Cardio Rehab
Well went to cardio rehab today. This is where they ask you how you are, check your progress, bloods etc. All went really well. I have found out that my stent is 2.5mm wide and 35mm long. Not so bad.
Now, it's official. Stents DO hurt in the beginning whilst they settle in and jabbing/needle pains are common. Well, there's a turn up for the books. There are so many people saying that there should be no pain and it's uncommon -it isn't and it's to be expected. That want to start telling patients this so that it doesn't cause upset. It's quite typical for patients to call 999 ( or 911 for our cousins across the pond, there) because they can feel their stents settling in.
I also said that I'd joined this support group. "oh", said they "we don't normally recommend this until phase 3".... Phase 3??? What good is that when you're out of hospital within 48 hours after a massive shift in your life and psyche and you haven't a clue what's going on? The cardiac team were really interested in this and stated that they might re-think this. I explained what an absolute God send DS had been, how all the good people on here had helped by sharing their experiences. That they were from all walks of life and professions, that they had experiences that mirror others and we advise and help each other. I told them that, at 3 in the morning, it was good to get the re-assurance needed.
I also advised them that they needed to explain the mental stress that follows. Patients are totally unprepared for the anxiety, the panic and the feeling of being totally and completely out of control. Anti-anxiety tablets may be needed along with anti -depressants. There's no need to expect it but certainly, don't feel like you've been hit by a truck if you are.
In a nut shell, physically, I'm great. I'm back at work for four hours a day and enjoying it. They said I shouldn't be, thatI should have waited for the four week period and then seen the occupational therapist to see if I was ready. I think we know when we're ready. And sitting at home looking at four walls would drive me to the brink. For me, it was good to get back to work. It gave me something to achieve and attain. It made me feel usefull. It made me feel normal.
I thank God for all the fantastic people on DS that have helped me and kept me sane. For all the advice in the dead of night, the encouragement that I wasnt going out of my mind.
Alli
Xx
Now, it's official. Stents DO hurt in the beginning whilst they settle in and jabbing/needle pains are common. Well, there's a turn up for the books. There are so many people saying that there should be no pain and it's uncommon -it isn't and it's to be expected. That want to start telling patients this so that it doesn't cause upset. It's quite typical for patients to call 999 ( or 911 for our cousins across the pond, there) because they can feel their stents settling in.
I also said that I'd joined this support group. "oh", said they "we don't normally recommend this until phase 3".... Phase 3??? What good is that when you're out of hospital within 48 hours after a massive shift in your life and psyche and you haven't a clue what's going on? The cardiac team were really interested in this and stated that they might re-think this. I explained what an absolute God send DS had been, how all the good people on here had helped by sharing their experiences. That they were from all walks of life and professions, that they had experiences that mirror others and we advise and help each other. I told them that, at 3 in the morning, it was good to get the re-assurance needed.
I also advised them that they needed to explain the mental stress that follows. Patients are totally unprepared for the anxiety, the panic and the feeling of being totally and completely out of control. Anti-anxiety tablets may be needed along with anti -depressants. There's no need to expect it but certainly, don't feel like you've been hit by a truck if you are.
In a nut shell, physically, I'm great. I'm back at work for four hours a day and enjoying it. They said I shouldn't be, thatI should have waited for the four week period and then seen the occupational therapist to see if I was ready. I think we know when we're ready. And sitting at home looking at four walls would drive me to the brink. For me, it was good to get back to work. It gave me something to achieve and attain. It made me feel usefull. It made me feel normal.
I thank God for all the fantastic people on DS that have helped me and kept me sane. For all the advice in the dead of night, the encouragement that I wasnt going out of my mind.
Alli
Xx
Replies
Very interesting points- about the pain/discomfort associated with a stent settling in, and about the reactions of your cardiac rehab\'s staff about DS.
So interesting some of the misconceptions and lack of awareness related to all the dimensions of surviving a heart attack! Good that you\'re helping spread the word!
I would love to chat, I\'m 48 and have hypertension and panic disorder, and fearing the worst every day I wait for my heart attack to come, I\'m so tired of thinking this way, but i can\'t seem to free my mind or be at ease. I\'m always feeling terrified and don\'t have a clue what to do.