I'm new here....

[EwaUK]

Just turned 69 and on Wednesday 16th September I had a heart attack at home . I knew what was happening so rang for an ambulance immediately. Have never been so scared in my life but as I was alone tried to be brave. Went to hospital on blue lights and received a stent in the main artery. On Friday I was told that I will need a double bypass in the very near future. I'm still reeling from all that has happened and although I came home yesterday and have my daughter and granddaughter at home with me, I'm still very scared, emotional and upset about all that has happened. Would add that I have always smoked but do not intend to every smoke again. I do miss it especially as I'm so stressed but want to live healthily so much more. Is is normal to want to cry so much and have hardly any interest in anything?

Also very anxious about the bypass surgery. Any advice or tips would be very welcome.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community.

[080311]

Hello EwaUK

Welcome to the forum not somewhere you ever thought to be part of! The place you have found yourself looking into is scary there are many of us that have looked into it and are here to tell the tale 😊 I had open heart surgery 4 years ago Aortic valve replaced and bypass. I was 68 couldn’t believe my body had let me down it never had before.

Waiting to have your bypass is the worse but believe me it’s ok they take really good care of you. You have no pain they make sure of that and if you follow all the instructions as to exercise and baby steps when you get home it will be ok.

The main thing you can do to help yourself you are doing stop smoking start a healthy diet lots of us here on the forum follow the Mediterranean diet recommended by BHF.

You say you are feeling emotional that’s perfectly normal your brain is trying to process what is going on.

When you get more information about your surgery post and someone will go through what happens and tips we have to make things easier.

Try not to worry I know it’s easier said than done but what’s going on in your mind is so much worse than the reality.

Remember you are now a member of the Hearties family and we are here to listen if you need to talk or lend a shoulder to lean on.

Best wishes Pauline

[EwaUK in reply to 080311]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You have put my mind a little more at ease. I'm sure as i process things in my mind I will see the positive side of all that has happened.

[IanMK]

Most of us here have had the same punch in the face: the sudden awful realisation that our heart isn’t as healthy as we thought. In my case it was a niggling little cough that wouldn’t go away. I went to the GP and he immediately summoned an ambulance. WHAT! The eventual diagnosis was heart failure.

It can, and does, happen to anyone. Don’t stress about it because that has no benefit at all; in fact, it’s bad for your heart. Bypass surgery is routine and low risk.

While we still have a few days of good weather remaining, do yourself a favour and get out and about in some green space - parks and countryside. This should take your mind off it. Then think of ways to improve heart health (including exercise if you don’t presently do any).

Best wishes.

[EwaUK in reply to IanMK]

Thank you for your reply. Feel easier in my mind now that I have joined this forum and know that people will help to put my mind at ease. already adopting the Mediterranean way of eating and doing gentle exercises to begin with

[Prada47 in reply to EwaUK]

Hello EwaUK

A lot of us on here have experienced what you are now going through it's not Fun But it is Manageable it just takes time !!

You can ask away on here someone will know exactly what you are saying, because they will probably have some knowledge of it.

IanMK is correct in his reference to exercise etc but a word of Caution wait until you are given the all clear from the Consultant/GP especially as you are on the list for bypass surgery, before undertaking any exercise.

Hands Face Space to Stay Safe

[EwaUK in reply to Prada47]

Thank you for your reply. It is very comforting to know I have people to turn to who can help when things get tough.

[Pegleggreg in reply to EwaUK]

Don’t be afraid to ask questions even though you might think they’re stupid. Someone will have the answer and generally will advise you to seek medical advice when necessary rather than give you bum information. As they say in Wigan you’ll be reet.

[EwaUK in reply to Pegleggreg]

Thank you

[Handel in reply to EwaUK]

Hi EwaUK. Welcome to this forum. All I can say is that you will feel overwhelmed by it all for a little while. You've been through a lot.

When I joined this forum just over 2 years ago I was worried about asking what I thought were stupid questions but was told by these lovely people that there are no such things as stupid questions!!

If you just need to chat or have a rant, come onto the forum. Many of these brilliant people have been through what you're currently going through.

All the very best to you. xxxx

[EwaUK in reply to Handel]

Thank you