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Thank you for writing @jlharsh
How am I? It depends on the day. Physically, I think I'm good. Unfortunately at this point, my battle lies between my ears. I have a lot of anxiety about the unknown future. I have had great BP readings since the incident, for the most part. One of my coping mechanism for anxiety had been nicotine on and off for years. Until it was on full time. The truth is last summer I wasn't thinking about SCAD at all anymore, really. Then late summer early fall I had to stop the nicotine for other reasons and my anxiety and withdrawal spiked my BP and I've been obsessing about it ever since. I have been reassured that all is well, but I need to work on controlling the anxiety side of things as that is probably my #1 enemy (and a potential precursor to more trouble). Its one of the reasons I reached out on here - as talking to people that understand what it is like to deal with a condition like this helps with the struggle. I exercise daily (an hour or so), I eat healthy, I am a normal/good weight. I SHOULD NOT have any risk factors, but when I went in with SCAD they almost sent me home because I didn't appear that I should have any risk factors then, too... Until the troponin level started coming up...
Replies to "Thank you for writing @jlharsh How am I? It depends on the day. Physically, I think..."
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@andremathieu
Thank you for being open about difficulties managing day to day. It sounds like you are finding a comfortable place your mind can rest will help your SCAD concerns and overall health. I imagine getting away from nicotine as a way of coping is difficult, but something you will be able to have some control over to live your best life. Good news!
I have not fit in any boxes, so completely understand when you say you should not have any risk factors and didn’t appear like you should at the ER either. I hit a circulation crisis five years ago after going in circles with my own care. Now, I have a great care team and gaining confidence as I learn more about my own situation. I am learning what I can control, taking the next best step to live my best life!
You are already doing so much to help yourself, now just need to figure out how to sustain, easier said than done. You mention talking to others (including women) that have had a SCAD event. You may have seen another new discussion, if not I am tagging @wefo64 who has had one recently and may have thoughts for you.
- Recent SCAD Connect Discussion
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recent-scad/
It sounds like nicotine is a hurdle you want to address. Maybe it would help to create a discussion in the Smoking & Quitting Support Group. As you wait for others to comment you could join to see what conversations are happening there, if you haven’t already.
- Smoking & Quitting Support Group -
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/smoking-quitting/
I am happy to share anything that may help you. I would like to stay up to date as to how you are doing. You encourage me, I am gaining momentum to address what is in front of me.
What is next for you, has your doctor made recommendations? What is the next, best thing in front of you?