I am 42 and had 2 heart attacks at the end of July this year. 2 stents fitted and cardiac rehab completed. I went back to work on Tuesday and I feel awful. I can barely make it through a day. This has made me really worried as I don’t know why I’m still feeling so rotten.
has anyone else experienced this? Not sure what to do next. I was feeling well at home but since going back into work, I feel ill.
Hello,
Before returning to work were you assessed by an Occupational Health Physician or clinical specialist nurse?
Usually Occupational Health will suggest a phased return to work based on your individual needs.
The BHF has some further information about returning to work.
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo....
Good luck, I hope you are able to get back to work safely soon.
dear PrincessPickles
I stupidly thought every minor ailment post heart op. Was linked to heart issues. Or that the medication was the issue. Being wise after the act, there is nothing heart related and no ill eff3cts from medication.
I am just getting old. In fact I have got old.
If you can manage to think that your current feeling awful is not heart related, then maybe you can find out what is wrong. I do hope so.
Good luck. And best wishes.
Sooty
Hi Ageingfast, thank you for your reply. I have tried not to link everything to the heart issue but sometimes, when you’re so so tired (beyond being able to function), it’s hard not to feel like it’s all related.
Are you exercising apart from rehab. Like walking everyday. You need to be fit. Sitting at home doesn't do that. You didn't say? I hours work is hard compared to months if doing nothing after a heart attack.
I don't go back until 8 months. My company wouldn't let me. I had to wait until my GP and consultant both wrote to my company and said I was fit enough.
hi Andy, yes doing cardio and walking as much as possible. I thought it was going to be easy to return and sorting back but it’s obviously not going to be like that. No OH referral but maybe I should request that then to get a bespoke plan.
I would request your company let you do half days until your fitter.
I'm no expert, but it sounds very much like you have gone back to work too soon. I had my heart attack in May and five stents fitted. I'm still off sick. I'm fine for a couple of hours activity now, (it's taken five months to build it up), but then I have to rest up. I've noticed that I am generally getting stronger, but it just takes some people more time than others, we are all different. Listen to what your body is telling you. Good luck.
Hi BC4ever
Thank you so much for your reply. Perhaps it is too soon. I never thought it was going to be like this but it’s like being hit with a sledgehammer!
Sounds like you may of gone back to work too soon. Maybe you are not ready for work yet as you have to let your body heal. 5 months after my Bypass I went back to work, on 4 hours twice a week and boy I felt like someone had drained all the energy out of my body which then made my head feel awful. I then suffered Chronic Fatigue from going back to work too early instead of listening to my body. 6 months + is still early and you need to do short hours and build up.
Hi MumaLines
Thank you for your reply. What you have said is resonating with me. I did two days in a row and felt so tired I just had to go to sleep and couldn’t get up in the morning. I’m going to re-assess with my manager. I hope you’re feeling better now.
I went back to work because I needed my proper wages to pay my bills as my mean company put me on statutory sick pay the day I had my HA. You are just a number at work so please think solely of yourself and try 4hrs x 2 days to start with. If you still feel lifeless, chronic fatigued feeling then I guessing your body isn't ready yet my lovely xx
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