Seeking Advice: How to Support My Mot... - British Heart Fou...

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Seeking Advice: How to Support My Mother Dealing with Heart Health Issues?

belovedangel02 profile image
25 Replies

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out seeking advice and guidance for my family member who’s currently facing health challenges due to stress. She has been coping with increased stress levels, notably related to financial difficulties and significant changes in living arrangements. This has resulted in heightened blood pressure and heart concerns, leading to her current health issues.

I’m looking for ways to assist her in managing stress, coping mechanisms to alleviate the pressure, and any recommendations or strategies that might help improve her situation. I’m trying to be as supportive as possible, but I’m seeking additional suggestions to help her navigate this tough time.

Any advice or suggestions would be immensely appreciated. Thank you so much.

Warm regards. [Belovedangel02]

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belovedangel02
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25 Replies
Lowerfield_no_more profile image
Lowerfield_no_more

I suggest you talk to the BHF HeartHelpline nurse who will be able to give you a professional view on issues concerning heart health. As for dealing with stress and mental health issues there will no doubt be a similar advice line for a this too, perhaps Mind. bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more

Thank you for your thoughtful recommendations! I really appreciate your suggestions about BHF HeartHelpline and Mind. However, I have a phobia of speaking on the phone, particularly with strangers or individuals I don’t know well. It’s something I’m currently working on and will be discussing during my upcoming autism assessment.

Given my discomfort with phone calls, I’ll attempt to find alternative contact methods, like emailing or utilizing online resources, as these methods align more with my comfort level. If anyone knows of email support or online resources for accessing advice from the BHF HeartHelpline nurse, I’d greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you for your understanding and suggestions. Your support means a lot to me!

BHF_1 profile image
BHF_1 in reply to belovedangel02

Hello, you can also chat with BHF HeartHelpline nurses via email and live online chat. See bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo... if you are interested in that.

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to BHF_1

Thank you for sharing that information! I’ll definitely check out the BHF HeartHelpline’s email and live chat options. It’s good to know there are different ways to connect with them. I appreciate your suggestion! I appreciate your help and will explore the resources mentioned. Thanks again for your support!

Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

As Lowerfield says - or the charity Blood Pressure UK.

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to Happyrosie

Appreciate your advice! I’ll certainly look into the resources provided by Blood Pressure UK and follow up on Lowerfield’s guidance. It’s great to know there are various avenues to explore for information and support. Thank you!

in reply to belovedangel02

Hello again sorry about your mum my mum has coronary heart disease 2 heart attacks she's fine now on the meds they keep people going many years her first heart attack was 9 years ago, reaserch shows chamomile tea is a anxiety heeler I tried it with decaf ordinary tea bag v relaxing, and then tastes like normal tea, my mum has a smart watch where she can check her heart rate, sorry can't be of much help I wish you both better times ahead, love your name I believ we all have a guidian angel reach out to her 🤗😇💛🌟

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to

Hello! Thank you for your lovely message. Very touching. (My dad chose my name, and may he rest in peace). My name is Tamera, which means ‘Beloved Angel’—often making people say I’m an angel from heaven! Your kind words are appreciated, and I’m so pleased to hear your mum is doing so much better. It gives me a lot of hope for mine. I’ll definitely check into the smartwatch you mentioned. Although my mum has one for outdoor use, the type my boyfriend has (which is primarily for sleep monitoring but does everything else as well), is definitely worth looking into. Your advice truly matters, every bit of help is valuable. Thank you once more. Take care, both of you! ❤️

in reply to belovedangel02

Hello again what a lovely name, my mam's links up with her phone if she looses her phone I'm not that high tech on knowledge maby it's the same as your mam has it does sleep monitoring and how many steps she's walked It wasn't v expensive so I'm sure there more advanced ones, were I live you can buy a blood pressure monitor too, I am on proprononal as sometimes get heart pounds that I'm v aware of usually if stressed doctor said I can take 2 as and when needed no more than 3 a day they are a adrenaline supressor beta blocker certainly calms me down not sure if they may be helpful for you and your mum maby discuss with doctor they help open veins a bit too helping blood flow, my sister has a regular beta blocker as she had a very rapid heart rate life threatening she was 5o now 63, you take care too many I'll see you again on the anxiety site on one of my posts I'll be posting today hopefully something helpful 🤗💛🌟🌷

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to

Good morning   Hidden

I struggled with some tension headaches in the past a long with abnormal heart palpitations so I was recommended to buy a monitor. I have now given it to my mum. Since I don’t use it anymore. I shall certainly mention the blockers to my mum. Thank you for the suggestion. I look forward to your post. Thanks again.

Ps. Her watch doesn’t monitor her sleeping as far as I’m aware since it’s just for daily use and not for sleeping.

in reply to belovedangel02

Good morning you mentioned about your dad dying there's a site I'm on called bereavement care and share very nice people on there if you want to join look through the posts maby post I'm not sure how long ago your dad died mine died 3 years ago she 84 I'm 57 🌈

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to

Hey. Thank you for your reply. I recently joined that group as well. I’m not sure what to post yet. My dad actually passed away seven years ago when I was 14. I am now 21. But of course it still feels like yesterday even though it’s a lot easier to live with now however it does spring upon me from time to time, especially around his funeral anniversary & birthdays etc. ❤️

PS. I’m sorry to hear about your father, may he rest in peace.

in reply to belovedangel02

Oh that's so young just post how you feel if feel the need or just introduce yourself my step dad died some 19 years ago a rainbow filled the sky on way back from funeral mam played at the service over the rainbow by Eva Cassidy we feel it was a sine,I'm heading to see my mum now when I' get out my pj lol hope you have a good weekend 💚🌟🌈

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to

Hey. Thanks. I might just do that when I get the moment. Thank you for your messages. They have been very helpful and insightful. Thank you. Take care and have a good weekend as well. All the best. 😌 💗

Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

BPUK email is : help@bloodpressureuk.org. There is a lot of information on the site so you do not have to ring them.

I too have difficulty using the phone so you are not alone in this!

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to Happyrosie

Thank you so much for sharing the email for BPUK! I really appreciate it; having an alternative to the phone is a huge relief for me. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in finding phone calls challenging. Your understanding and the helpful information you’ve provided mean a lot. I’ll definitely check out their website for more guidance. Thanks again for your support and understanding! 🌟

scentedgardener profile image
scentedgardener

Sorry you and your mum are having such a tough time.You don't mention how old your mum is, but if she's old enough to be eligible Age UK is a great resource. I'm so sorry, I don't know the alternative ways of contacting them, but I'm fairly sure they'd have an email address. I'm the opposite to you, I have a lot of problems typing so my preferred method is by phone, so some of the things I would suggest, like Anxiety UK, are phone contact. It is worth looking at websites for chat functions and email addresses

Good luck

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to scentedgardener

Thank you for your empathy regarding the challenges my Mother and I are facing. While I prefer not to disclose my Mothers age, I’ll consider exploring the resources available at Age UK. I’ll look into their website to find out more about the support they offer. I appreciate your suggestions, even though some options might involve phone contact, and I’ll check if they provide email or chat functions. Your insights and good wishes are truly appreciated. Thank you.

scentedgardener profile image
scentedgardener

You're very welcome. The last seven years of my mother's life were plagued with her health troubles, and sometimes it felt very lonely. All the best to you both.

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to scentedgardener

Thank you for your understanding and sharing your experience. It’s comforting to know that others have faced similar situations. Wishing you all the best too.

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike

some British Heart Foundation charity shops have info about local groups which support people with heart conditions and their carers - if you have a local one why not pop in?

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to fishonabike

Thanks for your suggestion regarding the British Heart Foundation charity shops. My mum has already received professional assistance and medication, so my question was more about how I can support her at home given the current situation. Your concern is appreciated!

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to belovedangel02

forgive m if i was not clearer - The BHF local branches tend to have groups who support people with just the sort of concerns that you have expressed - they might be able to support you with advice and information which helps you in a variety of ways - you mentioned that you prefer to avoid telephone contact but they may have people who can respond in person .......!

belovedangel02 profile image
belovedangel02 in reply to fishonabike

Thank you for the suggestion and for clarifying. I appreciate your advice. However, I struggle with social anxiety and prefer not to engage in person or via phone. I was more seeking advice or information I can access online or through email. I hope you understand.

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to belovedangel02

ok, i hope you find what you need - people here are very helpful

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