Hi, I had a heart attack 28 months ago and 3 stents in my LAD. Very surprising but not totally unexpected as despite having no risk factors bar genetics , loads of my family had heart attacks so I always thought I’d get one eventually, though not at age 66. I’m doing ok but struggle emotionally to feel ‘safe’ particularly as the stent procedure was apparently very challenging and took over 2 hours though he said the result was good. I also have a hiatus hernia which means I get a lot of indigestion which in turn makes me feel like I might be having another heart attack and also have an ectopic heart beat which makes me more aware of my heart! Thought I’d join the form as will be nice to hear how others get along.
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NannyPat1
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Unfortunately the mental side and emotional struggles are the worst bit of any issue that arises with a heart conditions, or any physical issue that effects the body. However the positive that I try to think of is that the issue has been found and will be looked after and checked regularly, so in some respects you and all of us are in better position than before. Of cause it will not feel like it. But as someone said to me the problem has been found and can only get better or improved. But the mental side is the biggest challenge. I personally have struggled and iam having talking therapy and have increased my anti depressants. But it does seem to be making changes, slowly but getting there.
NannyPat1 in reply to
yes I’ve done Talking Therapy online and was given literature on Health Anxiety which has been useful. I think I worry because there aren’t any checks other than bp, I don’t even have a cardiologist as I was on holiday when I had my heart attack. Thanks for posting, it makes me feel better knowing others are the same
in reply to NannyPat1
Remember it is natural to be worried or concerned it's the flight or fight response. Unfortunately it is a journey and a new way of living and exceptance. Not easy and a feel fir everyone one here
in reply to NannyPat1
Nanny pat 1 thank you for replying. I hope you don't mind me asking where did you get the health anxiety information from.? Keep safe and well
NannyPat1 in reply to
I got it from Talking Therapies which is a self referral therapy service in Hillingdon, don’t know if it’s countrywide but worth doing a search, it is useful x
Hi and welcome to the group. I've not been a member long myself having had a HA on 23 Nov. Came as a real shock to me too and it's the mental/emotional side that I'm struggling most with as well. Hopefully, you'll find this group as supportive as I have found. It's great knowing we aren't alone and there are others who understand what we are going through.Take care.
Hello & Welcome 
When I first joined here after having 3 heart attacks and waiting for a triple Bypass no one seemed to be struggling with anxiety or talking about how things had affected them mentally so to speak and I was so nervous to speak out as I was and still am suffering with the anxiety 16 months on from my Bypass op
It was even said by some this was not an anxiety site when I would post which really hurt as I do suffer with anxiety but this anxiety related to my heart is different as if I had not had the heart issues I would not have the same fear you feel which I related to feeling safe again as every day I do not feel safe which is an awful way to be
But so many now have started to talk about how their heart issues have affected them mentally and how they are struggling more with that than the physical side and I do believe for so many of us they do go hand in hand
Like you I have a history of heart attacks , Bypasses in my family but it was all on the male side of the family and been female I slightly worried but thought it was just the males in my family but I got that wrong but still I was also not surprised either when it all started happening
I think sometimes knowing you are not alone with how you feel even though you do not wish it on anyone else but can help such a lot and talking with people that really understand because they have either felt that way or are feeling that way
I have not got the answers except to keep working at it , talking and doing what you are already doing and hopefully in time things will get better for us all that are struggling
You always now have somewhere to come and talk if you need to
Wishing you a happy Christmas and I really hope if just for a few days you will feel safe and enjoy Christmas 🎄 x
NannyPat1 in reply to
Gosh, we’re obviously quite similar. Though I also wouldn’t wish it on anyone it is so good to know my feelings are normal. I’ve got a close and loving family with young excited children so Christmas will be fine and I feel very safe with them - it’s at night in bed when the gremlins come! Hope you too have a great Christmas with lots of fun!
in reply to NannyPat1
Hello
I am so pleased you will be spending Christmas with family which makes you feel safe
I relate to evenings as soon as evening starts I seem to get worse and when it is time to go to bed well I cannot even describe how I feel then
I put an app on my phone that seems to help , I have heard some have the radio on low I am not sure if you have anything that will help you but I hope you find something x
thanks, that’s a good way to look at it
Hello
Yes it was very hurtful I won't lie but luckily there was so many that even though they did not suffer the same they still helped me and got me in to get that op done and are still here now helping to
I am glad I have carried on talking about how it has affected me as since then more are speaking out and it us on the BHF site how much this can affect people's Mental Health which made me realise it was just insensitive people
I am glad you have answered as it gives me a chance not only to thank you for your support and laughs you give me when I need them most sometimes , watching what you are getting up to next some I understand like the swimming pool others you lose me when you are talking about heart rates etc while you are exercising but still makes me smile seeing how you are so full of life and enjoying it but to wish you , Sian and family A Very Happy Christmas 🎄 x
Thank You x
Hello NannyPat1, never, ever feel afraid to post about how you are feeling. The hearties who will support you and me far outweigh those who don’t, or think our feelings are misplaced. Take good care xx
Oh gosh, I've been hoping to come across someone that had a hiatus hernia ... im literally living in fear , I had my heart attack just over 1 year ago, 1 stent fitted , I have a hernia , silent reflux and costocondritus, I have more or less constant chest area pain .I'm so fed up of living in fear daily , I've never seen a cardiologist since my heart attack im not sure if that's normal or not... I hate feeling like this every single day 😕 xx
I’m very similar as have costocondritus too. Went to dr a few months ago cos of chest pain and she was quite scathing and very dismissive of my anxiety. So I feel on the one hand it’s don’t ignore chest pain and on the other it’s don’t make a fuss! And with hernia it’s a double whammy cos that gives you chest pain too! And I haven’t seen a cardiologist either. Good to know we’re not alone though ..
Its so overwhelming, I feel like , it happened , we fixed this bit , now go home and then your just left to find your way through it , and I've really struggled, still am 😔
my goodness I am so in the same place as you and can’t bear it I feel desperate when the evening then the night comes, I can’t remember when I had a nights. Sleep. I’m alone lost my husband 3 years ago but i Had a daughter who lived with me now she has gone and it’s xmas morning and I’m alone in a big empty house and so anxious I hate it Nobody here, i had a cabg3 ten years ago which left me with chronic pain and 6 weeks ago i suffered a cardiac arrest and now i have pacemaker and the pain from the CPR has made my pain worse, im so glad of this site as it is somewhere to come and talk and most people are so kind even if the Haven’t experienced mental health issues and felt the fear and anxiety of being alone im in my eightieth year so should be able to cope and accept but to be alone with health fears is intolerable 💔 now ambulance and nurses strikes makes me more anxious
you have all my sympathy, I think being alone just makes you dwell more on things. I always put on music or telly (all night if necessary) and for me any form of exercise helps. My mum had a heart attack in her early eighties and almost died but always said it was a new lease of life and managed to never worry about it - I try to be like her (though I’m not that successful) . Take care x
thank you I have radio on all night I go to my bed early as I can’t bear being in the lounge alone I am able to sleep about 10pm but only till 2pm then the rest of the night is sooooo long. I also get AF and ectopics which you are also more aware of in the wee small hours. Enough of my whinging and wailing and feeling sorry for myself thank you for talking to me and have a lovely happy day with your family and a healthy new year x
Thanks and you’re so not whingeing - it is tough! I thought I was just being a wimp til I joined this forum yesterday but now I’ve realised it just is tough and I’m not as bad as I thought ! A very happy and healthy new year to you too x
Hi
I only joined the group yesterday after having a HA 4 months ago at the age of 50 and had 4 stents fitted and having to be shocked twice.
It is so comforting knowing there is support from online groups as my mental health is really suffering at the moment, constantly worrying about every niggle and still getting to grips with the new medication which constantly makes me feel dizzy.
I even worry about exercising to much as I get out of breath quickly so I have pulled back on that.
I feel like I am constantly bothering the Doctors so I try not to call them, I constantly take my blood pressure and then worry even if it is gets low.
Just wondering if anybody of you lovely people went through this in the early days.
Thank you
definitely did! Took my bp every 2 or 3 days but I’ve whittled it down to once a month now after 14 months. I also worried about exercising and wore a heart monitor for a while to check heart rate didn’t go too high (I was told no higher than 130) but exercise is actually my friend and helps with the anxiety I feel. I was told the rule was ‘walk and talk’ and to stop if you couldn’t tLk while exercising so I’m often found muttering to myself to check it out 🤣 but a useful tip I think. Take care x
Happy Christmas Hearty Gang! Gosh NannyPat1 your comments (along with BeKind28) simply mirror my emotions too. I’m 8 weeks on from my NSTEMI HA and the tears pour down my face with fear. I feel that my breathing is tight and I put this down to anxiety. If I hear bad news (and there is so much of it around) I just feel I’m not strong enough to cope with hearing or dealing with anymore of it and wish I could go in a dark room and come out when everything is bright again. But saying that I have come a long way. I have been on a long haul holiday for some winter sun and the flight, holiday and experience was just perfect. Physically I was good but gosh my mind played out some tricks. Like a lot of folk here it’s the emotional side that’s worse. Im starting cardiac rehab beginning of January so hoping with a bit more support and encouragement I will have the attitude of Mr Thatwasunexpected - he’s a very good role model with his knowledge, experience and motivation to exercise! I never expected to be on such a forum but gosh im so fortunate to have received some great responses and encouragement from a lot of people. May you all have a lovely Christmas and let’s hope that 2023 gives us a break and we become happier, healthier and stronger to take on anything we want to! Take care everyone ❤️🧚🏼♀️🎄🎅⭐️
Gosh , I think you’re doing so well 👏 I’ve done some short haul hols and had a great time but baulked at long haul but I love travelling so my NY resolution is to go for it! I never got cardiac rehab cos there was a long waiting list and I was declared fit before I reached the top which was a shame cos the emotional support woukd have been good. But now I’ve found this forum 😊
I’m sure you will get your long haul holidays in 2023. Just drink plenty of water and walk around the plane. You’ll do it! Let’s make next year a better year for our hearts and minds ❤️🧚🏼♀️
Amen to that! Thanks 👍x
LIke you I got no rehab after my HA and stents; just a totally incomprehensible discharge letter that I had to ask my GP to translate. My refusal of rehab was because I'm in a wheelchair because of spinal problems. "We don't have any programme for wheelchair users" said the rehab nurse as soon as she saw me without asking anything about my physical state. The only time I saw a cardiologist was when I had the stents fitted and don't even know who he was. I suffer from health anxiety and many of my spinal problems are in the upper chest area so I never know what's causing the pain. I tend to just wait it out. I was lucky to have a really helpful G P 4 years ago but he's now gone part time and I haven't been able to speak to him at all this past year. I was lucky recently to see a young trainee GP who hadn't yet learned to stick to the allotted 10 minutes and who actually asked how I was; how I was coping, what support I had. All the things a family doctor used to ask or knew already because they knew you. This is what's sadly lacking with GPs these days- continuity of care and knowing your patient.
i am so envious of so many of you as I struggle to do anything alone (ie shopping, walking surviving ) for the last 5 days I have been alone.and with so many health problems physical and anxiety wise life is unbearable. It is great for you lovely normal people who are able to resume your old life sports etc but some of us never had a good surgeon and there’s no help out there, just told your one of the unlucky ones go and talk to the pain clinic and keep
taking the pills !! I keep reading the forum hoping I’ll hear some thing that might help me pain wise and mind wise. I would love a holiday to scared to go !!!!
Hello Dogloverxthree, oh gosh I’m so sorry you feel the way you do. I completely understand your sadness surrounding your pain, fears and anxiety. Since my HA I’ve become a different person. Fortunately I have a supportive husband and a funny dog to keep me going but honesty from the moment I wake up to the moment I close my eyes I worry about my health. My holiday was amazing however I was worried that something would go wrong on the plane - it didn’t which has given me some confidence in travelling but are you able to go away not too far for a little weekend away? Do you have family or a friend who you could take, just for a change of scenery? You said you’ve been alone for 5 days, in the new year are you able to join a club (knit and natter, learn a new hobby, friendship clubs). As I don’t really know your history/story I’m not too sure what else to suggest but please know you are not alone although I know you will feel like you are as being scared and having too much time to think can lead us to an isolated, fearful place. There is help out there but we just need to know where to find it. Can you ring your doctors surgery, Google your local library, church and put in local support groups. Do you have a neighbour or good friend - just someone who can come and see you, give you a hug and tell you that you will get through this. Winter with the cold and darkness doesn’t help but try and look forward to spring. Are you able to get out for a little walk and see folk in the street. I don’t want you to feel lonely and isolated. Push for a hospital appt as you shouldn’t be made to feel the way you feel. We are all here on the forum. But try and find something good in your life. Watch comedy on TV, surround yourself with happy things, a good book, learn a new hobby on YouTube (knit or crochet baby hats or blankets) do something to make yourself feel happy and good. I really wish I could make you feel better but please don’t suffer in silence. I completely get how you feel how life is unbearable and when we feel low we feel low but today, tomorrow and the day after is another day. Just live in the present, think about something good in your life even if it’s just a cuppa tea with a biscuit and take some comfort from something nice that surrounds you. I could go on but hopefully you will turn a corner. Keep us posted as to how you feel. You are NOT alone - okay. Sending you a big virtual Boxing Day hug 🤗 hang on in there ❤️🧚🏼♀️
Hello NannyPat1. I've got a hiatus hernia as well. The consultant told me it's small but it used to play havoc and give me far more chest pain than my heart condition. I have microvascular angina and atrial fibrillation. A book which really helped me get on top of the gastric issues is The Acid Watcher Diet by Dr Jonathan Aziz. Also a game changer for me was deciding to have my main meal at lunchtime. These days I don't eat much after 6.30pm. If I go to bed with my stomach settled I can get a good night's sleep and all is much better with the world. Best wishes.
hi nannypat, welcome. Your in good company here and I’m sure you’ll get a lot of help. Best wishes. Ron.
Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate that and am looking forward to starting the program. I’m feeling pretty breathless and have been for a few weeks but I’m putting it down to anxiety and worry as I can go to sleep fine (not feeling it) and when I wake I’m also fine it just seems to progress the more I worry about it. However, with support from the physio and cardiac nurse I’m hoping they will put me at ease and I can get back to my new normal asap. Thanks again for your responses to other heartys and for sharing your experiences. They really do matter. Take care and have a lovely Christmas the man with the big kind heart ❤️🧚🏼♀️
Hello NannyPat1 welcome to the club, no-one wants to be a member of 🤔
I joined after the posts not readily acknowledging the anxiety and stress which Thatwasunexpected spoke of, which we all now recognise, being a very real and powerful part of our heart journeys. Old saying... (little bit naughty)...99% do and the other 1% are lying , I suspect the same may be true about the mental side of our own heart issues, we're all different and yet so similar, but all considered, I think we're better when we talk and share. I know there are quite a few who just choose to read about and follow others, which is what I sort of did, for quite a while and helped me immensely. Now, well as you can see....
I wish you all the very best, new year almost here and the lighter nights are on their way, what more could we ask for ? 👍
It's worse when a cardiologist says that you are suffering feom anxiety, and don't worry you will probably live for 5-10 more years
I think he meant "I can't see anything which would cause cardiac problems on this angiogram. so it must be anxiety you are suffering from".
That's the trouble with specialists, they are just focussed on their specialty and can't see any sort of bigger picture
in reply to richard_jw
I agree with you there. The specialist is only interested in their field. And in their eyes anxiety, depression or extreme worry is not their concern. Also they just give you the medication best suited in their eyes and experience to sort your problem out. But how do they know the medication does not cause mental issues. And as a patient, this is where I find it hard because you are in the middle. The trouble with mental health is you as the person is the only one who can change your thought patterns but if your body is heightened due to fear, then no talking to yourself or trying to put into practice, lessons you learn to calm you down changes anything. It is so hard.
Sorry to know you are suffering from the residual effects of stenting. Did have the other tests like the lipids because of the strong family history and echocardiogram to see the heart functions okay. Is your life style consistent with leading a healthy life. Wishing you a merry Christmas. I am writing this note despite suffering from the effects of cholesterol stones and sludge in bile duct. Had to see 3 different consultants because of big blunders caused by former two and had to wait for 6 months from diagnosis to laparascopic removal of gall bladder bladder and exploration of cystic duct. I had attack of acute pancreatitis on 21.7.22 and surgeons missed the golden opportunity to intervene. Such is the state of NHS now.
Same here no rehab got they got my web address wrong and the times wrong phoned and told them asked if i wanted 2 b put back on the list said yes heard nothing since. Have anxiety diagnosed IBS and COPD. Have no cardio nurse long term leave and the hospital phoned once after 2 weeks 10 minute conversation said I would be on his books for 2 years that was 9 months ago Surgeon was on holiday when I was discharged still none the wiser. Mental health is dreadful at the moment.
that’s how I’ve been looking at it for the past 19 months
Always! But still hard not to do! I’ve been very busy so been ok thanks 😀
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