heart attack April 2023 stent fitted . Struggling to move on considering counselling
Wendy : heart attack April 2023 stent... - British Heart Fou...
Wendy
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treya
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Hello 
I am so sorry to hear about your heart attack it comes as a shock and even though physically we seem to do well for some the mental side is a lot harder to deal with
I had 3 heart attacks and was not suitable for stents so had to have a triple Bypass this was over 2 years ago now and I a still struggling with the Mental side of things even though I will be honest and say I suffered with severe anxiety before all this happened
I think if you could get counselling it would be a brilliant idea
I always think what would you have to lose by trying it you would not be any worse of than you are now and as it has helped so many you could also be one of the many it helps to
Let us know how you get on x
Thankyou 😊
x
Have been reassured no damage to my heart etc etc but still think will just collapse and die ? Must think more positive. !!!! 😳
Hello
If you think about the positives that they caught you when you had a heart attack they have put a stent in so the blood is flowing around the heart you will be on good medications to prevent this happening again
You are really lucky no damage has been caused to your heart
How you feel though the fear despite all the positives that you are going to collapse and die at any minute is quite common for so many after going through a heart attack yes we should and I am sure we try to think more positive but sometimes we need that little bit of help which is ok to ask for x
Hi Treya - totally understand how you’re feeling - I’m nearly 2 years on from mine now and it takes a while to rebuild confidence in yourself and that you’re not just gonna drop - I have a running machine and started off doing daily 30 mins and increased speed and duration over time - this has really helped build up my confidence in knowing I can do this as well as being a great way to build up strength in your heart - always listen to your body and stop if you feel you need, then next day start again if you’re feeling OK - No running machine just get out for walks and increase slowly, being in a few hilly parts and see how you do - best of luck!!
No damage to your heart is fantastic. Also the cause of the heart attack has been addressed. This, along with the medications that you will have started, put you in a really good place. Much better than people who don't have these things picked up until it has progressed too far.
I was similar, minor heart attack with no damage. Here I am 6 months after triple bypass and feel as if I have been given a new life.
The risk of you collapsing and dieing is massively reduced after all of this
Hi, the mental side can be the hardest to deal with for some of us. It's just over a year since my HA and I'm still struggling with anxiety. Initially I was doing OK, once I got past the initial shock, until a setback during the summer knocked my confidence for six. I stopped going out and suffered badly with anxiety at the mere suggestion of doing things like driving or going for a walk. My GP offered to refer me to MIND and I'm so glad he did. Talking though my fears is helping massively and I now do more on my own. I took myself to the dentist a few times, including for an extraction, attend rehab and drive on my own. I even manage short walks. Still very much a work in progress and I'm now having iTalk sessions to develop coping strategies. You can self refer to iTalk and it was also recommended by my cardiac rehab team who have also been brilliant in recognising that "fixing" me mentally is taking a bit longer than physically. Personally, I would endorse counselling/wellbeing and wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
What an excellent response. I found that inspirational. It's totally normal to feel bereft and 'let down' by our bodies. It helps to hear of other's concerns and fears.
I too had HA in July which was a shock too being only 55 and a none smoker/drinker, and found out they were shocked at how much disease I had in my heart for someone my age, it’s very scary and I did have a wobble while in hospital but decided early on that I was not going to let that hold me back and define the rest of my life and would do all I needed to get back to health and get myself in the best position. I set myself goals on what I wanted to be able to do by what date etc. I achieved them but am just a bit fed up as had thst awful cold/cough bug in November which I have only just got over and now I have covid. I returned to work this week to but wfh.
So I would recommend some help if you are unable to come to terms with things you don’t want to spend your time not making the most of the life you coukd have,
hi
Just to reassure you, what you’re going through is entirely normal. I had a heart attack last Jan and have found the mental side much harder than the physical. Initially you worry about every twinge and are reluctant to exert yourself. That eases in time although never goes completely.
There’s many on here like myself who were fit and well prior to HA and now find themselves trying to piece together their lives after having it turned upside down. The pathway to recovery is convoluted and different for all. Some it’s speedy, others not so. I suffered terribly from the medication also which has taken time trial and error to get right.
The cardiac rehab programme is a great starting point for confidence restoration in yourself physically. They act as a liaaison between you and your consultant if you have issues as I found hospital support non existent.
Ask to be referred to the talking therapies services. Again they have been really helpful and provide counselling services. I found the progressive muscle relaxation exercise really helpful. Your GP may also refer you into the social prescribing service which you may find useful.
Most of all, give yourself time, you’ve gone through a major life changing event. Be kind to yourself and take it at your own pace. Embrace life and do what you can manage.
best wishes on your recovery journey,
yep counselling brilliant idea. I developed generalised anxiety after my heart attack and a stent. I’m lucky I was fit at the time as that’s what kept me alive as I had a cardiac arrest as well. It’s left me with heart muscle damage and bits of a few arrhythmia’s. That was 2.5 years ago. I went for counselling about the same time as you are now and it definitely helped but the anxiety was still aggravating my arrhythmias so I am also on a low dose anti anxiety medication.
But I have my life am always as busy as I can be and exercise a lot. Life is too short not to try and address it. So go for the counselling so you can get on with your life and enjoy it. Good luck
There are so many excellent responses here to your post. I've been through it and from day one, I have just tried to take all the positives from the negatives. It has helped me and I have moved on and feel better now than I think I ever have . Enjoy the future
Hi TreyaI've had 3 heart attacks and 2 failed stents and ended up having a double bypass last January. The emotional recovery is the hardest part . Before my heart attacks I was living life without a care in the world, then BANG!!! My heart condition is genetic so was not related to lifestyle choices. I stopped smoking and drinking and now follow a very healthy diet. I would say counselling is a great idea ( if you are lucky enough to get the right counsellor)!!! I tried 2 private ones but unfortunately it didn't work , as when they asked what I did for a living I told them I was a private counsellor!!!! I would have dearly loved to have had someone impartial to talk to so I really hope you find someone who will just listen to how you feel. I called CHSS and the nurses there are amazing . I would be more than happy to talk with you if you think it might help.
Hi Treya.
I struggled really badly after having a heart attack and stents. I referred myself to our local Talkworks ( I think they are in every area) and was seen really quickly. It's faster and easier than going through the GP and is free. I had 6 weeks of counselling to get over my fear of going any distance from home and to help me get back to work. It was transformational.
😀
thankyou
Did you not have cardiac rehab? It does wonders for your confidence. If you weren't invited to at tend, phone the hospital and ask why not. A HA is a dreadful sh ock but don't look on it as a disaster. It's merely a warning that you need to change lifestyle and maybe take tablets so you can start to live again . Change whatever needs changing ie diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol and enjoy your new life. I'm now 5 years on from mine and rarely think about it.
I am very lucky as I work in an Occupational Health Team and they immediately referred me to the Employee Assistance Programme counsellor we have for when people are struggling. I had my heart attack and stent fitted in December, start counselling on Wednesday and Cardiac Rehabilitation on Thursday.
Counselling is absolutely the way to go in my experience.
Good luck.
Good luck to you too 😊
