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Heart Disease - Do You Do Anything Differently Now?

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Posted 9/18/2005 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Have you changed anything since being diagnosed with Heart Disease? 

Do you eat differently?, do you continue at the same levels of energy as you did before you had heart problems? 

If something is different - Why?! confused How have you compensated?

Hugs, Teri tongue

Posted 9/19/2005 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I know this is a loaded question, but is there anything you have done differently since finding out that you've had heart disease?

 

I am more afraid of flying - though that fear was there anyway! :)  I don't think high places are real safe for people with heart disease, if that's not what comes naturally, as the air is thinner way up there! tongue So I tend to drive places and take scenic routes!

 

You must do something differently - give me a hint!

 

Hugs, Teri tongue

 

Posted 9/20/2005 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
cool  Hi Teri,

I have been living with heart disease for 13 years now and I have since found out I am a diabetic.

I have changed many things but recently (this past year or so) I have been working most on learning to handle stress.  I think that is the hardest thing.  I can eat right (although I don't always), I stopped smoking and I exercise but I have really struggled with stress and my personality.  Most people who suffer from heart disease are also type a personalities which means we internalize our big stresses and freak out over nothing.  I have started an internal dialogue that has helped me a lot.  I ask myself just how important what I am fretting about is.  I compare it to things I have already weathered (money problems for instance) and most of the time, whatever it is, is just not that big of deal.  That helps me keep my energy for things that deserve my attention.  We can't change that we have heart disease but we can change how we live.  We can slow down and appreciate life, every day.  I went to the bookstore and bought a couple of mediatation books that have daily messages and that has also been helpful because my focus ability is limited and they are short little daily thoughts..mostly about being a good friend, wife, mother, father, about being thankful and about not sweating the small stuff.  I hope this is helpful to you.  I also have a strong friend network and that helps.  OHHH..one more thing.  I took up Karaoke..sounds silly but it really helps me forget myself for a little while once a week.  Karaoke is not about singing well but about having fun.  If that isn't something you might enjoy, find something you do enjoy that is outside of your regular routine and jump in.  Hope this helps.

Take it easy!

Posted 9/20/2005 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
I bought a motorcycle and do a lot of riding on country roads. Helps with the stress. yeah
Posted 9/20/2005 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
SG, those are wonderful things to try! - I took up an 'at home' course in Tai Chi and that was lots of fun - I should really get back to that - perhaps after they fix my back. lol yeah And what do you mean Type A?! ROFL  You're right, though!

 

 

Dave, my husband used to have a motorcycle and we used to go riding a lot together - I can understand the relaxing part there! tongue  

 

It's so amazing how many things that are out there to help us - I'm glad to hear that you two have a great start!!

 

What about everyone else?  Not everyone has had all positive changes...just share a little bit of yourself with us...

 

Hugs, Teri  tongue

Posted 9/21/2005 2:06 PM (GMT 0)

Teri,

I have already responded to your post but I want to add something else.  I try not to focus on the negative changes to my life by living with heart disease but there are some real negatives.  I am going to share one of mine that I have not told anyone outside my family before and hopefully I am not the only one with these crazy thoughts.

Ever since 1997 when I had my big heart attack, I cannot sleep without the TV being on.  I know it is silly but the reason is, if I wake up during the night and the TV is on, then I know I am still alive.  Heart disease is very scary and not a day goes by that I do not feel some anxiety about it.  I worry about dying, I worry about being disabled where I can't take care of myself, I worry about worrying. (and they wonder why I have heart attacks...lol).  I even worry that if I have another one, it will happen somewhere that will embarass me like a mall or at work.  The whole disease is very embarassing.  I worry that everyone is watching every bite I eat, whether or not I am doing everything I should at all times and I feel terribly guilty that I got sick.  I know it was not voluntary but I guess I just think "IF only I had..... none of this would happen".  I don't feel as attractive anymore either or desirable.  I am a single woman and the subject always comes up at times of intimacy.  There are a lot of men who wouldn't date me because they are afraid that I would have a heart attack during intimacy.

I know in my head that I am not alone with these fears but it feels like nobody understands what it is like to live with this on my shoulders.  I don't mean to ramble on but I thought I would share some of my anxieties and fears in hopes that someone else can relate.

Posted 9/21/2005 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
SG,

 

I don't think there are many out there that don't have some irrational? or rational fears, especially after having a Heart Attack.  It is very scary!  You answered my question that I had right off, re the TV being on? :)  I like to have mine on during the day - keeps me in tune with the world. :)  I was volunteering 1-4 hrs. a day at a pet shop, but since other health issues cropped up, I'm at home for the time being.  So if you are alone, I can definitely see where that makes you feel 'safe'.

 

That's why we're here too, to have 'someone' to talk to...

 

Big Hugs, Teri tongue

 

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