Heart Attack Support Group
Heart attack is a serious, sudden heart condition usually characterized by varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias, sometimes causing loss of consciousness. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted, causing death and scarring of the local heart tissue.
3 wks ago I had a MI caused by a completely blocked left anterior artery. I received angioplasty with one stent, which removed a clot.
A few days ago an ultrasound showed a clot still in my heart. I am taking blood thinner, ace inhibitor, cholestrol drug, lipitor, and now cumadin to stop new clots from forming,
An echocardiogram shows that my left ventricle is not pumping blood the way it should. The cardiologist said it is early and the left ventricle may recover and be more productive.
The doc said the meds will not dissolve the clot, but should stop new ones from forming. As for the clot, there is the hope that it will not break apart or away, but might be 'walled off' by the surrounding heart muscle and be less dangerous.
The doc said I could return to my desk job soon, because working will not increase the chances of the clot 'going rogue'. The doc said I should not be exercising now due to the clot, but in a few months if a test shows the clot is stabilizing, then that would be a good thing.
Jay
A few days ago an ultrasound showed a clot still in my heart. I am taking blood thinner, ace inhibitor, cholestrol drug, lipitor, and now cumadin to stop new clots from forming,
An echocardiogram shows that my left ventricle is not pumping blood the way it should. The cardiologist said it is early and the left ventricle may recover and be more productive.
The doc said the meds will not dissolve the clot, but should stop new ones from forming. As for the clot, there is the hope that it will not break apart or away, but might be 'walled off' by the surrounding heart muscle and be less dangerous.
The doc said I could return to my desk job soon, because working will not increase the chances of the clot 'going rogue'. The doc said I should not be exercising now due to the clot, but in a few months if a test shows the clot is stabilizing, then that would be a good thing.
Jay
I'm sorry to hear about the unsettling news you're facing about having a blood clot in your heart. It seems like the medications you're on have the best possible chance of keeping you safe and well, to allow the situation to resolve itself. It must be somewhat frustrating that you can't exercise, but hopefully you'll be able to begin doing so in a few months as your docs described.
Hmmm . . . going back to your desk job? Depending on the nature of your job and workplace, I imagine it could be a good distraction from your day-to-day anxiety about your medical situation. On the other hand, if it's a stressful or hostile workplace, it may be good to give yourself more time, if you have the benefits to accommodate that.
Please let us know how your progress goes, and hopefully, we will be hearing that your heart walled off this clot, and that your medical situation is becoming safer. Sue
Hugs and prayers,
Pam
These two young lady's are part of the welcoming committee and have been integral in my recovery form both my heart attacks. I am known to bring other ways of thinking just to lighten your load or to give you a different perspective.
A blod clot? Scary stuuf eh? Lodged in you heart. This may sound like I am playing down the severity of this clot but given the somewhat nonchalant tenor of your cardiologist it sounds like this clot may be lodged in a coronary artery which won't impact the heart function too much. If this clot is totally occluding the artery there is very little good it will do to heroically remove it coz the damage has already been done. So say it dislodges. It really has nowhere to go coz your coronary arteries are dead end feeders unlike some others which work in a closed loop. I believe the coumadan regimen is to prevent a choice environmnet for other clots to form which could be more embolically significant like a pulmonary or cerebral embolism which could be fatal if not life altering. So it being caught in the arterial mass of the heart is, pretty much, best case scenario. Sort of "Let sleeping dogs lie". But I guess you had a wakeup call and can move past this trying to be healthiest you, you can be.
The good people here and their recocery successes are contagious, and I hope you catch this contagion and also enjoy a healthier you. Mind the psychological aspect of this experience also. Depression may set in with out an invitation and you will have an unwanted guest knawing at you. Talking with a good therapist will most always see you on a good path to at least cope with the situation and better prepare you to champion your recovery hurdles.
But all in all Jay you sound upbeat and a positive attitude will render great reward as you labor on to a new you. Thanks for sharing with us, and I hope and pray for your speedy recovery. It would be super if you could keep us informed as to your process. The newby's keep our memories green and keep us on the staright and narrrow path of recovery.
Best Regards,
Just Joe
The clot concern is that it may dislodge and travel to the brain - not ideal.
Hopefully that will not happen. It will be good to get back to work; I like what I do & it is better than watching more Hoda & Kathie Lee G.
I have a good workplace; I go to court several times a month but I have been doing that for years and enjoy that. (The first time back may be sketchy, but an ativan may help.)
Just Joe, I think counselling is a great idea. The cardiologist is very competent technically, but not big on feelings & fears.
Thank you.
Jay
Cardios usually never address the anxiety and depression that accompany a heart attack. I strongly recommend you talk an MD - whether it's your PCP, cardio, psychiatrist, or any MD you trust - about anxiety or depression if you feel it is a problem.
I know what you mean about TV; I watched a LOT of TV for several weeks. Luckily, I have a high tolernace for mindless entertainment :)
Hugs and prayers,
Pam
Glad you're open to getting some help with the associated emotional issues that come in the heart attack package! I am lucky that my cardiac rehab program had a psychologist associated with it who specializes in working with heart disease. She's helped me figure out how to not take my work stress home with me, and other things that have helped me reduce and manage stress.
Your kind words mean a lot to me. I contacted a local community-based heart attack support group, and hope to meet them soon.
I'm looking forward to getting back to work (even though I like Dr. Oz & Oprah!)
regards
Jay
see you meet thegroup they are so right ! hope things go great for you keep us informed.I found a lot of help from some anxiety meds till you get an understanding about what you just went through.Good luck and the group is always here my prayers are with you
john