The heart attack has not only affected you as the patient but those family members and friends close to you. Open communication, cardiac rehabilitation classes, questions to the hospital staff, all should be encouraged as they are feeling similar way as you.
People who have suffered heart attacks can have difficulty adjusting the first week after leaving the hospital. This may be difficult for the family.
- Talk – discuss feelings honestly and openly. Share on a feeling level.
- Expect difficulties – you are both experiencing on an emotional level the results of a trauma - - namely the illness, so you will all be under some stress.
Behavior changes that my take place:- The patient may become preoccupied with his or herself. He may expect to be catered to constantly. Family may be afraid to refuse any request for fear of causing another attack. The family may feel guilty by thinking they may have caused the attack.
- Spouses may be over zealous which can cause annoyance on the part of the patient.
- Realize things do progress– time is part of the healing process both mentally and physically. A relatively normal lifestyle returns as you see gradual improvement every day.
- Include the children – do not be over-protective of them, as they can judge to some degree the situation, depending on their age. Encourage talking about their feelings and usefulness to the patient during the recovery period, ie. assist with housework or mowing of the lawn.
- Exercise hope.
- Exercise empathy — do not smother or treat the person with an overabundance of pity. This can produce feelings of anger in the patient.
- Exercise some self-control — the patient does not need to hear about unpaid bills, problematic children, etc.
Summary: Everything happening can be an opportunity and this can help you enjoy each day with a new awareness and a new appreciation of what really matters.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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