Hello I'm female, 57 and had a HA, arrest and stent fitted on Sunday. Still in hospital.
I've had anxiety and depression in the past and I'm worried that my tendency to lean that way might hamper my recovery. I'm very weepy at the moment and feel totally overwhelmed with everything, meds, lifestyle changes, stopping smoking.
Just wanting some pearls of wisdom and someone to tell me I can do it and that this isn't the end of my life as I know it.
Thank you.
Hi
I had HA out of the blue aged 58 and it is terrifying so I really do sympathise with you.
But…. you are still here, and you must try to consider yourself to be one of the lucky ones. You were given your stent and given another chance at life. It’s now completely up to you to make the most of it and it’s all within your control! If you adapt your lifestyle, stop smoking as you say (very well done) take any medication you are given, exercise daily (this is really important for your physical and mental health) then you have the potential to live a long and normal life.
Don’t get me wrong, what has happened to you is very very frightening, but your glass is half full if you really want it to be. And don’t forget, there are lots of us on this forum who wish you well, and will be here to offer you support every step of the way. You really are not alone.
Take good care of yourself.
Thank you so much, really felt like I'd made a positive step signing into this group and your reply has encouraged me.
I keep getting told to take it a day a time, but it's not a skill I'm very good at
Hi
It’s a skill which most of us on here have had to learn. Like you, I wasn’t good at taking it one day at a time and wanted it all ..NOW! But it’s a skill you will learn honestly. You really are one of the lucky ones. Just think of people who you have known in your life who weren’t given a chance like you’ve had! Make the most of it. You’ve taken your first steps, you’ve quit smoking, you’ve signed up to this forum. Massive steps! You are on your way now, so just keep going xxx
Hey I am 12 weeks on from the same event as you HA arrested 5 times and have had a stent in my RCA it was blocked i too have been where you are you will get days why me and you will get most days of being thankful I am still here to tell the tale I am having therapy and doing cardio rehab which is helping I stopped drinking stopped smoking lost 3 sone and walk every day it really is a journey you will get there talk to the nurses and family and friends there is a group on fb called Sudden cardiac arrest uk there are lots of people on there as well as here that will help you
Most important is be kind to yourself you will get there 🥰🥰🥰
Went off and found the group, thank you.
I have anxiety and depression (currently on escitalopram and lamotrigine). While I didn't have a heart attack, I did have open heart surgery to repair one heart valve and replace another. Yes, I had some weepy moments afterwards, but if anything I think my past mental health issues made me more cognisant of what they were and that they would pass.
On the positive side, it's a pretty good wake-up call for the changes you might want to make. It certainly puts a different perspective on things and gives you a new-found urgency.
Good luck! You can do this.
Thank you. Had a chat with the junior doctor today and she really emphasised tackling one thing at a time which has helped. First the cigarettes!
You were lucky as your still here and are getting treatment.well done giving up smoking.verybrave and it's normal to feel depressed after such a shock.take all medical advice and there's the British heart foundation help line to call too to speak to a nurse I believe.
Hi , sorry to hear what has happened to you. It’s such a shock trying to come to terms with it all and wondering how your life will be going forward. The same happened to me last July. Had Ha and arrested in A/E waiting room.Be assured we are all here to support you and each other, there is lots of great advice and information from people who know exactly what you,re going through and it helps to take the worry away.
I hope you get the chance to go on cardio rehab classes they are very good and that’s where you will really start your recovery process. It will give you the confidence and strength to start to rebuild your health with expert advice on hand.
We all want to get back to how we were before but it takes time so be prepared to have up and down days and give your heart and body chance to recover and getting used to the medications. Your body and mind is just in the healing stage at the moment. Take care, rest as much as you need to. Better days are on their way 💐🌷😊
Thank you. Sat waiting in the discharge lounge, waiting for my meds and letter. Slightly terrified about going home to be honest.
But, I said yes to the rehab and I think the rehab nurse said the cardio class starts next month.
Saying yes to everything they offer as I'm struggling with it all mentally.
My GP practice have also set up a session with psychologists for people who have just been diagnosed with something. It's online, so I think I'll sign up for that too.
Hi I had ha suddenly at 49 even gp didn’t think I was having one til blood test it was biggest shock for me and my family I felt worried panicked about every ache pain and almost a year to overcome the fear my family helped me i cant change wh happened but enjoy everyday and I’m blessed i survived the ha and travel and try not to stress its been over five years although sometimes i do worry but what will happen will so don’t worry you will always overcome this think positive instead of feeling depressed try do things that u enjoy u got a second chance after the ha it’s not the end it’s a beginning
Thank you, I definitely think it's the mental side I'm struggling with at the moment. It's like the rug has been completely pulled out from under my feet just now.
Hi Clack53, I know you certainly can do it , it’s going to take time and acceptance. I can understand how you feel. The physical elements you can work on with initial guidance and hopefully the mental aspects too. I had nstemi heart attack after a yoga class , was fit and strong , ended up with quadruple bypass , stenting not possible. The shock of diagnosis ( I thought it was trapped wind 🤦🏼) and being told after angiogram that I’d be having at least triple CABG was enormous. I cried like a baby a few times while in hospital . I felt that I’d let everyone down . I’m sure I had (have) a touch of PTSD post event . I couldn’t watch certain things on tv , reacted differently to sudden noises , became very calm in situations where people were screaming in panic.. quite weird. But I did the rehab classes , realised how well off I was compared to most of the other patients. I set goals , bucket lists , made little changes to my nutrition, started making my own breads ( way less or no salt/sugar) , kept on top of my meds ( changed statin 3 times) and took responsibility for my stats ( lipids,blood pressure , resting heart rate) and got involved with this forum for support, knowledge and advice. Thoroughly enjoying my rebirth and accepting what has happened. I hope you can too.
This quote resonated with me, I’m enjoying the changes I’ve made and love my second life.
We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.
Confucius
That is a lovely quote!
My HA started while ironing - so no loss if I give that up!
Both times I woke up when in bed last night, the first thing I saw was the wall of the ambulance that I saw after I started coming round after my arrest - very scary and unsettling. I'm hoping it will settle.
I've cried so much since Sunday, but first morning back at home and I did the relaxation as part of my rehab programme and it did help a little. More practice needed I think. Will try a little walk with my aged dog, she's very slow and doesn't like going far which is probably good for me.
Sounds like a great plan, I couldn’t walk my dog for a while , had to go solo until my chest wound and sternum were healed . Keep chipping away 👍🏻 I’m back doing everything now , event was July 2023. Now running 5k & swimming 2-3 times each a week. Had a total hip replacement in October .. they’re rebuilding me 🤦🏼🤣🤣. Got running club this morning, lovely group of oldies 🤣🤣🤣
First slow little walk with aged dog. 0.21 km, 284 steps. Was terrified but took it very slowly.
Wondering if it's just me but I seemed to be only comfortable with moving very slowly.
Also had my first shower since Sunday. Hadn't noticed the bruising on my chest until today.
Out of the blue congential heart disease diagnosis - anyone else with a similiar story?
Unstable on my feet post HA
Feeling reflective after my 2nd HA
Year on from HA and stents
My take on the Nhs
