Life is good.

[Walker53]

I am a woman who at 61 years of age had a heart attack on my first day of retirement. I woke up and had heaviness and aching in both arms, plus pain in my shoulder, neck and jaws. I have been aware of the different symptoms of heart attacks for women. I lost my father at age 45 to a heart attack and my mother had one at the age of 76 but survived with bypass surgery. I didn't want to believe this was happening so I went about doing a few things around the house. But after à couple hours (yes, hours) I called my husband home from work. I have never done this before in the 41 years we have been married. He brought me to the clinic where I go for my health care. We saw a Doctor almost right away. I explained my symptoms and also filled him in on the fact that I had the flu shot the day before and could I possibly be having a reaction to it. He asked me some questions and did a very brief exam. I spoke up and told him I was also very concerned it could be my heart with my family history. He was satisfied in his mind that I was probably having a reaction to the flu shot and was going to send me on my way with benadryl and an inhaler. Again my husband and I asked if this could be cardiac related. Very unlikely was his response. I looked at my husband and said I think I should have an EKG while I am here. Oh...the Dr. said , you want an EKG? We can do that! As soon as his nurse got me hooked up and saw the screen, she hurried out to get him. And of course, I was having a heart attack. They hustled me to the ER, and within 5 minutes I had a cardiac arrest. They shocked me back and transferred me to a Twin Cities hospital where I had a stent placed. I recovered well after having a subsequent stent 10 days later. It was a very scary experience for me and my husband and our two daughters. It has been 15 months and I am feeling well. I struggle with staying as active as I should be and it seems hard to keep weight off. But every day I thank God that I am still alive to enjoy my grandchildren and family and friends.

[AnnyD]

Hello,

It really does not give us faith in these G Ps we visit does it?

If a different person had been in your situation they would not be here to tell the tale. I am very pleased that you have recovered to be happy with your precious family.Goodluck.x

[Joeicd]

I had heart failure at 60 it was just after I had the flu jab and like you I thought it was a reaction to it but after a spell in and no better my wife talked me into going to doctor it was a Sunday night and normal surgery was closed, the receptionist was very off putting nasty person but as soon as the doctor saw me and did the test he sent me to hospital where I spent the next 8weeks I was very ill during that time and close to death several times with a very low heart rate they put an I c d implant in me to assist the heart,now almost 11months later the pain in my left arm and shoulder is just beginning to subside I'm now starting to look forward a bit more and hope this recovery continues

[Andyman]

Deep down I think you knew you were having a heart attack. I was the same, could not admit I was having one. But don't go to GPs for this ring 999.

[clajac]

I just had my second heart attack :-(. First one 5 years ago presented as normal heart attack. My last one was interesting - had very sensitive teeth on left side for several weeks and on day of attack felt just a dull ache in right side of chest/back. As women, we must be vigilant about any type of discomfort. Good for you and your husband for advocating for yourself!!! I too feel very blessed (surviving 2 heart attacks and a stroke). Every single day is a wonderful experience for me! I don't take even a minute for granted any more! I try to walk 25-30 miles per week (I LOVE walking) and though I eat relatively healthy I'm looking in to Dean Ornish's proven and researched diet that improves heart health - just not sure I can be that rigid with food intake. So far, I've simply tried to cut out sugar and most carbs and eat fruit, veggies and a little wild caught fish. I've lost 10 pounds since last attack and need to loose another 10-15. I don't have any of normal risks, so I'm thinking change in diet may do the trick for me. I'm 64 and planning to live a long life!