Heart Attack Support Group

I am overwhelmed at the people that want to help here. I wish I found this support group sooner. Your feelings are quite normal, and were similar to mine, My MI was nearly a year ago now, and believe me, it does get better.

My husband had a major heart attack 5 years ago (almost lost him) and got a stent and ICD. He became depressed and has been a changed man since. Last August he had a second, smaller heart attack w/angioplasty while on vacation. Came home to a second heart cath so his card. could be sure all was well. He had pancreatitis on Thanksgiving and they found a kidney problem, since solved with surgery. He was 'downsized' in March...we think as a direct result of his health problems, even though it was with a group of several others at his company. There was no 'discrimination' recourse because of the economy. 6 weeks later he had an 'unstable angina' attack. So, of course - he is depressed. The problem I have is 'what do I do'? He rebuffs my attempts at help. The anger comes at me. He is trying to start a business; but, I feel the depression hampers him working a full day every day. He finally admitted he is depressed and said 'we' need to call our doctor this week. I think he might still have some stomach/heart problems and would like him to get a full body check-up. I have told him though that HE has to choose this and make the appointment. My family thinks I should just make the appointments for him and make him go. I am tired of fighting his depression for him. I think, like an alcoholic, that HE needs to take the lead and get the help he needs. Any ideas?

I understand your feelings. After 3 1/2 months of recovery I just found this place. I wasn't willing to look for help before now. I have been very depressed because I died twice and am still so exhausted because my body was already weak from kidney failure 2 days before.

I encourage you to stay focused and remain on your meds. Knowing about your condition and following your health plan arms you with power. Hold on to that power no matter what. I let go of the reins to my Pain Specialist and that's why I had kidney failure and a heart attack.

I have dealt with up and down depression since my attack on 5/30/09. From what I have learned, it is common in heart attack victims, and can cause another attack. You may want to talk to your DR, I finally did and I am hoping the new mild med (low dose) I just started will help me.

Depression is very common and I cried a lot after I came home from the hospital. I take Wellbutrin (an antidepressant) and Xanex (for anxiety) and they have helped me quite a bit. My PCP and I plan to stop the Xanex in a month or two, but I'll probably be on the Wellbutrin forever. I started on it a few years ago before my mom died.

Talk to your cardi about depression and anxiety. I think the medical community sees so much of this that they don't give it much thought, so they don't think to talk to you about it.

I had my HA 12/20/06 and I experienced all the feelings you mentioned. Prior to my surgery the only medication I took was for allergies. I suffered with major depression -- I felt that my life was over. How wrong I was -- sure I had to make some adjustments; however, I have a new prospective on life -- I travel more, attend church regularly, volunteer, and encourage others by sharing my testimony and thank God every day. You are blessed to still be here -- change your thinking and you can change your world. Continue rehab it played a big role in my recovery. Also, seek therapy it can really help through the rough times. You've been through a great deal -- give yourself some time to recover. Instead of saying your "damaged Goods" use positive affirmations -- I'm a survivor -- this too shall pass - I'm healed -- I'm whole -- the latter shall be greater than the past -- thank God for a second chance -- Believe me it's not over and it does get better!

this is hard on all of us i had mine on 11-06-09 9 days before my sons 13th birthday i have times where i dont want to do anything i dont want to be alone i was shocked 6 times the first 4 days were pure hell i came homefrom the hosp started checking web sites found ds and i cant begin to tell u how much it has helped me when i get up i get on for a couple hrs when im feeling bad i get on there is somebody always willing to help say a couple prayers when your having tough times you can always count on anyone on ds we are alive every tim your down tell yourself that if you need to talk i get on a lot look me up im here for u your in my ptayers

I have discovered just today, how much we heart attack survivors have in common. The key word is survivor, and there must be a great reason why we did survive. I have also felt like why bother with tomorrow, just freaking get it over with because the worry and fear is overwhelming to my state of mind. The anger and the depression is crazy, and no one seems to understand. My daughter tried to give me a chat about how I should not feel so negatively. I snapped I am feeling sorry for myself and I think I am entitled! we're grieving, because we could've died and that's a terribly scary thought and frightening experience we have gone through. You are not over the hill! You are as young as you feel., so allow your self to feel 25, you deserve it. I am praying for you.