Hello Everyone. My Name Is Craig, I’m 33 Dad To 3 Children And I Need Some Help Physically And Mentally. July 13th I had a sudden heart attack due to a blocked valve (due to high cholesterol) and was luckily saved and had 3 overlapping stents put in. Now where to begin, for starters don’t want to sound rude but I’m scared as hell, been a while now since and I’m still struggling, every couple of weeks my chest gets tights slap bang in the middle and occasionally my arms tingle a bit, not the same as the day I had my heart attack cause the pain was excruciating but still there call ambulance as I have been told too and every time (3 times since July 13th) latest one yesterday, they say all bloods are fine ecg are all fine and I just feel like I’m wasting mine my partners and everyone’s time. The thing is the tightness have never left my chest, and I feel horrid everyday dizzy weak tired etc. forget to mention I always was diagnosed type 1 diabetic aswell, probably doesn’t help much. As you can imagine I’m on about 9 tablets a day and insulin’s injections 4 times a day, 1 I’m scared to do anything because what has happend and 2 most of the time I don’t have the entertainment/ get up and go to do anything. Before all this happens I did home removals a very fitness based job I played football every Monday night and as you can imagine running about with 3 kids all under the age of 12 doesn’t really let you be lazy so wouldn’t suggest I was, not the skinniest not overly fat but certainly to my knowledge and everyone who knows my unfit! I just need some advice off anyone who has experienced similar or to be honest just to talk to some people, I talk to the mrs but it’s hard to describe stuff to someone who’s never experienced it. Thanks guys.
Hi People, Need Some Advice! - British Heart Fou...
Hi People, Need Some Advice!
Hello 
I am sure when people read your post you will get lots of good advice
I am nearly twice your age I had 3 heart attacks and a triple Bypass and even after the Bypass I go into instant fear when I feel anything in my chest like a pain or anything at all I am also very tuned in now to every feeling even could say I am looking out for them
Such a traumatic event for some of us leaves us feeling this way but it is still early days for you and as you say you did not know this was going to happen now it has you have your stents on the right medication if you eat healthy and exercise there is no reason you wont go on to live a long and happy life
Coming to terms with all this though takes some doing and the body can recover more quickly than the emotional side and it is not rude to feel scared either so many of us have felt or feel this way
I understand we can have family , partners etc but because they have not been through it can be hard for them to fully understand the fear we feel
If you are struggling though it is worth talking to your Doctor and maybe think about some Counselling ?
Keep talking and let us know how you get on x
Thank you for the kind words I really do appreciate it, it more the side effects really that I just want to know are normal or not, so many things when you go onto google it’s like instant death, or every symptom I’ve got means I’m gonna have a heart attack in a month internet can be a scary place! As for the asking a gp trying to get a appointment is a absolute joke where I am, and then when you do get one most of the time it’s a phone call! In terms of exercise I have to say I have not done a lot since the heart attack too scared too really. As far as the diet goes again I need help with but don’t have the money to pay for nutritionist etc and because I’m diabetic can’t eat most fruits unless at the same time as dinner and if I’m being 100% honest sweetcorn and peas are the only vegetables I eat. My diet everyday is 2 crumpets in morning. Scrambled Egg for lunch and chicken and eggs for dinner, sometimes chicken peas and mini waffles. Again not trying to pull any sympathy cards but just feels like no one cares, partner lost her job and hasn’t been back since because She’s also worried for me which has not put us into anything good financially all the savings we had (wasn’t a great deal anyways) are gone in rent arrears aswell doesn’t help with the stress and with the symptoms of feeling sick tired dizzy all the time just feels like I’m battling myself.
Hello
I can relate to so much you are saying
When we have had a heart attack there are so many things they say don't eat or avoid and my sugars have always been fine till a year ago and for some reason they went up even though I have been eating the healthiest I possibly can since my heart attacks and now I am Diabetic 2 have to take insulin and when I look what I should be eating it contradicts a lot as what is good for my Diabetes is not so good for my heart and I have started to hate meal times and feel if I eat one more salad I will scream !
I am not sure what it recommends regarding eggs for Diabetic 1 but there has been debates about how many eggs heart patients should eat because of the cholesterol you possibly to be honest eating a few to many eggs there
Chicken is very good for you though they do say white meat is better than red meat
I was once talking to a Rehab Nurse I got a bit obsessed with all this eating carry on and she told me everything in moderation and smaller portions we all know what is bad for us so should only have now and again processed foods , fried foods etc but also portion sizes if you were eating large portions then cutting the size down is good we used to have those big plates and I threw them out and got smaller plates it somehow helped me with my portions as the plates are smaller and I do not allow myself to fill it up
This is a link to BHF health eating could give you some ideas
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
Also this is a link to BHF healthy recipes which might help if just to give you some ideas pick what you like and leave what you don't
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
Were you given any contact numbers for the Rehab Nurses at the Hospital you were in they would be able to help support you with your diet and give advise if you were not phone the ward you were on and ask for their number
You should be offered Rehab which you can talk about food then as well
I totally understand you fear of wanting to exercise but how about starting small say a little walk start with just 10 minutes accept you might get some twinges and as you build your confidence back up start walking a bit longer there is nothing better than walking as exercise
Financial worries put pressure on most people and sorry your partner has lost her job but try and encourage her to look for another meantime I would suggest you contact the Citizens advice for help with any debts and to make sure anything you can claim you are claiming
Anyone you owe contact them and tell them your situation at the moment again Citizens Advice would help you with this but till you can get to talk with them your priorities like Rent , gas and elec , water rates , council tax let them all know prepare a financial statement of what you have coming in and what you have going out and what you need to live on they ask for this usually so if you have already done that it will be an advantage when you speak to them
Your mind sounds like it is going 100 miles an hour so take some deep breaths and tell yourself the true saying everyday we only have that day to deal with and try not to run to far ahead in the future try and stay in the day
I know it can be a long time to get a Doctors appointment but instead of thinking it won't help it will take ages tell yourself I will pre book one anyway and try and be assertive in a polite way and insist you need a face to face appointment you are struggling so much and are at breaking point and you need a face to face appointment as soon as possible if they say a phone call tell them you need checking over you keep going dizzy etc so a phone call will be no good
O dear not Google please stay of it I am the worst and have to stop myself 3 clicks on Google and it tells you it is all over even if you are just asking about a toe nail !
Google cannot examine you does not have your medical history and just spits out the worst scenario which will just make you worse
My Doctor once said to me which did I want her for a Doctor or Google , I got her message and chose her she told me I had made the right choice and to stop going on it
I know you will be feeling no one cares but they do it just all feels so overpowering at the moment you cannot see anything good but it is there and eventually you will see it and we care and you can always come and talk with us
Let us know how you get on x
I don’t know what meds you are on but Statins can cause type 2 diabetes that can be reversed if stopped.
Hello
Yes I am on statins and I did mention this to my Doctor as no one has diabetes in the family never have and my sugars were fine till all of a sudden they shot up and stayed there and I was so shocked but my Doctor is adamant it is not statins and says I need to be on them so a tough one as I often think I feel like stopping them and see what happens but then I could be putting myself at risk if I do but something tells me considering I eat more healthy now than I ever have there could be truth in something else like meds have caused this x
Be insistent that he changes your statin; can you see a different GP? Has he checked your cholesterol recently. afraid you have to be insistent about getting things done. Did you even get rehab after your HA? If not ring the hospital and demand it.
Try phoning the BHF nurses who are brilliant at giving advice and DON'T google unless it's he NHS website or one of the big well known USA heart hospitals. Others have said the rest so I won't go on. I lost 2 stone by changing my diet but I'm not diabetic. I suspect the type that gets caused by tablets is usually type 2 though, not type 1. Have you looked at the diabetes UK website?
I would ask for a second opinion as diabetes is a far bigger risk factor for heart disease than high LDL cholesterol. If it was me I would ask to be prescribed Pravastatin, this statin has been shown to have a neutral affect or even slightly protective affect against diabetes.
Hello. I think it might be possible that statins can increase propensity to insulin resistance, but ultimately diabetes is about sugar and insulin. If there is too much sugar, the body produces more insulin. If this happens over a protracted period, the body becomes resistant to insulin. As a result it will produce more insulin to manage the sugar level, which increases resistance. Eventually this cycle reaches a point where it cannot cope anymore and blood sugar rises too high - diabetes. Many people have normal sugar levels but this masks the fact that the body is churning out loads of insulin to keep it that way. In terms of diet, here is an analogy - the bodies “engine” burns fuel in a furnace and needs to output a good steady flow of energy for all to be well. Fats, proteins and complex carbs are coal. Man bred carbs such as brown wheat/pasta/rice are logs. Refined carbs such as white bread/wheat/pasta/rice are kindling and refined sugar and alcohol is petrol. Coal burns steadily, kindling and petrol burns fast and hot. If the fire gets too hot then the team will try and take the heat out by boiling kettles and storing hot water bottles around the house (laying down fat cells in response to insulin). This will work, but if you put too much kindling or petrol on the fire, you will tire out the team, they will start leaving hot water bottles lying about (fatty liver) and things will get too hot (raised blood sugar). Just burning coal will often halt or even reverse type 2 diabetes. The trouble is that food labels don’t differentiate (it will just say “of which sugar”, which might be complex carbs or added petrol and they add petrol to everything!). A friend of mine recently told me he had been diagnosed with type 2 and I relayed that analogy. After one month of burning coal that diagnosis was rescinded and he was advised he was now pre-diabetic in remission with normal blood sugar levels.
There are rehap classes run by cardiac nurses. Courses run for 6-8 weeks. It will be a good idea to attend them. They start with easy exercises and teach you to relax as well. They also run an information day, when they talk about heart problems, diet, medication and mental issues.It has been 5 months since i had my ohs but i am still having pains on my chest. Believe me it gets scary at times.
Best to get out of the house and walk as much as you can. Staying indoors and concentrating on your pains makes them worse. Also people here mentioned NHS Silvercloud on the internet which can help.
Good luck.
Hello Hammers2705, welcome to the forum, not somewhere you were expecting to join but let me reassure you that all the emotions you are experiencing is completely normal. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t scared beyond belief. I sometimes think when we have a heart issues it’s like our lives fly out of the window and this new life flies in! You must be so scared because having a young family you’re wondering what happens next. As members start replying to you you will hear lots of stories about how people have coped. I am so very sorry your having to deal with this at such a young age, but there are members here who like you had a heart attack young but are still here years ( retirement) later. Remember you can help yourself, take your medication, eat well a Mediterranean diet is recommended by BHF exercise, have you been offered rehab? If not chase it up with your GP or your Cardiologist, it’s so worth doing it. You will meet others who are going through the same as you, the staff will monitor your progress checking on your blood pressure before and after exercise. One more thing, your brain is still processing what happened, so feeling down is your brain saying hold on a minute! Please speak with your GP there’s lots of help for you but you have to ask. As for your partner and your friends, they can’t know how you feel after such a episode, if you can try to explain I know easier said than done. Remember you are part of this community, someone will always be here to listen and try and help. We can give you a shoulder to lean on if that’s what you need, we have stood where you are, there is life to be enjoyed just go one step at a time.
Pauline
Thank you for the reply and kind words. I have basically copied and pasted from my last reply with some added words so don’t think I’m just wasting time just basically the same reply! Like I said it more the side effects really that I just want to know are normal or not, so many things when you go onto google it’s like instant death, or every symptom I’ve got means I’m gonna have a heart attack in a month internet can be a scary place! As for the asking a gp trying to get a appointment is a absolute joke where I am, and then when you do get one most of the time it’s a phone call! In terms of exercise I have to say I have not done a lot since the heart attack too scared too really. As far as the diet goes again I need help with but don’t have the money to pay for nutritionist etc and because I’m diabetic can’t eat most fruits unless at the same time as dinner and if I’m being 100% honest sweetcorn and peas are the only vegetables I eat. My diet everyday is 2 crumpets in morning. Scrambled Egg for lunch and chicken and eggs for dinner, sometimes chicken peas and mini waffles. Again not trying to pull any sympathy cards but just feels like no one cares, partner lost her job and hasn’t been back since because She’s also worried for me which has not put us into anything good financially all the savings we had (wasn’t a great deal anyways) are gone in rent arrears aswell doesn’t help with the stress and with the symptoms of feeling sick tired dizzy all the time just feels like I’m battling myself. And to add the the question of cardio rehab I’m still awaiting a cardio consultant 8 month waiting list so yeah very much all alone!
Please please don’t look on dr Google, out of date information at best and usually just completely wrong. Only places on the internet to look are NHS and BHF. As I said look at the Mediterranean diet it’s on the BHF website, not expensive foods and the whole family will be able to eat the same meals. Not veg based😂 but some fish? When you say side effects are you talking about your medication? I have a suggestion try the Citizens Advice if you are struggling with bills they can point you in the right direction to get help. Especially with your health issues.
Pauline
Yeah worst thing to do is look on Google, and yes it could well be the medication but again that’s why I’ve come on here to try and find out, so many tablets I’m taking don’t know what it could be etc and as I say trying to get a dr appointment is a joke and I’m still awaiting a cardiologist 8month wait which is ridiculous considering how serious your heart is. And yes I may well get in contact with citizens advice, just don’t know whether I’m coming or going you know. Every since I’ve had the stents fitted I’ve always had a slight pressure/ache in the middle of my chest, now I can deal with that, it’s the constant tiredness dizziness and just feeling like crap.
Hello Craig. I don't really have a lot more to add than what's already been said except it's okay to be confused/not be okay/be scared, etc. What's happened to you is a lot. I had similar feeling when I was told I had heart failure. I've a 14yo who's on the spectrum still at home so understand a little of what you're going through. Not sure where you're located but have a look at this. There might be something useful near to you and hopefully you wouldn't have to wait long. Take care of yourself.
nhs.uk/mental-health/talkin...
thank you very much! Will be taking on all advice and checking out every link, need all the help I can get at the minute! I wish you well and thanks for the help!
can’t see any of the medication you’re on, you say 9 tablets a day plus your insulin. You don’t mention your blood pressure. High low? After my surgery I was on Ramipril and I developed what is known as the Ramipril cough 😂 so that was changed. If there’s a drug that doesn’t suit you there are others that they can try. But you need to get an appointment with your GP also try phoning the cardiology department of your local hospital and see where you are on the list tell them you are willing to take a cancellation it might mean an appointment at short notice but it would certainly get you seen quicker.
Pauline
I’m on quite a few medications I apologise I though I listed them. I’m on aspirin ramipril astrovastatin ticagrelor bisoprolol ezetimbe lanzaprosole plus co codamol and my daily a-z vitamins. Was up hospital on Wednesday whilst I was there waiting for blood results I went to see the cardio team and they said I’m on the list it’s a 8month wait. Again that’s all I do where I am wait wait wait.
Your tablets are the normal ones most here on the forum have been on. Bisoprolol can cause dizziness, it’s one of my tablets. Sometimes it takes a while for the body to adjust to it. But sometimes your cardiologist will maybe change it. Co codamol is a powerful pain killer had it prescribed after my surgery made me sleepy! Maybe why you are feeling tired? All your meds have been prescribed to help you recover. Never miss a dose there’s a reason you need to take them.
Of course I would never miss any, probably as to why I’m feeling that way I’ve always thought it was the tablets just need gp confirmation!
That’s good to hear, it’s funny my son is called Craig he’s quite a bit older than you but he to has 3 children, (3 of my 5 granddaughters.) So I feel so much for you. Remember you can get through this, nearly 9 years ago I wasn’t very well to say the least. I had open heart surgery and now I have a pigs valve in my heart along with a bypass. I have been given this second chance, I have seen my family thrive, I have seen my granddaughters grow and I know each one of them will change the world in their own way. So every day I say thank you to the medical team that made this possible. You have so much living left to do, to watch your family grow and thrive. So as we say here on the forum onwards and upwards.
Pauline
Hi Hammers, what's your diet like, I changed mine to a healthy shake with handful of chia seeds in, no carbs apart from few potatoes, avoid anything deep friedand eat a avocado a day, plenty of fruits but no fruit juice. Resting heart rate dropped after a few weeks, hope this helps
My diet now is basically chicken and eggs, as I’ve said in a few other replies I don’t do vegetables I never have apart from peas and sweetcorn, used to love fish which is great for you and shocker since I’ve come out of hospital I literally can’t stand it, maybe to do with the fact I quit smoking the day of my heart attack and haven’t looked back so maybe the smoking masked the taste and now I don’t I know I hate it. Again had no help with diabetes diet wise just been thrown in the deep end. I have crumpets every morning every cereal spikes my sugars. Lunch normally scrambled egg and mini chicken fillets and dinner either chicken strips with peas and mini waffles or chicken with fried egg (fried with fry lite oil) pretty bland horrid food really. Don’t get me wrong I have the occasional burger or kfc chicken but certainly not too much.
Mate you just had a heart attack at 33, completely drop any fast food and force feed your self healthy food including fish
it is very common to feel like you do.I haven’t had heart attack but have bad angina and blockages that aren’t bad enough to stent as yet.
But everyday I feel something in my chest and it sends my anxiety into overload and wonder what’s happening.Im on many medications and I think they help but also have some side effects.
You are doing right thing by going to hospital when you need to.
Angina was the apparent attack I had the first time I went back to the hospital after the heart attack, was prescribed a tablet to stop angina or help the angina and il be honest that’s the only time after my heart attack my body felt back to normal, however was taken off these tablets by a senior cardiologist after 2 weeks because he looked at my notes/case and deemed it wasn’t angina and was inflammation of the heart.
So maybe that is somewhat why you are feeling this way and if there’s a chance to go back on the tablets to see if it helps.
Or maybe need angiogram again to check if there’s a spasm somewhere.
When you go to hospital do they check your tropinon levels.
Yes they do and they come back normal everytime! That does help knowing every time I’ve gone there the heart of fine but at the same time it’s like I’ve just wasted another 7hours up here for nothing. Cause as soon as the see the ecg and the bloods are normal they don’t know why I feel like and and say there’s nothing to be done see you later.
I have had different cardiac problems - arrhythmias , myocarditis - and the only way thru the fear that worked for me was exercise.
Check with your GP or cardiac rehab nurse if you can get a cardiac rehab referral and start to exercise.
As you get fitter, your confidence will increase as you have seen that you are able to maintain elevated work rate and heart rate without problems .
As you have been checked three times and found that the pain was not due to blocked arteries, you may well find that the pain, which may have been anxiety caused , disappears
This is what i have decided to do yesterday, got myself a exercise bike from Facebook and will be doing to start 30mins a day on there and go from there, I know it’s not a lot to start with but as I say soo many things saying don’t do this don’t do that it’s a mind battle but also a battle with is it worth risking it in my mind, as I say before the heart attack I did home removals and played football every Monday night, wouldn’t say I was the slimist but I certainly wasn’t unifit! I know I’ve put on weight as I’ve been sat at home for 7 months doing nothing eating and insulin makes you gain weight!
I've just started on an NHS diabetes prevention course as I'm pre-diabetic, but I'm learning so much. So although you might not qualify if you've got type 1, there might be other courses specifically for Type 1s. I've discovered that muscle & any exercise reduces your blood sugar, so they suggest eating vegetables on your plate before carbs, going for a walk after every meal to avoid meal spikes & that muscle uses blood sugar which is sometimes the reason why older frail people can become diabetic even though weight & diet may be good, they've lost muscle mass. Also the realisation that all carbs are turned to sugars in your blood, so it's not just a case of avoiding obvious sugars. They're been very good at suggesting carb alternatives which I now prefer.
Hello Hammers 2705
Looks like you be through the mill and back , Try to get your head round your situation, like staying focused, not reading into stuff to much . Learn to read and listen to your body. Most of all try not to push your love ones away, as sometimes we don’t realise we are doing it . The stents will take 3 to 5 to settle in one’s body depending on that person routine. I myself got a modern day blood pressure monitor for my wrist, to stop me getting paranoid , for my piece of mind . I switch the BP off so it’s not in my face 24/7 and look at the readings when I think my body telling me something, that’s how I have learned how to read my body, leaving little notes on my iPhone, and try not to take it to heart too much .
Regards Badger
You’re different to me as 2 extra stents , younger, and a lovely family. Exercise as and when you feel like it , as sometimes hard in winter. Change your eating habits that will be a hard challenge as a family, so that will be a fun challenge I expect. Learn to read which foods bring chest pains , I did food tolerance test for example that helped me .when I had my stent fitted, seen consultant 7months on , didn’t even check blood pressure asked 3 questions and sent me on my way , as old consultant retired, so had a younger one . So basically I’m my own doctor in a way , so that’s why I say learn to know and read are bodies, stay focused and upbeat yes it’s hard , but all of us have done it , in different situations.
Regards badger
Yes exactly same as me badger waiting months for a cardiologist and been left to be my own doctor and worry every two secs and call a ambulance every time I feel worse feel like a waste of ambulance but every time they send me to a&e and that’s normally about a 6 hour wait just to be told nothing is wrong which again is another kick in the back.
Thank you badger! Have got myself a blood pressure monitor and the other little one that goes on your finger, every time I feel bad the mrs checks me out and every time everything’s fine, as I say it’s such a battle mentally. It’s crazy the amount of people in the same boat but it’s great to be able to listen to people like myself cause they know what I’m going through!
Yes it’s is a battle mentality, if we sort out our heads , remember family are there for you , don’t push them away . Keep yourself busy doing the things you love doing, music, gardening, find a vice which is good for you and family. Importantly listen to yourself, without being scared, That’s where being focused on things , don’t take things to heart too much enjoy things more , simple silly things help , if I sorted my self out you can do it as well believe.
Hammers 2705 enjoy your life to the full .
Regards badger
Thanks A Lot Badger!
Not much more I can say that has already been said. 4 years on 3 stents and a cocktail of pills, I still go into panic mode when I get a twinge, peculiar feelings. As you I rang for an ambulance many times as you have. We did not waste anyone's time. It took me ages to get back to something like my old self. It's not a race, take your time, but it is important to maybe go for a walk, talk, and take a small step forward everyday. Your not alone.🤗
Thank you for reply I appreciate it, it feels like I’m the same as you body/mind just goes into overdrive thinking is this is it’s a horrible situation! But yes exercise is exactly the route I’m going to do starting at home just got a exercise bike so gonna start 30mins a day and go from there, when it starts warming up shall go for walks!
Sounds like a plan. Slow and Steady wins the Race. 🤗
That is right and that’s how I’m hopefully gonna win the race!
👍🤗
Is only natural to feel as you do you are a young man with a young family. And I bet you feel you will die and leave them alone. Which will be causing you stress which only makes you feel worse . It's a vicious circle. Over the years I had to come to realise physical pain can effect your my mental health and vice versa .
You are not wasting anyone's time it's how you feel . And your partner must be worried sick about you . Have you told her how you feel if not you must even if you cry telling her . And yes real men do cry . It's not a sign of weakness but if you hold your feelings you will hurt yourself more. And you will find your partner will be relieved that you have opened up how you feel and your fears . And she will beable to share how she feels .
This isn't the same but my husband was diagnosed with grade 4 malignant melanoma in January 2001 and told her won't live 5 years . After the cancer was removed from the side of his face and the skin graft done . As far as everyone else knew he would be fine . Only me and our 2 children knew he was going to die. Nick was a proud man and in his words didn't want to be treated as a dead man walking . He couldn't have stood people asking him how he was or any pity looks . For months I held him while he cried himself to sleep then it was my turn to cry . Nick was fit and healthy me on the other hand was not and hadn't been from birth . In constant pain and fell all the time .
So we lived a normal life with the sword of Damocles hanging over us. It dropped October 2003 he had 6 tumours and given 4 months to 2 years. At Christmas he said he wanted to get to his birthday in February so we got him there and he died at home with me and the children aged 47. That was 21 years ago. Nick wasn't frightened of dieing but what torn him apart was leaving us .
Talk to your partner and don't worry if you have to go too your GP or A&E . Your pain and fear are real.
What had your cardiologist said about going back to your job ? And have you had cardio rehab to regain your fitness . I know having the double whammy of heart problems and diabetes is hard to manage but you can do it .
My brother has permanent AF,2 stents in his heart ,had angina ,2 TIA'S and a stent in his brain when a piece of metal work fell off his lorry and gave him a bleed on the brain and a hip replacement. He drove HGV lorries for 30 years . But gave up work 6 years ago due to my sister in laws MS getting worse and he said he was an old man doing a young man's job he will be 66 in August. He is fitter than he has every been. He swims every morning at 6.30 for a hour as it works all your body . Plus he does weights at home . And has an allotment and a large garden . He walks mini 10,000 steps a day . He is no slim Jim and smoked for over 20 years before diagnosis with heart failure and gave up .
I found out in 2020 and confirmed after MRI on my heart in 2021 I was born with small hole in the side of my heart . And in 2022 after having my whole genome genetically tested I found out I was born with hereditary Hyperekplexia gene mutation SLC6A5 type 3 which is rare I was 63. Now 66. I go to sit fit class on Monday, Tuesday move it or lose it and do 7 exercises and 300 rotations on my static pedals everyday.
I understand how worried you are you are a young man who wants to see your children grow up . And you will . You just have to come to terms with your life style changes and you can get back to fitness . I didn't start exercising until 2018 once I got to 15.5st I used to be over 19st. I lost 7 st took me 5 years but did it .
Talk to nurses on BHF and open up exactly how you feel . You have a full life ahead of you and you can get your fitness back . If you can't do your old job the job centre will help you find a new one and there are courses you can go on. Plus make sure you get any benefits you are entitled to.
But you have to open up and talk to your partner .
I know this is a ramble but it's how my mind works HPX is a gift that keeps giving and I have had to learn about it and after 63 years of thinking I was weird turns out I am normal for HPX. I am a chatterbox in real life 🤣.
Others can give better advice than me . But Nick made me promise to live the best life you can and I do. You can do to 😊
I’m sorry to hear about your husband and also the stuff you have gone through, sitting here wallowing thinking I’m the only one without sounding rude you’ve had it about 20x harder than me, but sound upbeat that’s great to hear! Chatterboxes are great it’s what I need right now 😂! Nick leaving you guys is one of my biggest fears as a family we have nothing, no savings no assets nothing a loving family a few game consoles and toys but that’s it, I leave them now a funeral gonna put them through hell financially as I’ve said I’m already £2,000 in debt with rent arrears (council rent arrears I may add) called and explained the situation to them and quite frankly they couldn’t care less still get letter phone call saying your overdue etc every spare £50+ weeks get goes to them, not to mention the fact 2 of my 3 children are disabled and need extra care which adds to the situation! Did start a go fund me after the heart attack which wasn’t very successful which is normal i suppose times hard for everyone and with the amount of scamming going around you never know! Did make the newspaper so a claim to fame thought that would help with the go fund me me but to no avail. Rambling on about money I care about it but it’s the last thing on my mind right now. Came in with nothing leave with nothing! Don’t you worry about me crying I’ve cried many a times to my wife, not on purpose because a real man doesn’t cry 😂 but it just comes out, don’t get me wrong not saying she’s useless but she don’t know what I’m going through physically because she’s a picture of health and it’s hard to tell her this is hurting that is hurting without me thinking she’s just gonna think shut up all you do is moan about this that, I know she won’t but previous partner years ago said all the love yous won’t leave you blah blah 6 years of my life stopped going university for her halted a career etc just for her to jump off with the chef at her pub so yeah. You say your a chatterbox I’ve certainly added to that! It is great to hear your so upbeat and I hope in a few months I’m in the mindset like yours I really do!
Please don't compare our lives. . I would say yours is far hard . Because of your health you should beable you claim Universal credit and most likely some of the Universal health credit which would open you up to getting housing benefit ..
As 2 of your children are disabled then you are entitled to PIP for them. But get either the CA or the charity to do with what disability your children have to fill in the forms as they know exactly what to put .. Because of having disabled children your wife could claim carers allowance for them .
If they needed any special equipment to help with there day to life again you are entitled to that help . Your council should have an occupational therapy department . I live in the north west and could phone them without going through my GP .
It took me 35 years of fighting to get disability benefits even with my diagnosis they xxxxxx at PIP gave me zero but the Brain Charity got me a solicitor pro bono who worked for me for over a year and a support worker from the Brain Charity went with me to the tribunal and I won . And get enhanced PIP for living and enhanced PIP for mobility and it was back dated to when I asked for the forms 18 months before. Also when I first had the solicitor she told me I was entitled to UC and had an interview at the job centre this was in 2022. She was lovely and said she would send off for the health forms for me . I had face to face interview with assessor for health UC . I didn't trust phone assessment after my PIP one .
You shouldn't have to struggle financially and I know what money worries are like . Since getting PIP then my state pension last year finally I don't worry about money first time in 21 years since Nick died.
Please phone BHF I am sure they will sent you on the right path to get benefits.
Money worries can make you feel worse and being a man you no doubt you feel you should be the bread winner. I know you are a young but I do think men still feel they should be stronger and do everything to look after there family . I call it the silver backed gorilla attitude.
There is help yes you will have to fight for it but I know you can win .
All the best , I hope you sort things out , and get yourself back on track, it takes time , but trust me you can do it with your family. With love , happiness, and everything your family brings they will help you .
👍
Thank you badger I really appreciate all your help! Stay safe!
Hi Hammer , so many of us can empathise with what you’re going through . The mental aspects can be overwhelming. I’m sure I had a touch (probs still got it) of PTSD after my nstemi and quadruple bypass .. you’re better off searching through this forum than Google . Plenty of posts about the post event blues, physical and mental issues plus the journey with getting meds tweaked. I really focused on goal setting and rehab. Living life to the full . Here’s another thread .. keep us updated Craig .
healthunlocked.com/sca-hear...
Thank you DWizza! It’s a massive battle mentality and physically and I will take all advice I’m giving! Seeing as you guys are the only ones helping!
yep your symptoms are very familiar.
So I had one stent and it took a few months to settle down.
You should be recommended cardiac therapy if not see your doctor.
Do you have a cardiologist get one…even if it is private.
First year you normally have two blood thinners.. aspirin and something else…also probably a statin…and blood pressure tablets. These need to be monitored.
Get a blood pressure monitor from chemist record blood pressure daily… morning and evening….sometimes if you feel faint its normally blood pressure.
You said you are diabetic are you normal weight for your height? If not you should see dietitian.
For your mental health I was told to join groups such as this forum…stick around people who will back you up.
Go to a comedy club or do something that makes you smile.
After a while your drugs may change as they have an affect us on…so keep a diary…and make appointment with cardiac nurse or cardiologist…if in doubt go to A&E.
Get checked for acid reflux….as it mimics a heart attack.
Problem is it’s been more than a few months without being negative I thought I’d be back on track by now, July 2024 I had the stents fitted still sat around feeling like crap! As for the cardiologist there’s a 8month wait and I’m still waiting, privately I’ve got no chance as I’ve stated in a few replies I have nothing financially. The kids and wife keep me entertained all the time if it wasn’t for them I dred to think where I’d be I do try everyday to be upbeat and back to myself as I don’t want the kids seeing me miserable or in pain every 5 mins. Waiting on a go appointment to see about what meds are doing what cause I’m convinced it’s the meds, I’ve never taken a tablet in my life not even for headaches then after the heart attack I’m on about 9 a day so I’m sure it’s side effects as most of the side effects they state are what’s present and most of the tablets have the same side effects so probably get it 10x worse! Believe it or not just stated on some gaviscon and gonna give that a go!
I had issues with some meds….I printed out the side effects of each drug….for first year you will be on two blood thinners after a year just aspirin…I would recommend seeing a pharmacist bring list and dosage of drugs you are on….they know better than doctors…but for first 6 months things will need to settle down…you are alive…your life has now changed but for the good…be positive…..make a plan
1. See pharmacist
2. If the drugs you are receiving are creating issues speak to your cardiologist…then can either reduce or change the drugs
3. Diet is very important are you overweight then lose some weight
4. Exercise see cardio nurse for advice
I will do that for sure, especially the pharmacist I do think they are great always helpful more helpful than my gp that’s for sure!
Awesome good luck plan to see pharmacist this week….after chat with pharmacist ask for drug review with cardiologist…act now…also check you don’t have Acid Reflux…you get a burning type sensation in eusopgagus…vagus nerve…check with pharmacist and doctor as This mimics HA…I remember first few years I went to A&E a few times….
So sorry you are going through this !! I think it's understandable to are stressed ..You are So young to have that happen.I wonder if your body is still adjusting to the drugs ?Your body might still remember the pain of your attack so might tense up?
Try to trust the Medics words as reassurance .
Can you make some time to actually relax your body and breathe? Sounds silly but you might not realize how your fear makes your body tense.
But always speak to someone, the cardiac nurses on BHF..your GP.
Also,I live in Lewisham and was eligible to go to cardiac rehab..?ask your GP if there is anything in your area?So good for building confidence, they monitor you while giving you simple exercise. You meet others who have similar experience.
That’s probably what it is Redbass all the side effects of the medications, but it’s getting the help to get this sorted, I did 3 weeks of rehab and then that’s when I started feeling rough and stopped going, I would imagine I’ve been taking off the books by the rehab team now, and not to mention cardiologists there’s a 8month waiting list! I live in Kent not very great for hospitals and doctors I’ve got to say, here’s a tablet see you later is there method.
After rehab they referred me to local gyms that continue support ..Sorry I cant help much, but is it worth enquiring through the cardio rehab team ? You def need more support for confidence ..and being with people who have similar probs..who need more overseeing if that makes sense...
Hi HammersI am eight weeks into recovery from a cbge3 although I spent 15 days in an induced coma due to my body reacting badly to the anaesthetic or having an infection which they never found out what it was. I had complete renal failure, pneumonia and a few other problems. After a further 26 days in hospital I was allowed home to begin my rehabilitation.
Like you I have found it a scary time in my life. Every pain in the chest you think something is horribly wrong but is possibly just the muscles in your body still in recovery mode.
I am struggling sometimes because my blood pressure goes haywire when I stand. The OT said she had never seen such a large difference in the readings between sitting and standing. I then had to wait a week to be properly assessed.
I was scared to stand, then scared to do the exercises and finally scared to go outside. Only by meeting these things head on have I managed to conquer my fears. I can still only walk with a frame or sticks but although I want to progress quicker I also know that the ward sister told me that as I was in a coma for so long my muscle wastage is really bad and she said it would be 200 days to get back to normality. I have had good and bad days like we all do in recovery but I know that without pushing myself within the bounds of reasonability and also listening to what my body is saying to me I would be making g matters worse.
Hopefully from the answers that others have provided you will be able to feel the inner strength to both push to get the answers from health professionals and also to try to take charge of your inner self and replace fear with a new determination.
I wish you well in your ongoing recovery.
Thank you for your reply, it’s not great to hear your going through things but it’s great to know I’m not alone and all the advice I’m getting on here seems to be the same and it is a massive boost! As I say I’ve basically been kicked of the boat and I need to swim to shore on my own, that’s what it feels like anyways, said a few times hospitals doctors in my area are just a here’s a tablet have fun see you later.
You have had an enormous shock, and the foundation of your world has been rocked, so don't beat yourself up for feeling like this.I think your best bet would be to get some definitive advice, starting with the British Heart Foundation cardiac nurses. The helpline number is 0300 330 3311. It's Mon to Fri, 9 to 5, they are really helpful, and you won't be the first to ask these questions and they won't be the last.
I would suggest the next people to talk to is Diabetes UK, sorry don't have their number to hand but you can easily find it. Talk to both about diet to get clear advice.
As for the pains and tingling, have a chat with your GP, see if he can set your mind at rest.
Thank you for the number I shall be giving them a call on Monday and maybe they can point me in the right direction! Diabetes uk is helpful but again most of it is going through the gp and as stated a few times my gp trying to get a appointment is a joke number 1 and number 2 is here’s a tablet off you go. But all the replies and help do make me feel better easy to say but it really does.
I'm glad you find the replies helpful, it is comforting to feel less isolated.Don't write off Diabetes UK, they're very understanding and helpful.
I first rang them donkeys years ago, my mother had been diagnosed in the US while visiting her sister. I didn't have a clue, and they were brilliant.
I've rung them a few times, most recently last year when my sister was desperately ill, nobody expected her to survive, partly due to the fact that she was treated for 14 years for for T2 diabetes when she actually had T1.
Both they and the BHF could possibly suggest questions to put to your GP, when you eventually get an appointment, that stops him just giving you a pill and encourages him to talk to you.
Thank you! Haven’t written any off just yet, will take on all advice!
Hi Craig When you make your appointment with your GP, emphasise that you are feeling very distressed, very anxious, and unable to cope - this should hopefully get you a face to face appointment quickly, as they'll realise that your mental health is very much involved.
Also, find your nearest MIND - there's probably a branch of it in your town (Google 'MIND' then the name of your town) - in my town they have a 'Warm Space' twice a week, where you can pop in for a cuppa and a chat. They should have a trained Counsellor there who will be able to get you help & advice with your financial worries, and your mental health.
With regards to your only liking peas & sweetcorn - in either a slow cooker or a large saucepan cook up assorted chopped veg (ie: onions, leeks, carrots, swede, celery, green cabbage, a ton of chopped tomatoes, add in a big handful of washed red lentils, and then cook using vegetable or chicken stock. When this is all tender, use a stick blender (NB: be very careful though as it is all very hot, and you don't want to get splashed with hot liquid !!) Alternatively, you could use a potato masher if you don't have a stick blender to blend it to a lovely nutritious wintery soup - as you get used to the delicious flavours, you might find that you need to blend it less each time you make a batch of it, as you'll get to enjoy the beautiful colours, flavours and textures 😋😋. If it's too thick when you've blended or mashed it, just add more stock or water to get it to the desired consistency. This will get you a good few portions of vegetables into your daily diet and you'll benefit greatly from it 🤩.
As has already been mentioned in previous replies, the BHF website is a good place for some tasty and healthy meals plans and recipe ideas 😊
Take care and best wishes x
Thank you for the advice, your not the first to mention the diet I shall be looking! Most of the ones I’ve looked at shocker you gotta pay monthly for, everything is just about money isn’t it! And most of them are just full of stuff I just can’t eat not wont just physicallly can’t swallow and will come straight back up! Happy to try blended food, surely the stock will mask the taste!
I'm sorry to hear that! You are so young and with diabetes. This call calls for major changes in diet, have you got input from dieticians?I would say that you are lucky it's been picked up and dealt with by the doctors, it will take time to get used to, but you have a good chance of sorting it out. Have you contacted the cardio rehab team?
Thanks for the reply, as stated before no dieticians have helped to be clear I feel no one has helped at all ( people who are supposed to anyways) just feel like I’ve been left alone to do what I want! Cardio rehab I did for 3 weeks had a attack of god knows what it was and haven’t been back since. And a cardiologist is a 8month waiting list and am still awaiting a appointment!
Hi Craig
So sorry you are on a journey you never expected to take. It’s a journey that’s shared in various degrees by everyone who reads or posts on this forum, so you are definitely not alone and will always find friendly advice and empathy here. It’s great that you have reached out. The stress is immense and can totally affect us physically as well as mentally. If your checks are coming back that all is okay, please try to believe that means that despite the way you feel right now and the recurrent pain/twinges (I had them too) that your body is healing & you are now on your journey to wellness. You really need to get on a Cardio Rehab course. That will totally ease your fears & worries on what is safe for you to do physically. As others have said though, if you can do it, just short walks outside as often as you can manage is a fantastic thing to begin with. I will get to have my first appointment with a cardiologist this March - nearly 12 months after my NStemi HA. I am in a good place now both physically and mentally but I had to start where you are now. Wishing you all the very very best, hope you get the appointments you need without too much delay and hope all the replies here have helped. 🥰
Totally agree with what you’ve said a lot of people have said about the exercise! As I said I know I’ve been lazy not doing anything for like 6-7months not for the fact I don’t want to but 1 the feeling of being hard gonnna happen and 2 most importantly getting out of bed without feeling like crap is a struggle enough, let alone getting up to exercise. But yesterday I bought a exercise bike and gonna start slowly with 30mins a day on that at my own pace and go from there!
Hang in there dear Hammers2705 Sending prayers best wishes and love
God bless you and keep you in the palm ofHis Hand
😊 seems you’re already mentally turning a corner Craig 👍. Don’t be overly ambitious though - the tortoise won the race!! ( I started my cycling doing 5 min sessions and built up slowly). Just listen to your body & be kind to yourself. Also after exercise you need rest. But you will get there. Promise.
Hi Craig,
You are doing the right things by getting your concerns off your chest, I had a quad bypass 6 years ago at 43, quick onset of unstable angina and a month later they had done the bypass luckily hadn’t had a heart attack.
The recovery took time and I’ll be honest the anxiety was hard to get to grips with but with time and beginning too understand how the new reality was in regards to exercise and how it and tiredness affected me I managed to turn that corner when I got to grips with the anxiety I felt personally some of my symptoms I was struggling with began to lessen.
The BHF are a really good source of information as said try and stay off google for looking at symptoms, what I did was kept a set of notes on my phone of what I was feeling when I had any pains or concerns and also how much I’d been working or exercising.
The diet has been hard but again I found some great recipes on the BHF site and find spending the time making stuff from scratch and knowing what exactly is in it help me out and was a way to destress as I felt I was involved in making positive changes. I also kept a food diary to see if anything I was eating was causing some of my symptoms and changed out stuff that did.
I don’t think I’ve been in as an acute position as yourself bud but hopefully my experience can help you out with yours.
Hi 👋 I'm so sorry for everything that's happened to you 😞 it's a lot to cope with. My experience isn't the same as yours but I understand the worry and fear. You don't expect to deal with these at such a young age 😔 I've been diagnosed with a leaky valve at aged 40. Luckily found by a very attentive GP who picked up a murmur. Just waiting for tests and hopefully a valve replacement. It's hard to explain how it feels to someone who hasn't experienced the same fears and worries.
Hi, I feel for you, I really do, I have had a journey the past 3 years with my heart culminating in a new valve fitted and a pacemaker. Still having issues with tachycardia so my consultant trying to work out the next steps. My medications all seem to interact and not always in a good way and now my blood pressure seems to be going a bit silly! I have lost 5 stone during this journey and walk every day but it doesn't stop the emotional rollercoaster ride of "what ifs". I think the emotional impact is far greater than some people realize. But I promise you, all of us here share your feelings and concerns and are right behind you. Well done for putting it out there, you have described how many of us feel and I thank you for that. Take care
In the end there is only you, your consultant and your God. The very worst place to get advice and support from is google - it is unregulated because it generates it's rubbish from the USA where anyone can say whatever they want, even if it is blatantly untrue. For real life advice, here is just about as good as any - however there is only you, your consultant and your God that actually know you.
Sounds like it is the doubts you have and the fears from what you may have read that are playing such a great part in your life. Your consultant has told you all is well and are on the correct meds.. Your God can help when you feel all alone for there can be great solace achieved from prayer and you must begin to trust what you are told by those that know you.
For my sins, I am type 2 diabetic but since I lost a lot of weight, I am able to live an almost normal life but do appreciate that type 1 is totally different and hope you are type 2. However, I was a born worrier and like you and after six years since my bypass and then pacemaker and being told "IF" I do what I have been advised to with meds and menu and exercise etc I will live a long life.
I still worry and still get groans, aches, pains, cramps, tingles, and every time it happens I just about "++++" myself. Then reality checks in and realise I did too much yesterday, been sat down for too long, eaten the wrong/too much food - you get what I mean. Finally - there is actually just one more player in the scenario that MUST be taken care of and that's your partner, for it would be a whole new ball game if you were on your own. Try walking a mile in their shoes and wonder what it could be like looking after you and how difficult you make it and how much you could help to make that burden lighter. One thing I do know, folk can get pretty tired of continually helping someone to get continual negatives back - you may have that in hand and I talk out of hand - sorry - but!
Last line - Its not how many years you have left to live that is important, it's the life in t he years that actually matter - go on and live your life and enjoy the gift you have been given. There are many people out there who are much worse, who would swap with you in the blink of an eye.
Sincere best wishes to you and yours,
sorry you feel so bad but as my dr said to me after sudden heart attack and heavy stenting “What you have been through is no small thing”! Just to know that he understood meant so much. Tell yr GP the way you have told us . I was getting weird pains across my chest and have discovered the cause was too much scrolling the internet! Just a thought. Leave yr phone down and get outside even for ten miniutes a day. Weather will be hopefully getting better. Good luck.
I think any kind of heart related illness brings along anxiety and a degree of PTSD. I self referred online to NHS Talking Therapies and did a CBT based mindfulness course which helped me deal with my health anxiety. You can also find lots of meditation videos online. Maybe ask your cardiologist about cardiac rehabilitation.
Hi there,
Although I am much older 67 when I had my heart attack and 3 stents I have experienced very similar problems. I was extremely worried by the chest pains and palpitations. Each tim e the hospital assured me I was ok but said not to ignore it.
I do not have a problem with diabetes but I have epilepsy. Firstly I created my own anxiety and on a couple of occasions panic attacks. I had the pains you describe, middle of chest, left side and tingling in the left arm. I got aches in the back when I walked. I became caffeine intolerant, and very sad about worrying my partner.
I can't say this will be an answer to your fears but I discovered it was the medication that caused the worrying symptoms, The GP's were pretty much unhelpful because I never saw the same doctor twice. So I took matters into my own hands.
I ignored the doom and gloom stuff on the net and started to reduce the medication slowly (after seeing a GP) Some of the GP's wanted to replace some medication with others I had to ignore their advice as each one made me worse.
Dizziness was dehydration for me, cure was obvious, some of the pains were the Statins, I had then changed and lowered. Tiredness was the drugs, lack of good sleep and anxiety.
I lost 3 stone, focused on exercise time just for me increased my walking steadily over 6 months and worked on building muscle to replace weight lost. I changed my clothes reinvented myself, grew a short beard (never had one) and even got a tattoo.!
It worked. I only take Aspirin and a small amount of Ramipril plus a Statin now and feel like a new man, I may be 70 but I feel pretty much like a 20 year old most times. The chest pain s have gone, I have nothing to give me anxiety and I feel so happy. I think happy I smile a lot now and people notice.
Try to find out which drugs are essential work on this and yourself, you have to feel you are doing something to get better. It may be part of the answer, Keep at it and don't worry about the pains, the Drs afre happy you are ok.
Good luck, I give my very best wishes.
hi I’m sorry your having such a hard time but you are on the right site most of us have had all the same feelings as you it’s been 3 years since my last HA but still get bad days with bad feelings and flash backs it but you are young you will feel better but don’t try to rush your heart has to heal so take your time and enjoy the good days you will enjoy your life again so one day at a time at the moment all the best wishes,
Hi Hammers,
I too had a heart attack and stent fitted. Back in 2021 age 48. I was very lucky as I was kept waiting for well over 4 hours by ambulance crews. Anyway, was rushed in and immediately, numerous blood clots removed and I was stented. Placed on critical care for one night the coronary care for a further 6 days. I can’t lie it scared the hell out of me. And initially so did the route back to normality. But with the direction of cardiac the care programme at my local hospital I did everything they said to the letter. So walk 30 yards up my road 1st week, 60yards 2nd week. The keep doubling up weekly. By early Jan 2 months in I was on an indoor bike albeit very cautiously. But doing the same doubling up of efforts weekly. Occasionally plateauing for 2 weeks then go again. I also did the cardiac rehab sessions weekly at the hospital. Very gentle exercises. It slowly builds progress and confidence week by week. Those guys are amazing. Have you not been given the opportunity to do any cardiac rehab? They listen to all your concerns and advise where necessary. So what I’m getting at is the slow progressive rehab. Yes it’s always like a step into the unknown but you have to trust the process. And at times be brave. 4 years on I still attend private HIIT classes held by my cardiac rehab nurses. With a bunch of other mostly older people who have been going for years. But outside of this I started cycling and barely 6 months after my heart attack I cycled Lincoln 262 sportive. 165 miles in around 9 hours, with friends from my local cycling club. And didn’t stop there. I cycle some of europes toughest sportives in the French Alps and even did a 200 miler last year in 13 hours.
Most nights I feel sensations in my chest and arms that worry me, and I have anxiety about any sensation that could be related to my heart, even regularly (mostly on evenings at rest) feeling palpitations but so far I’ve woken up every morning and cracked on.
My fitness within a cycling group of people that I know are very fit is what what tells me I’m ok. The ability to run a 5 or 6 mile trail run at less than 8 minute mile pace tells me I’m ok. My ability to climb 17000ft on a 110 mile bike ride in the alps in 9 hours tells me I’m ok. But still my head sometimes tells me I’m not. But you can’t let it paralyse you into doing nothing. You have what’s left of this 1 life and you’re still young. Start the process, step by step you will do more. And when you’ve reached a 5 or 10k walk don’t stop there. I have a stent, some residual heart disease and in August last year I was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. So I’m also on daily chemo until I leave this place. But I refuse to let it stop me. You can’t let this heart attack and all the mental baggage defeat you. I have also seen a guy at my club go from having a quadruple heart bypass and thinking it’s the end to being back out on his bike albeit an e-bike but riding 40 or 50 miles of challenging off road. And he’s in his mid 60’s.
You can let this defeat you! You can do it. Speak to your local cardiac rehab team and start to turn yourself around. It’s never too late.
Need some advice please
Dizziness
Scared after Heart Attack and 3 Stents
Need some advice Re Angina
