Heart attack?!
Question: Hi.
I had a Heart attack, the right coronory artery was blocked.
they had to give me a thrombolyte drug or something to bust the clot. anyway they fitted a stent in my atery to open it up again.
I was ok untill about a week or so ago, now I find I am having anxiety/panick attacks as I'm scared I am going to have another attack.
I do my 30 mins exercise every day, usually by walking or gardening etc, I have changed my diet completely, I now only eat vegatables and oily fish, bran flakes, porridge and oat cakes.
I have only lost 10 lbs but at least it's a start. I quit smoking, my doctor gave me NRT and I havent smoked now for about 7 months.
I still get tempted to smoke my pipe at times as I used to really enjoy the occassional pipe now and again, I dont inhale the pipe, I was wondering what the risks were of pipe smoking. maybe 2 bowls a day perhaps.
What keeps going through my mind is "how long have I got left" and it sort of inhibits me from getting on with my life if you know what I mean
thank you
vangellis
Answers: Hi.
I had a Heart attack, the right coronory artery was blocked.
they had to give me a thrombolyte drug or something to bust the clot. anyway they fitted a stent in my atery to open it up again.
I was ok untill about a week or so ago, now I find I am having anxiety/panick attacks as I'm scared I am going to have another attack.
I do my 30 mins exercise every day, usually by walking or gardening etc, I have changed my diet completely, I now only eat vegatables and oily fish, bran flakes, porridge and oat cakes.
I have only lost 10 lbs but at least it's a start. I quit smoking, my doctor gave me NRT and I havent smoked now for about 7 months.
I still get tempted to smoke my pipe at times as I used to really enjoy the occassional pipe now and again, I dont inhale the pipe, I was wondering what the risks were of pipe smoking. maybe 2 bowls a day perhaps.
What keeps going through my mind is "how long have I got left" and it sort of inhibits me from getting on with my life if you know what I mean
thank you
vangellis
Hi there, you didnt mention whether it was a very serious heart attack- one which has left noticeable impact on your quality of life? If you had a minor heart attack, and have now had successful stent/s put in you are fine in the short term.
You mention all these lifestyle factors- weight loss/healthy eating, exercise and quitting smoking. All these are superb and will dramatically reduce your risks of another heart attack- well done. The odd pipe is okay, i would say no pipe at all is best for you but the odd one once a week or so should do no severe long term damage and it's hard for you to give up everything you used to enjoy.
You also dont mention your age or other illnesses you might have which will have an impact on your heart. You are at increased risk of having further heart attacks but this is based on data from people who do no lifestyle changes. Since you're improving your health then the risks of another heart attack are reduced, though still slightly higher than someone who's never had one.
I hope with time you can feel more at ease and enjoy many more years of good health.
nobody knows when they'll die...our next breathe is never promised...
You have to learn to just relax and take everything as it comes...worrying never changes things...if anything it makes it worse
If you've managed to stop smoking...dont start again at all.. its not worth it! keep on with the NRT if ur using it and get extra support if needed through smkoing cessation services
Well done on the exercise and diet to! im a nurse and i know it takes alot to make these changes! Well Done You!!
Congrats on the weight lost. Shows you are trying.
But, I would think your fears and anxieties about suffering another heart attack would be enough to make you not want to smoke ever again. Besides, you could end up with cancer or emphysema.
Ask your doctor about the "if you know what I mean" part.
I can relate to your problem. I suffered a 100% blocked Left Anterior Desending Artery which resulted in a heart attack with mild heart damage. It happened November 5th, 2005.
I too have lost weight and inches. Eat healthier and exercise regularly. The fear of having another heart attack diminishes with each passing day. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Live one day at a time to its fullest. Do what you can to make you health better. Why risk the pipe smoke?
Check out my story at http://mydjconnection.com/articles/2005/...
Life and Death are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit there of. Choose Life.