Returning to work

[Lomondpike]

Hi .. First time posting. I had heart attack in June and cardiac arrest during the fitting of 2 stents. Spent three days in hospital then discharged with lots of meds. I've attended cardio rehab once a week for 10 weeks but was exercise only no chats. Had phone call from receptionist at GP five months after event to attend for blood tests ...results are fine . . But no other contact with GP or anyone else. Due to return to work early December and feeling slightly anxious. Might sound silly but am I "cured" or do I have a medical condition . No one has discussed this with me .

[Carlg]

I had a bypass operation and work have classed it as a disability. I think it was more as a way to acknowledge my recent event but also ensure they were able to offer reasonable adjustments.

I would ask your work place to send you occupational health. They produce a report that outlines what adjustments you feel might be necessary. For me it was additional rest/toilet break. Also outlines no heavy lifting for so long and allowing me a change in uniform due to scars etc.

They recommended a phase return and the doctors gave me a for note for a phase return. This means I started with 25 percent and working my way up slowly over 8 weeks to full time.

[Lomondpike in reply to Carlg]

Thanks for your reply I am awaiting oh contact

[CarlGreen]

I understand your anxiety, its scary when you have an episode like this and then no contact with anyone and left to your own devices! - I can only comment from my experience but I found that the main "Problem" was in my head, not knowing if I was "Cured" as you say or what would happen next........but I have come to look at it in the way of Ive been fixed, not cured, but made better than I was. I don't think we are ever Cured, but do think we can actually be (And Get) Better than we was before (I no longer smoke, eat better than I used to, exercise a bit more.....so in my eyes, that's gotta be better for me! ) Hope this helps but if your really worried, call your doctor and insist on an explanation of your condition and prognosis. Good luck and Take Care.

[Lomondpike]

Thank you .. prob just overthinking things

[Gingiecat1]

My husband had a heart attack at the beginning of Sept, no cardiac arrest but did have two stents fitted, he is still attending Cardiac Rehab once a week but returned to work 5 weeks after the heart attack, he has a driving job, courier work not HGV. At first he was very anxious about returning but it has been the best thing getting some normality back, the cardiac rehab has really helped him understand how much he can and cannot do. Having a supportive employer really helps, hope fully they will ease you back in until you feel well enough to return full time , good luck (sorry seem to underlined all the text now can’t take it off)

[Lomondpike in reply to Gingiecat1]

Thank you for reply. Good to hear someone in similar position now happily back at work

[Ewloe]

I had STEMI and cardiac arrest as I was being wheeled through the hospital door. I’ve had 1 stent fitted at the time. I’ve been left with some heart muscle damage. You need follow up from your cardiologist to see if you have any long term issues. Another thing to consider is are you getting any symptoms? Breathlessness, fatigue or anything like that. Cardiac rehab might be able to email your cardiologist they did for me.

[Lomondpike in reply to Ewloe]

Thanks for replying.. I think, as you said, a chat with a cardiologist could help put my mind at ease but I've no idea who that is

[Chriswood79]

Hi Lomondpike. I had a STEMI Aug 21, 3 days in hospital, discharged with a bag of meds. Went through rehab in Oct/Nov (twice a week) and phased back to work this January. I spoke to the GP on several occasions to adjust my meds and extend my sick note, book a blood test - all very accommodating. On discharge I was told I would have an echocardiogram booked at some point. After waiting months and reading into it I thought this was the missing piece in understanding any longer term damage and prognosis. Having this eventually 3 months after discharge helped put my mind at rest a bit as it was positive and helped me move forward. However I was still anxious about work as I was so tired a lot of the time. Getting back to work helped get a routine back but 10 months later I’m still not keen on it and the HA experience was a life changer for me. My employer and manger has been great. You can class yourself as having a disability/ condition - get yourself assessed before returning to work as you shouldn’t be expected to start back where you left off. Good luck and take it easy.

[Lomondpike in reply to Chriswood79]

Thanks for replying I def agree that not fully understanding what damage has been done or the long term prognosis is playing on my mind .. I'm now five months after H.A. and haven't had a chat or follow up with cardiologist. Did ask about this at rehab but they said that they didn't think there would be any contact