Steve 6 and a half years since heart failure.

[Bobbymrg]

My heart problems materialised when my customer said to me you look terrible as I wheeled a barrow up a ramp with heavy concrete blocks.

Next morning I was in a ward being told I had heart failure. Was a shock and after 2 years on meds was finally sent in for a aortic root and valve replacement.

So now I’m on loads of meds and currently working in my landscaping business.

It’s tough as i’m always aware of my heart condition, I struggle with anxiety but keep pushing through some days better than others.

On warfrin for life so weekly bloods can be difficult. I try not to focus on things with my heart it’s really difficult as I think i get health anxiety as well.

I would like to encourage others that it’s ok to feel different due to heart issues. I get really good care from the NHS, One day they may have a cure for heart failure.

Here’s hoping.

xx

Steve x

[Weetabixie]

Thank you.All the best with everything going forward for you and your family.

[theonethatgotaway1]

Hi Steve. I understand you with your problems with heart failure and such. I am in a similar boat. Almost like those life boats floating away from the titanic. I'm in one hanging on for dear life and your over the way in another one buddy. I feel you bud haha.

Nearly hitting 40 and having heart failure along with serious health or I like to call it, heart aniexity, as it is all linked. The trauma, memory and symptoms of it.

You do really well to carry on working especially in a physical job. I'd love to get to a point where I could work again. I just don't know where to start to improve the condition. I don't know if fitness will help or make things worse. Kinda left in the dark with the NHS being so busy.

Anyways hope they do find a cure and all the best..

[Bobbymrg in reply to theonethatgotaway1]

Thanks for you message, Taking the first step to work is hard.I often think I can’t do it. I get the younger guys to do the harder tasks.

I took a Job only 7 months after my surgery after selling up gardening business. That didn’t work as I’ve been self employed for a long time.

Don’t think you can’t work you can and you will.

I had to overcome so many health issues over the years, Meningitis three times epilepsy after head injury. lost my licence 3 times then the heart problems.

I guess i haven’t been delt the good health card.

You can do it

I’m sure x

Steve

Edinburgh..

[Wooodsie in reply to Bobbymrg]

All that AND Edinburgh 😂😂.

Well done Steve for posting. Men are renowned for not admitting they are not totally OK. It takes some doing, so hats off to you.

I'm Steve too 🥺 hate my name

[Drummer20 in reply to Bobbymrg]

HiBobbymrg,I’ve just had a valve replacement in August.Now that I’ve recovered from the surgery Im feeling. a lot better than I did before.Im having cardiac rehabilitation which is exercise sessions once or twice a week.I was wondering if you had been offered that.It’s really helping me I feel a lot fitter.The nurse told me that a lot of things are called heart failure but activity helps a lot.Was the heart failure due to the valve disease,if it was your condition could improve with the new valve.

[Bananacar]

I totally understand your feelings, having a major illness, whatever it is , is very wearing. You seem to spend your waking hours trying to live a normal life but is always there, constantly assessing your feelings, every little ache or pain provokes another pang of anxiety. I think the underlying worry is almost as bad as the problem. We all expect to feel better after the surgery and the medication but it is an assault on your body and mind. A friend once said that if you have ' looked down the hole 'you never take anything for granted again. Keep on truckin' and very best wishes to you for the next 6 1/2 years! Xx

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I remember your posts you have done before and you should feel so proud how you are approaching this

You are even dealing with the anxiety days as difficult as they can be as well as still working

I am so glad to hear you are getting such good care as you deserve it x

[fairgo45]

I've been put on Jardiance for HF and it seems to be helping a lot.Regarding warfarin testing have you thought of buying your own machine to check your INR.

I bought one about 4 years ago and saved heaps of money and time plus being able to adjust the dose is so useful and no more blood draws.

I think Bob on here has his own one as well its worth the initial outlay

[Mitchum]

I would strongly recommend buying your own blood test machine (Coaguchek) for your INR. Once you get the hang of your diet and lifestyle changes, you will be able to control your warfarin stability, thus removing one worry. I have had one for probably twelve or so years and am rarely out of range. When I am, I do nothing but I test again in four or five days when, invariably it's corrected itself. Once you are on the same weekly dose you'll find, if your diet and drinking habits are not changed much, that you will only need to test every five or six weeks. In the UK you are not allowed to self dose but you can change your INR readily with the reduction or increase of vitamin K! If you have any questions message me. I would be happy to share my experiences with you and offer any advice.

[Fullofheart]

Great Post. It sums up the reality of keeping going with health challenges.Sometimes you can focus on the many things you can do.

Sometimes that's hard to hold onto.

I think your response of letting yourself and others know that it's OK to feel that way is, in its own honest and real way, inspiring and motivational. Thank you.

[Treeclimber62]

I've just read your post I don't say much on here but we'll done mate for keeping at it .I've had my fair share of health problems heart attack liver transplant skin cancer lung cancer but im still working in tree surgery and landscaping I'm 70 this year keep.on keeping on lad it shows uour resilience and character never give up

[Jedi14]

Great comments and amusing as well! With the Titanic thrown in for good measure! We hearty people need to keep posting. My troubles started at the tender age of 60+ after bye-passing the triple bye-pass (much research with mother Google), I was given Stents!

Months down the line (with guidance from our glorious Cadiac-rehab team) I learnt how to get back into full-time work, with a ban on lifting heavy stuff from my supervisor!

Recently, new chest pains have developed and hospitalisation, with changes to the meds! Well people, from here on this is now our on going extra curricular activity!

Yes I sometimes get comments from closer collegues at work"you look terrible today"... I explain I was having chest pains this morning and using my spray, but I am fine!

[Nunk]

Hello Steve, I can fully relate to how you’re felling. My HA was 4.1/2 months ago and my anxiety levels are through the roof. I’m receiving therapy for it but it’s still hard to live with. Constant worrying if somethings going to happen, is today the day. I’ve reduced my hours and now just work in the office. My job before was very stressful, manual and tiring. I was told not to carry on lifting heavy loads and working long hours. I had three stents fitted and I’ve been told there’s long lasting damage to my heart. Sorry for not trying to help you, I just wanted to say I know how’re you’re feeling. I hope it all gets better for you mate.