Never too late to seek help

[Cruiser25]

Hi all, although I don't post very often, I still follow others progress and take reassurance when one of us hearties reports good results.

I wanted to share the next chapter of my story and progress, following on from a Stemi heart attack back in Feb 22, which resulted in 7 stents fitted into 2 arteries, the emergency one being 100% blocked. I realised quite soon after, I suspect as many of you have, I was struggling with the mental side of my heart event. It really was, for me, far easier to recover from the interventions and the heart damage physically. My GP and I agreed to each refer me for counselling (talking therapies), just so happens, my self referral came up first and I was placed on a waiting list. Well I've just finished 9 x sessions for PTSD and related trauma. This was amazingly effective and I must thank my work for their continuing support. The counselling sessions were very difficult at times , confronting the event and the real fear of the alternative outcome, had I not been rushed to the Cath lab so quickly....amazing Ambulance and Paramedic teams ( a peaceful Xmas to them). I'm a different person again, so my wife and son say, and I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted.

I n short, please, If you are struggling, avoiding situations, music, people anything which is a reminder of your event, please, please seek help...it's never too late, yes you may wait for 18 months or so, but you don't need to suffer in silence, nor do your loved ones, and the results can be life changing.

I've learned so much from all of you on this forum, your knowledge, compassion and understanding and how help is just a click away...thank you.

A happy and peaceful, and event free Christmas and New Year to you all, see you in 2024 🎅🎅🎅

[BeKind28-]

Hello

A lovely positive post and I have to agree with what you say and I am so pleased the therapy worked for you

I have had several kinds of therapy in the last 2 years and still struggling it does not seem to have had the same effect on me if it is because I already suffered with anxiety I do not know

I am now looking at going private even though quite expensive but as you say for some mentally can be a bigger struggle after such life changing events and just as important to focus on as the physical side if you find yourself suffering

I hope how you feel now long continues

Happy Christmas 🎄 x

[Cruiser25 in reply to BeKind28-]

Bless you BeKind, hopefully you'll find the way for you. I'd struggled for quite a while, people on the outside don't need to see our struggles, but they're there, I was lucky, I was able to exercise, at least my event allowed for that. All the best for the coming days, weeks etc x

[BeKind28- in reply to Cruiser25]

Hello

Thank You x

[Noodlesalad in reply to BeKind28-]

I had therapy which ended two years ago and had about two years of therapy but never addressed my biggest issue. I just couldn't get the words out at the time.I know as you do until I meet this demon head on and stop wrestling with it I will struggle to let go of it.

Keep us posted and I'm here if you need to talk.

[BeKind28- in reply to Noodlesalad]

Hello

I wonder if it was private therapy you had as now 6 sessions lucky to get 12 on the NHS

You are right though unless we face our demons things will not improve I hope you find the strength to face yours in the near future

Thank you and if you ever need to talk I am here to x

[Noodlesalad in reply to BeKind28-]

It was NHS therapy. Even had CBT therapy but it didn't help me as I still wasn't acknowledging the elephant in the room. I was very lucky to get that long on the NHS it was all to do with how I was not coping with mum and her Dementia and cancer. I was seen every three months so got longer than most.

I recently wrote my story tied up with some stats on human trafficking, online abusers and some other stuff. I did this for my teenage grand daughter as she has recently been a typical teenager. Thankfully I sent it to my son in law who I knew would copy and paste it into a more legible sequence, however I have asked him not to let my grand daughter know it's mostly my story and maybe leave out some of the details.

Who knows even if only part of my story makes her think and be more aware hopefully I will have done some good from something so life changing.

[BeKind28- in reply to Noodlesalad]

Hello

Yes you got more than most even though I am sorry it did not work as I know that feeling to well and not sure it leaves us feeling worse

I think that was very brave of you to write your story it must have brought back memories that were very painful but as I always say if my suffering helps someone else even if in a small way I tell myself that is maybe why I have had to go through everything I have as regretfully someone will always come after and need that listening ear that we could have done with years ago

I wish you all the best for 2024 x

[Noodlesalad in reply to BeKind28-]

Very true.x

[BeKind28- in reply to Noodlesalad]

x

[Heyjude31]

My heartfelt Merry Christmas wishes to you. I too went for therapy for the trauma following my heart attack. Two years on it has been tough at times, but thankfully I am in a much better place than 12 months ago. I hope all our fellow hearties can recover what is often much more difficult psychologically than it is physically. Judi

[Cruiser25 in reply to Heyjude31]

Hi Judi, sorry for the delayed reply...a year for us, especially for recovery is life changing. My therapy needed to be at least 12 - 15 months earlier,the wait list is horrendous where I am, but as I mentioned, it's never too late and really is a game changer. Both my brothers have had heart attacks and bypasses now, so I guess the 'force' is strong in my family, luckily we've all made remarkable recoveries...thank you to all the Hospital, Ambulance and all the other medical support staff, to whom we owe so much, and probably wouldn't be here without!

[Noodlesalad]

Really good to hear your update and the outcome.I've started writing about my anxiety and past events as I know putting something on paper can be very cathartic. I know I need to get help with it, but my physical problems seem to be winning in what I should address and speak to my GP about first. I keep telling myself once my blood pressure is sorted I'll address the other issue.

Have a great New Year.

[Cruiser25 in reply to Noodlesalad]

Hi Noodlesalad, love that handle, therapy is very challenging, I really had to make myself go, especially when I knew it was going to be a difficult session. I too struggled to get the words out (sorry read your reply to BeKind), I blubbered uncontrollably through it some days. But then it started to clear a bit, I know it will always be part of me and I'll need to continue to work at it, but a little win each time is another bit of the battle overcome, please keep at it, something tells me a little win for you may well improve things in unexpected ways...good luck and best wishes.

[Noodlesalad in reply to Cruiser25]

Thank you that's a really thoughtful kind reply.

[Suziib]

Just scrolling as you at 04:00 in the morning, I to had therapy as I struggled after my HA 4 years ago. I was midway through mine when lockdown hit and I really struggled with the phone consultations. I still struggle but was told this is a form of PTSD as like you was eating well, exercising although I had been a smoker. I find it difficult to relax though and to switch off after 4 years I still suffer with anxiety and depression.

The reason I felt compelled to write a reply is I also have 7 stents