Talking therapys

[JoSmith145]

Hi all, I'm a daughter who has had a realisation today that no amount of tough love and encouragement is going to help my mum right now but that she is infact in desperate need to talk to others that have walked her journey and who are also struggling post op. Mum had a triple heart bypass that led to complications (a hole in the heart) so all told had 16 hours of open heart surgery in 6 weeks and the recovery is slow. She is home but spending alot of time doubting her ability to do simple tasks and push herself slightly on the cardio front for fear I think of ending up back in hospital.

Our closest BJF group is Maidstone and she lives in Dartford or Ashford, Kent. She doesn't drive and whilst I'd stop everything to help its not as easy sometimes with a young family of my own and living 40 miles away.

Shes not that confident with I.T. so joining this forum probably isn't an option so I'm reaching out to see if anyone knows of a group that operates locally where Mum can go and have a cup of tea and just chat and feel that someone gets it!

Thanks for your time - its greatly appreciated.

Jo

[10gingercats]

probably best if you ask her cardiac nurse,I guess she has been asigned to one. This question has been asked by others on this forum and it seems from what I have read here that groups are few on the ground.Your mothers GP may also know of a group if there is one close to her locally.I live in Oxford and my hospital is The John Radcliffe which has a large teaching dept., but no heart group I know of .But i do have a cardiac nurse i can ring and ask her questions That is not quite the same as a group but perhaps better than nothing.Keep looking on the site for a few days as there may be a group or two around.People here are very helpful and willing to share info.

[Newstart3]

Hi, I don't know of anything but maybe she could call the British Heart foundation helpline. They might either know of something in your area or if not perhaps they might be able to chat a few times to help give her the confidence and reassurance, if that's what she needs. Just a thought.

[beardy_chris]

It is not specifically for heart issues but Help The Aged, Silverline or Mind may be able to help. In particular, northkentmind.co.uk/talking... may be local to your mum.

Fear following surgery is not uncommon and doesn't really need a cardiac specialist. It needs someone who can listen and empathise...