Welcome, Ian. Wow, you've been through a very difficult and frightening experience.
I had a "widow maker" heart attack (100% blockage of my LAD artery) on May 22nd. I underwent an emergency catheterization that day and had 3 stents placed in my LAD, then a second procedure 10 days later to place 2 more stents in my circumflex artery.
Physically, I am doing pretty well. Mentally is another story. Unfortunately, my mother died 29 days before my heart attack, so I was already dealing with some depression....and my attack made it worse. For the first couple weeks, I would burst into tears several times a day. My cardiologist changed my beta blocker from Metoprolol to Bystolic (apparently Metoprolol is know for having adverse effects on mood)....that helped some, but I definitely still feel like I am struggling. I've been trying to find a therapist, but it's more difficult right now due to Coronavirus. That is what led me here, just looking for a place to interact with others who understand what I am going through....hoping it will help me, and perhaps I can help others in return. I hope it helps you as well.
For what it's worth....I went through a brutal period of anxiety/panic attacks in my late 20s, and met an MSW who taught me Biofeedback to deal with them, and it made all the difference for me. Truly amazing how much it helped. I haven't had any issues with anxiety since then (25 years ago), but I still use the techniques to help with my migraines and even to get rid of hiccups, lol....
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Tracy Rhodes
Charleston SC
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2020 00:27
From: Ian Stuart
Subject: Hello my name is Ian
Hello, my name is Ian. I am a sudden cardiac arrest survivor. The Drs tell me it was brought on by a Vado vagal response, which cause my BP to drop, causing VT and then TDP and then arrest. 5 minutes of chest compressions and a few good old shocks brought me back. I don't remember much of it, apparently I became combative and was given a rather healthy dose of Versed to chill me out.
They cathed me, found minimal blockage (said was normal for just about any 40 year old) and discharged me 3 days later. All the doctors wanted to come by and poke and prod me because I was an anomaly LOL.
Life moved on very slow. I was diagnosed with PTSD and mild depression. In the month after my event I was hospitalized twice for what turned out to be severe (I call them savage) panic attacks, where I feel like I am reliving my death so to speak. And the sleep, oh how I miss actual natural non drug induced sleep.....
So life is a daily struggle, and I wonder if it really does get better. My therapist says it will, and that I'm not crazy, but boy does it feel like I am sometimes. And throw in COVID and I'm like a quivering ball of nerves LOL.
well, that's my introduction.
Oh and I enjoy yard work, building things, fixing stuff, and good movies.
stay safe ya'll!
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Ian Stuart
SCA Survivor
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