Out of the blue...

My husband is an absolute Yorkshireman and never went to the doctor for anything. He's 64. Two weeks ago whilst doing the Sunday lunch he loves to make, he collapsed on the kitchen floor.

It took two and a half hours for an ambulance to arrive thanks to a Paramedic who refused to come out and check what was going on (she also recommended that he saw his doctor the next day and got out of hours doctors to call us!). When the fantastic Ambulance crew arrived they found that his blood pressure had tanked through the floor and they put the pads on him and found that he was having a heart attack.

He was blue lighted to James Cook, straight into the cardiolab and had a stent fitted.

Home in two days, tons of leaflets and pamphlets and pills.Total shock and lifestyle changes which he dealt with well for a few days.

He's self employed, Yorkshire and stubborn! He's doing all of the right things, but is bored and driving me insane!

[pinnelli]

He'll be fine, just give it time. Consider yourself lucky. However make sure his stubbornness is put to focus on recovery not denial. Depending on circumstance he should be able to live near normal life going forward.

Tell him I was 46 last summer, very fit into outdoor pursuits and big cyclists. I had cardiac arest out on bike. Over 20mins CPR, air ambulance etc. The shock and impact hit me hard but I'm slowly returning to thing I love.

[Adc1960]

I know how you feel. Luckily I managed to get my husband to Airedale General myself in about 15 mins. His happened during the night. He didn't collapse it was the pain which woke him. I asked what the matter was and told him to get dressed NOW. I am so glad that I'm a light sleeper.

Keep safe , x

[Andyman]

Well being bired is better than what could of happened. Has he been told to start walking? If so get him doing it.

[Karenpr]

Hi, hang in there. My 62yr old husband had a cardiac arrest when we were out early on a Sunday morning. He spent time in ICU, had a stent, discovered he was diabetic as well. It takes time for them to realise they are not invincible and that they have to rely on someone else to help. Get him out walking, we were told 10mins a day to start building to 30mins by a month at which point he should be slightly out of breathe but able to hold a conversation. If it's raining take him to the local shopping mall (covered) and have lunch and a coffee. Take him there anyway to get out of the house.

Go out with your girl friends, take care of yourself. There are lots of wives on this forum in the same boat and we are all here for you and your husband.