Hi I'm new here

[Libellula59]

Have recently joined after HA 11 days ago. Had anterior stemi and have stent. from what I understand there is a lot of damage.I am struggling with being home and not knowing what to expect, if the things I am experiencing now are to be expected or should be checked. I'm terrified and feel abandoned by hospital. Google is not reassuring.... I've been reading posts and everyone is so kind and supportive

[Smarticus]

Hi and welcome, I have no advice to give on your specific condition but be assured plenty of people are on here and will give you excellent information and advice. Remember the BHF nurses are there as well. Stay away from google (within reason) its useful for information, but take it with a huge pinch of salt! your condition and experience is yours alone, it will be different from everyone else so apply the bits that make sense. Ask away and someone will be able to give "their experience" and see if it helps you... HTH

[Lizbeth61]

Hi Libellula. So sorry to hear about your very recent heart attack and stent procedure. It’s all very new to you and it normal to be terrified and worried about the future. I didn’t have a heart attack but was very close to one apparently and luckily was discovered and treated by an LAD Stent before that happened. You will find lots of reassurance on this site as I have done in the last couple of months since my procedure. All I can say is that things will get better and you will finally get your head round what’s happened to you. Just allow yourself some time. Sorry you feel abandoned by the hospital. Can’t you call your cardiologist or doctor for some reassurance? Maybe avoid Google at the moment. Take care and hope you feel better soon x

[080311]

Hello Libellula59Welcome to the forum, first let me say sorry you have found yourself here but we are a merry band of Hearties and we will help when we can.

Please don’t use Dr Google, it’s out dated info, if you are on line just use the NHS web site or even the Mayo clinic.

Any information you can phone the BHF nurses they are really helpful.

What you have been through is huge and will take time for your brain to process what your body as been through, on the forum we have members with different heart issues, I have had Aortic valve replaced and bypass, these aches and pains you are having will make you worry we all do.

Look at your life style if you smoke stop, look at your diet lots of us here follow the Mediterranean diet recommend by BHF exercises start off gently try a little walk daily increasing slowly. You don’t say what medication your on but remember to take it as recommended.

I know cardio rehab isn’t up and running at the moment but can I suggest you get on the list for when it starts up again. I found it invaluable as much for my mental health as my stamina. When you are around others who have had the same experiences as you is such a help. You are monitored doing your exercises by the cardio nurse so have no worries that you are pushing to much.

Others will be along to help, but if you need to talk there will be someone to listen or give you a shoulder to lean on. Things do get better I know it feels like it won’t but it’s a case of slow and steady.

Best wishes Pauline

[Outforawalk]

Hi and sorry to hear of what you’ve been through. Another HA victim here, 8 months ago now completely out of the blue, at 42 having been to the gym in the morning 🤷‍♂️ and although life is pretty normal now the emotions are always bubbling near the surface.

Thatwasunexpected has it right though, you wouldn’t be sitting at home if anyone thought you were in any kind of danger. What does happen is your mind is in overdrive trying to figure out how you feel and what the hell just happened.

You will be acutely aware of every little sharp pain or niggle, try to remember you’ve had an invasive procedure and have been through a traumatic experience so lots of unusual sensations are the norm. That said if you are in any doubt get checked out.

Hopefully you have access to a cardiac rehab team via telephone? I found the nurses to be great and very reassuring.

At the moment you need to try and rest and enjoy the fact you’re here and recovering. Best of luck and I hope the forum offers you some comfort and support as it has done for me and many others.

[Hidden]

Hello

I am new to and do not have the answers as such but can relate so much to how you feel afraid and abandoned by the Hospital

I had a heart attack 8 weeks ago and have just been in constant fear since

They did not stent me as I was to anxious as I already suffer with anxiety to do it so come home with a load of meds which I am sure some are not suiting me

They said I would get a telephone call in 6 weeks now it is not till the 15th which will be 11 weeks and just do not know how to cope like you are feeling

They also said I would have another scan within 8 weeks yet as now I won't be speaking to the Consultant till 11 weeks I know that won't be happening

I have a Cardiac nurse phone once a week but I find her useless to be honest but maybe they gave you a number for one if so yours may be good

I am sorry what you are going through , I know how it feels but hope the members will help you feel better and know you are not alone

Take Care x

[Libellula59]

Thank you all for your kind words and reassurance, it is a comfort to know others have come through and understand. I don't have a number for a cardiac nurse but was told I would be referred for cardiac rehab. Thank you for the info on BHF cardiac nurses, think I will find then helpful too.Love and best wishes to everyone here

[EmmyLaury12]

Hi Libellula,

Welcome to the hearties forum.

I think others have said what I would.have said really.just take little steps to recovery and you will get there . It’s a very scary time for you and your body had to adapt to a massive shock .

I had HA in April

This year one stent for a blocked rt coronary artery so .

Everyone differed but just becoming myself again and nog worrying about everything.

CBT helped me come to terms with what had happened to me and how to feel

More positive about things .

Feel sure you’ll get there as most of us on here do just take it easy .

We are here for you if you need us x

[jmpond90gmailcom]

Hi I'm Jim. I am exactly 4 months post Heart Attack today. I have my LAD stented. It was fully blocked. I have severe damage to the left side of the heart due to blockage which caused by the heart attack. I have triple vascular disease. You are in the right place for support. The individuals on here are all helpful and knowledgable and have stood in your shoes. Everything you are feeling is normal. Although we are living in strange times we can still get better. Keep us updated on your journey

Take care

Jim ♥️

[Slimdaz]

Hi Libellula,

Firstly welcome 🤗

I had an anterior STEMI followed by a sudden cardiac arrest on 27 June and a stent fitted. At 47 I thought I was reasonably fit but this came out of the blue.

Although everybody’s recovery will be different, if I can give you any reassurance it gets better.

I am now back at the gym working out and before lockdown 2.0 managed to get up to 3 cardiac classes per week. These are HIIT and spin classes and around 45 minutes per class.

My heart damage was a result of defribulation and output went to 35% max. I followed my consultants advice and 10 weeks of cardiac rehab telephone consults. However i did feel lost at times due to the way things are with the pandemic.

Dont read Dr Google’s advice as that will send you down a dark road. Remember you beat this once already, your heart is getting better, and you will slowly get fitter.

I call my episode a summertime blip and refer to it as grim reaper 0 me 2 😂

It may not be for everyone to think of it in the same light, but thats what makes us unique and special. Listen to your body, you will get anxious of every twinge, I am starting to learn that now, but if you need any advice, reach out to either the BHF or your cardiac rehab team.

All the best

Darren

[Fynndog]

Hi libellula59. Sorry that you are having to join us here but you are and your not alone. One lovely person said you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck and it’s true. We all feel like we’ve been processed and been thrown out the other end left to fend for ourselves. I think it’s a process we must go through a bit like the stages of mourning . Each stage is necessary for us to get where we need to be. Contact the rehab nurses they will calm your fears . No matter how scared and awful you feel things will gradually get better . I had my H/A 3 stents Sept 25 it’s early days for me. I wish I’d known about healthunlocked from the start . It’s only by reading others people’s stories you get to understand that we all felt the same. Take good care of yourself and tell us how you are progressing. Xx

[Familyfirst1]

Hi linellula, I had a stemi lad 9 weeks ago which caused me to have a cardiac arrest.Feeling like you I guess. I have a excellent cardiac nurse who is very supportive. Is referring me to a clinical psychologist. Speak to your cardiac nurse. Best wishes.

[Qualipop]

I can't say anything about your condition but I can say do not be downhearted. The lack of input from hospitals after a heart attack is appalling. They think "We fixed you so go and get on with it". It's up to your GP now to advise you and deal with any medication issues. You will eventually be contacted by a cardiac rehab nurse; no physical rehab happening obviously which would do wonders for your confidence but he nurse will be there to answer any questions and give advice. It's just a shame it doesn't happen quicker. Everyone feels like you; in shock, why did it happen to me, how long have I got. I really think our mental health suffers as much if not more than our bodies do yet here's no support. Look at it this way, even though you have damage, you survived and with medication and change of diet/lifestyle etc you can survive a lot longer. After my HA I wrote to the cardiologist and the health authority pointing out that their after care was nil and their discharge letter needed a degree to understand it. I was even refused rehab because I'm in a wheelchair and a snotty rehab nurse thought i wouldn't be able to do it. I wish now I'd asked for someone else. Talk to your GP; ask for a detailed explanation and advice on how to move forward and contact rehab as soon as you hear from them.

[Carpbait]

Welcome to the forum, I can understand your feelings and worried, however you are never alone on this forum, you will always find a fellow HA survivor who knows how you feel and that little bit of re-assurance you need, so every time you feel that moment of despair reach out, we are always there for each other.Be safe my friend.

[pjw17]

Hello Libellula,I'm 7 months post HA and stent, this forum is very good for advice/support.

My cardio rehab was done over phone, so I'm supposing yours will be too, it's not ideal but better than nothing, I've had a few calls with GP, I had to self monitor my blood pressure over a week and report back. I've had one call off cardiologist, he advised me and said my next Echo would be a year after event, so I went private for one after 6 months.

If your concerned about cardio rehab team contact your area health authority, speak with your GP.

I was a very fit 58 the HA really shocked me but you will come to terms and adapt. I still get occasional twinges and tired days.

Come on here if you feel down other people's stories will perk you up, especially.. Thatwasunexpecteds work out numbers!!!

Good luck.

[Sunnysummerdays in reply to pjw17]

Hi PJW17, just after reading your post,Im 59 had H.A. 8 mths ago,like you it came unexpected,but they told me id get an ECHO after 1year, I too was going to go private but they tell me that the angiogram is the gold standard heart test,and iftheyre is any damage itl show up on that.... Could you enjighten me as to what the ECHO is,and what it does,I am very anxious about it coming up

Thank you

👍👍

[pjw17 in reply to Sunnysummerdays]

Hello Sunny,I had an echocardiagram in hosp a day after my event and in phone Conversation with specialist he said my next one is year after event. For peace of mind had one done at half way stage, its like the the test pregnant mums have on the little screen!!

Your right about the angiogram it's the best test but invasive and a hell of a lot more expensive than echo.

My echo was £400,and took about 30 mins,you get report from consultant afterwards but the person who did my echo told me all about the results there and then.

I don't know where you are based but I'm in Widnes Cheshire and went to a clinic in nearby Newton le Willows.

[Sunnysummerdays in reply to pjw17]

Hi PJ,thank you for that info, doesnt sound as invasive as angio...that eases my mind...tbh im feeling ok after H.A.and stent procedure...so hopefully holding out until March will give me a full year for things to settle re.covid and my anxiety

😊👍

[Zemer in reply to Sunnysummerdays]

Hi, I am just reading your question on the Echo cardiogram. It is not invasive. I had one when in hospital after having the stents done. It is just like the ECG with all the electrodes attached but the specialist is looking at the workings of the heart on a screen, like the images you would see from an ultrasound scan. That's as I remember it anyway. Amazing what they can do really.

[Sunnysummerdays in reply to Zemer]

Hi Zemer,,Thank you fpr that info,all these heart tests can be scary at times,especially when life changes overnight, I suppose its the fear of the unknown and hoping everything is ok .

👍👍👍

[Tj1960]

Hiya. I don’t really like replying to things on this forum because I hate the stuff that I say.I had a HA and stent fitted and while I was in icu I had a cardiac arrest I front of my wife and my two boys. This was back in July 2017.

My body can’t tolerate the meds I need to repair my partial dead heart and damaged heart muscle. 💔

Two and a half years down the line I am realising that this is me for the rest of time. I can’t do anything physical without feeling weak,light headed and dizzy. I hate my life and I just wish now that I didn’t get resuscitated.

Sorry once again,but I need to get it off my chest sometimes ❤️

[Meatless in reply to Tj1960]

Hi there I was sad to read your post and realise things must be tough for you to be feeling so low. I’m glad you’ve come on here to let off steam and it’s good that you feel you can do that... I only wish I could say something to encourage you however don’t want to dismiss how your really feeling as that can be unhelpful and very frustrating. The only thing I can say and do know from experience is that life changes as we move through it and things may not always be as dire as they seem to us when we are in the middle of a prolonged bad time... keep pushing through as things can ease up and I wish you you well with that... take care.

[pjw17 in reply to Tj1960]

Hello TjSorry to hear about your situation, please don't be harsh on yourself, try and achieve little goals when you can I'm sure you'll improve.

Come on here to get advice from others or a general moan!!

Good luck.

[Zemer in reply to Tj1960]

Hi Tj, so sorry you had such a rough time but thank God, that was 2017 and you are three years beyond that awful time. I am about year and 3 mths past my heart event.I am on statins, bisoprolol and ramipril and nexium for stomach. I didn't have any heart damage so they told me anyway as I was caught in time. I do know that my whole digestive system has never been the same since and I suffer a lot trying to find solutions for that. I did feel dizzy a while back but have not noticed that since I came off the Ticagrelor strangely so maybe that was a contributory factor there. It would be good if you could discuss your ongoing symptoms with your GP or Cardiologist. It's not right that you should suffer with these symptoms when maybe a different med might make a difference to the quality of your life and give you back some enjoyment. If you have not, get yourself a smart watch and check your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels at the time when you are getting those dizzy spells. See if blood pressure going too low and then talk to your doctor. Don't overdo things, rest when tired and then you can go back to more activity after a breather. Hope you will get to feeling better. Heather

[Tj1960 in reply to Zemer]

I have done all that. Seen 4 different cardiologists and they gave up on me. Saw a heart transplant cardiologist who said I’m not critical enough.I monitor my heart rate which is 44 resting and around 53 when walking around the house. My blood pressure is around 92/57 but on bad days it gets as low as 78/45. My cardiac community nurse has told me that I’m on max. meds due to my blood pressure and heart rate. I suggested that I stop the meds that don’t agree with me but she said I would probably be dead within 12 months

[Zemer in reply to Tj1960]

Well that doesn't sound very supportive for you and those readings are quite low which is probably why you have lightheadness so some adjustment should be possible. My resting heart rate can go down to 53-55 but mostly around 61 and 90 plus when moving around and BP 110 over 68 to 70. Given room for a plus of 20 on the top for inaccuracy of the smart watch, it's still within normal parameters, Hope someone listens to you. Don't ever come off them because we can't at this point but you need someone to take your quality of living seriously in conjunction with staying healthy.

[Pitt12345]

If you have to Google I was advised only to Google NHS for any health issues, as you can be much more confident with info on there.

[Kelling]

Only advice I have is PLEASE do not read google, only read NHS posts or any BHF information. Kind regards to you and believe that nothing is insurmountable - it's just part of the journey!