Heart disease+PTSD: feeling isolated

[giraffe51]

Hi all,

I have had regular atrial fibrillation episodes for a year, and am also being treated for PTSD from childhood issues. My heart tires so easily and cannot seem to cope with even minor extra activity or stresses and it is getting me down. I am not working, hardly see friends, phone calls are too tiring.

I have lovely people in my life, and I am very grateful for that, but they are all moving on, living their lives, and I feel more and more out of touch with them, as I can do so little and have little energy for them.

Is there anybody who relates to this? How do you deal with the lack of energy, having to constantly be careful not to do too much, and the feeling everybody is moving on without you?

[MazzieP]

Hi Giraffe51, I’m sorry to hear things aren’t good for you right now. I can very much relate to you. Living with a mental health condition can be a lonely journey and even more so if your heart impacts on your ability to live and full and active life. Happy to PM if you need to reach out for some mutual support ❤️‍🩹

[giraffe51 in reply to MazzieP]

Hi Mazzie, thank you for your reply! And sorry to hear you find it hard, too. I hope you do have people supporting you. I will send you a PM

[Zeinmassri]

Hey giraffe51 I just want to let you know your not alone.

I’ve been battling persistent Afib and flutter for 6 month and I was diagnosed with congenital heart condition which makes it worse I guess. I’ve had two failed ablations and maybe like 10 failed cardiversions. I can’t move with out having my heart rate skyrocket. I’m on 7 different medications to control the rate and the rhythm and they are working oviously but as result of severely side effect I have put on so much weight from lack of movement and depression and anxiety. I feel the same way being someone who’s life has just begun at 35 years old getting married at 33 and having my first child. Since my diagnosis I’ve had to quit my job so I can no longer provide for my family and I also can’t do any physical activity and I can barely carry my own son for more than 5 min before I have to toss him back to my 6 month pregnant wife. All I can say to you is I honestly feel your pain and I don’t wish it upon my worst enemy what we are going through. But try to remind yourself that even though you feel useless and your struggling mentally and your sitting down watching people pass you, always remember to be grateful for the things you do have that other people don’t have. And believe me you don’t know how fotunate we are compared to other people who are suffering and don’t have the support that we have. Also I don’t want to get religious but I can’t help but remind myself that god never burdens a soul with more than it can handle and your strong enough and you will overcome. After every hardship comes ease and the sun will always rise every morning. So for me trying to say connected with my lord has helped me tremendously.

If you want to share experiences and you ever want to vent to someone I’ll be here for you and you can pm message me anytime.

I’ll keep you in my prayers