How do I cope with fear after a cardiac arrest?
I had a cardiac arrest March 2024. I was on a ventilator for 8 days in ICU for almost a month. During that time I was given a defibrillator. A month after my release I ended back in ICU for 2 weeks. My defibrillator went off over 40 times in the ER. Needless to say I live in constant fear especially at night and on weekends. I have CHF as well. How do you overcome the PTSD? I have a therapist and it’s helping but I don’t feel like she can truly relate to what I experienced. The fear is overwhelming. I was 49 when this happened and turned 50 days after my release the first time. . Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Stay safe and thank you.
Thank you for joining the group. That is A LOT and I cannot imagine having your defibrillator go off so many times. For me, I had a sudden cardiac arrest, was on a ventilator and ended up in the cardiac ICU for a month. So in a way, I do get it. I also had a lot of PTSD. I still do, but I would say that it's become management. For me, the key was three things. 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy instead of 'talk therapy.' 2) My heart failure team had a licensed behavioral health person that (only worked with heart failure patients) I was able to talk with for awhile, and she really truly got it. I would ask your heart failure team if they have anyone that you can talk to as you are really struggling. 3) I started an antidepressant and a anti - anxiety med. I'm on Lexapro and Bhuspar and both really rounded things out. Lastly, I would say that time and supportive people helped. I really tried hard to, even when I was scared, get out there and experience life and getting my mind off things (even just a tad) was helpful in getting me through. I hope that helps and keep on fighting! Your example is a great example for those around you too...Morgan (heart-failure.net Moderator)
