When should you stop Googling?

[Welshladder]

My partner suffered what I now know to be a VT Cardiac Arrest last Wednesday. I can't stop googling it now and most of the information is quite negative. He seems quite positive. I myself am worrying about everything, it happening again, his life expectancy again from Google all seems negative. My Mum died 5 years ago and from then I have suffered quite badly with anxiety, I just want to bury my head head in the sand and hope it goes away. I know we have come out of this much better than a lot of people who have survived a Cardiac Arrest and I know I should look at the positives but the whataboutary is eating me up

[sturon]

Hi again. I replied to you earlier post. I am glade you now know what caused your husbands SCA. As you may recall it is 5 years since I was in exactly the same position as you are now, with a young husband having had a cardiac arrest and survived. I found it took many months to settle after he came home. Looking back I think I was suffering from post traumatic shock. I am usually a calm and in control person, but I found I was constantly on edge, not helped by the fact that he too was, naturally, very anxious.

Given the nature of your husband's cardiac arrest you may find they suggest an implanted cardioverter/defibrillator. My hubby had one implanted and we see this as his personal paramedic. It constantly monitors the hearts rhythm and should it detect VT or VF it would initiate a shock. This gives me peace of mind that he is safe. Fortunately, it has never been needed in the 5 years he has had this.

One suggestion I would make is talk to a professional. The nurses at the BHF, your GP and most certainly ask to talk to a cardiologist before he is discharged. The trouble with Dr Google is you tend to read things and always look for the negative things (the what if things). The professionals will look at the positive outcome you have had.

After 5 years and the pandemic we are restarting life again with lots planned for 2023. Believe me things will get better for you just give it time, but also seek help right now.

Please let us know how you get on.

[Hidden]

Hello KimboCian, it must be a worrying time for you, understandably, at the moment. The shock, what ifs, and wondering how to move forwards are totally normal. You are not alone. You may like to read some of the Patient Stories on our website, I think Lionel's story here: heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/... may resonate with you and hopefully give you some comfort and hope. Please feel free to contact our patient services team: heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/... if you would like someone to talk to, we are more than happy to help.