Surviving Cancer

Symptoms Of Heart Attack

Life After a Heart Attack

You have just gone through the worst ordeal of your life-a heart attack. And though your doctor assures you that you will soon get back to normal, you are plagued with doubts and uncertainties. You repeatedly ask yourself: "When will I get back to work?" "Will I be able to run again, or workout as rigorously again?" "Will I be normal?" Anyone who has suffered a heart attack goes through this phase and it is but natural. However, it is important to recognize that the worst is over and you will soon be on your feet again.

The three most commonly emotions experienced after an attack are fear, anger and depression. Let's examine them one by one:

1. Fear: Understandably it is fear that haunts the mind the most. Questions such as "Am I going to die?" "Will my pain recur?" may torment you. Apart from this you also become more sensitive towards physical pain. Even a small innocuous pain in the chest will seem as if you are having a second attack. Don't worry as this is pretty normal and these kinds of worries will heal with time.
2. Anger: Your heart attack may make you bitter or resentful, angry and irritable. Again this is a common emotion felt after a heart attack. Thoughts like "Why has this happened to me?" may disturb you and you may vent your anger at your loved ones. That's normal, however you must try to keep your cool and there is no point in blaming anyone. Accept the reality and remember that being angry is a part of the recovery process.
3. Depression: You will also feel down in the dumps and think that you are damaged or crippled for life. You may seriously doubt your ability to get back to work. This, too, is normal. However, do not anticipate the worst and give yourself a chance to recover. Concentrate on rest and rehabilitating your heart and with the passage of time these thoughts will vanish. On the other hand, don't ignore the reality.

The role of your doctor/counselor

Your doctor plays an important part in helping you get back to normal. He will do this by ensuring the following:
•Encourage you to become aware of the risk factors at this special stage of your life.
• Ask if you are suffering from mild chest discomfort. DO NOT DISMISS this question by saying that it could be because of indigestion!
• Determine the severity of your condition and the treatment of choice by a physical examination, previous medical history, the type of chest pain you had etc.
• Take an ECG as any change in this will alert the physician instantly.
• Try to use medications to help the heart.

Life after an attack may take a while to normalize and you may be concerned about your future health. This is but natural and once you accept and acknowledge this reality, you will be able to cope better with your condition.

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