Life after a widowmaker heart attack - British Heart Fou...

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Life after a widowmaker heart attack

Namaste2021 profile image
15 Replies

My partner had a massive heart attack in January and I would like to hear from others who are further along the recovery journey. The psychological impact is taking to take effect now on both of us.

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Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021
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15 Replies
Baz51 profile image
Baz51

HiYes I had a major heart attack 11 months ago and had a triple bypass and a stent fitted.

It does take time, but it will get better as the months pass, and it’s important to keep fit (within the recovery times)

Yes it’s the psychological part you have to get by, try to learn that every ache etc may not be anything to do with the heart, also the tablets may give some side effects.

He will get there and it’s a case of staying positive, and remember he has been given a second chance 😀

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021 in reply to Baz51

Thank you that’s really good advice. I’m so glad I joined this forum. I will pass on to my partner. Take care of yourself.

Bradee12 profile image
Bradee12

I had the same back I'm May, 2020. Felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. Quite uncomfortable really! Anyway, after an ambulance ride, 2 stents, and 5 or 6 pills rattling around daily inside, it's not too bad now. I'm 66 and retired so just do a few things each day. But others are running marathons after 2 or 3 months post widow maker. You may get some problems from the meds. Chat with others. My main beef was with statins. They caused micro-tears on both my Achilles tendons. It has taken about 4 months for those to heal so that I don't hobble anymore. The antiplatlet stuff makes me nauseous too. Apart from that, life is just dandy. 😉

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021 in reply to Bradee12

My partner has been complaining of a sore foot - like he is standing on something. Wondering if it might be the statins. Do you mind me asking which statins you are on?

Hatchjd profile image
Hatchjd in reply to Namaste2021

For the foot issue, google Plantar fasciitis. It is unrelated to heart or med issues but commonly feels like you are walking on a stone. Common in people who are on their feet a lot, walkers and runners.

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021 in reply to Hatchjd

I thought about PF also. Seems to be easing off now. Thank you.

Bradee12 profile image
Bradee12 in reply to Namaste2021

The one that caused me problems was rosuvastatin. That was changed to Atorvastatin. I was in quite bad pain with both, due to them causing the Achilles micro-tears. The tears were bringing tears to my eyes at one point. They also affected my left elbow. It got a sort of tennis-elbow. The statins were also affecting my thinking. I know it all sounds very weird, but when the doc finally stopped them, the pain levels started decreasing after about 4 weeks. My Achilles tendons are still sore 2 months since stopping the statins, but the GP said it will take several months to heal. Hth.

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021 in reply to Bradee12

My partner takes atorvastatin. Thanks for the reply, we will keep an eye on it. I hope you recover soon.

Misstibbs profile image
Misstibbs

The name says it all widowmaker But you’re not thankfully, so life is there for you both make the most of every day whatever you do, be a bit selfish together do what you want. I had a widowmaker a year ago and stent fitted and endeavor to do all the things I used to do and more and I am , make sure your partner takes the medication and be aware of his limitations. Good luck

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021 in reply to Misstibbs

Thank you for replying. It’s so encouraging to hear of people’s progress. Yes, we are both grateful for the chance to change his lifestyle. It’s still quite new but once his head adjusts I think he will feel so much better. Take care.

KentFox profile image
KentFox

I can only echo previous comments regarding having a positive attitude and exercising frequently. The other factor that challenged me was the ups and downs. When I started to recover I often suffered a set back which left me feeling like I would never full recover. I would counsel to expect set backs now and again but focus on the overall improvements.

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021

Yes this forum is great. It’s so good to talk to others in a similar position. I will pass on your message to my partner and encourage him to sign up on here. Thank you. Take care.

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021

Thank you Gerald. I am very happy with the help I’ve received on here. I feel so much better. I will encourage my partner to join up and stick with his exercise plan. Take care.

Aopl profile image
Aopl

For what it’s worth a few years ago I was talking to a chap who was in his mid 50’s and he told me he had had a major heart attack at 21. It just goes to show!

Namaste2021 profile image
Namaste2021 in reply to Aopl

🙂 always good to hear positive stories like this. Thank you for posting.

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