Thank you...

[BC4ever]

I have recently joined this forum after a heart attack and stents fitted nine weeks ago. I am so grateful I have found you all. I have only posted a couple of times up to now, but reading some of the other posts, that specifically relate to parts of my situation, is so comforting. The mental and emotional challenge has been a huge shock to my system - I now suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, plus the cocktail of medications (which have given me lots of problems with side-effects). In my opinion, it is obvious that going through a huge, life-changing event like this, requires counselling support too. Sadly, waiting lists are unacceptably long. I just wanted to thank you all for being there and listening. I do appreciate it.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am so glad the Community has helped you so much

I totally agree in an ideal world counselling offered straight away for those that need it after a heart event would help so much but there is just not the resources and yes the waiting lists are long this is when these Communities can help so much while we are waiting and I hope reading posts even if you do not post a lot will continue to help you x

[Quesswho]

I agree, we are a mixed bunch who can only tell what's happened to us. But I do worry people give advice and we are not qualified too, so please everyone if in doubt both feet out and call the professionals. ❤

[Stent2024]

it is a huge life changer having a cardiac event . It’s always in the back of your mind and don’t think it’ll ever go away really , but we just have to cope the best we can and try and enjoy life . I wish you all the best

[Bingofox007]

knowing someone has been in exactly the same boat snd here 24/7 is a great comfort. Well done for joining ‘the family’. Take care 🦊x

[Cocoadonkey]

hi there

My husband had a cardiac arrest 2 years ago and struggled with anxiety and panic attacks after. We did get him some counselling privately which was not ridiculously expensive. Around £40 per session and did not need too many to get some coping strategies in place. Also hypnotherapy helped as he was getting claustrophobic they think because he was in an induced coma got 3 days. He has no memories of any of it but obviously there subconsciously but he is much better with it all now.

Anyway thought that may help. It may be worth looking for a local therapist near you.

Good luck and look after yourself

[Qualipop in reply to Cocoadonkey]

Hypnotherapy helped me far more than any counsellor but it's hard to find someone good.

[Qualipop]

Counselling is the one thing that is sadly lacking in coronary care; far more than in any other discipline. I think a diagnosis of heart disease affects people as much if not more than a cancer diagnosis but it just doesn't happen. A GP will tell you to find online counselling groups but that doesn't mean that they know much about heart problems. I think counsellors should be trained in specific areas. I once attempted to get help with coping with years and years of chronic pain. I ended up actually teaching the counsellor and got asked to consider doing it myself. I've tried a local NHS funded counselling group and had to ask to speak to a different person because the girl I got was younger then my son, knew nothing about the problem and was utterly useless.

I've found this group to be far more helpful than any counsellor

[isobelhannah18]

I felt exactly the same-dealing with the anxiety as well as all the side effects is very difficult. I was leading a "heart healthy" lifestyle when I had my heart attack so I felt helpless because there was nothing I could change. I already drank moderately, ate a Mediterranean diet ,exercised daily and was a non smoker. Like you I found and still find this forum very reassuring and helpful. Cardiac rehab also helped as did CBT on the NHS. Mostly though I think it's time that helped me to become less anxious and I'm sure you'll eventually become calmer as well.

[Ticktick]

Ah dear BC4everMy heart goes out to you

We are but human ?

I can relate to your situation .Hope you have family around to support you

Anyone in your situation would have anxiety and panic attacks ?

Having our world turned topsy turvy !

Please if I may say so take life in baby steps?

Only way forward ?

Each moment each minute ?

You have come this far ?

Still alive ?

As long as there's life ,there's hope dear friend

My Dad used to say

Look at the hourglass

The sand falls slowly

Anything you or I do to speed up the process, will result in breaking of the hour glass

Likewise

I have found that being with nature pets help

Do you have a dog or a cat ?

Their silent companionship strengthens

God bless you

[BC4ever in reply to Ticktick]

Thank you. I have my dog. My world. 😁

[Ticktick]

You are very welcomeStay blessed

[QuadroVEINia]

It’s completely normal to feel anxious after what you have gone through. This is a great community forum for online support. You may also want to see if there is a local support group near where you live for opportunity to access in-person support. Peer to peer support can be invaluable if you can find a local group. Stay strong! 👊🏽

[Whitehousee]

I had my stent cleaned and unlocked three weeks ago after a heart attack NY third one .I am still getting discomfort in my back and very lethargic driving myself mad by this has anyone else had this