My mum had a heart attack 3 months ago and has chronic fatigue, is this normal? We seem to be just left with no information. She is disabled so not mobile and unable to exercise, she has COPD.
We want to know if there is anyone who can help us understand what’s happening. We need some support.
Don't underestimate the shock your mum's body and emotions went through having a heart attack. It's not easy to adjust to the new normal, it's so sad that although she is already dealing with health issues, that she had more added. Be kind, just encourage small chair exercises, sit your mum outside in the fresh air. Let her talk, even if it's old memories, that often helps to find out what is causing her fatigue. Please take care of yourself as well, being a carer is very draining. Moni
No, it's not normal to be that tired that you fail to eat a meal. You need professional advice, maybe your dad could do phone consultation with gp. So difficult during covid. Sorry I can't help. Take care. Moni
Hi sophie. Sorry to hear your mum is struggling - she has a lot on her plate to contend with. Many of us have found that although our hospital care has been fantastic, after care is often hit or miss. This is where you need to either become your own advocate, or have someone else help you. A phone call with your mum's GP is a good start. Although fatigue is common following a heart attack, from the physical and emotional trauma as well as getting used to a shed load of medication. Being too tired to come downstairs or finish a meal is not and needs to be followed up. Thinking of you and your family x
Hi Sophie...I don't have this condition so can't be of much help, but listen to the comments that have been made and start knocking on doors, you and your Dad need help and support with your Mom. Sending all good wishes xx
The best place to start for help and advice is the BHF. Look online for free pamphlets dealing with everything from diet to exercise. The telephone service means you can talk to an experienced nurse who can advise. The cardiologist who treated your mother can be talked to as can the GP. It is quite possible that the drugs that your mother is taking need adjusting. It takes time but plug away at the NHS. And you can always vent here!
Hi, I had a heart attack in March now on meds. and feeling fine. It took me months to get back to near normal although I do pace myself. Agree no one tells you what to expect afterwards. I do have heart nurses who call me every couple of weeks but initially I felt as if I had been set a drift this is why I came on here. The only advice I can give is ( because everyone is different) it can and does get better with time. Good Luck
I’ve worked on 111 as a clinician. If a patient presented with the above I would refer them to the GP. She has co-morbidities which may or may not have contributed to the HA. Extreme fatigue leading to being unable to stay awake long enough to eat is not normal 3 months on. Take action.
Hi Sophie - I had a STEMI heart attack at the end of April. I’m 50 and was pretty active before it happened, but I still get tired. Not as bad as it was, but it’s there. Your mum has COPD on top of the heart attack and her body needs time to rest.
If your mum wasn’t referred for cardiac rehab it’s probably worth asking her GP to do this. They can advise on exercise - eg the BHF online rehab exercises include seated programmes.
It might also be worth getting her bloods checked for Vit D, B vitamins and iron, as low levels of these can contribute to fatigue.
I’d start with a phone call to the BHF helpline to speak to their volunteer nurses. They’re great - the line is open 9-5 Monday to Friday 0300 330 3311
I had a heart attack last august.The immediate efforts of the NHS were excellent.
Follow up was not so good as in your case.
Your GP is the best place to start. I know it can be difficult because (certainly in my case) it's very difficult to actually see a GP. The GP does have a responsibility though to provide primary care, and will be capable understanding the problems possibly changing the meds and either getting appropriate tests done to help diagnose your mum's problems or provide an urgent referral to the appropriate specialist.
Thank you! The GP has halved my mums dosage of beater blocker from 10mg to 5mg about 2 weeks ago. It hasn't made a difference but we don't know if it takes time. I am going to call the BHF number today and get some advise. If we just know that what we are experiencing is 'normal' we will get on with it and be patient it is just the lack of information we have!. Being on this site has made us see that we are not alone though and many people have the same frustrations .
I had a mild heart attack the end of March and I'm still waiting for follow up appointments, I have phone up my GP and he send an urgent Email to the cardiologist so I could be seen straight away, it's 5 months now and still waiting to hear.
You will get more information here than waiting for the hospital to contact us, I'm very disappointed .
Hope your mum gets help soon.
All the best
Thank you! Hope you get better soon and get some help too.
NO it's not normal so long after but have you considered it could be her tablets? One of mine after a heart attack made me so exhausted I couldn't get out of the chair. You need to speak to her doctor.
Thank you, the GP has halved the dose of her Beater Blocker about a 2 weeks ago, we haven't seen any benefit yet. We are going to call the BHF helpline this afternoon and see if we can get some more advise.
Hi SophieI had my HA on Boxing Day 2013 nearly didn’t make it but a great job by the paramedic got me to hospital in time.
And to answer your important question I still have chest pain and most days I feel extremely tired but you just get used to it and do your best to work around it.
Good luck
Andy
I had heart attack and have pacemaker for 2 years. I have tiredness. You may worry about your mother but if she is like me she enjoys her many and long naps. You probably worry more than her.I just exist on my own. Why don’t you take a good holiday?
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