Hello everyone, I’ve just had a comment from one of our customers at work that’s knocked my duck off and made me question myself. I had an heart attack totally unexpectedly 10 months ago. My artery was completely blocked and I had 3 stents. My aorta is dilated 3.8cm and one side of my heart is damaged.
It was partly due to stress and anxiety with my job, I was running a company, working machines, doing office work, answering the phone, doing emails at home. Since then I’ve reduced my hours to 3 days a week, 8 hours a day in the office. I was working 60 hours plus before. I’m 60 and decided to adopt these hours after the hospital told me not to do any heavy lifting or pulling which my job involved.
The customer commented that I should get back on the machines and that I was stretching it out. His “mate” had just had a triple bypass and 6 weeks later he was back working on the roads heavy lifting and shovelling. It certainly upset me and I just said I wasn’t willing to risk it happening again. Ever since I’m questioning myself and if I’m doing the right thing or do other people think I’m stretching it out.
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Nunk
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I wasn't even 50 and had an unexpected heart attack requiring a single stent. I had an expectation set that I'd be back to normal within a few weeks.
After two weeks I couldn't walk more than 10 yards without intense chest pain. It was a full 18 months before I experienced a day without sharp pains - during that period exercise seemed to do more harm than good. I'm doing great now, but it was a difficult time.
We are all different. Ignore your colleague and his comments and recover at your own pace. For some of us it can take much longer than others. From a work perspective document everything that is said should you need to recall it in the future.
Hi Nunk. Don't listen to what other people say. Listen to your body. You will know when it's time to go back and continue your daily activities. Until then, just rest.
I think his friend ( mate) being back at work lifting heavy and shovelling is something I would question, after open heart surgery it’s at least 12 weeks of not lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water no arms above the head, or pushing or pulling movements. Then it’s easing in to life again, you don’t start rehab until 6 weeks, and that’s the normal time you would see your surgeon to get signed off and back to the cardiologist. So I would ignore this customer completely! Don’t doubt yourself, I was told listen to your body it will tell you when it needs to rest.
You have been given a second chance, make the most of it. I had open heart surgery Aortic valve replaced and bypass 8 years ago, these 8 years have allowed me to see my granddaughters grow and thrive, to see that each one will change the world in their own way. So the medical team who gave me this second chance I will thank every day.
Enjoy your second chance, ignore the customer who doesn’t have a clue 😂
Next time your customer calls avoid talking about your heart health. I would make it obvious without being rude that it is off limits. Otherwise listen to your body follow your own judgement don't feel guilty about not doing stuff and follow the recovety advice given by your health professionals. Its your health at stake and nothing really to do with your customer, or for that matter his mate.
Ignore what others say to you, how does this person know what his mate is like after he finishes work, he could be getting home and collapsing in a heap!! Plus a cardiologist told us that if you have a bypass you almost as good as new, your circumstances are completely different!! Sorry but it really irritates me when people judge!!
I think you have been very sensible to re-evaluate and re-order priorities. His ‘mate’, not so sensible. In years to come I feel certain your outcomes will be better!! If you are able to make life style and work changes, why wouldn’t you?! Stick to your guns!
Speaking from experience after my recent stemi & cardiac arrest people can't half say the stupidest things. I could write a book already and it's only been a couple of weeks . I had a senior nurse tell me how lazy I was laying in bed not getting up ,I've suffered pre syncope for years & had very very low iron & hemoglobin never mind the huge event I'd just suffered. Haven't worked out how to handle the remarks yet but the air might turn blue when I do 🤗
I know nothing about your medical issues but reading your post made me incensed You must do what is right for your health and what you are doing sounds exactly right we’ll done and stay healthy good luck 😊
everyone is completely different even if you have been through the same thing, everyone’s body deals with it differently and I think for your customer to say that was inconsiderate.
You obviously value your health and I’m exactly the same, I always say work is work. Your health is way more important and you need to do what you feel comfortable and happy with.
It’s annoying when people do want to interfere as it’s your life not there’s.
people that have never suffered these type of problems to be frank should keep their mouth shut. You recover at a pace that suits you. When THEY are almost wiped from existence they get to choose how THEY recover. You will be traumatised with a bit of PTSD regardless and you need to get your confidence back however you feel best. You don't necessarily need professional help or anything but you will need to take you time and listen to your body. What you need to say to this person isn't appropriate for me to type on this respectable forum, but it ends in off....
People do unfortunately open their mouth without engaging their brain 🧠. I'm 10 months since bypass & just turned 60 too. I do what's right for me & listen to my body, & seem to be doing ok. My left lad (widow maker artery) was 95% blocked & that's why I had the bypass. People frequently say " oh did you only have 1 bypass?....could've been worse then" it infuriated me. Now, I just move on & try to avoid any such conversations. I would second baly_2023 response too 😁
An ignorant comment made by someone who has never experienced what you have been through! I had a HA out of the blue 6 months ago..1 stent fitted. Worrying about what others might think about how long my recovery "should" be did bother me..but ultimately its my recovery just like yours is yours... crass comments made by others are easy to give. Be kind to yourself..you survived a life changing experience which could have had a different outcome. Take those days off each week and fill them with beautiful things that make you feel amazing, strong and happy because thats exactly what you deserve. Xx
Don’t know about you but before my bypass all I heard was my friend done this my uncle friend done that , my sister friend done this , well I’m not them and I’m really pleased they all recovered quickly , yes I get they trying to reassure you but the people who are actually saying these things didn’t or haven’t gone through it (thank god ) it’s always someone they know or heard of!
His "mate" is either fictional or now dead if he resumed heavy work 6 weeks later. Anyway 60 is a different kettle of fish to someone who is 40 and our rates of recovery are all different.
You need to listen to your body and do what's right for you physically and mentally, I doubt very much this person was able to do this and its highly exaggerated,you only need to do what's right for you,life is precious and sometimes these things happen to make us think twice about our futures,
How dare that person say that to you. That was very unkind and hurtful. You know your body and you know what you can cope with plus the hospital has told you what not to do.
Do not question yourself that person doesn't know you. And had no right to pass judgement. You just do what is right for you and follow the hospital advice.
Hope this makes you smile. My late husband had the snip when he was 35 as we had 2 children and my health meant it wasn't safe to have anymore and we didn't want anymore.
His surgeon say he would be able to play golf the day after the op my husband says that's good to know as he didn't know how to play it 🤣🤣
it doesn’t matter what others do Nunk just look after yourself.! You do what you feel is best for you. There’s always someone who seems to know when someone should be back at work and what they should be doing especially after surgery/ procedures.
I had carpal tunnel surgery booked in February and before I even had it done my colleague told me I’d be back at work after a week or two because his friend was.!!
I had it done and was off work for 6 weeks because of an unexpected infection.! So much to my colleagues expert medical advice.????😳
Ignore your customer he is an idiot. The story about "the mate" is either a lie or the mate was back in hospital pretty sharpish! I had a quadruple bypass 4 yrs ago and there's no way on earth you can do heavy lifting at 6 weeks without causing serious problems.You've done exactly the right thing. Stick to your guns and good luck with your recovery.
completely ignore them sounds like bull crap I tried working after 2 months after open heart surgery and ended up have heart attack the body will repair itself at its own pace and people love to exaggerate
I think your customer is full of wind and p**s pal , I doubt any cardiologist on the planet would say go back to work lifting heavy items even without the triple bypass. Good luck
Hi NunkChinese whispers, male bravado and misinformation are 3 things that spring to mind, plus jealousy from a customer who secretly wishes they could sort out their work/life/health balance as you have.
Your doing great, just smile and nod and say yep I am lucky I can do it.
Your customer is talking an awful lot of utter bunkum, Nunk, please don't listen to them. I'm a 64yr old female and had a triple bypass five weeks after a heart attack two years ago in 2022. Firstly, during an open heart surgery bypass, your sternum is broken to allow access to the heart and needs at least 12 weeks to heal after been wired together post op. During this 12 weeks you're told not to lift anything heavier than a half-full kettle of water and no stretching, pulling or pushing either! After 12 weeks minimum you have an x-ray to ensure that the sternum is healing and only then gradually return to full fitness. One of the lovely surgeons in hospital confessed, that although they tell people that it takes 6 months to recover, it's usually a full year before you feel a bit more like yourself.
Although everyone's experience is completely different, thankfully my operation & recovery went really well and I was able to return to work 4/5 months later. I worked full-time up (40hrs per week) until the heart attack - and purely office work only - and went back to work on a phased return, starting with 4 half days per week for a month and then back to two half days and two full days. I now work 20 hours per week with Friday off and it suits me just fine! Age perhaps has a bit to do with it, but I still sometimes get a little tired some afternoons, which I put down to the medication (bisoprolol 5mgs daily).
Please just do what feels right for you, we're all different, but I do know that if I was asked to return to work full-time, I wouldn't do it. Aside from anything else, I'm more than happy having a bit of spare time having worked since my late teens without a break and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! Don't listen to anyone and take these ludicrous stories with a very large pinch of salt and an inward laugh at them! Good Luck with your recovery, you're already doing really well! Carol😊
Thank you Carol that means a lot, I too have gone from 60+ hours and evening emails to 24 hours a week. I love it and wish it hadn’t taken my HA to realise I should have done it a long time ago. I hope your recovery is going well, take care.
Hi Nunk, that customer sounds a bit better d a cock 🤣. I’m sure he’s well qualified to comment on your situation with all the medical training he’s had 🤣🤣🤣. He might think differently if he has a cardiac event himself 👍🏻. Good job you’re on this forum and surrounded by us fellow hearties who know what recovery is like. It’s different for all of us . It effects us physically and mentally . You keep doing what you need to do to rehab for yourself and your family, physically and mentally.
When I did my rehab class I was amazed at the different levels of fitness -recovery . My fellow patient ts always commented that I didn’t look like a heart attack patient and that I shouldnt be in the class as I was so fit and strong , sadly I have the scars to show that I had Nstemi and quadruple bypass. They also didn’t see the state I was in a couple of months later when my meds started to give me trouble 🤦🏼. Recovery is never linear , ups and downs before it settles. Try not to dwell on the idiot comment. You keep on keeping on and focus on your journey . 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
I’m afraid this person is telling porkies as you’re not even allowed to drive until about 6 weeks after your 1st appointment. There’s no way you would be doing any heavy lifting etc going against all recommendations from your medical team.I would class myself as fit and even now 6 mths down the line I still have a muscular chest pain when I lift something heavy.
What other people think is irrelevant but unsolicited ‘ advice’ is often liberally offered and it is so hard to totally ignore-the customer was out of order but probably thought he was being encouraging . His mate is a different person with a totally different experience. The judgmental attitude was just ignorant and rude.
It is perfectly reasonable at 60 ,or any age really, to want a good work-life balance, even more so when a health issue has arisen exacerbated by stress and over work. It’s up to you to decide when you work and you have had expert medical advice regarding physical exertion in your work.
Comments like this are hurtful when you are vulnerable as anyone is after a health issue -don’t let it shake your confidence in your decision . Look after your health and well being as a priority such things as eat well, do gentle or appropriate exercise as recommended by your doctor or medically qualified professional, sleep well, don’t smoke, don’t drink too much etc etc and avoid stress-and feel quietly sorry for his mate who hasn’t or can’t make the same wise lifestyle choice.
"The customer didn’t say what his buddy was shovelling and digging, but I suspect it was the stuff that male cows expel." Loved that comment and so true! 😆😂🤣
Just tell them to do one and mind their own business. Just because his mate is back doing what he shouldn't be doing 6 weeks after a triple bypass doesn't have anything to do with you. Just look after yourself. We are only a number in these jobs and they soon get someone to replace you. You have to look after yourself nobody else cares. This guy needs to put his brain in gear before his gob. Brian
I personally know someone who went back to doing physical work a few weeks after a bypass op and he had to go back in for a second op and have the damage HE caused corrected. Your customer needs to learn some facts about cardiac events. I think if he had any personal experience, he would soon change his tune.
By comparison to mine, your experience was much worse. I was back at work inside a week (self-employed Architect), but only by necessity and I started by doing a few hours a day and slowly worked my way back in. I had called 999 as soon as I was sure I was having a HA, blue lighted to the local cath lab and being attended to in a hour. I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. Few are. Minimal heart damage for me. If I had experienced what you did, I would certainly be on reduced hours and light duties. You are doing what is right for you.
l am so sorry you have come into contact, with what sounds a bully and uncaring person. I would just tell them, in no uncertain terms, that you are under doctor’s orders and in your case you are lucky to be working at all. Don’t let it upset you because the last thing you want is stress or arguments. It’s just an opinion from someone who doesn’t know what he is talking about. Listen to your body and of course your true friends not some clever dick who thinks he knows it all. We all have to suffer these kind of morons. Well done and God bless.
Nunk - ask your customer for the telephone number of his 'mate' as you'd like to have a chat with his mate to find out where you're going wrong. If his mate actually exists, we'd all love to hear how he's managed this world-first achievement of defying medical science (and a split sternum) to 'heavy lifting and shovelling' at six weeks. The changes you've made to your work commitments are entirely appropriate - do what's right for you. Best wishes.
Oh My, some people just always think they know everything and know best - they don't! His opinion is worthless and I would think not quite truthful regarding his 'mate' After a Stemi out of the blue at 60, 2 years ago, very nearly not making it and living with Cardiac artery aneurisms and massive damage to my heart I decided not to return to a very stressful job, like you I was working 60+ hours a week. Some days are better than others but I manage to do a little volunteer work and keep myself busy and occupied doing what I can manage. I have had lots of 'comments' regarding me not working and many very unkind. I was given a second chance, not everyone is and I have come to realise that my life and how I feel and cope with my heart issues is my business and that of my cardiologist, not others. Do what is best for you and look after yourself.
I had a heart attack and add 1 stent fitted, took me 12 weeks to recover and when i went back I add to do a lighter job, and now I carnt work at all due to been diagnosed with ischeamic heart disease. I suggest you take it easy. You only have 1 life
if he hasn’t lived through it he hasn’t got a clue. We all know someone who did XYZ. Some are more resilient than others but shoveling heavy loads after OHS is infeasible. I could barely sleep through the night till 7-8 weeks. Walking upstairs was a chore, unloading the dishwasher was about the extent of my heavy lifting after 6 weeks. I couldn’t even put my own socks on for a week after I came home. Just smile at the chap and continue your journey at your pace. If you drop down dead he’s not going to provide for your wife and family or pay your mortgage so ignore what this idiot is saying
Maybe next time ask the customer when his mate's funeral is? My son had total heart failure at 43, took 20 minutes to resuscitate, stented and it took him months to recover and even now 10 years on he's cut down a !ot of his workload and sensibly listens to his body.
You are doing absolutely what is right for you so burger anyone else.
There's an old adage that it's better to look an idiot than open your mouth and confirm it. Sounds like your customer needs reminding that backsides are for sitting on and not talking out of. We are all different and our recoveries are personal to us. Someone best ignored. Best wishes for your continued recovery.
"Sounds like your customer needs reminding that backsides are for sitting on and not talking out of" I'm reading some wonderfully funny (but very true) replies on this post! 😆😂🤣
my cardiologist said stress “will kill you . “ i had a very stressful job and like you after ohs I wound to a more reasonable lifestyle . 2and half days at work and much more family and exercise time . Your customer knows nothing about your job and lifestyle do what is right for you ! It’s one life no ones gets out alive and like Pauline I thank the incredible surgeons for extending mine and it would be very disrespectful to their skills training and total brilliance not to make every second count .
Since my replacement aortic valve I have also had a hip replaced followed by hospital physio sessions. The physio said people went through his sessions for both hips and often said that the recovery from the second was much slower - his actual records show both recoveries were similar !
False memories ??
As other people have said listen to your own body be prepared for setbacks and be patient. Best wishes PLH (78)
hey Nunk I am 67 and had my heart attack in January totally out of the blue. Totally blocked right artery however no stints because the pathways had already laid down. I’m not advocating this to every one it is my view on life . I have the management of meds and rehab 3 months gently getting back into training mainly static cycling which improved my cardiovascular output I’m not on beta blockers although they wanted to give them to me in the standard package. After 3 months I was feeling better than ever changes my diet and lifestyle. I made the decision to come off statins and found a good cholesterol complex that does the same thing. I have been criticised for this as I come off all the in case medication. The crux is it’s your life you should not let people judge you or put you in doubt for knowing how to manage yourself. Be strong get strong and in time you will be back. It takes some longer than others.
You could smile nicely and ask that idiot where he got his medical degree.We all react differently, and you are using your brain, which aforementioned idiot clearly doesn't possess, and following the advice given to you.
He sounds like the type of person that if you have a black cat he's got a blacker one.
Honestly one thing I've learnt and realised since my husband had his aortic root replacement and pacemaker fitted due to atrial block and flutter is that you cannot compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone's procedure will be different for every single person and recovery is different for every single person. You do You which sounds very sensible and let everyone else do them !!
Ignore everyone and listen to your body. Has my HA over 2 years ago - was back at work 2 weeks later (but not any physical element) - I’m absolutely fine btw 2 years on but there are absolutely things I cannot do now - I’ve started and can feel it’s simply too much more me - can be frustrating but hey if thats how it is so be it - take your time and you will build up confidence in yourself again and will learn what you can and can’t do - good luck mate
My wife said something similar to me suggesting I wasn't pushing myself enough shortly before my second heart attack. I don't listen to my wife anymore.
For heavens people are idiots Yes you have had your stenosis but you have still damage to your heart and in my it would be idiotic to even think about doing such heavy work again Stay in the office if three days a week is manageable for you. Life is too short to put yourself at risk Do want is right for you If this man says anything just politely say you have no idea of my needs and I am following the advice of my cardiologist.
You should take the advice of your cardiologist concerning the amount/type of work that it is appropriate for you to do. Following homespun advice from a customer who has no expertise in cardiology isn’t wise. Heavy work or long hours, unless you’ve specifically been told they are ok, sounds foolish.
Ignore your customer! His mate may not even have had a HA as you did, it's rubbish after 6 weeks post OHS he'd be back shovelling etc. Get on with your life and your decisions and take no notice, there's always someone trying to brag about something of which they have no knowledge.You have been given that second chance at life so live it however you want to. Very best wishes to you 😊
Hi Nunk, it isn't necessarily the physical effort, in fact, in my humble opinion the exercise is good for you. But being self employed is another matter altogether. Does your customer's mate answer emails in the middle if the night? worry about where the next job is coming from, pay the staff, clean the office, take the calls, fix the machines as well? I think not. He spends his days shovelling without any stress. My job was spent sitting at a computer and or driving to and from meetings, it was the stress wot got me 🥴🤣 so I retired. Don't listen to people who know nothing and haven't got a pea for a brain.
I agree with most comments on here about your customer but with one further, if you can afford to make him an ex customer and pass onto him from me he is a class one dick and to sling his hook elsewhere, do what you want it's your 2nd life
Do what is right for you, not anyone else. If you are coping, you are doing the right thing by reducing the pressure on yourself. We are all different and recover at different rates in different ways. Listen to your body not someone who clearly doesn't understand what you have been through. Ignore the negativity and praise yourself for getting through a traumatic journey to recovery. Keep safe.
wow! There’s always someone out there trying to make you feel crap about yourself. You are absolutely doing the right thing. His ‘mate’ will probably be having another heart attack soon. From all I have heard since I had mine, those that go back to work too quickly or don’t change their habits and lifestyle are far more likely to have a repeat episode. Stay strong 👊
You only get one life, don't work yourself to your grave! Recovery is at your own pace and different for every single person! Don't be bullied into overdoing anything at all!
don’t listen to anyone but yourself, your body and your health care team or cardiologist. Everyone is different! We like to call people like that Barry two sheds( if u got 1 he’s got 2) 😂🤦🏻♀️
Firstly I am so sorry you have had to hear such an insensitive remark from someone who knows absolutely nothing about your experience and how it has affected you. The decision you made to cut back is entirely your business and nothing to do with anyone else. One size does not fit all!! Just because someone else appears to be doing something different from you, does not mean that is what you should be doing!! Stick to your guns and listen to your body. You are doing what you think is right for you and that is all that matters. Take care. xx
The customer does not know that guys full circumstances neither does he know your full circumstances. Your doctor is the only opinion that matters. Because they know your full circumstances. It sounds to me like he's taking the boss opinion and if we drop dead tomorrow the boss will replace us like worthless equipment.
My hubby had a stroke June 21, and I am sick to the back teeth of people saying this person and that person are back to normal after 5 months. Unfortunately my husband had a very rare form of stroke that only 1% of stroke victims have. He's right side paralysed, non verbal due to Appraxia of speech and global aphasia. And he's lost executive thinking. You can't compare and apple with an orange. Yes they are all fruits but like us humans they have individual qualities. Even 1 apple could taste different to another. People like your Customer needs to mind own business
Thank you it's been 3 years he was 54 and Accountant at the time he's now 57 will 58 in November unfortunately due to stroke he will get early onset Dementia so we are fighting an uphill battle
I would say your customer needs a reality check. I hope they never have a heart issue like yours to get an insight into your situation. Do not listen to them as they have no idea of what you have experienced. Just do what your cardiologist recommends and what you feel comfortable with. Don't listen to that numpty of a customer who has no manners or social awareness.
I’d just like to thank everyone who’s responded so positively to my post. This site is such a wonderful place to visit with issues like this. The chance to speak with people who know what it’s like or know someone close who have had heart problems and other related issues. It’s really made me feel upbeat and positive again about the future after reading your replies. Like a lot of you have said unless you’ve been there you can’t really comment on how someone should respond. Thanks again all fellow hearties, keep on looking after yourselves and most of all enjoy your life as much as you can. ❤️
Thank you for starting this post, Nunk - it's really relevant to an awful lot of people who may be feeling 'down' or 'miserable' about what they should or shouldn't be doing or feeling, so the replies will help them as well. (Aside from that some of the replies about what you should tell the customer to do with his advice are hilarious and definitely raised a smile or two from me!) 😂😆
Thank you Cee-Cee, I can’t tell you how much better these wonderful comments have made me feel. My mental state hasn’t been good for a while, the comment really set me back. Yet all these lovely people have gone out of their way to post some very supportive and positive messages. Some are personal, some are funny but all are very supportive. I’m also surprised how many other people have experienced similar comments. It appears we have more doctors around us than the NHS are letting on! If any of it helps anyone else in any way then great. Thank you everyone, there really is some very kind and decent folk about. 😊
I'm really, really glad you're feeling a bit better, Nunk - this is a great site to air our grievances and have a bit of a rant when we're feeling a bit down. Everyone's so supportive and it always does you good to get things off your chest. Just take all the negative things people say to you with a pinch of salt and take all the 'positive' things you hear to heart. 10 months is still a very short time in recovery terms and you're doing incredibly well already! (Half day at work today and off tomorrow - YAY! I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that my employers won't notice that I'm still part-time!😆🤣 Only joking really, they're perfectly happy with what I'm doing.) Carol
Thank you Carol, it certainly is a wonderful site for people feeling the need to reach out. Especially when most of the members can actually relate to your issues and problems. 😊
Hi Nunk-sorry this numpty has mouthed off a total unwanted+undeserved diagnosis--as you will see from the many replies here--his worthless opinion is best ignored .
A wellness guru said avoid negative people--maybe you can direct this bar room expert to another supplier.
Listen to your body -your cardio nurse+people here who have experienced heart problems--at least you will get sensible counsel+empathy.
life is for living however we choose to, after my heart attack I became more determined to live this way, as my other half says “we only get one go round the track”, you do what’s right for you and don’t take to heart (pardon the pun) the words of others, wishing you well, take care x
Hello Nunk, we are all different you do what suits you, no one has a right to tell you what you should be doing, please don’t compare yourself with anyone else, I had my HA just over 2 years ago out the blue and had an emergency bypass, feel as though Ive been through the mill a bit, I made a decision to keep my stress levels down and only do 30 hours now,
You do what’s right for you, listen to your body, good luck with your recovery 😊
Don’t let others determine how you should feel! What this person told you is just ‘hearsay’, they don’t know the facts and even if they did, they are not the expert! Your health is the most important thing you have and only you can decide how you feel! Just stick to what your body tells you and don’t listen to the ‘expert outsiders’!!! If anything, talk to your doctor!
You have all my sympathy; it's not a nice situation to be put in.
Please listen to your body, it knows best what you can actually do; don't listen to this person. Frankly, I think he is just displaying a high level of ignorance about heart disease. After having two stents inserted, it was a long recovery process for me; even now 6 years on, I feel limited in some activities. Please just ignore him and, if you can, find a way to put this person in their place. We all know he is talking rubbish.
Thank you everyone, I can’t tell you how much better these wonderful comments have made me feel. My mental state hasn’t been good for a while, the comment really set me back. Yet all these lovely people have gone out of their way to post some very supportive and positive messages. Some are personal, some are funny but all are very supportive. I’m also surprised how many other people have experienced similar comments. It appears we have more doctors around us than the NHS are letting on! If any of it helps anyone else in any way then great. Thank you everyone, there really is some very kind and decent folk about. 😊
I would guess he is exaggerating about his mate or else he's pretty foolish. Sounds like you are doing everything you should be doing, not overdoing it but still plenty enough. Wishing you all the best recovering x
Oh my goodness....well your customer sounds a dear soul!! If this is mentioned again just say you are following the guidelines given by your hospital team, it's personal and not open to discussion, then tell them to go and have the day they deserve!! Seriously.....as most people have said....your recovery is your own journey...it's personal and its also not text book. Do what you feel is right for you without having to feel the need to explain.... especially to a customer.....and please don't even think about questioning yourself xx
Let's hope your customer doesn't experience heart issues, if he/she does let's see how quick they recover.
Everyone is individual and recovery takes what recovery takes, whether it be 10 weeks or 2 years.
I was one of the lucky ones, i had mitral valve repair OHS at the end of Feb and im a landscape gardener and now week 13 started back work a week ago, everyone is different and under no illusion i could quite easily have been 12 months.
Every human being is just a little different to the next guy or gal, and reacts differently to the same stimuli, the same situations, the same medications, etc. We are all unique, and in my humble opinion, you are not stretching out anything!
I had a HA in March 2022. Before I retired, I was in education—various situations. I have at one time or another—taught GED students for 5.5 years, taught high school English, was a university assistant professor for 6 years, was a county school district administrator for two years, worked as a researcher:writer with my state Department of Education for over five years, and finally ended my career teaching elementary children as a Reading Specialist. I used to work over 12 hours per day, worked on weekends and late nights—all for no extra pay. I was often tired and stressed. I am saying all of this just to say that working all the time and being constantly stressed did me no favors—I just had a HA.
You have one life—so, you may need to take account of what is most important to you. What do you want for the remainder of your life? How much do you need or want in order to live a good life? What is a good life to you?
I honestly don’t have a suggestion for you on what to do going forward. It sounds like you are a hardworking person and likely have always been so. Now, only you know how you feel and how much you feel that you can give right now. I would say, “Be kind to yourself. Put your health as a first priority in your life.” If I could do my life over, I would be jealous of my time and guard it dutifully. I would try to put myself first more often.
I wish you the best in figuring it all out, but please be kind to you. ❤️
You have to follow your GP's or consultant's advice. Other people don't really know what you've been through and therefore have no right to tell you what to do. I'm going through something similar so I know how you must feel, but I am 79 and that alone should be enough. I neither look nor sound my age but that's not the point. Those things don't make me strong.
60 hours a week in an office. That's not easy work! Sitting for hours in one position, stressing about deadlines, dealing with bosses and customers, and then bending down to filing cabinets, walking to other offices. I don't know what your work is like but I know it's not a doddle. I would think if you were working a 60-hour week, you would need to reduce those hours! Take care of yourself first.
Hello Maggie, not just in the office. I was working on the machine, answering the phone, doing all the office work, doing emails from home. It was all too much for me in the end, it was a case of people leaving and not being replaced.
Hi Nunk, yes, I couldn't picture your working life, but I just put a few things down that you'd probably be dealing with and I knew there'd be more, which you have said. Work-Life balance? It doesn't sound as if you have had much of a Life, with Work taking over completely.🤗
It doesn't matter to anyone put you how long it takes you to recover, and what you can and can't do (it took me nearly three years with my heart issues to get where I am).
Don't let this person get under your skin one bit, I always say when things go wrong you find out who the real people are that matter. I would even suggest he should now be a ex-customer with an attitude like that.
I would also say this, do you need to do all this, and the stress that goes with it, or can you afford to still have a half decent life without it?
What I am saying is ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the things in life you want to/are able to whilst you can.
Whatever you do, I wish you well and don't for one minute think you don't come first, because you do.
Hi Nunk , I had similar comment made to me. It was one week after my heart attack and 3 stents , I popped into work with my sick note and my boss didn’t ask if I was ok he just asked when I was coming back 😡
Listen to your body and take all the time you need to recover. There is no time limit and health is more important. Small mindless people are not.
I’m back to living my new normal life now . Mine was five and half years ago now.
The first 18 months were the hardest as I always feared that it was going to happen again. Now I really don’t think about it. I do eat healthy (ish) I gave up smoking I didn’t drink much before but now I don’t drink at all.
You have a 2nd chance at life so make it your best life.
I feel like that Lynn, it’s always in the back of my mind. I don’t smoke and haven’t had a drink for nearly 25 years. I’m gradually getting better with the thoughts, at first I was like when’s it going to happen again virtually all the time. My aortas dilated to 3.8cm and that’s a worry but this wonderful site has helped me deal with that. I have bad dreams quite often, I wake up really stiff every morning. I know it’s mainly due to my meds but if it keeps me going then it’s a small price to pay.
Nunk , you will get there. Your body has gone through so much trauma and in time you will heal. You will live a better life than you did before as you appreciate what you have so much more. Just feeling the sun or the rain on your face, birds singing etc.
This group helped me so much . Made me feel I wasn’t alone and that they understood how I was feeling. They offered great advice and helped me get through such a scary and stressful time .
I haven't had a heart attack personally, thank God but I have had major heart surgery back in 2009. Valve replacement double bypass, pacemaker. Today I am comparatively fit turning 69 this year. After surgery, I went into rehab. I'm a cabinetmaker by trade and used to doing lots of heavy lifting and work a lot on my own. I asked this question to the doctor on the very first day. "Will I be able to go on long hikes with the Scouts, be able to lift heavy thins and work alone as before" |Yes, yes, yes, was his answer, but not right now. You need to work up to it." "Above all" he said, "Listen to your body. If it says this is too much, stop doing it. Don't override it or you will cause damage", I took his words to heart (excuse the pun) and I've had very few issues. Don't forget the regular exercise. Outside is best but inside going up and down the stairs several times is a good workout. All the very best for the future.
I’m sorry your customer made you feel that way; your experience is relative to you and it’s unfair of anyone to invalidate it.
You are entitled to make whatever decisions feel best for you and who cares what anyone else thinks!!
You are prioritising yourself and that’s absolutely fine - no one knows how long they have on this earth, don’t waste energy on people who don’t matter.
Sending you strength and best wishes, you’ve got this!
Hi, I am the same age as you and was doing a similarly stressful job from which I had just retired when I had my HA out of the blue. I had one stent and was told the left hand side of my heart had died resulting in HF. My HA was in early 2019. Your customers comments made me very angry and the only word that comes to mind to describe them is ignorant. They clearly have no idea what has happened to you. Please don’t give them another thought. The only things that should concern you are taking notice of what your medical professionals have said. Taking your medication, following a healthy diet, keeping your stress down (another reason to block this individual out) and doing good exercise to keep you as healthy as possible and enjoying your life by filling it with people you love and who care for you. When I came home from hospital I couldn’t even lift a kettle or a hairdryer! Years on I am much better but I cannot do any heavy lifting. I love gardening but if I overdo it my body soon lets me know and I have to rest until I recover. Sometimes it takes a couple of days to recover. Best wishes.
Yes, like everyone I have the odd little panic but in general it’s good. I am lucky in that I appear to be able to tolerate the medication without any problems 🤞🤞🤞 and although I’ve never been an exercise freak I do like walking and I know that it really makes me feel better both mentally and physically. When I first had the HA and was told about the HF like everyone I guess, I was really worried about how long I would live. But the truth is that even the fittest people could drop dead tomorrow. The best any of us can do is to do our best to look after ourselves, take good advice and enjoy the time we have. It has really helped me. Take care. 😀
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