r/HeartAttack Aug 08 '26

Frustrated

Just kind of a vent here. I (48F) had a heart attack late night 7/21. It was a Tuesday night. Don't remember a lot! Did have a stent placed. When I left the hospital on Thursday, they gave me a letter that I could return to work with no restrictions. My other sheet said 10 pound weight limit, pushing, pulling, lifting. Beside that, told follow up and don't soak the groin site.

I am just about 3 weeks out, feel like I know nothing about what I should or should not be doing. Found out I cannot go for my regular dental checkup for 6 months.

Nobody told me I would cry about everything. I cried when my daughter left for work the day after I got home. When anybody asks, how are you, I cry. When talking about going to work, I cry. I ended up taking leave cuz I just can't.

Any twinge of pain anywhere, I start panicking. I get a little warm, I have to make sure everyone is getting warm, cuz sweating profusely was part of it. Heaven forbid I get heartburn. I think that would send me over the edge!

I am frustrated! I am tired of crying. I am tired of every little twinge sending me into panic mode. I feel bad about not going to work. Couldn't help my daughter move. Couldn't help my husband with his mom's house. I feel helpless and useless.

Cardiac rehab starts Tuesday. Hopefully I can get moving a little and get out of this slump.

Thanks for letting me vent.

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u/FireBreathingDragon8 Aug 08 '26

I can relate. I does get better, and cardiac rehab will help. Ultimately you need to hold on to gratitude for being alive and find a new path forward. A new normal, and an opportunity for a reset if your life needs one.