hi guys I had a heart attack 3 weeks ago after a very heated work meeting, I lost my husband 6 months ago so things not great.
I had a angiogram last week which didn’t show any blockages etc.
My blood pressure is quite low on the medication and I’m waiting for a cardiac MRI don’t know when that will be
I does still have some twinges is this normal. I also am really scared it’s going to happen again and I don’t like to leave the house, has anyone else experienced this?
I'm sorry to hear about your husband, and now your own issues.
I think we all worry about a recurrence, but the positive story is James Lovelock, heart attack in his 50s, died on his 103rd birthday. If you take care of yourself, diet and gentle exercise, you will give yourself the best possible chance. I hope you have family or friends with you for Christmas.
Sending my love and a virtual hug.
Morning thank you for your reply, that is very good to know about James Lovelock! I keep having the same thought that because I didn’t need a stent it puts me in a worse position
Surely you're on medication that will help keep you safe? I felt exactly teh same after my heart attack. I did have two stents but they told me I had two other blockages that weren't quite bad enough to stent. I was afraid to go out alone just in case and constantly worry that those two blockages have got worse. It does wear off. Have you had cardiac rehab yet? It will work wonders for your confidence.. 3 weeks is early days- take it easy and chase up rehab after Christmas.
Hi yes I am on medication until they look at the scan I’m due to have
Ice not heard anything about rehab as yet
Rehab is usually 3 to 4 weeks after a HA. It will probably be delayed until after Christmas. Do go to it and chase it up if you don't hear; it's invaluable. Until then just take it slow and steady
Massive hugs to you. What a mountain of struggles you've been through. I shouldn't think there's a person here who didn't become overwhelmed with fear at some point. It took me a long time to stop thinking that my heart was going to kill me. I now look on it as a moody child who I'll never really understand, but can manage to control most times. I suppose for me, I decided to not live in fear as that achieved nothing. If something was going to happen, it would happen if I worried or not. I do watch when I go out, if it's cold, I take extra care, I also have learned to pace myself and be gentle with myself. I look on my heart issues as part of my life's journey (mostly a bumpy annoying bit) and like most things will have their peaks and troughs in daily impact, but it won't stop me enjoying the small little things of life that I can. You're still at the beginning of your journey, be gentle with yourself and keep looking on here as there's always some useful advice just when you need it.
Morning thank you for your reply that’s very good advice, I hope your doing ok
happy Christmas cookie1973
Everyone feels the same after a heart event it’s very scary to have the main engine fail !
I had fabulous cardiac psychothetrpy you rehab team will have someone attached to their services.
Your confidence get restored by time and the exercise rehabilitation course, you will get called for that in a month or so depending on your progress.
I’m 5 months past my MI and despite heart failure being diagnosed - I’m now much more confident.
There may also be a cardiac club in your area I go to one in Hammersmith and there is another in Shepherds Bush. Check t for one as it’s great support to maje friends in person,
Michèle
H Michele many thanks for your advice, it does feel as though I’ve been left to it with no real plan, the cardiac club sounds very good I might look for one.
I'm so sorry for your loss, we are having our first Xmas without a loved one as I'm sure a lot of people are. My take on the situation is now that your are in the system you are much less likely to have serious heart issues than the person who hasn't been to the Drs for years.The twinges are normal, partly because you are oversensitive to any sudden ache or pain. I'm sure you will get used to them. I had OH surgery 3 months ago, I get twinges and stinging sensations throughout the day but I've got used to them and to me that is the new normal. I hope you have family and friends who can help you through this.
Nowadays now I am on anticoagulants I am less at risk from having clots in the lungs than I was before I was diagnosed back in 2017 and I have been fine since!
Good morning.
I had a heart attack totally out the blue 2 months ago at the age of 42. I was taken in for 8 nights and discharged with just medication after a angiogram which they stated there was a mild restriction in the LAD but of no concern. I was taken in a further 2 times only to find out on the 2nd angiogram with ultrasound that the LAD was severely restricted and a stent was fitted. All I will say is you know yourself and your own body. If you feel there's more too it go again. I had 4 consultants all saying different things from no concern to finally admiting I needed a stent. It takes time but be positive. I still get twinges now but am confident that my heart is fixed. The mental mindset will take time. It's a big shock to anyone.
Good morning
Thank you for your reply, it’s reassuring to know twinges are probably the new norm!
It feels as though I have been left to it a bit, I don’t know the waiting time for the mri which is a worry not knowing what damage has been caused
Sounds like you have just entered the "Hearties Team". A Heart Attack basically means that something has happened to your heart and at this stage you don't really know the extent of the damage caused, hence your getting the MRI a nd various tests. This will give the docs abetter idea of what happens next.
You are in the most important stages of your life! You are now vulnerable and you need to do a number of things to get into a control position. 1) Get yourself a BP monitor or you might already have a smart watch and get used to recording your BP in a diary. Maybe you've been put on meds? 2) Look into your Diet. 3) Start cutting out stressful/tension activities-this may take some time (may just be case of curtailing activities). 4) Don't give yourself time to fall into depression.
Hi Cookie, wow - what a time you’ve had. So very very sorry for your loss. I think it takes a lot of strength (mentally & physically) to get through that! Give yourself a massive pat on the back. Stress and grief can do terrible things to our bodies. It’s totally natural to be scared about it happening again. I hope you have people to support you and get a scan very soon. The scariest thing for me was the unknown. Hopefully it is good news that no op was needed. Sending very best wishes to you 🙏 💖💖
three weeks is very early . I’m three months . I was exactly like you re anxiety and feeling vulnerable it’s the norm for most . I did the cardio rehab gym sessions and after 6 weeks I feel much more confident . So you should contact your cardiac rehab team but they won’t offer you any gym classes for at least 6 weeks . I’m also doing more walking and I find walking relieves or removes the anxiety . I take the anxiety for a walk and hope it doesn’t follow . You will come out the other side .
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