First time on this forum and feeling a little nervous about posting.
I had an ICD fitted in 2013 after my heart peaked at 345bpm according to the HRM in the back of the ambulance. The device did its job 6 months later after an episode and kicked 15 times rather than the recognised 3.
I had an ablation after this despite the surgeon not wanting to do so as it came with complications but all went well .
I was always a confident out going person but have suffered with a lack of confidence since and find it difficult to remain positive.
I have a senior position at work and am expected to travel oversea but am frightened to leave my family as I don’t want to be away if this ever happens again.
Just wondered if there was any advice on how to gain my confidence back and be more positive ?
Thank you
Written by
Sonic73
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My course included a lot more than a cardio workout. We had talks on diet, medication, confidence building, and a lot more on the agenda before the Dread Plague struck.
It's worth asking your GP practice if there is any more help available.
I’m sorry to hear your confidence has been affected since having your ICD fitted. I still have a lot of health anxiety after having a heart attack last year so I can understand it must be difficult as it was probably a life changing event for you. Have you ever been offered or considered therapy? If you’re in the U.K., you can self refer yourself for NHS Talking Therapies which can help boost your confidence a little bit and decrease anxiety if you suffer from this as well. They also assist with depression and stress.
In terms of your upcoming flight, I flew for the first time since my heart attack in April. I was very anxious and scared and I did experience angina whilst in the air. However, I made sure I put some precautions in place before hand such as adding anxiety to my travel insurance policy for example in case I changed my mind on the day, even though it came at a higher expense, and also flew with a friend. Could you perhaps have someone fly with you such as another work colleague that you trust? If not, perhaps discuss with your workplace if you can bring a friend or a family member along due to your fear of triggering another episode.
Don’t forget to get the all clear from your GP or cardiologist that you are fit to fly as well.
Yes, I have the same issues, after a sudden cardiac arrest 8 months after receiving 2 stents and being told all was well. Specifically I have had to decline work travels to Asia and South America because I don't want to be stuck on a plane for 10-15 hours, and I'm not confident in the health care outside of Europe and north America. It's just something I've reconciled myself to.
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. I had my ICD fitted last Oct and also suffered from a lack of confidence and being away from my family should my defibrillator kick in. I had cardiac rehab to help me get my confidence exercising, but they also offered cardiac counselling which really helped me talk through my fears and rationalise them. It really helped me. Have you asked your cardiac rehab team if they offer those service?
thank you, to be honest back in 2013 once the cardio rehab had taken place there was no follow up post this. I will reach out to see if I can gain some support as would be great to feel like the old me again
Totally understand your anxiety and maybe your GP or cardiac nurse can help.With such a stressful job a family and travelling overseas after such a stressful event as you have experienced who wouldn't be frightened, nervous call it what you want we're only human and I always think the mental side of any traumatic event is just as important as the physical side.
Don't be worried about speaking up am sure you'll find the help.
In reality I think the vast majortity of people with heart problems suffer a loss of confidence with anxiety which is not helped by any stressful situation never mind work which is a daily chore. I understand about the travel though in reality it has been ten years since the ICD fitting so I would seek out help on this. My choice would be a discussion with your GP to possibly advise a good counsellor who should be able to put your fears into context and hopefully bring you back somewhat to your old confident self. Either way I wish you all the best.
My husband had an ICD fitted 2019 all was well for first couple years however his ICD shocked him 15 times 3 at home 12 in hospital. He said it was a horrendous experience. Seemingly in A/E there should have been a ring placed to stop the ICD alerting. His cardiologist educated the staff following this. He also was not able to access counselling . Was commenced on amiodarone and had a good telephone consultation with his cardiologist involving both of us which helped a lot. No further episodes.
He was very anxious and at his ICD 6 monthly check was offered a monitor for home use which records any episodes from pacemaker or defibrillator on ICD
He was told he could use this away from home ( not sure where you are travelling to).
Confidence does come back but I would explain to your workplace as this is a major event. Surely they would understand and your cardiologist should be able to give you a letter.
My husband did not travel for 3 years due to anxiety but now leads an normal life.
I hope you get some reassurance from this and get back on track. Good luck x
aside from the good information given here. Assuming you’re in the UK there’s a lot going on around anxiety depression and what have you organised by local authorities. Your surgery should have access to these, or there are leaflets in your pharmacy. Your GP’s practice will be employing what’s called “social prescribers”. I can only speak for those at my practice but they have been a godsend to my stepdaughter. They have at their fingertips all the local information. When you contact your surgery, as you’ve indicated you are going to do, ask what the they can offer.
It is very understandable that you would feel less confidence after experiencing those heart issues! I would have such a high level of anxiety if my heart rate got to 345 bpm. I can’t even imagine!
The night that I had my HA in 2022, I saw my bpm rise to over 180, but I eventually stopped looking at the monitor, and I would not look at my blood pressure. Both continued to climb, and I was scared to death.
That type of experience shakes up your life and your confidence. I honestly would suggest talking about your feelings with your doctor, and maybe seek some cognitive behavioral therapy. It can be helpful.
It sounds like you have a great deal of anxiety surrounding these events, and you might want to check out some anxiety-reducing tools such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, tapping activities, and others. I am attaching a link for two strategies, including “hand-on-heart” and “5-4-3-2-1.”
I hope that you will be able to get some help for your feelings, and that you will soon gain more confidence. It is horribly difficult, but you can do it!
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Seems we hearties never get a break
at a loss 
Possible Syndrome X/Microvascular Disease
