scared and depressed

[Sandsy]

2.5 years ago I had a heart attack minor I guess but after a stay I. Hospital and diagnosed as being in heart failure and put on medication I became quite scared of excise, I’m breathless just walking 50 yards or so,I sleep a lot and have no real interest in things, a year later I was diagnosed to be in A F and even medication’s made my life feel quite worthless really,I had treatment last December and my heart was shocked back into a regular rhythm but my moods have got worse and my interest in doing anything seem to increased medication has increased type two diabetes has arrived and what can I do to stop being scared of “heart failure “ 70 years of age obese and just going through the motions it seems.

[Batty55]

Hi Sandsy, I can totally understand how you feel. I had a heart attack & diagnosed with HF early last year. But I don’t have diabetes.

I have only just started to feel more normal - taken me all this time to accept my new life. It does get easier I promise you. Acceptance of a life changing condition does.

I have found this forum very useful. Plus, in times of utter despair rung to speak to one of the nurses at BHF.

You are not alone - please just come on here or inbox me any time.

Take care of yourself & if you are fortunate to have others who want to help - let them.

🙂

[Hidden]

hello

There are a lot of things there to contend with, some attention to improving your mental health may help with dealing with the other health issues and making lifestyle changes.

This is not easy at all to do and it won’t happen over night and it’ll be two steps forward three back a lot of the time.

Maybe a conversation with GP to tackle the mental health side?

We are all different some people “bounce” back quicker some need more time and may only get to a level where can only manage things rather than eradicate fully impact on the mind and moods.

Wish you the best👍

[Rachmaninov2]

I had a heart attack and a stent fitted 8 weeks ago, and have been feeling very anxious ever since. I asked my GP to refer me for CBT which I began last week. As fishface101 has suggested, it may be worth speaking to your GP. Wishing you all the best.

[Tos92]

Hi Sandsy

I’m sorry to hear of your heart attack and heart failure.

I agree with Hidden , perhaps try and address the mental health side of things. Although the waiting times are slightly longer, your GP can refer you to your local mental health wellbeing service where you will be given the option of which type of treatment is best for you, for example, CBT is one of them. Another good thing about going down this route is that they provide a service for people living with long-term chronic health conditions. This may well be an option for you to explore with your GP as well.

Don’t be too hard on yourself during this journey. I also had a heart attack last year, and since then, have found that it’s affected my quality of life also.

I wish you well & please keep us updated on your progress.

All the best.

Tos

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

You have had some really good advice already.

You can refer yourself to the NHS Talking therapy services if you live in England and are registered with a GP.

nhs.uk/service-search/menta...

Another option is contact other charities such as MIND

mind.org.uk/donate/?gclid=C...

Do you have a Heart Failure Nurse? They can give invaluable advice and support.

Have you been offered Cardiac Rehabilitation?

As well as helping you to build your confidence in how to exercise, some Cardiac rehab services also include a Clinical Psychologist to provide talking therapies.

Pumping Marvellous is a wonderful group supporting people living with heart function problems.

pumpingmarvellous.org/?s=Me...

I hope you are able to find the support you need to find your way through your challenges soon.

[Qualipop]

Heart failure does not mean it's going to pack up. I suggest you try to get your GP to explain it to you and how it can be helped and often improved. Way way back before 1950 my mum had eclampsia when pregnant with me and was told it had damaged her heart and she must never have a general anaesthetic. IN those days there was absolutely no treatment for heart failure. She later had another pregnancy and eclampsia again but she lived the rest of her life until she was 69 with heart failure without any treatment at all. She also smoked quite heavily but it never affected her life except for getting a bit breathless on gentle hills. She walked her dogs, ran round the show ring with them and never made any changes at all. She never had any treatment at all for it.