Extreme fatigue

[James4540]

Hi all,

My first post but just asking of people’s experiences of fatigue.

I have always tried to keep fit and eat balanced but in April 2019 early into a 20 mile bike ride i got a dull ache over my heart, I completed the ride but the ache didn’t go all day, it wasn’t painful just niggling, next morning I woke it was worse , I set off to work and had a heart attack I was 48, had low cholesterol, no history, not overweight etc except I have had years of stress through work etc

I was diagnosed with heart disease and had stent fitted on my LAD artery and after second opinion had a second fitted to same artery due to second blockage.

Unfortunately when I was discharged that day my femeral artery ruptured where they had gone in and resulted in icu and week in hospital along with months of recovery.

I did recover well until March 2020 when I was diagnosed with in-stenosis after getting angina while working out.

I was treated medically until was taken in for angiogram in October 2020, I was treated with cutting balloon to clear excess plaque but was told I had an under expanded stent and the problem may reoccur which is where I am now .

My angina has now returned, my GP has increased my diltiazem hydrochloride upto 300mg which helps and referred me back to my cardiologist.

I’m suffering and have been tbh for last 12 months with extreme fatigue/tiredness, which causes me to struggle with exercising etc which I obviously need, I also get very breathless at doing active tasks (carrying things upstairs etc) not sure if it’s the meds or just my symptoms, anyone experienced this as always loved the bike and walks etc but just can’t find any energy due to feeling constantly drained

[BernieMB]

Hi James, you really have been through the mill. I empathise with the awful tiredness. I went through that and am still felling it to some extent. My situation is different to yours. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve which ended up having severe aortic stenosis and I had to have a valve replacement earlier this year. Prior to this I had a TIA in March last year and a Pulmonary Embolism last November which completely floored me. I couldn’t even go for a walk after that. I am slowly getting better and have now started cardio rehab which is already building my confidence. When our bodies take a battering it takes a lot of effort to recover both mentally and physically and we need time and mental space to do that. Talk to your GP/Cardiologist about your concerns and they will be able to advise you.

[James4540 in reply to BernieMB]

Thanks for the reply Bernie, you’ve been through the same mill 😘, I’m still awaiting my cardiologists call unfortunately it was a two month wait for a telephone appointment which was supposed to happen two weeks ago this Wednesday? I’ve rang his secretary twice to see what’s happening but she just says she’ll email him!!Obviously busy but would be nice to get a response so can see what he suggests this time 👍

[Wooodsie]

Hi James, it does sound like you have had a bad time. I'm not surprised you are tired and breathless. You don't mention your meds, but I'm assuming bisoprolol is among them? These seem to make people breathless, especially going uphill and at low exertion. I work out, do weights etc. With no problem, but get out of breath going for a walk, especially if there is an incline.

Like Bernie says, the operations and hospitalisation will also take a toll on the body and brain, so don't be too disspondent about being tired. I think you are doing the right thing to keep up with the exercise.

If you still have that stressful job.......... 🙆🤷 I'm sure you know the cure.

[Ageingfast]

Dear James

What a bad time you have had.

I think you are doing the right thing with continuing exercise. I have a long garden and up and down that is exercise. However, I was advised to take a slow walk each day and to chat as I walk. Amazingly this was so much better than pottering around the garden.

Fatigue is a big problem for me. One hope is that the long covid brigade will receive some new treatments and then this just might trickle down to our levels.

Best wishes

Colin

[Chappychap]

"not sure if it’s the meds or just my symptoms"

Hello James, I'm not medically qualified to answer, but it sounds more like angina than medication. The clue is the breathlessness upon mild exertion rather than the fatigue. You should be clear about your problems in your forthcoming consultation with your cardiologist, don't minimise these symptoms and put a brave face on things, because there are more treatment options open to you.

Good luck!

[James4540]

Thanks everyone for your replies 😊

Regards the job Woodsie, I run family garage business with my two brothers and I’ve definitely reduced my stress levels as tbh I felt I was near a breakdown when I had my HA, I’ve never really got back to my old self inside and do have times where I do struggle especially mentally which I never did before.

I had years of stress caused by my family ie parents and siblings which really affected my quality of life.

I have considered leaving and starting something else but not sure what and if I’m fit enough to start learning another job..

Never thought I’d have issues especially having a HA but goes to show we are not invincible

Hopefully my cardiologist will call soon and can move forward on what he suggests next, he did say at last procedure in October that the restenosis may return but he didn’t really want to fit another stent ? Not sure what will be next

[James4540 in reply to James4540]

Sorry missed medication as mentioned

Diltiazem hydrochloride 300mg

Atorvastatin 40mg

Lansoprazole 15mg

Clopidogrel 75mg

Aspirin 75mg

Tamsilosin 400mg (enlarged prostrate)

Was taken off isosorbide mononitrate last year as suffered severe headaches

Also take off bisopropel and Ramipril not sure why)

[Hidden in reply to James4540]

Similarly I experienced extreme fatigue, for me it was down to a deficiency in Vitamin B12, it seems that PPI's can cause malabsorption in some people.

I was prescribed Folic and within a very short time was feeling totally different.

Might not be in your case, but if you haven't, it might be worth getting bloods done to check Vit B levels.