Mended Hearts Open Forum

 View Only
Expand all | Collapse all

Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

  • 1.  Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-02-2020 12:38
    My name is Bill Platten

    I have several issues the first and most concerning is Chronic diastolic heart failure (HCC) STAGE III (C).  My cardiologist is very she works for The Cleavland Clinic.  Unfortunately she never tells me what to do other than take my medications she never tells me what is coming next.  I also have LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy)  I know it's not good new's but again My Cardiologist really never tells me what to do or what to expect.  The third I have a 4.0 aneurysms on my aorta.  I am being treated by medications including a 24 hours a day nitroglycerin pill.

    I have gone online to the Cleveland Clinic and I looked up each and all have a bleak outcome and my anxiety is out the roof.  Can anyone out there Please help if they have the same issues and what I should expect next?  Or is there any cure out there for what I have?

    Respectfully 

    Bill j Platten

    ------------------------------
    William Platten
    Retired
    N/A
    Alliance OH
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-02-2020 17:01
    Hello Bill,
    First off let me say how sorry I am that you are feeling depressed over your condition. Second, let may say to you that you need to change Cardiologists.
    After my heart surgery, I went with the Cardiologist that was assigned to my case upon arrival at the hospital. After my third visit Post-op, I found a new one. 
    I was being treated like my questions mattered. I was told what to do about my meds and so on, but my questions were ignored. 
    I do not have any of the conditions that you do, but I did have questions and concerns I wanted addressed. My wife did as well. So I changed doctors and it was the best decision I ever made. 
    My Cardiologist now addresses my concerns, tells me what my medications are meant to do and how they work. He even tells me the bad stuff with the good stuff.
    He ran some tests and told me he found I had Emphazeima and confirmed I had Arthritis. I suspected the Arthritis, but the Emphazemia was a surprise. I always thought I had bad allergies. 
    My suggestion is to replace your Cardiologist. Remember THEY WORK FOR YOU! 

    Richard Short 
    Chapter 395







  • 3.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-03-2020 11:38
    Bill, 

    It's going to very hard to settle down your fears without accurate information about your conditions and treatments.  I have some suggestions. One is to make a list of questions before (or during) your visit with your cardiologist and ask them then and there. Don't take no for an answer; I know that's probably easier for someone pushy like me, but give it a go. You're the patient. You're what matters.

    And as Bill suggested, find a new cardiologist. You may be able to find some names of docs in your area by posting here and/or searching online - I think the AHA (aha.org) has resources to help you with that.

    I must tell you that it will take some time to adjust to your new cardiac reality and get yourself on an even(ish) keel. Hang in there!

    Jean







  • 4.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-06-2020 00:53
    Hi Bill,
    Its ok if you want to find a different doctor. I wasn't comfortable with my cardiologist because I felt she was super mono tone. I need someone with expression and personality. I just switched to a new doctor and everything was cancelled because of the virus. Needless to say, I have not met my new cardiologist yet, but I'm still hopeful. I actually talked to the nurses I came in contact with and heard a lot of good things about this guy, so its ok to find someone you are comfortable with. After all, it is your heart!!
    Carrie





  • 5.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-10-2020 19:54
    Dear Bill Jean’s suggest of writing down your questions is so effective. The next step is to Write down the answers. In our anxiety and excitement we don’t always remember those answers. Another tip is to take someone ( friend or relative) “ advocate“ with you .... 2 pairs of ears are better.

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655




  • 6.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-03-2020 12:29
    When i had my bypass surgery 16 years ago I was assigned a cardiologist who was more  interested in being efficient on his lap top than me. I got a new cardiologist. He was great until a couple of years ago when everything became rushed. Once again I changed cardiologist. The one I have now started by asking questions I thought he should have known form my history. I thought he hadn't read my history. Turned out he was checking to see what I knew. He had completely reviewed my case prior to our meeting. Now he checks me out thoroughly once a year and answers any questions. I had a problem a couple of months ago where my blood pressure spiked and wouldn't come down. I had to take a nitro pill. Due to COVID I contacted him through the Portal and he prescribed a medicine. The full dosage caused some side affects so I tried a half pill with his okay. That worked. The med center Portal works well and my cardiologist is very responsive.
    I am never hesitant to change doctors if I am not getting the care I need.

    ------------------------------
    Terry Martin
    Retired
    tbitwo@gmail.com
    3092537394
    Lexington, IL
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-03-2020 01:58
    Bill,
    Very sorry to hear of these difficulties.  I don't have the same heart issues you have so I can't speak to those.  Changing cardiologists may help as some are more liberal with information and make more of an effort to keep the patient informed.  Sadly though, many are not any different than what you describe.  
    Regarding your anxiety however, I have some experience with that.  In the days leading up to my mitral valve surgery I experienced serious anxiety and my PCP eventually decided to treat it.  In my case, the anxiety had physiologic effects and I believe it caused health problems of its own in addition to further stressing my already stressed heart.  I was given some drugs that were quite effective at minimizing the symptoms.  If you've not already done so, I suggest you discuss the anxiety issues with your pcp or cardiologist.  The drugs i was given were very helpful and after my surgery the anxiety resolved.  I'm hoping you can get relief from the anxiety as well as the other issues.
    Best,
    Ed

    ------------------------------
    Ed M
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-04-2020 08:01
    Hi, Bill, 

    Meditation has helped me immensely with anxiety. There are great guided meditation apps like Calm and Headspace you can download onto a smartphone. You can try them for free for a period of time. Sitting quietly was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. In the beginning 5 minutes felt like 5 hours. Meditation is exercise for your brain. Give it a try.

    ------------------------------
    Mike Anthony
    River Edge, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-05-2020 12:06
    I also have been meditating for years now, and YouTube has the biggest selection of meditation and zen and spiritual works along with calm beautiful music if you are so inclined to listen to those.
    There are Audio Books, and art classes and lessons on how to play the harmonica which I am learning right now.

    I figured the breath work with the harmonica would be great for my lungs and its fun

    I pay 10 bucks a month to YouTube for Premium Service and no commercials or ads.  Best 10 bucks I spend every month

    Good luck to you and Have Fun

    Mary H





  • 10.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-13-2020 12:37

    Dear Bill
    sorry  to hear about your multiple heart conditions.  Anxiety is NOT good for you : it can antagonize your weakened heart.

      Sorry that your Cleveland Clinic doctors and staff are not more helpful. They usually have a good reputation but under these trying times are not living up to them. 
    my heart postop surgery issues were not  same as yours BUT your anxiety i can relate too.  
    yes education can be helpful but i think too much knowledge can cause more worries!!! 
    the other tips (especially getting  good meds) are helpful. Several techniques also helped me   

    1. Avoid stress ( i did not listen to negative news stories on tv.  Even hurricanes  tornado news) 
    2. dont let family members add to your stress. No arguments ( important or silly ) 
    3 if you are able, do some sort of Good deed for others. ( donations, food , i knit scarfs) 
    4. Pray for yourself and other sick people
    5 Ask people to help you.  Font be shy about it. When you are well, you can help others  ( play it forward) 
    Sorry to be so long winded. Your Justifiable anxiety struck a few heartbeats with me.  



    ------------------------------
    Marilyn Rosenhouse
    Dallas TX
    (214) 850-0219
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-10-2020 20:29
    Hello Bill, 

    I have different heart conditions than you, but I had the same anxiety overload after my HE and CABGx3 almost 7 years ago. I was given xanax to help but what I really needed is what my cardiologist finally told me about 18 months after my heart attack: Stop worrying, and go out and enjoy living your life. 

    He was so right! I know I have lots of medical issues, but I just won't waste my energy on worry any more if I can help it.

    Live a heart healthy life!







  • 12.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 06-25-2020 10:03
    Dear Bill:  Almost three years ago I had a mild to moderate heart attack. So I can't speak to your heart issues but I can suggest two things.  I concur with the  others about having a responsive cardiologist.  When I attempted to make an appointment with the cardiologist assigned to me when I came into the hospital, I was told that the earliest appointment was six month away.  She had been rude to my wife and daughter after seeing me post cath in the hospital.  Those two issues had me going to another cardiologist.  Fortunately, she was not only well informed and up-to-date but listen to my questions and my wife's question and provided answers without going into a bunch of technical talk unless it was necessary to provide a complete answer.  Second, I would like to suggest that your anxiety and depression are real and need to be addressed.  In the practice where my cardiologist is there is a clinical psychologist who works only with cardiovascular patients.  She saw me for six sessions and helped me to get control of my depression and anxiety related to my heart issues.  Plus I have lived with chronic clinical depression from my adolescent years on.  I currently take two medications for depression which help me face each day with hope rather than dread.  Lastly, I recommend daily meditation as a calming and growth experience and one that will help promote heart health.  Please change cardiologist, see a clinical psychologist for your anxiety and depression, and give meditation an honest try.  The calmer you are, the less depressed and anxious, the better your heart prognosis will be.  I know because I have been there.  Best of luck to you.

    ------------------------------
    George Hess
    Accredited Mended Hearts Volunteer and Chapter Membership Chair
    Chapter 081
    Altanta, GA
    (404) 452-8464
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-24-2020 00:51
    Helo Bill
    God help you with the crosses you are carrying. I have some empathy with what you are going through because I will be having surgery soon for a descending thoracic aneurysm and driving myself nuts on YouTube researching what Cleveland Clinic, Mayo etc have to say etc. Cleveland has been named the best Cardio hospital for 24 years running but that does not mean that everyone working for them has a heart, has empathy, really cares. This is your one shot at the brass ring, if yourdoctor does not change her attitude after you and her sit down and talk.....then get a cardiologist that has empathy. Asking for a new Cardiologist might be the jolt of empathy she needs. Good luck

    ------------------------------
    Henry Murphy
    HJM Taxi Management
    East Elmhurst NY
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-24-2020 06:10
    Henry,

    Thank you for your kind words she is brutally honest after my conversations about everything unfortunately for me there is just nothing they can do other than keeping me as comfortable as I can be.  Im ok I have come to grip as much as anyone could 

    Sent from my iPhone

    Respectfully,

    Bill J Platten
    575 W Cambridge St
    Alliance Ohio 44601
    Mobile: 234-757-6088
    In Emergency: 330-596-0440





  • 15.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-24-2020 18:12
    my empathy is with you. Here are some practical tips
    For anxiety, which is understandable: Ask your cardiologist for something appropriate.
    When they scheduled me for my surgery, the date was 2 1/2 months away. I asked to be on the cancellation list because the waiting was anxiety producing. ( not good for any heart condition ) .
    About the internet, it is useful for general information but it cant analyze your specific needs. IT is increasing your anxiety.
    Yes, you must be comfortable with your cardiac surgeon. Good Bedside manner is not as necessary but skilled hands of the surgeon ... but with heart issues, your comfort zone is vital to your successful recovery.
    Also before going to see your doctor, write your questions down. My husband suggests sending them (email patient portal etc ) to your doctor in advance of the appointment .
    Most importantly, record the answers .
    It helps to bring someone with you who will listen for you too .

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655




  • 16.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-25-2020 07:22
    I agree with Marilyn. Before each appointment, I write down my questions. And if I think of more questions while talking with my cardiologist (or any doctor), I jot them down, then review the list and speak up before the doctor leaves the room. If he gets away from me, I ask a nurse and don't leave the office until I have answers. 

    Also, it can help to bring someone with you who, as Marilyn says, will listen for you too. That way if you think of more questions later on, you'll have someone to go over them and fill in the blanks.

    ------------------------------
    Jean McMillan
    TN
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-26-2020 17:04
    Good afternoon to all.
    I just want to throw in a little thought that has helped me for many years. I had a CABG x 4 way back in 1996- Yes wow. I had a fix up in 2004 CABG X 2 ,
    The one thing is attitude. Think good thoughts,  SELF TALK - it can make you nuts or make you feel better.Be aware that nothing changes except how your mind sees the situation.  Partly SUNNY or you can think partly CLOUDY.  It works. I was lucky to have my first CABG 4, Not - WHY ME?  I made it the second time  -  GREAT was I lucky that they could fix me up. NOT- WHY ME AGAIN?

    Listen to music. Usually up beat  rhythms.  No heart breaking country western message or just good OLDIES. Brings back fun memories and good feelings. What ever  fits for you. Hang out with up people and don't compare health problems. Share jokes and fun stories.
              
    Stay safe,
    David Rosen -- M. H. #206 -JFK  -Atlantis Fla.( visitor)





  • 18.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-26-2020 17:30

    I know I'm new here in the community but I know the mind is powerful muscle, and it seems to get the best of us. I've been on this journey with you for about 3 years now. Diagnosed in 2017 with (CHF) stage 3. All you can think about is the day that you were told about your Illness. I've been having the same issues (anxiety/depression) until I was talking to a friend and he said, you can't go through out your day thinking about the "what if?" I knew that he was saying, you gotta live your life one day at a time. I know it's hard to do cause all I think about is the "what if's"  but try not to think that way, easier said than done right. Just try to clear your mind and think about something else. I don't know if this helps but trying something different that may help.  

    Charles Mazur

    Texas, The Woodlands


    Sent from my iPhone





  • 19.  RE: Help me please my Anxiety is peaked

    Posted 08-30-2020 10:27
    Dear Charles and David
    I love the music techniques and the meditation offered by others and change of attitude.
    Dont do what I did!!! I too remember the day ( about 6 years before my open heart surgery) when the doctor told me about my mitrovalve issue and that i would at some future day need surgery . His advice was lose weight and exercise. if i had followed his advice, i would have still needed the surgery but perhaps there would have been fewer life altering complications.
    !!! Anxiety does affect the heart!!! Using the techniques to reduce anxiety include avoiding stress-causing issues will help. Avoiding tv reports of weather storms, hurricane damage, political scandals, and family arguments helped me.
    .

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655