What to expect 4 months post MI

[HAwife]

Hi there4 months after my husband's heart attack, he seems down and sometimes sluggish,poor concentration, not the best memory. He was stented and luckily has no heart damage. He had to leave his job as the intolerable stress was contributory.

Is it common to have this slump at this stage? I'm concerned he has changed and wonder. I'm giving him space to process but guess I'm feeling vulnerable after all that has happened

[Ageingfast]

good morning HA wife

I am 4 years post open heart surgery. I took about four months to recover and, at that time, I felt just fabulous. Really well and really thrilled that surgeons could mend my heart like that.

But later on I got a lot of issues that I assumed to be related to the heart repairs, but my assumption was wrong. I completely missed the point that I am elderly and that other medical issues will arise. Despite the fact that I get an annual heart check that shows all is well.

So maybe your other half also has different problems. I am not medically trained so I can’t offer any specific suggestions.

I can however recommend that there is plenty of rejoicing over the success of his heart op. And that alone could well improve his situation.

Best wishes

sooty

[HAwife in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for replying. He says he feels brilliant after his angioplasty but I'm concerned about his mental health and his confidence. I think it will all come right.

[Qualipop]

Has he done cardiac rehab? It's incredible for building confidence after a heart attack. If not then contact the hospital. However you say he had to give up his job. Has he got another one? I remember how down my husband became after he was made redundant He may need help working out what he could do instead of his previous job. Perhaps counselling might help. Just talking it all out to someone unconnected with his family may help. Once the initial, almost eupohoria of having survived a heart attack wears off, the realities then set in; finances, the thought of living the rest of your life on medication, wondering what you can now do safely. His GP would be a good place to start.

[HAwife in reply to Qualipop]

Thank for taking the time to reply.Yes, I agree the euphoria from surviving it has worn off and maybe a good bit of processing going on. I had a chat with him and he says he feels great, I just can't help but think something is a bit off. Maybe it's me being hyperaware

[Qualipop in reply to HAwife]

Just a t ypical man trying to work it out himself

[BearSven]

Hi Awife.You are hypereware is because you care!Very good...the change from work to finding and accepting a new life following the medical problems is one that takes time ,and it's up to the individual . Perhaps slow introduction of new low level interests could be a slow start ?Good luck .