"You've had a heart attack." These five words will change your life. They are very scary and may suggest death, long-term disability, or endless pain and suffering. You must be asking yourself:
- Can I ever recover from the trauma of this near-death experience?
- Will I ever stop being afraid?
- Will my life ever get back to normal?
- Will I ever feel like a healthy person again?
- Will I live for another year?
- What are my chances of having another heart attack?
- Can I ever overcome my heart disease?
- Will I ever find someone who understands how I feel?
Women heart attack survivors founded WomenHeart, and we know exactly how you feel. Our goal is to help you help yourself. The more knowledge and insight we share with each other, the more we will all lead healthier and productive lives. The one thing we know firsthand is that you can recover and live a healthy life.
Some of your recovery obviously depends upon the quality of and how quickly you received medical care, your age, whether you have another medical condition (such as diabetes, obesity, or depression) other than heart disease, and if you can afford health insurance and prescription medication.
But we also know that your chances of recovery improve dramatically if you follow your health care providers' treatment instructions AND are willing to assume responsibility for your own health and recovery. This means you need to keep up your end of the recovery bargain and make necessary changes in your life:
- Getting regular exercise
- Stopping smoking
- Controlling diabetes, depression, or obesity
- Taking medicines as prescribed
- Keeping all healthcare appointments
- Reducing your anger and stress
In other words, you have to put yourself, your health, and your heart's recovery first above all else. It must become your number one priority. If you find this difficult, you’re not alone. Many of us have spent our whole lives putting the needs of others ahead of our own.
It's also easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and defeated even before you begin. There are many changes you will be expected to make. Too many doctors and healthcare professionals telling you what to do. Too many friends hovering over you. Too many family members monitoring what you eat. Too many medicines to take.
Your Reactions
Each woman's heart attack is different. But our reactions to them are similar. Here are some thoughts and feelings you might experience·
Denial and Minimization.
It didn't happen. It couldn't have happened. It wasn't that serious. Only minimal damage. I'll be back in no time.
Anger and Resentment.
Why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? How come all those other women don't have heart attacks? Why are my doctors such jerks?
Guilt.
I should have stopped smoking years ago. I never should have let myself get so overweight. All those cheeseburgers and fries - I should have controlled my eating.
Depression.
My healthy years are over. I should prepare myself for an early death. It's God's will. What's the point? Everyone's telling me what to do.
Anxiety and Worry.
What was that pain I just felt? What does it mean? Who will raise my children or take care of my husband if I die? I dreamed about my heart attack again last night. I can't bear to drive by that hospital. I just can't go out and face the world.
Acceptance.
I've got heart disease. I can learn to overcome it. I need to make changes in the foods I eat. Getting healthy is my responsibility. I need new healthy friends. I need to get regular exercise. How did I end up like this? I can beat this. I need help.
Many women report that it takes several years to recover fully from a heart attack -- physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Go slowly - making small changes in your diet and exercise over two or three months is a good way to feel in control and stay positive. Eventually, with your efforts and good medical care, you will re-gain your self-confidence and live life to the fullest. Remember, you are not your disease - you are a woman living with heart disease who also has a life to lead.
