Looking for support or advice. I had a heart attack August 2021, long story short, it was six hours before I got an ambulance to the hospital where I had two stents fitted. Due to the trauma my heart suffered, I've been diagnosed with heart failure, 35% heart capacity. I'm 56 and still struggling to come to terms with this life changing event. Presently, my mood, confidence and self-esteem is very low. I can't work due to fatigue, muscle pain, tiredness and breathlessness. I don't moan about it to my family, (wife and two children) but I know my health changes have had a massive impact on us all.
This is the first time I've spoken about it, but I'm struggling and any advice would be greatly received.
Good luck everyone, hope you all are coping well.
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Independent123
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Hi, I am sorry to hear your situation, even I suffered a massive HA in Oct 2021 with full blockage in the LAD or widowmaker in other terms. I am only 46 and it was a life changing moment for me as well, with 2 young kids you tend to think of the worse. Since then I decided to spend some money on myself and went private for follow up consultations. My EF after the attack was 30%, 6 weeks Echo it improved to 38% and I had a cardiac MRI last month and it has improved to 42%. But I still have a clot attached to the wall due to the intensity of the attack, and on a few blood thinners to mange the clot. My consultant has told me lead a normal life, be active, medicines on time and regular check ups, and I am back to full time work, playing golf and trying to enjoy time with family. More than physical, the mental challenges are far greater to overcome but this site has been a great support as I found that I was not alone and everyone here has gone through similar situation.
I wish you all the best with your recovery, stay strong and try to look at the positives.
Thank you for your advice, much appreciated. Good luck with your recovery, it is good that we have somewhere to reach out when things feel difficult. I will certainly take your advice on board.
Thank you Outoftheblue. I have started cardio rehab, also cardio specialist nurses are fabulous. I wont give up, just some days I morn the loss of who I was. I know I have to move on, and, I'm doing ok really. I didn't realise how long the adjustment would take. Thanks again for the kind thoughts and advice.
Hi. Horrid word 'heart failure' isn't it! Your heart is not 'failing' but isn't working as well as it used to. But that doesn't mean that you can't lead a 'normal' life. Breathlessness and fatigue are the main byproducts and irritating fluid retention. Try not to Google - it will scare you to bits and much of the information is out of date and frankly incorrect. The Pumping Marvellous Foundation are excellent on the subject - a patient led charity devoted to supporting others, like us, who have hearts that are below par. Their information is second to none - and presented in a format that is easily understood.As for treatment - speak to the cardiac nurses at rehab but there are lots of new drugs around that really do help and things may/will improve with good diet, exercise within your own limits and rest. The mental side of this is often more of a challenge than the physical - so do speak to those close to you and if you think you want to speak to someone outside your family/friends then ask to speak to either a psychologist or a therapist locally.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Hi I also had 2 stents in 2020 and went through similar experience as you are having but hold on tight. My cardiologist started SSRI for short time 2 months for mood disorders and depression . I am on librax / libarium now lowest dose to counter mental state and Danshen to improve EF which is now 65 plus. My advise hold on in there bravely and it will all pass gradually. You will be fine in a matter of few months take every day one at a time ................
Sorry to hear about your situation. I had a delay to the ambulance of 2 and a half hours and believe that has had a detrimental affect.
Time and treatment has helped both mentally and physically but it does take time. Find somewhere to talk and those who understand has been helpful. Help those around understand some (if not all) of how it is, so they feel involved.
Discuss with your GP or heart nurses about how you’re feeling so they can support and guide you too…
Hello, yes it is a life changing event, there is no denying it and life will not be the same again, but that doesn't mean that it can't be positive going forward as well.
My first 'anniversary' is in June (20% diagnosed) and other than the first few hours when I was told I have mostly been OK (except the odd momentarily) blip have been OK mentally with things.
I don't have a wife and children (so no support there) and am quite a private person however I am very lucky as I have 'true' friends have shown their true worth (never any doubt really), my employer and work colleagues have been brilliant (I know this is not the case for everyone, and for me luckily I only do 1 day a week). Also as you said the cardio nurses (I only saw them twice) and the rehab team were brilliant.
I read the out of date facts, and they did frighten me at first, however I decided that I had cheated the grim reaper and I would set some challenge myself to get to the best position I could, (and then at least if I had failed then at least I know I had done my best).
Currently I am awaiting the results of my follow up scan and a possible apt for a pacemaker (not worried at all about this).
yes I do get tired, I can't lift heavy weights (and do miss some of things I did before), however I can now do the garden and my allotment, get out and about go the gym for 45 min light sessions 3/4 a week, so overall with my adjustments my 'new life isn't bad'.
I know we are all different so my advice would be,
Do talk to all those who can support you, (this can be as simple as when entertaining the people around you fully understand you have to be very careful of what you eat/drink).
Use the forum I find it mostly informative and inspirational.
Think of what I can do rather than what I can't.
Set yourself so reasonable goals and change them as you go on.
When you see your medical professionals have any questions ready.
I was diagnosed with heart failure due to left ventricle problems with an ejection fraction of about 30%. This went up over the years until it was at a normal level of 50% recen;ty. However, at the same time, they informed me that I now have right sided heart failure! I have many other health problems after having had Legionnaires disease in late 1915 which left me a shadow of my former self in terms of being able to do things. I can’t even walk very far now. I feel your pain because it is the same as mine. So many questions with no real answers but the one thing I know for sure is that I will never give up! I have 4 grandchildren to live for and so you just have to adapt as best you can and enjoy every minute of being alive! Good luck and keep us posted!
Hi I had a similar situation in October 2019, I had 2 stents fitted on the night, and a final one in Feb 20. I have 40% heart failure and had an ICD fitted in August 20. I was very fit before my heart attack, went to the gym etc, hence my survival.
I am a huge advocate of exercise, and I subsequently purchased an exercise bike. I manage to do 20km on it every other day, though initially I too used to get tired. Don't give up, I am sure you have had cardiac rehabilitation and maintain your exercise regime. Listen to your body. It is a long road to recovery, also get some counselling as well, it all helps getting things off your chest. Please message me if you need any help. Take care
Many thanks everyone, I'm really moved by the positive support that you've offered. I have listened and acted. I've spoken about my current situation with my wife again, who's been lovely, also spoken to Cardio teams OT and I'm going to seek some talking therapy. I won't give up and I know I will succeed in moving forward, thanks to all the kindness and support. We're still here, and that's amazing. A massive thank you and love to you all!
It is a horrible situation to be in, my advice would be to take one day at a time and don’t worry about set backs along the way. Try to get out for a walk every day, even if just to the end of the street and back, if nothing else its good for your emotions.I pushed for help with my breathlessness and since being prescribed Spironolactone it is much better.
Good luck on your journey, keep checking in here for support x
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