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.
Just over a year HA "anniversary "
my 1st hospital appointment experience after my heart attack
Sad Anniversary
