Depression after a heart attack

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   Tracy Masonposted 12 years ago

   I had a heart attack last year 3 days before my 42nd birthday. I then had 2 stents fitted. Ever since I have been in a depression..and very scared every time I have a chest pain. Just wondering if anyone out there has gone through the same thing

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      Xenonlitposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It sounds like clinical depression, which usually comes with a major blow to the body.
      
      You will do well with a period of talk therapy and NO drugs! The therapist does not "cure" you, he or she helps you to work out your anxieties and troubles in a way that works for you.
      
      A lot of times, we just need affirmation that we are ill and deserve to take some time and rest!  Here's to getting better and getting on with life, even if you have to be more careful.

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         Tracy Masonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Due to my circumstances last year I missed the cardiac rehab which included a therapist. Now the doctor says that I have missed the boat!!

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      moonlakeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If your on any meds they could be causing your problems with depression. Mine did they had to change them. Even stents are a big deal and you must have been living with heart trouble for awhile. You're doing the right thing by joining the cardiac exercise class. That will help you so much. I think it's pretty common to feel depression when suddenly you realize your not as healthy as you use to be. Good luck with everything. Your taking the right steps.

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   Healthy Pursuitsposted 12 years ago

   I would go for a mild antidepressant to help you over the hump. You did miss an important part of healing when you missed the rehab. (My sister had stent surgery, and had the rehab, so I know how they helped her.) While it was very important, you can do some of it on your own. Have you tried looking online for the steps in stent surgery rehab, and doing some of them by yourself?
   
   At the very least, try some meditation to help you with your fear, and some mild exercise to make sure you maintain some level of fitness. You might also look at your local hospital for any support groups.
   
   Another thing you can try is going to the rehab location and asking them for their literature. That will give you a lot of information.
   
   My sister felt pains in her chest for at least a year after her surgery. Having your chest cracked open is a pretty drastic surgery, with long term symptoms. If you had pain before your surgery as part of your artery blockage, that's the pain you would want to look for. Anything else is probably the effects of the surgery.
   
   Your fears are natural, but they are also feelings that you can conquer. It takes effort and time, but you can do it.

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      Tracy Masonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi There
      Thank you very much for your reply. Whilst browsing the net yesterday, I found a local cardiac exercise class. I am joining them on Wednesday this week, so that is a step in the right direction. Tonight I joined Slimming World, so again a step in the right direction.
      
      I was lucky enough not to have open heart surgery, I had the stents inserted through an inch cut on my wrist ( that still amazes me ! ) so my physical recovery time was way faster than if I had the open heart surgery.
      
      I have spent a year in the depths of despair, I now feel maybe ready to come to terms with things and hopefully start living my life again.

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