Prognosis and return to work after ‘widow maker’

Hi. I really need some help:advice. I had a massive heart attack out of the blue 5 months ago. I live near a very good specialist hospital and was lucky enough to get rushed to hospital for emergency pci. I had one stent fitted. A few hours later a blood clot developed in the stent so had to have another angioplasty. Armed with lots of meds I started my road to recovery but still found it all surreal as there had been no signs at all and in fact I was supposed to be flying abroad on holiday 2 days after HA. 3 weeks later I attended echocardiogram but didn’t feel great. Admitted and had another angioplasty and stent fitted. Felt much better. 4 weeks later chest pains, breathless etc. Admitted to hospital again. Further angiogram and challenge test during it - diagnosed with micro vascular dysfunction/ coronary spasms. Also developed temporary liver issue due to statins which were stopped. Change of meds to combat angina Just over 3 weeks later had severe allergic reaction over entire body (severe lichenoid eruption) to new drug - confirmed by skin biopsy. Change of meds again plus intense course of steroids ( weight increase of of over a stone in 4 eeeks ). Took 6 weeks to get skin almost back to normal but still purple in places. Meanwhile angina returned ( always at rest) steadily increasing in number and pain. Put back on meds / after 2 tablets intense drug reaction again. Meds changed again last week. I write all this because I’m beginning to despair. I feel as though I am constantly going backwards. In November and December I was managing fair walks along coast and riverside daily. Now I’m always tired. I’ve still not returned to work (I’m 65 and a teacher) - I can’t even get through a day at home without rest. I’m having to consider retiring earlier than planned which is upsetting me as sad to leave this way after 25 years at same school. I feel like everything is slipping away from me. I love holidays abroad but don’t feel I have the energy etc. Will this get better? I’m scared about pushing myself now as I don’t really know what aerobic exercises etc are ok with my heart issues. I started smoking when I was 40 and it helped with a stressful job and family issues. Obviously I haven’t had even one since HA but there are times I could. Sorry bit down at moment

[Jonathan6766]

Hi

In my experience (55 years old, heart attack and stents x 6) things do settle over time. I also had set backs and ongoing issues with meds that are now better. Its an ongoing mental challenge too that's for sure. It helps a lot if you have the support of your cardiac nurse, cardiologist, gp. I continue to reach out to them for advice, reassurance. Once we are over this lockdown check with your cardiac nurse about the local cardiac rehab programme. It really helped build my confidence back. My approach during my recovery was to think about baby steps every day and allow yourself days to just rest. Hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden in reply to Jonathan6766]

Thank you so much for replying. It keeps being pointed out to me that a ‘widow maker’ usually hits men so I’ve been unlucky in one sense (being a female) but lucky in that I got through it. It’s hard at times to stay positive. Do you mind if I ask how long it has taken you to reach the position you are in now? Sounds like you have a good approach to it all. Thanks again

[Jonathan6766 in reply to Hidden]

2 years. Its an ongoing process. Its hard to be positive when you are feeling unwell. Keep fighting!

[Hidden in reply to Jonathan6766]

Thank you. The timescale helps as I can cope if I can plan. My failing is always wanting the bigger picture and thinking of pitfalls. I need to be more optimistic! I wish you continued better health! Hope the progress and positivity continues. Thanks again

[Healthyheart1]

Morning Luisbrady, I really do feel for you as I have similar things happening to me at the moment. Not your problems with tablets but I have vasospastic angina, mine is brought on by cold, my emotions and heat it seems. I have found that every thing I try and do now I'm breathless, I can't do my cleaning properly, I've got no energy and no elbow grease. I can't walk far unless I walk like a snail or I get really breathless. I have had to cut down my hours at work because of my back pain at first and now the breathless has made me ask for changes at work to help me adjust when I'm breathless. I asked at least 6 weeks ago if I could be let in the delivery door no answer yet, its a long way for me to walk to work while I have been breathless. I don't feel like a team member anymore but I will add every one at work has been great. It's affected my mental health. I'm having an ongoing battle just to get examined by my gp. It's been Really hard but you know what it won't beat me.Give yourself time you have have had a really hard time brought on out of the blue, take any help that people offer. There are really kind people on this forum that have helped me so much. They know who they are. Keep getting your thoughts out on here take all the positives and give yourself time. Sending a big hug 🤗 regards Sheena

[Hidden in reply to Healthyheart1]

Thanks Sheena. It sounds awful for you. I really think you need to pester your GP for extra help and maybe a note / letter from GP about ways your employer could help you - as you mention the long walk to entrance is not helping. Keep asking employer about it. Worth a try. I admire the determination you’ve shown. I hope things improve.

[Healthyheart1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Luisbrady, don't forget this post is about you. Think of all the ways you can get back to being you, or the best version of you, it's really early days for you, I haven't been through the things you have. There is always someone here to help you with advice or just a kind word. X Sheena x

[Chappychap]

I'm sorry to hear of the very difficult few months you've had to endure.

I don't have much advice I'm afraid, except to say congratulations of quitting smoking. I know it feels things can't get worse, but sadly they can, and quitting smoking is probably the single biggest thing you can do to maximise your health. Quitting is incredibly tough, but you've got through the really hard months and you deserve to be congratulated on this mammoth achievement.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you so much for kind words and encouragement! Really appreciate it. 👍

[Maisie2014]

Hi Luisbrady. Welcome to the group you never wanted to join. You’ve really been through the ringer haven’t you. Take time out from the worry. This has changed your life completely but it doesn’t have to be a bad change. Early retirement may not be a bad idea or maybe part time working. I think it’s too soon to start making such big decisions just yet. Take your time and take each day as it comes. You’ll have bad days but you’ll have some pretty good ones too. People on this site are very understanding and supportive. You’re not alone. Take care.

[Hidden in reply to Maisie2014]

Thank you. I think I do have to think about retirement - maybe just fact I thought I was having any heart attack during the night as pain much worse ( almost on a par with original STEMI). Very scary and took quite a while to get under control. Disappointed as felt ill all day yesterday as well and maybe new meds not working 😟. Thank you for encouraging words. It really helps

[Curlyman83]

Hey Luis! I know exactly how you feel. Had an out of hospital cardiac arrest while playing football in December then a TIA in February. I’m also a teacher and the thought of going back and teaching unruly kids in my current condition is just not possible. I have certainly made progress over the last few weeks and the cardiologist say I’ve got youth on my side (I’m 38) but I still have down days. Just keep telling yourself that it’s a marathon not a sprint. You will get better over time, you just need to give it time.

[Hidden in reply to Curlyman83]

Sorry to hear of your problems so young! Teaching can be so rewarding but extremely stressful ! I think I have to be realistic though. I don’t think I have energy for hours and hours of lesson planning and marking at hone on top of actual teaching in class! I’m also thinking I won’t be at my best and that’s not fair on the children. Selfishly I wanted to go back at least for a little while before retirement in October ( i will be 66 in December) but rapidly reaching conclusion I can’t do it. Hey ho. At least o survived 👍. Good luck to you and thank you

[Curlyman83 in reply to Hidden]

I’m feeling exactly the same way - unfortunately I’m 30 years from retirement! The school has been great so far; very understanding. Not so sure that will be the case when I decide to go back.

Could you not go part time? Just do afternoons or a couple of days per week? That might tide you over until you retire. What subjects do you teach?

[Hidden in reply to Curlyman83]

Only just realised I might not have replied to you ! I was admitted overnight to hospital as chest pains had been bad. BP was very high and took most of night and meds to get it down. Also more issues with LFTs so statins stopped again. ECG ok and echocardiogram reassuring. Change of meds again and additional BP tablet. Unfortunately after few days pain free chest pains have returned. This has made me think I definitely need to retire - to answer your question I’m a primary school teacher year 6 usually but year 5 and 6 this year. I’m already on 50% timetable which ironically had just been agreed a week before HA! School supportive but not thrilled about me returning as fear for my health and their duty of care to me. As head pointed out theoretically if she asked me to cover all the PE lessons each week I should be fit enough to do it or I shouldn’t be there - she wouldn’t by the way. It was suggested I look into retiring on grounds of ill health through teachers pensions but not possible as I’m already on phased retirement. It’s stressing me out !

[Curlyman83]

Try not to stress. There’ll be loads of supply work out there if you’re struggling financially, at that usually comes without the hassle!

Plus, there’s loads of other avenues to explore...exam grading, invigilating, even training. I’m sure someone with your experience will be able to find something without any bother.

I’ve only been teaching for 16 years so I doubt I’ll have much in my pension pot. I work in special education where kids often have to be physically restrained to prevent them hurting themselves or others - needless to say, I’m not to thrilled about the prospect of going back to this. I do however, love the school and it’s located quite nearby so ideal in that sense - I really don’t want t move!

God knows what I’m gong to do!