Some reassurance needed

[WinHill]

Hi there

My husband has had two heart attacks in the last month. Luckily, the tests show that he has sustained very little damage to his heart but the problem is that he is not reacting well to the meds (he reacts really badly to ANY meds so this is no surprise), having spells of dizziness and nausea and chest pain. I think the latter is mainly anxiety as he has been admitted twice in the last 10 days, panicking about this pain and each time, they run the blood tests and the ecgs and tell him that the pain is not signalling a further heart attack. It is making my and his life an utter misery and I can't see a way forwards at the moment. They have suggested he stops taking his beta blockers to see if that produces any improvement but he is like an invalid at the moment. He won't see anyone; he won't go out other than for a very minute 2 minute walk and he is utterly neurotic when I am not at home, wanting me to leave the front door unlocked when he's in bed and I'm out, which in our area is just not safe. This is especially distressing given that before this happened he was a superfit distance and challenge cyclist. He's 62. Any thoughts, suggestions or reassurance would be much appreciated.

[Hidden]

Hello

I am sorry to hear how this has affected your Husband and having an impact on you to

I was just the same as your Husband and over a year later I am only 50% there trying to be convinced I am ok

Damage was done to my heart and your Husband which if you can keep reminding him is very lucky that none was done to his try and keep reminding him of these positives as we tend to focus on all the negative thoughts we are having

The beta blocker if they have advised he comes of it he really needs to have a go again reminding him they would not advise it if they felt it was not safe but as hard as it is we have to take their expert advice

If he can only get out 2 mins even though it does not seem long keep encouraging it and when you are out just gently say lets try 3 mins as this is all going to help your heart and one minute more is not going to hurt you and then slowly if you can keep increasing it if just by a minute a time

Maybe talk with his Doctor about how this is affecting him and if he refuses you will have to get just a little more assertive telling him he has to help himself a little to get better not easy I know but sometimes we need just a very gentle push

Does he have a Rehab Nurse and contact number he should have and if not you can phone the ward he was on and ask what it is talking to them can be a huge help as finding out when he can start their Rehab classes and encouraging him to go when he can as they will help so much with his confidence as well as fitness

Let him know he is not the only one that feels this way but one step at a time , one day at a time and things will keep getting better

Let us know how you get on x

[WinHill in reply to Hidden]

Thank you -that is great advice and I will certainly take that to heart.

[Hidden in reply to WinHill]

x

[Hidden]

Its a BIG shock to the system! Im in my mid 30s and was the fittest man around. Trained daily, ate good etc. Life turned upside down with my heart problem....

Aniexity, panic and depression hits you. Even years after. Just let the process go along and support him where you can. He will probably need rest both mentally and physically. Theres no immediate fix to all of this unfortunately. Just time and positive steps one at a time. Good luck

[WinHill in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Much appreciated. x