Doggycare

[Doggyday]

Have been diagnosed with unstable angina,awaiting tests.In meanwhile I'm getting more anxious of having heart attack,I'm withdrawing from everyone and lying down,scared of every twinge.I sound like such a coward and rattling with all the medication,but can't seem to get over shock of my heart letting me down,am I being really stupid,my family are worried.

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

I have something called vasospastic angina as a result of a heart defect. My chest pain, upper back pain, and arm pain is there constantly and I feel as though my heart is being pinched all the time. I realise that unstable angina can also present in similar ways sometimes.

When I first had my diagnosis, I found that I also became quite isolated and withdrawn from others. I lost enjoyment in doing things and avoided going out due to the fear that I might have another heart attack or a coronary artery spasm. It’s hard when you’re initially diagnosed as you’re still learning about the condition, and you’re also having to tell or educate family and friends about it in the process. I remember my family, more so my mum was shocked and extremely worried when she found out that I had a heart attack abroad due to a heart defect which we knew nothing about.

You’re not being stupid and you’re definitely not a coward. I also felt let down by my body when I went through this last year and a lot of others will tell you it is normal to feel this way too. Once you’re on a treatment or care plan, and have a cardiologist that is invested in your heart health, this will give you the confidence that you need to help you revert back to normalcy as much as you can.

I hope your upcoming tests go well and let us know how you get on.

All the best.

Tos

[Doggyday in reply to Tos92]

Dear Tos92,thank you so much for taking the time to answer.I can't tell you how much better you have made me feel as I've been feeling so isolated,like I've suddenly become a different person.I'm sorry for what you are going through but you have made me feel like I'm not alone and not the big whiney coward I thought I'd become.Virtual hug to you and take care,thank you again.

[70Percent]

Sorry to read of your diagnosis.

Anxiety seems to be a very common thing in these parts. I’d probably be a bit surprised if someone with a heart situation of one kind or another wasn’t anxious.

I’ve taken myself off to A&E while I was having a panic, not a heart, attack but how was I to know. We’re all new to this at the start.

There are side effects that are very similar to onset of a serious situation and if we’re honest our mind can throw some curve balls into the mix quite often.

Something I use from time to time is box breathing. In fact, I was doing some last night.

quietkit.com/box-breathing/

You can optionally pretend to be a Navy Seal while doing it (I do) …

[Doggyday]

Thank you 70percent for good advice and I will certainly try the box-breathing,I am a pretty anxious person anyway to be honest,more a wet fish than a Navy Seal!!Hope you're keeping well,thanks again.