Just over a year HA "anniversary "

[Casualvisitor]

Anniversary or milestone. Think I prefer milestone.

It's been a year and a week since my stemi heart attack in 2024. I think I was "lucky?" as my resultant echo showed nothing bad and I was in hospital within 1 hour once the HA started. One stent.

I'm in my mid 50's, a bloke, kept fit , never had any symptoms or inkling that I would have one but as the Predator said to Danny glover " shit happens".

So what's it been like, this year.

1) Phase 1 -

Week 1 to month 2 - disbelief, shock,anger, worry, anxiety, loss of confidence, loss of control, mourning, sense of loss, self hibernation ,reflection.

2) Phase 2

Month 3 to month 5 - cardio rehab in full swing, sense of recovery, hope, yes I can do this, confidence coming back, back to work, back to daily/weekly activities, start to go camping, remove the psychological leash that holds you back, anxiety/worry/disbelief still there but less debilitating now. Medicines, arrrgh hate them.

3) Phase 3

Months 6 to 11

Life more or less back to normal. Back to gym, walking, going out. Always keep and eye on yourself / any sensations but not in a paranoid way but a sensible way. Do get tired though at times when I've really pushed it. Not sure if this was how I was pre HA or is it a new thing, but just rest and carry on. Beta blockers dose reduced due the emergence of a 1st degree heart block.

4)Phase 4

Months 12 onwards

Wow it's been a year, will it happen again?, actually stop thinking and just live ,as life will always catch you and you can't predict these things so enjoy the moment ( sensibly). Any odd sensation and the anxiety around it never goes away but the intensity of the anxiety is much much lower.

To anyone going through this, it's a journey, not a race, get well at your pace and you will get better.

thanks Mr C

[BlueDays24]

Thank you for posting this. I’m 7 weeks after a STEMI that came out of nowhere, so still reeling. It’s good to know it gets better.

[Casualvisitor in reply to BlueDays24]

It does, just take it at your pace. Don't compare your recovery to anyone else's and most importantly don't be hard on yourself.

Wishing you the best

[SaxManC]

I'm 15 months post HA with a back story that sounds similar to yours and I echo everything you have said. It took me longer to get back to work as my tired phase seemed to last longer but the best advice is don't compare & listen to your own body. My best support was the cardio rehab classes, a lovely group of peers to train with and talk to. I still go when I can to catch up.Glad to hear you're doing well, keep on keeping on.

[Casualvisitor in reply to SaxManC]

you too stay healthy

[HA24]

Thank you for this. Nearly 4 months post unexpected STEMI and this far my journey is very similar to yours. Good to read things continue to improve.

[Casualvisitor in reply to HA24]

they do improve just keep at it

[Mke41a]

wow, I had NSTEMI 11 months ago and a really similar journey to yours, very well put … good luck with the future 👍

[Casualvisitor in reply to Mke41a]

good luck to you as well, stay healthy and fit

[BC4ever]

Great news Casualvisitor. My journey is very similar. Currently in your Phase 2, but not back to work yet, as still getting extreme fatigue when I push things too far. Got another echo in mid December. Take care and keep well. Good luck.

[Larneybuds]

Great post...well done and hope your positivity gives others some reassurance and encouragement if they have had a heart event. All the best 👍xx

[Cee-Cee1]

Lovely news, Casualvisitor, many congratulations on your milestone. Thank you for sharing your experiences, it's so helpful for others going through the same things. Here's to many more happy & healthy years! Carol

[andybarn]

i am on 5 years post stent and still breathing. Great post casualvisitor!

[Carsry]

Thanks for your encouraging post.

I'm approaching the anniversary of my N Stemi last December which resulted in a Double CABG abd being in hospital until February!

What a journey it's been, I can relate to so many of the feelings you describe, glad I'm not alone.

Wishing you a long and happy life mate 😊

[Casualvisitor in reply to Carsry]

Wishing you the same