scared

[Keepmewell]

Hi I had a heart attack 5 weeks ago still I’m shock to be honest but I wondered if it’s normal to think that every time you feel something that your going to have another one or your dying sorry to be morbid any comments are welcome thank you.

[Keepmewell]

Thank you so much for your words of support you certainly have been through it. Like you I have always been an anxious person so that doesn’t help , yes I am going to do the rehab thing as think it will be good for me, look after yourself,

[Keepmewell]

thank you yes I am really trying to de stress just struggling abit at the moment .🤗

[Tos92]

Hi Keepmewell

I had a heart attack last year. Even a year and a half on, I still worry that I may have another one and it is completely normal to feel that way.

I have a type of angina called vasospastic angina and as a result, have chest pain on a daily basis. This can be triggering, especially if the pain is severe which makes me think I will have another heart attack at some point. I know the chances are slim, but that doesn’t stop us from worrying.

I hope the rehab will be very helpful in your recovery and help ease your anxiety a little bit. I’ve heard some great things about cardiac rehab.

Let us know how you get on.

All the best.

Tos

[Keepmewell in reply to Tos92]

Thank you and wishing good health to you 🤗

[RufusScamp]

Sorry to hear about your heart attack. It is quite normal to feel scared at any possible symptom. James Lovelock (?) the Gaia bloke, had a heart attack in his 50s, and died on his 103rd birthday, if that is any consolation.

If you are offered a cardio rehab course, take it. It will give you so much useful information about the best way to look after yourself.

[Keepmewell in reply to RufusScamp]

thank you for your comments 🤗

[jeelpie]

hi welcome to the group, I know this is a really scary time, but trust me it does get better take your time to heal, your body has been through a trauma. I'm nearly 2 years out from mine and honestly I'm back living my life to the full! I remember those early days where I was terrified to sleep in case I didn't wake up, it was really scary! please talk to people about how you feel and take all the supports, take one day at a time and slowly you will become stronger, use forums like this as everyone here will understand what your going through and will be able to support you. please take care of yourself let people know how your feeling, you will get through this just take one day at a time, you are a survivor x

[Keepmewell in reply to jeelpie]

thank you for your kind comments 🤗

[Truffles2]

I think for most of us heart conditions and anxiety go hand in hand as our hearts are what keeps us ticking over. I am always anxious when it comes to medical things, I am not a good patient so you are most certainly not alone in these feelings X

[Cee-Cee1]

Hi Keepmewell, it really is perfectly normal to feel anxious after having had a heart attack and, after all, it's only 5 weeks since it happened. You honestly wouldn't be human if you didn't - it's such a shock to the system, both physically and mentally!

After a HA in January 2022, followed by a bypass 5 weeks later, it seemed for the first wee while, every little niggle I experienced I assumed must be 'heart' related. If I'm completely honest, even 18 months down the line I still have the occasional blip in my thinking. Things will settle down again, it just takes some time and the good thing is that you're now on the radar with those who are treating you and you'll be looked after really well. I can genuinely say that I feel better now that I did for the couple of years leading up to the HA.

One of the things that REALLY helped me was reading posts in the forum of the amazing things that people have achieved afterwards. One of the forum's former members, who I'm still in touch with, is actually now an 'Olympian' athlete and his stories of his path to get there really encouraged me to look ahead! When I related his stories to my family it also helped them to worry less about me too. It's such a shame he had to leave as I know his achievements really helped a lot of others too.

Just continue to look after yourself, allow yourself to be concerned (it's normal!) and then sit back and think of everything you now have to look forward to. You'll get there in time, 'onwards & upwards' 👍😀 Carol

[Keepmewell in reply to Cee-Cee1]

thank you for your encouraging words 🤗

[HHH2017 in reply to Cee-Cee1]

A great reply. Well said re our olympian friend - so inspirational. 👏🏾

[Furryears]

Hello Keepmewell when I had my HA out of the blue & needed an emergency bypass, I was in total shock, I was exactly the same every twinge every pain,my thoughts were all over the place I couldn’t string a sentence without crying, what did I do i spoke to my nurse and my doctor I started to see a psychologist who helped me put everything into perspective and helped me to understand what had happened, I found this group and read every post daily until I had the courage to participate, I do wish you all the best please if ever you feel frightened or alone pop on here and have a chat, but what I will say is speak to your doctor / nurse about how you are feeling there is help out there

Take care 😊

[Keepmewell in reply to Furryears]

thank you for your good advice and support

[HHH2017]

Hi, welcome to the forum though Im sad you are here!!! The short answer is YES. Hope you are making a good physical recovery & getting lots of support. Heart anxiety is most definitely a very real thing. I am 5 years on and although I am definitely not thinking about every little twinge like I used to a bad episode of heartburn leaves both me & my hubby both on edge for a bit. Twinges and odd little pains will be normal for a bit - your heart is recovering so be kind to it ❤️‍🩹 Some may be healing and others a reminder to REST while others absolutely nothing & totally normal.

Its very early dsys for you yet but has anyone discussed a rehab group with you yet? I found my group an invaluable source of expert help & wise friendly support. Being monitored throughout returning to gentle exercise was imensely reassuring. And everyone there had similar experiences to learn from. I wish you very well on your heart journey, it will get easier.

[Keepmewell in reply to HHH2017]

thank you for your positive words🤗

[2wheeler]

Hello there, I personally think it depends on the person. I was amazed that i had had 3 heart attacks and only had a back ache. I did post my story on here and got some amazing replies.

I do understand how you are feeling though and I hope things become easier for you

Take care

[LSCE]

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your heart attack. I can totally relate to your fear, I think it's common for most if not all people who have had a heart attack. I'm 2yrs and 7 months since my first Heart attack (HA) but can recall those early days after and phases since then. I was very positive about my future and considered the minor HA a wake up call and opportunity to make lifestyle changes (diet / exercise / weight loss) and make the most of life going forward. My chest pain continued and I was scared a sign of impeding HA and I worried about dying next time. It is difficult not to let this dominate your thoughts and in my experience effect your decisions, your outlook, your life. For me it has got easier over time. I think you will go through phases of positivity and then perhaps fear, perhaps low mood. We all deal with life events differently but my advice would be to try not to let the fear stop you from living your life. Initially I was scared about going out alone but did on day 2 after my HA to start my rehab walks (no rehab available during COVID). Initially for short walks, always in busy populated places , with my phone in case. Then I worried about going back to work causing stress and risking another HA, so I reduced my working hours and had a phased return to work, altered duties Then worried about what I perceived as a risk going on holidays abroad due to unknown access to medical, so I have chosen carefully the areas I visit. If you read this far 'SORRY' about the long post but I wanted to explain how I've dealt with my fears. All we do in life carries a risk, we've never known what's around the corner. We are all different in the way we may deal with lifes challenges but I hope this may help you going forward. Build your confidence slowly by perhaps 'changing what you can' to help you deal with any fears with measured acceptable risk. I wish you well.

[momander]

HiI would say your reaction is perfectly normal!! When you have a heart attack it's quiteva shock, both physically and emotionally. The physical recovery is quick if you look sfyer yourself and follow DR advice. The mental adjustment is what takes time. Fo you have a good support network around you? If so then that's good!! What about a partner? Basically anyone you can talk to who will listen and just give you thst bit if reassurance you need. There seems to be a complete lack if any face to face support groups for people who have had heart attacks/ Heart problems? I certainly found that. It will take time si baby steps. You will get there I promise you. Take care.

[Mags2156]

Hi, I'm just coming up 6 months since my HA and stent, all completely unexpected as I'm sure most are! Yes it's normal, every twinge I got I panicked and thought I was having another attack but in time you'll realise its all ok, its very early days for you so try to relax and understand its normal, I'm attending rehab (I do aquafit) and loving it, good luck for the future 👍😊

[Qualipop]

Oh bless you that's perfectly normal. My HA came totally ou t of theblue 5 years ago and even now any unusual feelings set me wondering even though I was told only 2 weeks ago that my heart and stents are perfectly sound. Don't forget that it can take quite a time for suide effects of tablets to se t tle down and some may need changing. Have you yet st arted cardiac rehab? T hat should make a huge difference to your confidence. You will also get advice on diet and how much to exercise. Look on it as being given a second chance, make any changes you need to make and enjoy life. If you have any serous worries you can always ask the wonderful BHF nurses. Details are down at the bottom of the main BHF page.

[Keepmewell in reply to Qualipop]

thank you so much for your advice 🤗

[Qualipop in reply to Keepmewell]

Just don't worry; what you feel is normal; so many of us have been exactly where you are now and we're still here to tell the tale.

[Coopergirl52]

Hello Keepmewell.

I had my heart attack in April last year yes it is completely normal to feel anxious after you've had an event I still feel scared when I have twinges etc but try to think of the positives you are still here and you have a loving family that will look out for you I hope as others have said if you are offered Rehab take it and speak to your GP cardiologist and cardiac nurse if you are ever worried about anything .

Hope this helps.