Likely NSTEMI heart attack

[Dredd2000ad]

I’m sitting in my local hospital waiting to be admitted after a suspected NSTEMI heart attack- I honestly thought I had gastritis from taking too much ibuprofen for a smashed tooth. I’m completely devastated, 47 and in reasonable health with 3 young kids. My mind is going overtime

[Ericasuncle]

Hi. I’m not sure what help I can be, but I am slightly ahead of you on this journey as I am the same age and I had my heart attack on the 19th Dec 2020. In my case I was in hospital for four days, had two stents and I’ve spent the last 6 weeks recovering at home.

Like you, I thought I had heartburn or a gastric issue and I was gobsmacked that it was a heart attack. I nearly didn’t go to the hospital as I was sure it was nothing serious. The paramedic did an ECG and it came back normal but suggested I go to hospital to get a blood test. I drove myself to AE (reluctantly as I was worried about COVID) and expected to be home with some antacid in a few hours. It wasn’t until the A&E doctor said ‘at least your still here’ that I realised it was serious. It was a strange situation having somebody break the news that I had had a heart attack. No cardiac arrest, no crushing pain, no loss of consciousness, no blue lights. I think I was in some kind of denial for a day or so. I was a healthy man a few hours earlier. I felt silly been pushed around in a chair at the hospital, I felt out of place in a ward with much older people. I wondered what my life would be like from now on, etc. I expect your the same? However you're feeling, it’s your natural way. Probably best to see it as a process your mind and body will go through.

Anyway, I could prattle on, but I now realise I was very lucky. The heart attack was my warning, the blockages have been dealt with, I realise I can return to a pretty normal lifestyle. Some changes, some drugs, some knowledge and some adjustments and I can move forward.

However those first few days were a real mix of emotions as I dealt with the bombshell news. I would recommend speaking to as many people as you can. My cardiologist was happy to take time and chat at the bedside, the ward sister did the same. Also, chatting to other patients in my ward helped me ground myself, understand what was happening and get a sense of perspective. I wanted to know everything that had happened and was going to happen. I accept that not everyone will be the same, but it helped me get back to the real world.

My only advise is to let your mind and body do their thing. It’s normal to panic, cry, be angry, scared, etc. You’re more adaptive than you realise.

Hope you get sorted.

[Dredd2000ad in reply to Ericasuncle]

Thank you for your kind words. I’m on the acute cardiac unit at the minute, just had lots of positive news- echo is ok, bloods “aren’t bad” just need to wait for an angio to see if there’s anything needing to be done other than “some tablets” Stopped crying mid afternoon yesterday, so that’s a bonus. Me and my wife have never been apart so that’s been a shock too. The really odd thing is that I actually feel ok, like I’d be at work normally!

[Ericasuncle in reply to Dredd2000ad]

That all sounds very positive and very familiar. The first couple of days in hospital were the worst as you’re in an alien place, knowing very little about what happened and what’s next. From now on you will learn more. It allowed me to settle as I become more understanding and accepting and realised where i could get help. Also, been apart from my wife and not been allowed visitors was difficult for me too. But try and look on the bright side, at least you don’t have to listen to other people’s visitors prattle on, eat crisps and slurp coffee. Hopefully the angiogram can get sorted quickly. For me, they found 3 blockages and decided to put in 2 stents while I was on the table. I was out the same day.

Over the last 6 weeks I’ve found it difficult to know where my limits are. Because I didn’t have a huge episode and I’ve felt reasonably well, I can’t work out if I’m over or under doing my exercise. I’m also hyper aware of any chest pain. You will probably have a cardiac rehab team to help you with this. I have had regular video calls from the cardiac physio to touch base. I would recommend asking for something similar. Also, they may have a psychologist that they work with. I was offered this too. Don’t be afraid to ask for all the help you need.

Good luck with the angiogram.

[Hidden]

Hi. I am on the same journey as you. I had an NSTEMI last December and only thought I was suffering another high blood pressure spike. When I got to hospital and they did blood tests and ECG and told me I’d had a heart attack I couldn’t believe it. No pain, nothing. I had all the tests in hospital, angiogram showed only small arteries furring which needed only meds. I came home after 7 days in hospital with what seemed like a wheelbarrow full of pills!

I found adjusting to the pills and side effects quite difficult but things are slowly settling down now. I lack confidence in my own health and body now and stress over the slightest chest pain. Rehab check in once a week and I am now trying to get into an exercise routine but it’s not been easy with the weather but I am getting there and learning to listen to my body.

I have found everyone on here is so helpful and supportive and by reading other people’s experiences I know there is life after a heart attack.

Hope you get sorted.

[Dredd2000ad in reply to Hidden]

I’m still an in-patient but I’m waiting for an angiogram before I can go home (not done at the hospital I’m in). All my bloods and tests are “ok” so I think this is one of those “warnings” that tubby middle aged men get, no make them eat better and exercise more. Fingers crossed anyway. I’m off monitoring and was allowed a shower yesterday that really took the wind out of my sails. I was shattered after a simple task. I’d felt absolutely fine, like I’d probably be at work, but I’ve sat on bed rest just walking 10m to the toilet for the previous few days. I also feel like nobody is giving me guidance for the future. Nobody has popped in with my copy of “heart attacks for dummies”, and I’m loathe to ask google🙄

[Hidden in reply to Dredd2000ad]

Hi there. I remember the shower- totally wiped me out! I used to get frustrated in hospital when other HA patients were up and about and I just about had the energy to walk to the toilet and back! My angiogram was also done in another hospital and showed only a couple of small arteries furred so it was decided to treat it with meds. Cardio Rehab didn’t get in touch for 4-5 weeks because of Xmas and new year and because of COVID, they are only telephone calls. I too try not to consult google- it doesn’t help, but I am slowly learning to listen to my body but i don’t always find it easy.

I am getting there and do try to get out for a walk each day , weather permitting of course! I certainly feel a lot better now and hope you will get there soon too.

😊

[Chesterchops]

Had the same 26th Jan 2019, age 57 two years ago now could have walked into hospital felt unwell but no idea I was having a heart attack, complete shock, had two stents then 7 days later another two stents, talk about mind games and google, thought that was it, time up.

Anyway the hospital, Bath RUH were fantastic and eventually after resting for two months did the rehab sessions at the hospital which were a great help mentally. Physically I felt good, just mind games for a good prob 8 months. Im active not overweight always played a lot of sport and now back into Golf, Walking Football, Swimming. I don't think your mind will ever let go but you come to learn your limits. The hospital did a heart stress test after 6 months as I worried about how far I could push myself in sport. TBF that gave me confidence to push on and reach a level which was challenging but achievable.

Also I do eat a little more carefully and drink in moderation as they say but my main problem was work stress (Office Based). After going back to work full time I realised this was the main issue and now retired and feel so much better for making that decision all be it a very difficult one. Sorry to waffle on, I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best going forward.

[Dredd2000ad]

Finally moved to the larger hospital, angio planned for Monday. Just to muddy the waters, it look like I’ve managed to acquire an infected gall bladder this week too🙄one thing at a time please🤷🏼‍♂️🤣on the plus side, the new medical team seem very switched on and proactive which has put me at a little more ease.