Feeling Low

[Trikam]

I had a heart attack on 17.03.21 i had 4 stents & I haven’t come to terms with it yet. Since last week i have been feeling very low & crying a lot. Is this normal

[Ads568]

Hi Trikam,

I'm sorry you're struggling at the moment. It's still very early days for you. Maybe your GP could help you get to grips with the enormity of what's happened; possibly by signposting you to some counselling. In normal times you'd be referred in a few weeks for cardiac rehabilitation, which would help enormously I'm sure. Have you considered giving the BHF nurses a call on their helpline 0300 330 3311 (weekdays 9-5) or you can email them on [e-mail] if you prefer. Either way, it might help you to talk this through with someone who has knowledge of the specific issues a heart attack can bring.

I'm sure others with similar experiences to you will be along soon to offer their support, and I hope you will gain comfort from knowing you're not alone in this. Take care and do reach out to us here.

Best wishes

[080311]

Hello Trikam,

Welcome to the forum, a place you never thought you would be, but a place where you will get support and help.

When we have a heart issue, it’s as if our life as stopped, and this new life as begun. Well in a funny way that’s what as happened. We now have a new normal, daily medication to take watching our diet, and being aware of doing our exercises.

Feeling low and being emotional is par for the course, your body and brain is still in shock over what as happened. You need to be kind to yourself take it very slowly it’s really early days. Because of Covid, cardio rehab is now on line but get your name down to join a class. It must be starting up again soon. It’s a great place to get your head round what as happened. You get your stamina back but also your mental health improves.You realise your not alone and when you exercise there are the cardio nurses keeping an eye you.

Now you are a member of the Hearties family, and if you need help someone will always lend an ear, or give you a shoulder to lean on.

Remember there is life after a heart event, us Hearties can vouch for that.

Best wishes Pauline

[Nettekin]

Hi Trikam. In a word, the answer to your question is yes. I had a heart attack and 2 stents in July 2019. I personally feel it is entirely normal to feel this way and would be concerned if you weren't. It is part of the process of coming to terms with what has happened, and as such is healthy and I think necessary. When our world is turned upside down we all react slightly differently of course, but all our reactions are 'normal'.

My heart event came completely out of left field, no classic warning signs just a vague unwell feeling for a few weeks prior. My initial way of dealing with it was complete denial - not an approach I would recommend! Feeling low and crying came a little later for me but was more healthy and in many ways speeded up my coming to terms with things.It is very early days for you. Focus on being kind to yourself, taking your medication, eating well and a little light exercise when you feel like it. As Pauline says chase up cardio rehab it is invaluable.

In my own experience it does take time to adjust, but I am now at the stage where it is not the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing when I go to bed at night. Very best wishes for your continued recovery x

[blacklabs]

We are here with you . It such a big operation and it will take time. Currently our daughter is due a heart op next week . I feel for you my family are sending you so much love and a big hug to you.x

[Nettekin in reply to blacklabs]

Thinking of you and your family for next week. X

[-007- in reply to blacklabs]

All the best for next week 👍

[Hidden]

Welcome to the heart attack survivors club. It is a hugely traumatic event and I don't think anyone goes home feeling quite the same again. My rational is it is almost like one life has ended and you are strangely mourning for yourself and going through the anger and grief etc.

Cry, laugh, dance and be kind to yourself.

Ask for help (GP, cardiac nurse, BHF) and take it from wherever you can.

A big virtual hug from all the other club members.

😍

[ph5019 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trikam,All the replies you have had are excellent and I cannot really add to them.

I will tell you a bit about my experience just to reiterate that what you are feeling is completely normal.

I do feel the medics do a brilliant job with physical side, but there isn't enough help available with the mental side.

I was in a bad place after having an stemi with five stents in the LAD and considerable heart damage.

I was in a really bad place after being diagnosed with PTSD after my event and stay in hospital in May 2020.

I was lucky to find a find a fantastic councellor privately, we had Zoom sessions twice a week to start including EMDR. I still have a session twice a month, more for reassurance its amazing how I talk to her for most of the hour session.

To sum up there are many of us who have felt like you are feeling, you will get through it, but if you can afford some professional help it as important as all the drugs you are taking.

Best wishes Paul

[Gazzer83]

Hi Trukam. Mine came out of nowhere. I had just had my 39th birthday and had a young family. My youngest was only 6. Part of your recovery is to make a choice between feeling sorry for yourself and saying ' I know I have to make some changes but I am going to get on with my life. I chose the latter and I am still here 18 years and 6 heart attacks later. You have to find the motivation that makes you want to get up in the morning and say YES I WILL MOVE FORWARD TODAY. This may sound harsh and dosnt work for everyone but just remember. YOU ARE STILL ALIVE. Albeit with some restrictions but still ALIVE.

Good luck

[-007-]

-007- Licensed to Pill

================

Hi there,

It’s tough isn’t it!

No one can appreciate all the emotions that you go through when your told you have Hart Disease. Unless you’ve been through it yourself.

I think all us hearties will say that it’s ok and normal to have a little cry.

Hopefully, there will come a point where you can consider yourself lucky that you’ve survived a heart attack and you’re in a system where they know what to do to get you back to living your life.

I personally think myself lucky.

Between 2016 and 2019 I survived a heart attack, had five stents and five coronary bypasses.

Since my heart attack I’ve had a fairly full life. I’ve owned and ridden a Triumph Bonneville 900 cc motorbike and a Kawasaki Meanstreak 1500 cc trike. Currently I’m having fun in a little two seater 3 litre V6 convertible sports car. (long May my midlife crisis continue). I’ve heard my granddaughter call me granddad. I’ve seen my son get married.

Currently we’re thinking of selling the two seater to buy an old camper van to tour Scotland because I’ve never been to Scotland.

The reason why I’ve written this is to show that there’s still life after a heart attack.

Hope that’s helped.

All the very best to you.

==================

My name is Bond, James Bond and I take my Asprin shaken not stirred 🍸

[purpleswimmer in reply to -007-]

007, get your van and get to Scotland you will enjoy the peace and tranquility. I love just outside Edinburgh and take most of my holidays on Scotland. We very seldom go to same place twice except Glencoe and around Speyside. We started off on our caravan but now rent cottages. Not cheap in summer but tend to holiday February, May and September. I was diagnosed heart failure and permanent a fib just before first lockdown so only managed a week up north east in September which helped me immensely as I was extremely depressed and emotional at the time. They seem to have my meds right now and life looking a bit brighter. Three holidays booked for this year. May in Crieff, Perthshire, July in Cupar, Fife and two weeks in Gairloch in September. Let's hope we get them all. Xx

[-007- in reply to purpleswimmer]

Hi Purpleswimer, Thanks for the message.

Well we’ve seen the motorhome we want and all being well we’ll be coming up to you this year. I’ve traveled many, many places worldwide but never even got to the Lake District! (We live near Bournemouth. )

I too have caravan and camped for many years (but not of recent years).

Always wanted to get to Scotland so this year I think three or four weeks in your lovely country is on the cards.

I’ve just weened myself off Bisoprolol (with docs ok) as that was making me feel very tired. I’ve been taking it since 2016 but all of a sudden it was making me feel terrible. So now I’m only on 80 mg Altrovastatin, lanzoporol and Asprin.

So if you hear a guy with a welsh accent and an English sounding wife looking lost, say Hi cos it probably me. 😳😂🤣

[purpleswimmer in reply to -007-]

Lol you will love it. Xx

[Putterguy]

Hi Trikam

It’s really hard to get to terms with when you have a heart trauma. It is difficult for anyone to understand who has not been through it.

I had my heart problem on Boxing Day this year. Having been a fit ish 66 year old.

I thought my life was finished having worked hard and took early retirement to enjoy holidays and more golf. Of course the pandemic hasn’t helped.

I still haven’t come to terms with my trauma but the support from my local heart nurse team, Doctor and consultant is important and I get a bit more positive each day.

The consultant has refereed me to a clinical psychologist to help me with coping strategies.

Also speaking to others and joining forums like this one has helped me no end.

Whatever you do make sure you share your feelings with others and if you are struggling get onto your GP or if you have a heart nurse team speak to them and get help.

My wife, friends and family have been a great help understanding that I’m struggling.

BHF also has a good help line which you can always ring.

I’m finding my life hasn’t stopped but it has changed, Keeping up with the medications and exercise is a must ( I actually played 9 holes of golf yesterday with the support of my golfing friends) it is also very important to understand your own limits and don’t try and overdo it.

I make myself have positive thoughts everyday as I believe mindfulness is also a great healer and will help you get through this and have a good positive long life.

[Pussacat]

Welcome to the group. Anything you feel is normal. It's all a bit new yet but you will pick up. We are here and all wishing you well and hoping to keep you positive for your onward and upward recovery. Take things easy and follow the advice you have been given. Anything worth having is worth working towards and you will get there in time. Don't rush things, try to relax and build up slowly. Try to plan small positive events and distract your thoughts with positive images of family and friends around you. Don't keep your feelings and worries locked up, talk to those around you and seek advice as you feel you need to from medical professionals. You are not alone.😘

[Stefos1]

Hi Trikam, you've survived and I'm sure you'll be forever grateful to our wonderful NHS as I am, I looked at it as being given a warning to improve my lifestyle in all areas and also felt very lucky to still be here. I'm sure also many on here have had very similar feelings that you have right now, start slowly but get outside and start walking gently at first and slowly build up, its amazing how quickly you will regain physical and mental well being, be grateful every day and good luck and best wishes for the future, Steve

[firstlight40]

Hi Trikam,

I'm sorry you are feeling down. I don't know the severity of your heart attack or your age. It was a shock to me when I had my NSTEMI 8 weeks ago. I'm fortunate to have good support. Maybe worth talking to your GP or taking part in heart rehab if you can.

[EmmyLaury12]

Hi Trikam

You have had lots of encouraging replies from fellow hearties which I’m sure will help you .

I had my HA April 2020 out of the blue one stent fitted.

I struggled with chronic anxiety following HA for a few months . Like others had said you will get there but it’s early days . Take care I promise you you will feel better soon little steps to recovery xx