Stuggling emotional after having stents fitted

[toners2000]

after feeling a bit odd following some exercise I was quickly diagnosed with angina and within 6 weeks had had 3 stents fitted due to clogging of artery's (thanks NHS, great job).

I am a 52 year old energetic man, not overweight, non smoker for 6 years with a fairly healthy diet.

The whole process happened so fast and because of Covid have had little if any support emotionally following this event. My family are great but I feel isolated, scared, I struggle with work as they often want me to travel overseas but I am scared of this. Most days I am OK, but I do get anxiety attacks and wondered if anyone else feels the same.

On top of this working in the event and hospitality industry I received a 20% pay cut so am having to do handyman jobs to make ends meet.

[Telboi]

Stay positive mate, remember what you have had done saved your life and you will enjoy many more summers in the sun. Covid has added to the anxiety we are all feeling so you are not alone. Six weeks is very early for you to be feeling ok again, but I promise you it will come mate, and you will smile lots again! Terry

[toners2000 in reply to Telboi]

Thanks to all of your replies, its reassuring to know others understand my anxiety. as you say it is a very isolated world with Covid which is certainly magnifying the stress's and strains of life. I am doing my best and have found keeping busy is the best medicine.

[PhilandDon]

Hi toners2000It's really natural to feel anxious. I was a 61 year old, health conscious, ex PE teacher who didn't recognise the signs of angina and had a mild heart attack resulting in 3 stents being fitted. That was 18 months ago and I still have moments of concern but these have reduced over time. I had the benefit, pre Covid, of a cardiac rehabilitation programme where you had a lecture on medication, diet, exercise etc and a circuit where you gradually built up your level of activity. This increased confidence mixing with other people recovering from similar and very different cardiac problems. I've found this forum is very helpful for easing concerns and you get lots of support and advice here. Now that lockdown is easing I would ask about rehabilitation as you could start and stop the sessions whenever you wanted in my area. It's extra hard at the moment but stay positive because you've been caught early and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Best wishes

[Lonmayloon]

Hi Toners2000. Like you I was 52 when I first experienced angina. Within six weeks I had an angiogram and they decided there and then to fit a stent as the LAD was 90% blocked. I didn’t have any rehabilitation or much contact with cardiology after the procedure and like you the anxiety crept in. Every twinge was a suspected heart event at first but things did get better. I was always fairly fit and not overweight. That was almost ten years ago. During lockdown I started the C25K challenge and now run about 20km each week. You are very early in your journey so go easy on yourself. I am sure the anxiety will improve.All the best.