Really scared - Heart Disorders Message Board

carlandjo · 04-20-2006, 06:37 AM

My husband is 57. We thought totally healthy. He had a heart attack 2 weeks ago & had 2 stents put in. He's seems to be doing fine, but I am the problem. The shock of seeing him go through the heart attack including needing the paddles at the emerg. room has me a total wreck. I hide it from him, but I am still so scared something will happen to him again at any second. I have had chest pains for the past week and went to the emerg. room. Everything checked out okay, and I have a feeling its all stress related.I'm wondering if my lasting feelings are all normal because of what happend or am I over reacting and should consider professional help.
He starts cardio rehab in a few days and doesn't have to see the doctor again for 3 weeks when he will have a nulcear stress test done. I check on him a couple times during the night. This morning he asked me if I could leave him alone during the night so he can sleep!!!!!????? He says he's feeling fine, but I have it in my head that his heart is still so fragile. Is this normal? Thank you.

tomah · 04-20-2006, 07:35 AM

Oh, I can relate to how you are feeling. My husband had a heart attack a year and a half ago at age 49. He had 2 stents put in then, and 3 more put in 2 weeks later. I can tell you that I did exactly the same thing - would check on him all night long, afraid to let him out of my sight, afraid to even have him take out the garbage. It does get better, I promise. The only suggestions I can give you is to go to his next cardio appt. and talk directly with the doctor. Make a list of all your questions and fears, and spill your guts! LOL. I understand about your chest pains, too. You have lost your sense of invincibility. Does he have any heart damage? We were lucky - my husband had no heart damage. He has returned to his regular routine, and actually feels better now than he did before the heart attack. I do worry less, but still watch him closely whenever he is exerting himself. Just wanted you to know that you aren't alone.

carlandjo · 04-21-2006, 05:02 AM

tomah, Thank you so much for your reply. I does feel better knowing I am not alone with my feelings. So glad your husband is back to normal. We'll find out in 3 weeks after he has a nuclear stresss test how much of the heart is permanately damaged. The doctor said that he wants to wait until after 3 weeks of cardio rehab because sometimes some of the heart heals itself. Hope thats true.
Take care.