Need encouragement in a difficult situation......

You are all so kind and encouraging - what an uplift! Thank you. x He has a degree of brain damage (hypoxia) and I so hope this will heal over time; evidently about 2% survive a cardiac arrest, and a few days after our terrible shock, I read a fifteen year old had suffered one and she didn't. Life is on hold while we try to help recovery (the family have been wonderful) and I will take up these helpful suggestions.

My husband had a heart attack 20 years ago when he was 41, he attended cardiac rehabilitation course for about 6 weeks following discharge he will always be on medication but he is perfectly well and goes out for long walks every week with the Ramblers

Yes, absolute positivity, my friend, following an arrest during a hall fitness class - defibrillator installed on the wall a week before.

(Previous incident on an island with no cardiac facilities also).

Back over time to sailing a yacht, sailing dingies, a bit of cycling, lots of walking, distance walking and exploring in really wild and remote places, lots of flights and exciting travel.

Start small with local exercise classes, gain confidence, and build on that.

There are also some good Facebook support groups where you can ask questions and read what others are doing. (Choose UK groups if you are UK based).

I think like many health conditions, you get most help and gain more confidence by seeing how others are dealing with the same issues.

Recommend the British Heart Foundation and Pumping Marvellous. Excellent advice and support from both.

Luckygirl3

Is there any follow up? A cardiac specialist nurse? It would be reasonable to ask him/her what you might expect or hope for in terms of recovery and care needs.

Your, or your husband's G.P. should be able to give you a frank appraisal of your husband's prognosis.

I hope when you write "we" it means you have family or friends helping with your husband's care. Have you a district nurse coming in? If so, she should be able to tell you what you can expect.

You do not mention money matters, but you may qualify for a carer's allowance, you know.

I do hope someone can answer your questions and that your husband's health improves.

My husband had a cardiac arrest and one valve totally blocked and a stent put into place. He was in the Cardio-Thoracic unit for 7 days, discharged to be cared for at home. Sadly this was 2020, mid COVID, so “care” comprised me and cardiac nurse phone calls, so not ideal.

Fast forward to now, he’s almost 71, clinically in heart failure, on 6 tablets a day but he now has annual checkups, feels about 80% of how he felt before, walks with the dog daily. He has lost weight and definitely has periods of huge fatigue. He had a very healthy BMI and walked about 10 miles each day prior to his HA. But he was primary carer for his elderly mother who then lived in part sheltered accommodation, close to us.

I make sure he eats and drinks regularly, especially water. He’s cut his alcohol right back, but does still have the occasional small cigar, more often than I’d like but…🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Don’t give up hope and do contact Age UK and The British Heart Foundation.

I joined an exercise class and found that many of my fellow mature exercisers have previously suffered cardiac arrests or similar. One chap had been put in an induced coma for a month! In my part of Dorset at least, cardiac patients are invited to attend a weekly exercise class with cardiac nurses on hand to reassure. This is free. After 6 weeks, they may join the group I went to, at a small weekly charge. I write this to point out to the OP that, although everyone is different, I can confirm that many people resume normal lives following cardiac arrests. In fact, the chap who’d spent a month in a coma following his ‘widow maker’ attack, emphasised how much better he felt than before his illness. He had improved his diet, stopped smoking, lost weight and was absolutely enjoying life.

Please do not get despondent, my husband had the same in 2017. After 2 cardiac arrests he had an ICU fitted (defibrillator and pacemaker in one). We had lots of follow up appointments and they really kept their eye on him. He was lucky he was under St. George's Tooting. Take whatever help they offer.
He did lots of rehab which really helped and also joined the gym under their rehab scheme. It is not only physical but mentally worrying about the future, but in time this eases.
Like other people have suggested the BHF were brilliant and so helpful. Go on their website as there is alot of information on there. He is back at work 2 days a week and has lots of hobbies which helps.
Wishing you all the best.

Thank you to all. xx

I can vouch for the BHF helpline - worth a ring. 0300 330 3322

The British heart foundation have a nurse helpline which may be useful.

Luckygirl3

Is there any follow up? A cardiac specialist nurse? It would be reasonable to ask him/her what you might expect or hope for in terms of recovery and care needs.

We are told only that 'Everyone is different' - which I fully accept, but would be so encouraged to hear of people who have made it back to a reasonable existence.

Heart Foundation will have lots of information and help too

Is there any follow up? A cardiac specialist nurse? It would be reasonable to ask him/her what you might expect or hope for in terms of recovery and care needs.

butterandjam

I suggest you contact the Chest Heart and Stroke Association who can offer a lot of online and practical support and advice from patients and families sharing your experience. CHAS may have a local daytime support/ rehab group for patients and families to attend.

This is the one in Scotland but it also runs in England.

www.chss.org.uk/support-for-you/

Thank you - I will certainly follow up. x

I suggest you contact the Chest Heart and Stroke Association who can offer a lot of online and practical support and advice from patients and families sharing your experience. CHAS may have a local daytime support/ rehab group for patients and families to attend.

This is the one in Scotland but it also runs in England.

www.chss.org.uk/support-for-you/