Pacemaker's owners club

[Paul_C]

Following having a cardiac stent fitted I actually found the psychological impact greater than the physical one. Having a stent fitted is no big deal, quite interesting really, but it comes as a bit of a wake up call... "You're getting older!'. You spend your life keeping fit, eating the right stuff, not drinking too much (most of the time) and out of nowhere you start getting chest pains. Now if I get a bit of heartburn that little question sits at the back of my mind. So, good that you're talking about it. It helps. It hasn't stopped me doing anything apart from the doc not signing me off for a parachute jump. "Best not take the risk of having a big adrenaline rush."
I got great rehab in my local hospital too. Pushing myself physically in a gym in a hospital where I had specialists to hand gave me the confidence to get out there and exercise hard again. I'm sure you will be similar.
Maybe a UK Riders Heart Group would be a good idea?

Walking in the Alps a few months after the procedure.

[Godspeed]

Following having a cardiac stent fitted I actually found the psychological impact greater than the physical one. Having a stent fitted is no big deal, quite interesting really, but it comes as a bit of a wake up call... "You're getting older!'. You spend your life keeping fit, eating the right stuff, not drinking too much (most of the time) and out of nowhere you start getting chest pains. Now if I get a bit of heartburn that little question sits at the back of my mind. So, good that you're talking about it. It helps. It hasn't stopped me doing anything apart from the doc not signing me off for a parachute jump. "Best not take the risk of having a big adrenaline rush."
I got great rehab in my local hospital too. Pushing myself physically in a gym in a hospital where I had specialists to hand gave me the confidence to get out there and exercise hard again. I'm sure you will be similar.
Maybe a UK Riders Heart Group would be a good idea?

Walking in the Alps a few months after the procedure.

Paul, I also help run the Primary PCI service for Bristol, so spend half my time in the Cath labs helping unblock coronary arteries.
I agree the psychological side of things can be pretty tough. Sorry that you’ve had to go through that
Again, if there’s anything I can do to help then welcome to pm me
Cheers
Chris

[Paul_C]

Thanks Chris. I'm fine with it now. Still get those moments as I suffer from occasional acid reflux so the associated heartburn can cause some anxiety. I take medication for the reflux and, pretty much, know what sets it off so I'm increasingly ok with it. Just trying to spread the word that it's ok to talk about it. Just glad that I went to the docs when I started get some pains when swimming hard. Like he said when he referred me for tests... "We can't take risks with chest pains."

[Godspeed]

Too right!

[Nigel]

The psychological effect shouldn't be under estimated! I had a heart attack they got me to hospital and fitted a stent, hour later messaging mates " um guys slight problem, I had a heart attack"
Physically recovered no problem, back to work full time a month later, back cycling.
Mentally scared the crap out of me and any time I got indigestion I panicked, first symptoms of my heart attack were bad heartburn!
Took me a long time to get my head straight,
used to breaking bones mountain biking they are fixable, when you are told you're having a heart attack you think that's it

[Sanqhar]

My MI and stent was 15 years ago..
The best description of having the nitro squirted under my tongue was from an acquaintance who described the result:

“...and the elephant that was sitting on my chest got up and walked away”

I use this as my criterion when I get indigestion pains. Is there an elephant (even a baby one) sitting on my chest?

Tom

[Paul_C]

True. The pains I got sometimes before having a stent when swimming hard were quite different to indigestion or heartburn. However, the latter still has that nagging effect. Always carry my GTN spray although I've never used it since having my stent. Better safe than sorry.

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

Had my one-week check-up at the hospital on Friday, and all's well, both with the device and my heart.

Don't need to see me for 3 months.

Bust the 10,000 step challenge today, 11,409 steps taken. Dogs enjoying the fast walking pace I can now maintain...although my partner has then on the lead in case they pull.

Now just need to get my driving licence entitlements back. And remember not to reach or lift heavy objects until the wires are embedded in my heart.

[Godspeed]

Good stuff!
3 months seems a long time to wait for your next appt but not enough to be overly concerned.
Main thing is they’re happy with how you’re doing
Nice one

[Hugh]

Greetings,

Good news and long may it continue.

TTFN

Hugh.