Advice on how to cope from a heart attack

[Gipsylady]

I had a major heart attack in September and had stents put in I have always been very active and on the go but now I feel so nervous about doing day to day things as I feel like I was sent home and just left to my own devices. Can someone talk to me about how they coped with there recovery

[BridBoy]

Its still very early days, I think most of us had similar feelings to yours post our heart attacks.

I started by going out walking, on the flat and "round the block" to start with slowly progressing to my favourite cliff top walks over a three/four month period.

Hopefully you will be offered a rehab session, mine was done on line with weekly phonecalls where I discussed what I'd been doing and what my heart beat and exertion levels had been.....even though it was online it was brilliant and it gave me the confidence to "believe" in my body again.

Within 13 weeks I was back at my Fitsteps classes and ballroom dancing again.

The hear attack gave me the "kick up the arse" I needed, at 68 years old, to look at my lifestyle and make some big changes.

16 months later I'm fitter than I've been in years, a few stones lighter and enjoying life.

[Gipsylady in reply to BridBoy]

Thank you for taking time to talk to me about your experience I was told I have to wait for rehab but that's ok having support from people who have been thought it it good thank you

[Flimflab in reply to Gipsylady]

While I was waiting for the Cardio Rehabilitation classes to start, I found it eased my nerves call the Cardiac Rehabilitation team and ask them what exercise I should/could do. They gave me the confidence to know I was not overdoing the exercise. In my case they encouraged gentle walking getting my heart rate up, but no jogging.

Having someone on the walks with me also reduced my anxiety.

[Heyjude31]

Hello Gipsylady, I did not have stents, I had a bypass though I think we all feel the same after such a shock. Try and take it one day at at time, be gentle and kind to yourself. Take the meds you have been given, gentle exercise, join rehab when offered and grab any help and support you are offered with both hands. I have found the rehab the most helpful. It is just over a year since my heart attack, I still get bouts of anxiety but I am grateful for every day. Reach out to us hearties on this forum whenever you want to we will always try and give support even though we are not medically qualified. Take good care, Judi

[Gipsylady in reply to Heyjude31]

I cant thank you all for your comments and support I have found it really hard trying to deal with this alone its just so much of a relief being able to talk to others that have been through the same as me my partner has been amazing but he has found it hard and scary and I just couldn't or didn't know how to make him feel better so thank for helping me

[Jako999]

As the others have said it all takes time, I’m now 16 weeks post quad Bypass following my HT. Every week I feel a bit better but it’s still hard to come to terms with, I was so fit and healthy with no run up to it then bag my world fell apart. I’ve never had mental health problems but now I have a councillor and some happy tablets it feels wrong but we all need a bit of help sometimes. The rehab will really help you as will talking to people, a councillor is a good idea.

The main thing to think about and to try and get into your head is not what’s happened but how LUCKY WE ALL ARE we are alive, we’ve got a second chance and we need to make the most of it and be thankful.

I hope you can overcome things soon it will happen but don’t beat your self up and Swollow your pride and ask for help.

[Gipsylady in reply to Jako999]

Thank you for you support and advise its really appreciated im just finding it hard to taking everything so slow when im used to going ten mile an hour but your right I am so luck to have survived 😃

[Jako999 in reply to Gipsylady]

It’s a bit like winding down on a holiday only it just takes longer, just sit back and enjoy it.

I was always super busy but now I’m a lot more chilled , if you think it played a part in all this as I do with mine then it’s time to take stock of your life and start by saying it almost killed me. I need to make changes and slow down.

Thanks Martin

[GFFF]

like you I was very fit and healthy but it is a real wake up call. The first time I left the house for a short walk I was terrified, but then gave myself a stern talking to, I am not ready to sit back and wait for death, I have a life to keep living and somehow need to get my backside up and moving. Not going to lie, it has been hard but now I am in a much better place, my doctor has said I may not ever get back to my previous level of fitness but I am aiming to prove them wrong! Best advice I can give is listen yo your body, thee will be days when you need to take it easy and days when you can push a bit harder, good luck and keep us posted x

[Yogi1950s]

Hi Gipsylady,

I had my HA last November. Even now, 10 1/2 months later, things need to be done at a slower pace than before the HA. That said, I have managed, with help from my much better half, to manually dig an 11 x 17 metre allotment and redesign the garden since August. Things do take longer, but it is a case of pacing yourself.

Life is a marathon not a sprint. You just need to adapt.

[Scroll]

had a heart attack and stent fitted in August, lucky I had 3 angels and a defibrillator nearby where I collapsed, this also gave me fractured ribs from the CPR, 57 years old.

First off the people on here are brilliant, to a large extent initially I had the same feeling of being kicked out of hospital and sent home, I was two weeks at home and the community heart team took me in hand, technically rehab has been one talk, but my care by my cardiac nurse has been superb.

I still get trepidation on going out, we have had to build slowly, but I did take the view, first point of help was myself, duet, exercise, slowly and steadily, set small goals on walks, select are target but remember you have to walk back.

My first two weeks was walking laps in the garden 5 times a day, then freedom the day I went out the garden gate, it was a strange feeling.

Steady is the way forward, don’t rue what you used to do, but take the positives from what you can achieve daily.

[SmokeAKipper]

your starting now by asking for advice. The mental side never seems to be treated. But you have a fresh start, it takes a few months to settle down, google the side affects of your medicine, they may need adjusting. Go to your cardiac rehab you should receive a letter . Get a cardiologist, also diet. Very important chase inflammation is key learn how to reduce , see a dietician. But everyday you wake up is a blessing do t over read forums,stay healthy if in doubt A&E

[Wellservicer]

I know maybe you think its hard when your sent home but there is advice out there for you .i had a heart attack in the north sea i was medivact by helicopter to the hospital i have two stents .i came home and found my way around life for myself .i had offers of meetings with other people that had had heart attacks buti wanted what i think the health service want and thats to make your own way to see how you want your lifes direction to take .im very happy with the advice of non advice i was given as i knee that help was always there .i have nothing but praise for the way i was allowed to get on and cope with my own recovery .i wish you all the best and if you need a shoulder to cry on maybe i can help .but as i said there is lots of advice good advice out there .take care you will be amazed at how well you will get on

[Zbignieva]

I can relate, it is 5 months since I had a stent for 95-99% stenosis in my LAD, it had progressed to unstable angina. I wouldn’t have had a heart attack, I would have had sudden cardiac death.

I think it has only been the last few weeks I have not slept with my GTN spray and aspirin near to hand.

Have you been offered cardiac rehab? The nurses were in contact about a month to two months post stent.

The other place I found help was the local BHF help group. They also had a cardiac nurse at the event, she really helped with the shock of the whole diagnosis.

Things will be different going forward, it can be a better forward.

I did have to stop my running for awhile, I used to love trying to get to 5 min/km for 5 -10 km, and I have to keep my heart rate lower for the first year, but I am back into yoga and loving it.

Be gentle and kind to yourself, it is going to be both a physical and emotional healing we have to go through.

[devonian186]

As others say it is still very early days and you are bound to be upset and bewildered at the changes in your life. I don't know if you have a partner or your age as that would colour my advice to you. A partner can be a huge support at those times when you are low and encourage you to start getting out and about, with gentle walks, a visit to a local cafe etc.

Gentle walks (at first) are key, and in that respect you might find it worth keeping a Health diary as you will be able to see the progress you make. You will have good days and bad days and sometimes you will do too much which will precipitate the bad days.

Have you had access to the consultants notes as that will indicate what caused your heart attack and with your GP you could then discuss your medication and a recovery programme. A lot of the latter is in the mind, as mentally, as well as physically, this knocks us for six.

[Qualipop]

That's exactly how I felt. The follow up after a heart attack is shocking. It's as if they are saying well we've unblocked your plumbing now go away. You should hear very soon from a cardiac rehab nurse who will give advice on diet and exercise and should arrange rehab classes for you. That's the best thing you can do- go to rehab. I didn't even get that because I'm in a wheelchair and they said I wouldn't be able to do the exercises. I badly needed t o do things under supervision to build my confidence but they refused. If you don't hear from them soon, chase them up. I even had to see my GP to get him to translate my discharge letter as no one even explained to me what had happened or how bad it was.

[DiggyDoggy]

Hi, Three years ago I had a heart attack, had 2 stents, and later, a pacemaker. For the 1st year I was fearful of all the new feelings I was having in my chest, and in my general day to day living. I noticed every slight feeling.

But after that I gradually got familiar with what was my new normal, and coupled with long daily walks, I feel pretty good nowadays and rarely worry.

Hopefully you will gradually feel better physically and mentally as I did.

One other thing I recommend is that if you are really worried about a feeling you have, call 111 - I did so 3 times in the first year. They, 111, always called an ambulance out and I was given several tests each time. All tests were negative, and knowing they were false alarms greatly comforted me. Much better than worrying.

Another thing I greatly recommend, if you have the budget, is to get a private consultant. Mine costs £150 for a 30-60 minute consultation, and it is worth every penny to me knowing that I am getting the best advice from a top person in the field.

[isobelhannah18]

I didn't cope well at all. My anxiety levels were sky-high: every twinge was another heart attack! I started to calm down when I started cardiac rehab and slowly gained the confidence to start exercising again. I also rang the cardiac nurses if I was really worried. This forum was and is fantastic for support and I also referred myself for C.B.T. on the N.H.S. But most of all it was time. You will start to feel less anxious as time passes.

[Lynn1966]

Hello gypsylady, what you have written was me four years ago. My only advice I can add to everyone else’s, is to listen to your cardiologist and the professionals. Most of all listen to your body. You will get there but it’s going to take time and patience. You have a great support network on this lovely group xx

[northbanjo]

I had my HA in September 21 with a stent fitted and spent a week in intensive care, none of which I can remember anything about. Luckily I was with my wife when I collapsed and she realised what was happening and started CPR immediately, followed by the paramedics who arrived quickly and continued CPR for another 30 minutes. They managed to get me back but the CPR did break many of my ribs which gave me a lot of pain for months afterwards. The rib pain did however help take my mind off the HA itself and focused me on physical rehabilitation and pushing myself to get moving again. As others have mentioned being given a 2nd chance at life does make you rethink lifestyle etc. I found the cardiac support and rehab people really good and quite useful, but for me I didn't feel that I needed too much more support and was happy with what I got. A year on I can do everything that I did before, if not more and feel very lucky and thankful for the life saving treatment I got at the time.

[Saflower08]

So sorry to hear this, everyone’s journey is different. I suppose it depends on if you have any permanent damage? Did you have an echo in hospital? They will repeat this in 3 months time to see if things have improved. I have moderate damage so was referred to Heart Failure nurse. After leaving hospital after having a stent fitted I was told to walk slowly and build up from 5 mins. Take your time and just let things sink in. Take up rehab if offered, my area have been brilliant and it’s so much better now it’s out of lock down. Sign up for the weekly emails from BHF. Above all be kind to yourself and take your time. Everyone is different some bounce back quicker than others. I’m 9 months on and only just starting phased return to work. majority of info I read said I would be up and off within 3 months this was not the case for me and many others. Sometimes the medication takes time to settle. I found a fabulous group called pumping marvellous check out there website for info they are great. I wish you all the best for your recovery. Sarah

[Swalecliffe88]

7 years now since heart attack and by pass surgery. Just walk a little everyday and try to go a few steps further each time. I couldn’t walk 5 yards before surgery now I walk miles with my dog. If you really don’t want another attack and want to keep your heart healthy then you will begin to enjoy and take pride in how well you are doing. Rehab are good. Just listen to your body. It willl tell you if you are doing to much. We are all here to support you on the good days and the bad. Good luck with your recovery patience let your heart heal.

[MONIREN]

Sorry that you had to join so many on this heart journey. But it is a journey, a new normal. What is the use of a second chance if you don't grab it with both hands? It's early days,but don't stop smelling the roses. Take care. Moni

[Drummerstu]

Hi, hope you are well Its early days. It really depends on how fit you were before. I had a LAD (widow maker) in June 21. I had a 12% survival rate, was seen to quickly and I am now back in the game! I was fit before, (This saved my life as my cardiologist told me) which is a very powerful mind set to have. I completed but still do the cardiac rehab level 4 which was prescribed to me which I can-not thank BHF enough. I am probably fitter now than before my Heart attack and regularly play 2 hour + rock/punk drum sessions. The mind however also needs to be considered. Your thoughts are only thoughts, you choose how to react to them. life is impermanent, survivors are blessed to have a second chance. Give yourself at least 6 months to review where you are, if you have a faith embrace it, if you don't just acceptance is the most powerful of things. take care of yourself and God bless.