Emotional after Massive Coronary

Hi everyone,
The week of my 33rd birthday and Thanksgiving, I had a massive coronary, 100% blockage and almost didn't make it.

Well, 4 months now have passed and I have stopped smoking, stopped eating crappy food and am trying to get outside more. I have agoraphobia along with this (basically homebound because of a phobia).

I rarely talk anymore and when I do I'm yelling at whoever is talking to me. My husband almost left me, my Grandma hates to come over. Although they know this isn't me, I feel guilty and don't know how to have my normal life back! :(

I cry all the time that I'm not yelling.

Please, anyone... I just need to know there are others out there.
God bless, Amy

[CollegeGirl143]

oh my, you poor woman... im so sorry for all you've been through recently.. i cant even imagine what emotional tole this must be taking on you in addition to the physical..

the first thing im going to suggest to you is that you get counseling if you arent already, for yourself, and for you and your husband.. You, to help deal with the emotional consequences of what has happend to you, I imagine it was quite traumatic, as well as to help with your fear of leaving home.... Relationship counseling for you and your husband might also be beneficial, in helping him better understand your emotional situation and learning how to help, and better cope himself...

Have any of your physicians talked to you about a cardiac rehabilitation program? if not, its something you should look into, it will help you feel better physically, as well as mentally..

There are many of us out here who can sympathize with you, and are willing to lend support..

Hang in there!!

[mysterychemist54]

Faegrrrl,

I would echo what collegegirl and al dente have said.

You may not be aware that half (50%) of people who have had heart attacks will suffer some form of depression in the year following the heart attack.  I went into a mild depression about a month after my heart attack. My primary care physician put me on Zoloft when I told here about some of the symptons I was having (crying jags, sleeping problems,  etc.)  Zoloft really helped me out- it let me be me, so to speak.

The other big step was to get into rehab.  It helped me regain my confidence about excercising and physically doing things.  I also thought that the classes about nutrition, emotional health, etc, were really informative and useful.  It was also good to meet other with heart problems .  You had the chance to talk to people and see that you are not alone.

I would also recommend mended hearts organization which is an organization of folks with heart problems.  They may have a chapter in your area. They have a web site

It does sound like you are making excellent progress.  Quitting smoking is a big step and is not very easy to do. Changing your diet is not always fun either.  You are to be congratulated for these steps!!

Good luck!

[Al Dente]

Hi,

I'm very sorry to hear about your attack, but I'm glad to hear that you have survived and looking to get better.  It's bad enough hearing from people "you're too young to have a heart attack."

I understand your frustration with early onset heart disease (have it too).  It is a large adjustment not only for you, but your family & friends.

Maybe the docs can help.  I think this is where a preventative cardiologist can be of assistance--they tend to look at the whole picture.  Our invasive docs are great in handling the issues that put you in trouble, but sometimes don't put together the whole puzzle.

A blockage and clearing it is one thing, but the entire life adjustment (family, work, future, health insurance, medications) are all another.

Good Luck!
Al

[anacyde]

Hi Amy.  For this to happen to anyone is a shock to them, but to a young woman it was probably very devastating.  I understand that you feel depressed, many people do after this sort of thing.  I felt very depressed for a time after being diagnosed with a heart condition at 27.  After a time, I was able to switch my way of thinking.  I did survive, as did you, and we can use our heart issues as a catalyst for better health.  We've been given a second chance.  Once you can frame it that way, and realize you were given a wake up call instead of dying, you'll begin to feel better.  That realization may take some time.  If you need to, it is perfectly reasonable to speak with a counselor and possibly even try some antidepressant medication for a bit of time.

Hang in there.  You are a SURVIVOR!  You have your life ahead of you now, you are here, and you can make a huge difference in your future with the knowledge you now have.  I sense you're a strong woman who doesn't know her own strength yet.  I hope you learn soon!  You're on the right track now, and there is a whole beautiful world out there waiting for you to be a part of it, and a lot of support should you need it on your way.