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Extreme exhaustion after heart attack.

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Grete
Grete

Many people after a heart attack mention extreme exhaustion and apparently this is fairly normal.  However my husband, aged 86 is so seriously fatigued that he doesn't have much quality of life.  The slightest effort, (walking a few yards) makes him have to sit down.  After eating a meal, (he only has a small appetite), he looks ready to collapse.  He had a heart attack four months ago and had angioplasty.

He also had extreme anaemia and had two blood transfusions in hospital  but by all accounts the haemoglobin levels have gone up.   The heart nurse visits every  two weeks but neither she nor the doctor seem to appreciate how he is struggling through each day.  Having a shower, completely wears him out.   he tries hard  to move forward but today he tried to walk up our front drive and was frightened that he couldn't get back.   

I know you may say, "Well he is 86 years old" and I realise that and it may be a question of us just accepting things but if there is something wrong, either with his blood or with the stent, then perhaps it could be corrected and he could enjoy his last few days, months or years.   No one in the medical profession seems to be taking us seriously.

We have been married for nearly 60 years and it's crippling to see my husband like this.

Any ideas or suggestions welcome.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • jenny64166
    jenny64166 Grete

    Posted

    I am no to a mecic of any sort but I think you should go back and get more advice. Push for it.  Just because he is 86 years young doesn’t mean they can’t give advice on how to go forward.  We have a friend of 81 who has recently gone through a heart bypass and is now up and about, walking and considering getting his tennis racquet out again. Go for it and don’t accept no!  
    • Grete
      Grete jenny64166

      Posted

      Thank you Jenny.    Like you I think my lovely husband should be making more of a recovery and be able to take some part in life again.   Even if he could potter in the garden again, would mean a lot.   Will go back and see his GP.   
  • Sway
    Sway Grete

    Posted

    Get a second opinion if you need to. Don't let one opinion determine his quality of life.

    • Grete
      Grete Sway

      Posted

      Thanks Samantha for your reply.   'Will now definitely go back and see GP.  

  • peter01729
    peter01729 Grete

    Posted

    I didnt have a Heart attack, but I got and still am, a lot more fatigued as a result of being put on Beta Blockers for a while.

     

    • Grete
      Grete peter01729

      Posted

      Thanks Peter.    This is interesting.   'Wonder if my husband;s severe fatigue has anything to do with his medication.    I am going back to see the GP.   

  • jenny64166
    jenny64166 Grete

    Posted

    Just another thought.  My husband was taking beta blockers and other heart medication and they made him feel very tired and exhausted.   He had medication reduced and feels he has more energy.  He is 70.
    • Grete
      Grete jenny64166

      Posted

      Thanks Jenny.  Something as simple as changing/reducing my husband's medication may make a difference to his energy level.  He is taking bisopralol;  candersartan; and amlodipine which I think are all beta blockers. That is apart from aspirin and blood thinner.  Will ask the GP when we go to see him.

  • Grete
    Grete

    Posted

    Just an update.  After your advice, I took my husband back to the G.P.   He is now in hospital having tests so thank you all for your support and replies.
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