My 1st anniversary

[Survivor1952]

Well I'm a couple of days late with this post, Friday marked the first anniversary of my heart attack that prompted a fasttrack journey through the NHS cardiac system and an experience of a number of cardiac procedures.

In summary I had 2xPCI a year ago tomorrow. An echo prior to discharge led to AVR and CABG nearly a month later (yes another anniversary coming up).

I've been extremely lucky from having an echo booked that turned out to be just 9 hours after my HA, through to the speed at which I was treated. I suspect that helped me mentally as I've been incredibly positive throughout apart from, until recently, being able to admit to having had a heart attack. Part of that positivity might be kicking back at being told whilst in hospital I'd not get 100% fitness back but I'd be lucky to be between 75% and 90% of my pre-op fitness. Even though I was 70 when they told me it was a red rag and made me determined to prove them wrong.

I'm at a fitness level I've not seen for about 12 years, I'll be doing my 25th Parkrun on Saturday (I did my first 3 months after surgery). I'd say I'm at 99% recovered as the muscles on the right side of my chest still have a very occasional grumble if I twist awkwardly. I'm still a little nervous of that. Having said that I was erecting scaffolding to do some work on the house ten days ago or so without any problems, in fact it seemed to help things.

As for medication I finish my blood thinners next month and having checked with my GP they are adamant that I must stop taking them. I'll be glad when I stop finding random bruises that I cannot explain and some that I can explain. The only ongoing issues with my meds is I seem to have a side effect from the bisoprolol as I've been diagnosed with dry eye by my opticians. It seems to come and go but is annoying, I'm seeing my GP about it. I also seem to tire quite easily but that is still improving slowly.

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Survivor 1952,

Congratulations to you on your anniversary! You should be extremely proud of yourself for how you have managed and come through everything. You are definitely an inspiration to others. ❤️

I survived a heart attack slightly over two years ago, but I have in no way made all of the progress that you have. I am still very much a work in progress.

I wish you continued good health and the drive to continue to improve. 😊👍

[Cee-Cee1]

Many congratulations on your anniversary, Survivor, and a big well-deserved pat on the back for all your hard work and determination too! You've achieved such a lot in such a short space of time and it's very helpful and motivating for anyone reading stories like yours. Here's to many more years of fitness and happiness to come! 👏👏👍

[Hidden]

Brilliant and congratulations on reaching the 1 year anniversary with such a positive outcome. It's all doom and gloom during the early weeks or month but you have to move on and be positive as this is probably more important in recovery then all the medicines put together ( OK an pushing it a little there but you know what I mean).

keep it going

[Blearyeyed]

You are doing incredibly well and should be really proud of yourself. Well done , Bee

[Gribbin]

HiHiya Survivor... I'm soon to join your club... Had my HA anniversary on 23rd May... I'll always be reminded of that as I had to cancel my trip to the Chelsea Flower Show!.... 4x CABG roughly 2 weeks later... Now a year on and going strong... I've never been a runner, but have managed to lose 15 Kg over this year, which has made a big difference... Pretty much able to do everything I was doing before, possibly at a slower pace... Hopefully my GP will ease me off the meds, which should help...Good luck to you and all my fellow hearties out there ❤️‍🩹

[DWizza]

Hearty congratulations 🎉. I’m not far behind you , 10 months post quadruple bypass on 25th July 2023 following Nstemi heart attack on 13th July 2023. Such a great positive update 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻. Hoping to emulate you in a couple of months and looking forward to seeing if I can come off some meds too 👍🏻. Here’s to many more anniversaries 🥂