I had a good cry last and and I feel slightly better than I did. The only problem with me picking up a new hobby as many of you suggested, is I have ADHD and I start something but never finish it. I've started many projects crochet, diamond painting, painting, jigsaws, learning French, etc but I just lose interest very quickly.
However someone up there (probably Dad) must have noticed I needed something;
I had a unexpected phone call today from work, we are getting a defib fitted and they want to do a talk (whole school assembly) about heart attacks and what to do if someone has a cardiac arrest. Would I think about going in to school and talk about my experiences
I've said I'll think about it (talk to Mum) but it sound like just what I need.
V x
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Valentina98
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It became law a few weeks (could have been months) ago that all schools needs a defib fitted, I was all over it as I'd had the one HA but I didn't think I'd get to be involved as the rolling out process would take a while, well it's nearly out turn.
I think if Mum come with me I might be ok. Just have to go slowly.
Aw v that's amazing they really care about you and your needs and I think it's an interesting opportunity to share your story especially how old you are aswell and everything you have been through and come out the other side just shows how tough and what a fighter you are! X ❤️🥰
That sounds like a great thing to be involved in and so much more meaningful for the audience when it's a personal story you have to tell!
And don't worry about never finishing projects, the process of just being involved in an activity/hobby can be just as rewarding. Finishing every project we start may be over rated! ...you should see our craft area...loads of half made things, which one day we may or may not get back to, depending on if we just feel like it or not!
Joy and satisfaction can also come from just spending half an hour doing something fun, with no pressure or expectation, except to lose yourself in the activity for that moment.
Thank you, if I wasn't a teacher I always fancied being a writer. I could write a book on Mum's love life 😂
I'm sure the school will do everything they can to help me. It is a pretty good school even if I do say so myself apparently the kids have been asking after me which is nice, they're probably enjoying me not telling them to be quiet every 5 minutes... Then again they'll still be told that by the supply 😁
Go for it, what have you got to lose. You are now an expert in this. You have real experience. Even though it's an experience none of us want or asked for. But unfortunately there will be a percentage of the assembly who may come across something in their lives related to heart disease, heart attacks. Its a subject that does need discussing and talked about.
Really good idea from the school, also what better than someone who has been through it and who the students know to do this rather than some stranger.
As well as doing you good, just think your talk might just sow the seeds that might help one of your students to potentially help save someone's life!
It's crazy isn't it!! I was into photography, I mean I still have an interest but I brought an expensive Digital Camera and I was gonna print out and sell my photos.... I brought a printer and frames. Then I got bored with it. I still have the camera and use it occasionally but you know, I can finish a book, I start then get distracted it's a nightmare.
What a great idea from the school, Valentina. I think, if and when you feel ready, you should go for it! Might turn out to be just what you need - even thinking about it has already taken the edge off your feelings.
Hi Valentina that sounds like a good plan I hope it goes well for you. Good to hear it’s now law that all schools should have a defib I hope this is also extended to the work place. Good luck 😀X
Sounds like a great idea to give you something to.plan for and to do; while handing over much needed knowledge. You'll have a great time & the kids will love to see you! Good luck
Re. Crafts
Lots of us don't manage to keep going with craft projects especially when we are ill, but the mindfulness of doing them is sometimes needed to help keep us calmed down & to ease anxiety as well as fight low mood, and depression. A Counseller once suggested taling photo's of the progress at each step of doing the craft activity so you can see that even a very tiny bit of time & input makes a difference as this encourages you to do a little a day and to keep at it until it is completed.
It sounds silly but i tried it & it worked .... I did a painting by numbers - some days I'd manage a whole colour, other days I'd only manage to paint one tiny shape. It took ages to do but I did eventually complete the picture. Not sure if that approach might help with getting a craft completed if you have ADHD but it's something to consider trying as it might work for some of you too. Good luck
It doesn't matter how traumatic our experiences are, they can be very useful to inspire and inform others. Plus sharing helps you with coping with what happened :-). After my Avr surgery (I had a Ross-pears procedure, which is not a very common one), the Royal Brompton Hospital asked me and my story to be featured on their website, and initially I was also quite reluctant. Then I realised that I had been in the very similar position or many other people, looking on the Web for information and stories of people who went through my same ordeal, and I was very proud to accept.
Hi V. Talking about your experience is going to be brilliant - not just for you but for those listening. Actual experiences are much better received than someone reading words out of the defib booklet!
Go for it V - you'll make such a difference.
Hope you're doing OK. Lots of love and hugs. Jan xxxx
Really good to hear this. You are going to be a blessing to those you share with, living proof that there is life after a HA. Go out there, be bold, share your story! I know that when I was on my cardiac rehab course I had an opportunity to go up to the hospital ward and speak with a patient (and his family) who was waiting for open heart surgery but I don't know how often this happens now. I know that this helped reassure them all, and I sure minds will be put at rest by your testimony. It may seem hard to see now, but all you are going through is preparing you to be a source of encouragement to others. Take your time, speak from the heart,you will do well!
Hi V. It is good to have a cry from time to time - and dare I say - even healthy. We are human; being emotional makes us more human. I too have a form of ADHD. The secret is "do what you love, and love what you do" : easy said but hard to apply. Why? Because finding "what we love" can be a long journey of trials. So never giving up trying things. Have a go at the talk, you many never know. Take care
That sounds like such a smashing idea, Valentina! You are a teacher, and children need to learn about what they can do to help in a heart health emergency. We are hearing more and more about young athletes who suffer a heart attack during practice or during a game. In the last three weeks, a beloved teacher at a local high school here died from a HA in class. Your being able to help students learn how they can be of direct help or offer support in these situations sounds like a win-win to me!
Plus, you can put a friendly face and a near-age group reality to the training. You will have a credibility with the students that a 60 year old might not be able to bring to that age group Students need to develop empathy skills, not only for heart patients, but for all people.
Just my two cents, but I hope that it helps in your decision. Take care of yourself!
Sounds like a wonderful way for you to build a positive from your experience and help empower the children (and staff) to feel more confident and knowledgeable if faced with a similar situation in the future.
I don’t want to put any pressure on because this totally needs to be your decision; hope you’re able to make the right choice for you 😁🤗
I think its a great idea, first hand experiences are always the best to hear, so many people know that a heart attack is bad but dont know how it feels. I always thought the adverts that were showing people having a heart attack were the most memorable, vinnie jones advert springs to mind here.
Ref lots of hobbies unfinished, you have to try things before you know if you like them, you try new food, dont like it and dont finish it, or you try new food and dont like it and persevere with hating eating it but you have to finish it, then get left with a hate that can last forever.
With hobbies at least you are trying out different things! Dont worry about it. Plus if you send the stuff to a charity shop then someone else can try at a reasonable cost! Bonus 😊
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but yeah I'll start to feel better soon ☺️ 
Emotional fallout
17 year old facing open heart surgery
Getting out
Heart rate spikes when painting
Good morning,
