Hi All,
Brief history, heart attack and one stent fitted in October 2020, been fine until 4 weeks ago, started to get chest pains and palpations, I have now had 3 visits to GP and 3 visits to A&E, chest xray, ECG' s and Triponin levels in blood all been OK though, can anyone relate to this and also anyone got a coping mechanism in place? I really struggle to cope and always think the worst!
Many thanks
Jon
Dear Stamford1
I am so sorry that you are suffering so with anxiety and even though I have it very mild, it is in our family and my sister suffers badly.
There are members on here that the feelings have totally taken over their lives and both my heart and thoughts go out to them.
You say that you are suffering from pains and palpitations, well then you are right to find out about them and get them investigated,
please don’t think that your wasting anyones time doing this, because they are trained to find out answers.
As you know anxiety can manifest itself into some very scary symptoms and that is not to say that they are not as real as any others.
I would start { if you haven’t already } keeping a diary and making a note of each and every non-normal feeling that you have so that you have something to show and tell anyone treating you.
You need to get some help from your DR and get this anxiety { if that is what it is } treated or at the very lest recognised.
Take care you are in my thoughts.
Thank you for your kind reply, it is greatly appreciated
Hello 
It has been a year for me since I had a triple Bypass and I am still worrying about every twinge I get but I am a very anxious person always have been and it is like my brain is so focused now on every sensation I feel I just cannot stop it and I know just how awful it is to be in this fear all the time and it is no way to live
It is a massive positive that every test you have had when attending A&E has been fine even though in your mind it will not seem that way as you are getting these palpitations and you need to know why as it has started opening up old wounds as we say taking you back to when you had your heart attack and stent
It no doubt will be something really simple maybe a adjustment or change of meds so I would keep pestering my Doctor till they either referred me back again or looked closely at what is causing this and gave me the answers I so needed and as we know it could be anxiety as anxiety does cause palpitations
I feel for you which won't help you but I do know what living with anxiety feels like
When it creeps in keep reminding yourself that stent is doing a good job and that you are safe but you will keep pushing to get your palpitations sorted out
Let us know how you get on x
I had a stent fitted last December and I've been back to A&E four times with chest pain and palpitations. Every time all bloods taken, ECG's ok so sent home.
I try not to panic sometimes but it can be hard. They said my problems were gastro related with aspirin and clopidogrel,so I try to keep away from acidic foods which seem to help. It seems strange that it's nearly 3 years since your stent was fitted and the problems are starting now.
My doctor ordered a 3 day ECG to monitor my palpitations, which I've just taken back to be read and would you believe, I didn't have any at all! Typical. But I've had a few today which I try to ignore, but sometimes they can last all night.
Sorry I cannot help you. Maybe try a 3 day ECG like me to see what turns up.
Lily
Hi jon, sorry you’re having a rough time at the moment. Anxiety is a pain in the butt sometimes mate. It’s always worse at the start but in time you will find that things get better.
Iv suffered with health anxiety for decades.
I don’t get it like I used to and I think that’s because It’s finally sunk in that it’s my head that’s the problem?😁
Over mentally reacting and frightening thoughts etc.
it’s normal how you’re feeling because you’ve had worrying experience remember.
Things will get better in time for you believe me.
Best wishes.
Ron.
Hi Stamford1
I am in a similar position. I had a heart attack and stent fitted in February 2019 and suddenly began to experience shortness of breath on exertion and throat and jaw pain, exactly the same as when I had the heart attack about 6 weeks ago. I, too, have seen the GP and was referred to A and E. All tests, ECG, chest XRay and Triponin were negative.
I was referred to the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic for an appointment within 2 weeks to see a cardiologist - this may be a good idea for you too. You may need to tell the GP that you want a referral as it is affecting your whole life. All hospitals have them. I saw the cardiologist who was not sure what the issue was, but he has increased my Bisopropol and commence me on Chemydur, which has considerably relieved the symptoms so likely angina. I have been referred for a stress test and then dependent on the results, may have an angiogram.
I really struggled with anxiety after the heart attack and it took a long time to feel relatively "normal". This situation has brought back all the original anxiety bit this is definitely better after seeing the cardiologist, as the symptoms are less now and I can actually go for a short walk now. If you can, it would be a good idea to get a referral to the rapid access clinic as it will help to reassure you and get treatment to relieve symptoms. I also had counselling to help my anxiety about expecting the worse to happen and taught me techniques to manage it. It was very helpful so it may be something to consider. It was free and helped me get back to "normal" life.
I hope this helps and that you start to feel better soon.
Hi FernCottage,
Thanks so much for your reply! It's so comforting to hear from people in the same situation, the doctor at A&E on Tuesday referred me to the rapid chest pain clinic so I feel a lot better in my head, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place as my GP referred me for a cardiac review but there weren't even any appointments available so it was A&E or nothing, hopefully I'll get the appointment through soon 🤞 Thanks again for your reply 🙂
Get your bloods checked b12, iron levels I had a stent fitted and was having so much severe pain in my heart went to a@e 3 times to be told no heart attack. I was convinced it was my stent as breathless also worn out, had bloods at doctors and told low b12 and iron since b12 injections my heart feels much better and I'm not breathless. Might help
Thank you 🙂
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