I recently suffered a cardiac arrest , to my good fortune it occured in the waiting area at A&E.I have now been diagnosed with Ventrial Tachycardia, and have received both a implanted cardio device, and various medications. Am now three week post ICD and 5 weeks post CA. I'd be greatful to hear the advice of any one who has had a similar experience. My main problem at the moment is depression and a lot of anxiety, also. I know I need to start doing gentle exercise, but to be honest I feel quite frightened.
Thanks you for your kindness and understanding.
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Pilnitzer
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Hi , I'm sorry to hear you are still struggling but it is early days. Everything I said and others in your first post still stand. Anxiety is my companion too and has to be managed!I wondered how the support was going, you mentioned good friends etc. When you are back in circulation it's easy for everyone to think you are moving on. It's also easy not to keep bothering everyone with your story or anxiety. It's hard for people to understand.
I think exercise is a good starting point and it can be very uplifting at this time of year. There is so much birdsong and it's also great to see plants and trees come back to life. On a walk, after a life changing event, you can be privileged by not taking simple things for granted. You can notice detail much more.
Are you driving or temporarily suspended? Have you used public transport. Catch a bus or a train to somewhere nearby that you normally wouldn't go to.
If you are exercising take onto account your recent event and any other health issues you may have. Exercise is any sort of movement.
Take a look at the NHS Couch to 5k section. Before you consider how you might approach exercise they have some simple warm up, movement routines on video. They are very good.
Start with short walks, maybe 15 minutes at first and gradually build up to 30 minutes over say 4 weeks. It just depends what you're starting point is.
I find recording all my exercise very rewarding. There are several phone bases GPS apps that you can record walks for example. I use Strava. It measures distance, pace, elevation as well as recording your route. ZEPP is another app that works with Amazon's Amazfit smart watches which are very good at a competitive price and functionality when compared with more established brands.
After my SCA I actually started going walkabout out of the. CCU, I said I was going to the toilet then slipped out of the ward ! I recorded all my hospital walks on Strava! I did get found out, told off (very rewarding to be told off by a nurse!) but eventually tolerated. I had set times and routes. Going to the hospital cafe for a proper coffee was bliss! But I knew I had to keep moving.
But understanding what exercise is permissable is a challenge, and I have had little advice , well no advice, in the first 12 months. I have my check up tomorrow in a new hospital with a new team, and it's a question I intend to ask.
I use a smart watch. Even the best watches are unreliable. They give a continuous instant HR so if you have any irregularities in your heart beat PVC's for example you might get wildly elevated peak readings because two beats came in rapid order.
I have asked about this and have been told my peak HR has never exceeded a concerning rate or set off my ICD. So I use my watch as a general indication.
I have started running but go very slowly and limit my HR to 140 peak. I find the initial adrenaline sets it off a bit racy even having warmed up. So walk until it drops back, then off again.
Recording your exercise enables you to take stock. You'll see how much your activity builds up. It gives a focus and you'll often notice over a few weeks how your pace picks up without trying. You can see your fitness building up. I take photos too. I link up with local Facebook groups for wildlife and walking and if I get a good picture I post it. The other day I spotted a seal in the Solent. The first I have seen in 4 years of this regular walk. I managed to get a grainy video and let others know.
All this is of course helping my mental health, it's distracting and rewarding. Stuff I didn't used to do. It's amazing as you build up to the recommended 8000 steps a day.
I could go on and on and on....
ALWAYS EXERCISE AT A CONVERSATIONAL PACE
EXERCISE SHOULD NEVER INVOLVE PAIN - THE MANTRA IS NO PAIN NO PAIN!
And from Parkwalk/Parkrun:
ITS A RUN NOT A RACE
And as ever I keep looking for the chinks of light
Thank you for your very informative reply, your right about being mindful and measured when beginning exercise after a sca. I've got an appointment on Monday with the cardio rehabilitation team at my local hospital, I'm sure they will give me good advice and guide me.In relation to driving I've been told I can't drive for 6 months so the car is parked up on the drive way.
Am thinking of getting a little motorbillity scooter to get out and about when the weather improves.
I realise I'm at the start of a long journey back to a more normal life, but here goes. This group is a great help and people like who share their experience and advice are exemplary.
I think the scooters may be like walking sticks. There's a tendency to become reliant on them, even when you don't need them. Something to watch out for perhaps 🤔
The car may become a source of frustration and mood. Although I had the 6 month suspension it was nearly 9 months before it was returned and winter had set in. I think this has contributed significantly to my ongoing anxiety.
Yes even six months is a long time , but I'm going to compli, because of the nature of my sudden cardiac arrest, lt came from nowhere really no chest pain or any other symptoms. I woke up 24 hour later, so driving is definitely of the agenda.Thanks for listening.
aww just want to say sorry to hear about your anxiety and depression which in my mind is understandable. I think any illness reminds us how fragile and broken we are as human beings. Try and keep things in a day. Worrying only makes things worse easier said than done I know but when you’re going through hell keep going. This too shall pass. Who knows what’s around the corner, but life has taught me we can do what we can do and leave the rest. I wish you peace and healing🙏
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