Heart Disease: Let’s Talk About the Emotional Side

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Mar 9, 2020

Recovery from a cardiovascular event is not easy; it’s not just the physical pain–the emotional pain can be an unexpected challenge. Depression, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of guilt, emotional distress are common repercussions of heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure or heart surgery.

Talking with people who’ve gone through a similar experience can help make sense of the emotional and psychological aspects of heart disease. Connect is a place where such honest conversations can safely take place, where you can learn to feel better, together. I invite you to share your thoughts and emotions.
How has a heart-related diagnosis/treatment affected your mind and mood? How did you cope with these emotions? What strategies and tips would you offer a friend who’s going through a similar experience?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

grandchild | @grandchild | Jun 6, 2020

In reply to @danab "Hi everyone, i am a survivor also ive been thru some dark days with my ICD..." + (show)

Hi, as I read the various posts, I am inspired as to the honestly and courage so many have. I’ve hesitated sharing my concerns because I come from the school that “you don’t hang your dirty laundry in public”. But needless to say here I am.

I was taken via ambulance to the hospital with severe palpitations after taking 3 doses of nitroglycerin. After some tests I was told I had a blockage and needed a stent put in immediately. Upon further tests they found an aneurysm measuring 4.5 cm. As it turned out they had to put in two stents. So after a few days in the hospital I was sent home and told I needed a follow-up ct scan to monitor any increase in size.

Well I’ve been participating in cardiac rehab and eating well. I can’t shake the idea that I’m a walking time bomb. This past Thursday I went for my first follow up cat scan and I feel like my life is on hold. I can’t seem to stop worrying about the results which won’t be till Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. I’m not usually a worrier but this new condition has shaken my whole mental stability. Thank you for having a place that I can share my concerns. I will post my results next week. Thank you for listening.

degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jun 6, 2020

In reply to @grandchild "Hi, as I read the various posts, I am inspired as to the honestly and courage..." + (show)

Hi Grandchild, I am sorry you have been having all these issues thrust on you, all at one time. That must be overwhelming. The good news is that your aneurysm was found before you were in serious trouble. The size and rate of growth will be monitored and if it grows sufficiently to require repair, you will be ready. Sometimes these aneurysms grow extremely slowly and never need repair. So, don't be discouraged and consider it fortunate that you and your cardiologist are now aware of this issue. My aneurysm was diagnosed about 13 years ago and it has hardly grown at all. But when first diagnosed, like you, I thought it would "blow" any day. It didn't.

Your cardiologist will give you advice on limiting lifting heavy items or straining in any way. For me, the limit is 25 lbs. and I am careful to stay well below that.

I wish you good health and a very slow growth on the aneurysm.

Donna

grandchild | @grandchild | Jun 6, 2020

In reply to @degarden_girl "Hi Grandchild, I am sorry you have been having all these issues thrust on you, all..." + (show)

Donna
Thank you so very much for your kind and caring words. It’s just what I needed to hear. I am trying to do calming breathing exercises till I get my results. Hopefully all this anxiety will be for naught. I’m in a budding relationship which I am keeping a cap on because of this waiting period. Although he is very supportive I don’t want to be a burden. I’ll keep you posted on the results. Thank you once again for you thoughtfulness.
Frances

degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jun 6, 2020

In reply to @grandchild "Donna Thank you so very much for your kind and caring words. It’s just what I..." + (show)

Hi Grandchild,

I think your aneurysm is well below the criteria for repair and unless you are very unusual, it will be years until it reaches that point. There are medications to slow the growth and and if it ever does reach the surgical threshold, you will have the surgery. I suggest you not put your life or your budding relationship on hold.

I have always felt that the difference between me and the next person is that I know what I have going on, they may not. When I was first diagnosed, a "friend" said that I was the first of our group to be seriously ill and . . . . She has since died of lung cancer. The fact that you know about this issue is a huge benefit to your longevity.

So, carry on with your life, do the things that make you happy, don't limit yourself except in lifting and straining.

Best wishes,
Donna

grandchild | @grandchild | Jun 6, 2020

In reply to @degarden_girl "Hi Grandchild, I think your aneurysm is well below the criteria for repair and unless you..." + (show)

Thank you once again for your pearls of wisdom.

grandchild | @grandchild | Jun 12, 2020

In reply to @grandchild "Hi, as I read the various posts, I am inspired as to the honestly and courage..." + (show)

Just wanted to reply to the many we’ll wishers. I received the results of my aortic contrast cat scan. Thank God everything came out well. No change in size or new growth. So my anxiety was for naught. Have to go back for another cat scan in January. So I can pursue my budding new relationship with a deep breath and joy. Thank you once again for the support.

degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jun 12, 2020

In reply to @grandchild "Just wanted to reply to the many we’ll wishers. I received the results of my aortic..." + (show)

Hooray for you!

Wishing you happiness!

pha2340840 | @pha2340840 | Jun 13, 2020

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @thankful @danab @rrowner2 @crashnam @predictable @jigglejaws94 @loli @faith123 @edda @hopeful33250 @balubeje @ronbee @jimana @martishka @shortshot80..." + (show)

I am just so grateful that my open heart surgery on 2/3/20; at Mayo went so well. I am recovering well - every day is a good day! Never give up!

rrowner2 | @rrowner2 | Jun 13, 2020

In reply to @pha2340840 "I am just so grateful that my open heart surgery on 2/3/20; at Mayo went so..." + (show)

Fantastic news