovery may be slow but try to take one day at a time and look after yourself too

[Daffodil18 in reply to Jaka]

Thank you so much

[Handel]

I can't add any more Daffodil18. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you and your dad. xxx