Chest pain,

[a35austin]

Hi everyone, first heart attack in august two stents fitted, second heart attack in September one stent fitted, getting better daily with mild exercise, then a cold spell in November had me back in the hospital with pains that were worse than the original heart attack, diagnosed with unstable angina and prescribed a months course of isosorbide mononitrate taken twice a day along with my other eight prescribed medication, but my original question as to why I still have chest pains that are not going away seems to have been answered by reading the forum on this site, it hasn't taken the pain away but it has helped knowing I`m not suffering these symptoms alone, how do others cope with panic /anxiety attacks regarding your chest pains as I`m sure that I`m not the only one suffering these debilitating thoughts, any help or advice welcome.

[Zemer]

Hi a35austin, I've mentioned this a few times on this site but after my heart event, we were told in Cardio Rehab that our body has suffered a trauma and it needs time to heal. In the same way our mind has also suffered from this trauma and needs time to accept what has happened, process what is going on and begin to trust that we can move around once again.

The fear can be always there, especially with twinges, aches or sensations that seem to occur in places you never had such in your life before and it is so scary at times. I got a smart watch. I suffer a lot now with sluggish digestion, cramping etc from the medications so if I get any of those aces and odd sensations that cause me to worry 'Is this my arteries?' I check the readings and if everything is ticking away in what seems the normal rates for me now, I feel a bit more at ease and realise once again that this feeling or sensation is something else, digestive, muscle ache etc. Plus don't overdo things, take a rest. I go for walks too as exercise. Have to bring the dog out but sometimes have to push myself. Get plenty of exercise doing things in the house or garden. And I play music and do a bit of singing, things I enjoy. There was a day I thought I'd never be able to do any of those things again. Keep hope alive!! Heather

[a35austin in reply to Zemer]

Good Evening Heather, and thanks for your reply, I feel more fear and worry now that I`m home from the hospital, and view every twinge or pain as a prelude to another heat attack even though common sense tells me that it's not, I`m afraid that common sense goes out of the window when I think I`m having another heart attack, but having read through the site posts I see that I'm not the only one having these thoughts and somehow that makes me feel not so isolated and given time things should settle down, its a comfort knowing that there are people out there who care enough about a stranger to offer support, thank you.

[Qualipop]

I was taught self hypnosis to deal with panic attacks which i started having some 30 years ago. Since my heart attack it's been extremely useful; haven't lost my touch. I Know if I can calm my heart down and slow it, I usually have nothing to worry about. A lot of my pain actually comes from severely dried out spinal discs but radiates into my chest; very hard to tell if it's spine or heart . Self hypnosis is easy to learn but hard to do. Two heart attacks in succession like that have caused massive shock, not just to your body but to your mind. It's perfectly normal to react to every twinge and to be scared. I think everyone is at first.. What I longed for was to be able to start doing things under the supervision of a heart nurse with other people who'd gone through the same. I'm 2 years down the line now and things have finally eased off. Sadly even before covid, I wasn't accepted for rehab because I use a wheelchair and they claimed I wouldn't be able to do it

[a35austin in reply to Qualipop]

Good morning Qualipop, Thanks for your reply it makes it a little easier knowing that others have gone through similar worries and have come out the other side, so here`s hoping for a better healthier 2001 for all of us, good luck and thanks.

[EmmyLaury12]

Hi ,

I really understand how you are feeling as I felt the same post HA in April

This year . I had one stent .

I was so anxious 2 weeks post HA has two A and E admissions due to massive anxiety as thought I was having another HA. I was so scared and lonely and honestly thought I was going to die . I had all symptoms of a HA - tight chest , jaw ache etc it was so scary . I had short stays in the hospital and the Drs said it was anxiety I think it was my heart settling down to the trauma it had suffered .

I learned to use breathing techniques, meditation and a course of CBT all helped massively with my recovery .

I like others in this forum feel scared at times with the odd twinge but I think as time as gone on my anxiety is easier and I feel stronger somehow to cope with things .

I really feel for you but can assure you you will feel better but it may take a while . I feel sure you’ll get there because I did and lots of others o this forum too.

This forum helped me the most. I didn’t feel alone anymore and the realisation that others were feeling like I was somehow eased my anxiety . We are here for you if you need us ,

Sending you lots of positive energy ,

Take care x

[a35austin in reply to EmmyLaury12]

Good morning Emmylaury12, Thank you for your reply it helps to know that others have gone through the same emotions and have come out the other side feeling more normal, that's the main thing I`m missing at the moment normality, so I`m hoping that 2001 will be a more positive and healthier year for all of us, thank you for your help.