Cardiac blues

[Preg1967]

MALE 27 Oct full heart attack RCA BLOCKAGE stem ect CCU 2 days bag of pill went home changed diet ect stopped smoking now 12 weeks later emotional wreck anger being no1 culprit want to cry , whistleling, or scream complete change of personality seems I'm wired wrong is I gust me or any bubby else the strain on marriage of 25 years is taking its toll

[Bluecat223]

Hi I had my HA and OOHCA on 27th December my RCA was completely blocked i had a stent fitted and was sent home from hospital on 31st Dec I am the same as you I won't smoke now I won't drink alcohol I can hardly eat as I feel like if I eat the wrong thing I will have another HA my anxiety is through the roof and panic attacks are frequent I joined a fb group called sudden cardiac arrest uk they have been amazing everyone has been where you are and will always give advice if needed I hope you are being kind to yourself take time to process what's happened 🥰

[Knavesmire27]

I am so sorry you are struggling. All our stories are different but I think we are all united when it comes to the impact it has on us emotionally. Just know you are not alone and take it one day at a time. Take care

[David-66]

hi

I understand your struggle , I had a heart attack in Sept while on holiday and had an emergency stent fitted and 4 days in hospital. Mine was likely stress related as no family history, don’t smoke, good diet and don’t drink much. Job was stressful and recently divorced after over 25 years.

I have been to GP for bloods and continuing the Meds, my first appointment with a cardiologist is this Month, so hopefully this will help my anxiety.

I walk each day and find it help to get out and not dwell on it and worry. The routine helps, as well as healthier diet, etc.

I’m sure support from your wife , family and friends will get you through the difficult days.

Be positive, there are a lot of us in your situation and here to support one another.

[BeeBee79]

Hi,

I had a sudden cardiac arrest at age 42 - no reason for it (although medication is suspected to have a huge part to play). Physically afterwards, I was ok except for ICD being fitted but emotionally I was a wreck. Panic attacks when I was alone, tearful, scared. Fast forward to November 24, I had cardiac surgery and then developed severe acute pancreatitis as another rare side effect which was horrendous. After surgery, I’ve had more severe symptoms of anxiety than previously - I think due to being immobile but I felt completely devoid of joy. I think it was an effect of all of the drugs and suddenly, I felt ok mentally. I felt back to myself again and hopefully you will too very soon. You have been through a lot and in a few years, you will look back and be impressed with how you dealt with it and how far you have come…..

[healthquestions24]

First thing to realise is it's completely normal to have all sorts of stuff spinning around your head - we've probably all been there. My surgeon likened himself to a plumber and said they look after the neck down but not the head! After all the medical stuff settles down you have to work out how to negotiate the rest of you life - it can almost feel like a bereavement for the person you were before your heart attack. When people asked me how it felt I always explained that my mind couldn't keep up with all the changes and needed time to mourn the loss and make sense of it all. Two things helped me hugely 1. talking to friends and family. Even if it's rubbish you give your brain time to sort itself out 2. Being active, especially walking outside in the fresh air. Nothing better for helping your mood. Even better go for a 'walk and talk' with a mate. Remember, you can start to take control no matter how small. Best wishes and good luck.

[thisoldheartofmine]

One possibility is the fact that you've quit smoking. i quit a couple of years ago because of a mild heart attack which eventually resulted in CABGx3. I found that the worst part of everything was the mood swings caused by going cold turkey on smoking.

The good news is that two years on that side of things has completely cleared up and I no longer miss those lethal cylinders......just a thought.