Help after HA

[sally383]

Hi 1st time post apologies as could be a long one! I had my HA in Aug 21 and 1 stent fitted I went to cardiac clinic end of Sept and was kept in hospital for 3 days and diagnosed with unstable angina. I was told if get chest pain to use my GTN spray 3 times if pain dsnt subside to dial 999...My question is how do you know when to take spray has the pain got to be as bad as pain when had HA? I keep getting really bad wind (burping) and feels like my chest is burning but then it goes off but can be on and off most of day ( not everyday) Is this worth going to hospital for or am I getting myself worked up to much? My head is all over the place and getting more anxious by the day instead of it getting easier I feel like the last 2 weeks or so things are just getting worse now cant even walk around the block without feeling rubbish. I dont want to taking time up in a and e if dont need to but at same time dont want to put myself at risk Im just constantly scared!!

[Les5]

Hi sally383 Take it from me if the chest pains feel like the worst pain you have ever had then call a ambulance. Better to be safe. Sometimes gtn can help but the problem might still be there so just for peace of mind go get it checked out at your local a+e . The staff won't moan or think your wasting their time . Also talk 2 family and friends tell them how you feel this can help you as well .

Take care and be lucky.

Just remember every day is a good day. You are a member of a elite club now

The survival club

[sally383 in reply to Les5]

Thank you x

[Clerkenweller]

Hi. This is always a difficult time but will get better. Firstly. The medications that you are on have side effects. Acid indigestion is quite common. Talk to your GP because your meds might need ‘tweaking’! There a variety of sensations when experiencing angina attacks. We all feel it slightly differently. Its worth looking at the NHS website or the BHF site to read descriptions. I urge you not to read widely on the internet. There is a lot of nonsense out there. The onset of an attack is quite quick with strong sensations in the chest, neck and armpits are common. Always keep your GTN spray with you. If an attack starts sit down. If the severity increases use the spray. If the attack after a couple of minutes is still intensifying use the spray again. If that doesn’t work immediately call 999. This is an extreme. Often the sensations will subside of their own accord. If you are getting frequent attacks talk to you cardiologist. Your medications might need changing. You will master this and start to feel much better. I went through sorting the same thing out3 years ago and now I’m strong full of energy and back in the gym. I’m over 70. Good luck!

[sally383 in reply to Clerkenweller]

Thank you its good to hear your back to the gym and full of energy take care x

[Robotman1]

Hi Sally,Had massive heart attack December 2020..And like yourself 1 no of stents fitted..My side affects from medication prescribed gave me symptoms as your explaining..Couldnt walk 10m without feeling breathless and panic setting in..(Thinking I'm ready for another HA)..Really frightening..Think you need to give it a bit more time and to let your body (And mind) adjust..Medication is paramount to your recovery and prologment I'd suggest speaking with HF team or GP to see what meds best suits,I ve had very slow progress but being able to manage meds physically and mentally better now..Help is out there and wish you a speedy recovery.

[sally383 in reply to Robotman1]

Thank you I have rung the cardiac team and have an appointment this afternoon

[Deluge]

Look up " A cardiologist's advice on how to use this wonder drug" on the Heart Sisters website. I found the advice really useful and the replies to the article address a number of concerns.

[isobelhannah18]

I was exactly like you after my H.A. Very anxious and worried. Every little twinge was a heart attack. It takes time but your anxiety will subside and you will gradually get better. This forum really helped me with advice and support. I also had C.B.T. with the N.H.S.My heart attack and my angina felt like a massive pressure. The H.A. was just on the chest but the angina started in my abdomen and spread upwards- horrible!. My monomil and ranexa tablets were increased so now (touch wood! ) I rarely get angina.

Finally, on one of my frequent early trips to urgent care the paramedics said they would always prefer a false alarm than someone not get medical help.

[Molliedollie12]

Hi Sally I too had a HA in August this year and I am also anxious about things that don't seem right. I have indigestion that is really troublesome as it feels like angina. I get breathless sometimes and I haven't done anything to warrant it. I couldn't have any stents fitted as my artery is too big for the stents so I am wondering what they will do when I go back at the end of this year for another Angiogram to see how my artery is. I am writing this to let you know that it is normal and human to feel the way that you do. God Bless x

[richard_jw in reply to Molliedollie12]

I had a heart attack 15 months ago.they couldn't stent for the same reason as you . They call it ectasia where the arteries are too wide.They treated me with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. A year later I had an angiogram and all coronary arteries are clear

So the meds work good kuck

[Molliedollie12 in reply to richard_jw]

Thank you for that encouraging news and good luck to you too x

[sally383 in reply to Molliedollie12]

Thank you I feel a bit better reading the replies its very scary! Hope you get some answers and you take care xx