On Holiday

Having a heart attack is a very frightening experience, not only for the patient, but also for the spouse and family to see a loved one suffering excruciating chest pains.

At that time, having suffered what the doctors described as a substantial heart attack with severe complications, and the fact that this all happened while we were away from home and on holiday, all added to the worry and stress of the situation, not just for the patient but also for the carer.

After spending 15 days in hospital and still feeling very ill, we returned home. We received no after care apart from visits from GPs when called upon and we had no one to turn to for advice or guidance as to what to expect or what the future might hold.

While the patient is suffering, especially in the early stages of the illness, there is a great deal of stress on the carer who, very often, does not know how to cope. There is a very fine line between being on hand to give help and support when needed and falling into the trap of being overprotective and not allowing the patient his own space.

Toleration is also needed on both sides. It is perhaps easier to walk away when one feels the need to scream and vent their feelings, but be there to comfort when one needs a shoulder to cry on, as this can be an emotional time for both parties.