OK guys, so I'm approaching a year since my HA ( Dec 29th, N stemi, no muscle damage ), which was followed by a Double Bypass on Jan 29th .....and basically I'm going through what seems like some sort of a mental crisis!!I've sailed through this year on a high, getting back to my love of walking, big positive mental outlook, appreciating being alive etc.......then past month or so I've hit a low point and keep thinking what the hell and how the hell did I get through this huge operation and trauma!! I'm left worried sick it's going to happen again, every twinge and I think this is it......
Then there's my blood pressure, top reading always great between 110 and 120. The bottom reading however is low -between 51 and 60!! It's been like this since the bypass. I'm not symptomatic of low BP. Anyone else with similar readings?
Anyone else gone through this mental trauma?
Right, rant over - would love some hints n tips and stories!!
Thanks for reading xx
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Carsry
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Its gets colder, it gets wetter it gets darker. Many people suffer from SAD at this time of year. Its a bona fide medical disorder brought on by the season..
I suspect this is the cause of your melancholy and its why we had Saturnalia which was supplanted by Christmas. Better lighting might help. A short holiday somewhere sunny might also help.
Hi Carsry, I was great, considering what I had gone through, for the year following my valve replacement but that changed round the year mark. I have put it down to being so consumed with my physical recovery and having reasoned logically why I survived my cardiac arrest I had no capacity for anything else.However, I wasn't ok and was referred to mental health at 18 months resulting in me being 'prescribed' Sorted. It's an app which I describe as mild meditation and I initially used it every day for, I think, 12 weeks and it certainly helps.
I still use it occasionally now, over 5 years since my op etc, and paid for it when I changed my phone, worth every penny.
I get that this won't work for everyone, I was a bit sceptical initially, but it is relatively cheap and easy.
Hi Carsy, there was recent post about “ anniversary trauma” . Do a search and read through the replies I’m sure you’ll find it interesting and be comforted that you are not alone in your anxiety. I had a spectacular anniversary as I explained in reply to the original post 🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼.
Hi there, I was the one who posted about anniversary trauma (a year after my nstemi). The answers were interesting and helped allay my fears that I was alone in how I was feeling... definitely not... take care and as they say "this too shall pass" x
I've had a few troughs on my mental journey since my bypass in 2018. Fortunately each time it has happened I have realised which way my feelings are headed and have given myself a good talking to. I too enjoy walking and a good long walk has helped me many times... better when it is over an unfamiliar route which may require setting out from somewhere other than home. There is so much to see and enjoy. I come back all refreshed realising how privileged at my age I am to be able to walk in such lovely countryside. I know many younger people with less of a medical history than mine that cannot do it.
I regularly give thanks that I have a roof over my head, food on the table and I can sleep at night without the fear of being bombed. Above all I give thoughtful thanks to God, the NHS and my surgeon for where I am now. Reminding myself of such things helps me keep things in perspective.
Hoping you get through your trough quickly. As we hill walkers say, 'onwards and upwards'. Keep positive!
We all go through the mental thing. Some can handle it better than others. I didn't do got counselling and 8 hours long sessions where I spoke it all out and I was so much better. Bit of Mindfulness to tackle the bad times and 12 years on I'm OK. Still think about it daily but all good.
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