JUST HAD NSTEMI: hi there i just had a... - British Heart Fou...

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JUST HAD NSTEMI

djleighp profile image
14 Replies

hi there i just had a nstemi i think its called and im only 47 !!

im feeling so anxious what future might hold im struggling to sleep with fear i might not wake up am i just being paranoid had stent fitted and on some pills

on my notes says i couldn't have beta blockers due to bradycardia

just really worried esp as my job can be stressful at times

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djleighp
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14 Replies
djleighp profile image
djleighp

wow that is a very good outlook i have stopped smoking haven't had one since the heart attack im just paranoid as they said i got bradycardia as well slow heart rate plus i was waiting for a op on me umbilical hernia which i suppose will now be put back

thanks for assuring me at this time

Brilliantly put Forest......

djleighp profile image
djleighp

thanks for assuring me and i really like your positiveness

Superb posting Hidden

Sunnysummerdays profile image
Sunnysummerdays

Brilliant good on you and well done!!;had H.A in march and stent,59 years old,I e list a stone in weight walk 5 miles,5 days a week,eat healthy,don't smoke,twinges and pains scare me,pray that I wake every morning and so grateful for a wake up call and second chance at life!!!life style changes are difficult,but sticking with it has helped me get through some tough days,keep going hearties,wee all worth it !!!!

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day

Blimey, Thatwasunexpected wrote the perfect post! The only thing I'd add is if the worries become intolerable, be sure to ask your cardiologist or GP (if/when you're discharged back to the GP) for referral to cardiac counselling.

As TWU wrote in his excellent post, anyone who has had a cardiac/coronary event goes the rest of her/his life with some degree of anxiety whenever an ache, pain, feeling of unwellness, etc, pops up. The 'Is it my heart?!' thing is always the first thing jumping to the front of the brain and sometimes it can progress to the point it does interfere with your daily life - counselling works, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is especially helpful as the techniques can be applied by you for the rest of your life to cope with any anxiety-inducing situation, not just cardiac ones.

Erm, now is probably the time to remind you it will also be the first thing in the minds of your loved ones - don't 'soldier through' and choose not to mention symptoms unless your loved ones tend towards utter panic - be as up-front with them as their worry-capacity permits. Spouse/partner should know what is going on with you, young children need only know you're not feeling so great the now, teens can be told a little more but framed in a way to let them know you're under medical supervision and if they have any questions they need only ask.

Welcome to the Hearties:)

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn

What a fantastic post ! It should be printed out and pinned on the wall to be read often and used as encouragement. Alas I don’t have a printer . I’ll photograph it if that’s ok? Many thanks😄

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn

Thanks 😃

Trog1 profile image
Trog1

Hi there, I had been suffering from what was diagnosed as ectopic beats for over 25 years (my early 30’s) and had only had hospital rediagnose this 4 months before I had my Nstemi 19 months ago. On being taken to hospital when I had my Nstemi they discovered it was a result of a genetic disorder which, after an angiogram, proved to have caused a build up which was blocking my arteries. I was put on an emergency list for bypass surgery and had a triple CABG in May 2019. As you can imagine I was petrified as, at 58, I had no idea I had a genetic disorder. However, the Nstemi turned out to be a blessing in disguise at it revealed the problem and saved my life. Without the surgery, I was told I’d have less than 2 years. I suffered anxiety due to a combination of the shock, the surgery and also finding out that close members of my late family must have had the genetic problem (but not known). They were thought to have heart conditions due to lifestyle factors like smoking (which I don’t do). My niece also found she has it and is now receiving treatment.

Overall, I can understand your apprehension and anxiety but you’ve had the best possible treatment and advice so, if you take care and have regular checks and possibly a few lifestyle adjustments to help ensure you keep yourself in the good health, you can live a normal life. I know you will get times of stress and worry but given time you will learn to live with that and, hopefully, look upon your experience as a wake up call. I know that even though I sometimes get anxious days, I am so grateful to have found the problem and have our wonderful NHS treat and care for me. Over time I’ve gone from the attitutude of “why me” to “OMG how lucky I am they found it”.

All the very best for the future.

Bigheart58 profile image
Bigheart58

Outstanding response. Agree with every word.

All I would add is that worrying never actually helps. Of course we all get anxious about things but if you take care of yourself, exercise and eat sensibly you will maximise your chances of avoiding further problems.

I have significantly de-stressed since my HA nine months ago. It’s not always easy to eliminate stress in one’s life but I was convinced that stress was one major reason I had my cardiac issues.

Good luck and, trust me, we’ve all been there and it does get easier with time.

djleighp profile image
djleighp

yes i have stopped smoking but one area im struggling is food as im quite a fussy eater i do not like fish well thats a lie the only one ill eat is cod in batter i really have got to get my head round this healthy eating ive also told work im stepping down as a manager and ill be a cashier instead less stress

Phil_London profile image
Phil_London

Hi, well I hope your already feeling more positive, I can concure with your situation, at 52 I had an Nstemi in May 2019, went in to A&E 3 times with dizzy spells as I knew I had a 60+ % blocakage from a scan early the same month, three times sent home as no Troponin leak, them 3am on the 23rd May woke up with a real big dizzy spell, no chest pain but back off I go to A&E, this time small Troponin leak and straight into the cath lab, 1 stent and 18 months on, lost 15Kg and running 5K every week, stress I have learned to take at my pace, as like you my job can be stressful, you learn to not let it get that way and take it at your pace (often now faster since the stent) I couldn't take the betas either as my HR was going down to 40 in the day when sitting so they stopped them and what is better is that now also not seen as needed as BP is naturally good with new way of life. So life can be very normal, you will notice every twinge and pain but as said often on here, my cardiologist said you will know if the pain or twinge is real problem so just try to get on with enjoying life. it takes a long time to really ignore all pains and even after 18 months I still get time when I have a little panic but so far its a lot of anxiety and not a real problem, none of us can tell you not to worry as we all will do and continue to do, but you learn to control it, but smile every day you wake up, enjoy the day and be happy for another chance we have been given to live. Good luck.

djleighp profile image
djleighp in reply toPhil_London

yes thanks for reassurance i have now arranged with my work not to be a manager anymore ill be a cashier and yes i need to chill out but the diet change is a big thing ( i do have to say my diet was awful) im now smoke free ive bought a pushbike and a treadmill so as soon as i feel better frame of mind ill start on these the doctor as given me 8 weeks off work i think that maybe to long lol

Sandmaan profile image
Sandmaan

Wow, very well said.

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