"The Cardiac team saved my life."

In July 2016, I was taken to the A & E with chest pain and feeling ill. Having no obvious reason detected, I was transferred to the medical ward. The doctor there transferred me to the cardiac ward because my blood pressure was very different in each arm. They recommended an angiogram. The angiogram (performed within hours of my arriving on the cardiac ward) revealed a blockage which was dealt immediately with inserting a stent. I was extremely grateful that none of the medical professionals were willing to send me home until they figured out what was wrong with me. I signed up for the cardiac rehabilitation programme. At 54, I was terrified I would have another attack or would die if I exerted myself. The rehabilitation team were extremely supportive, caring and informative of the causes and surviving cardiac issues. The rehab classes, held twice weekly for 2 hours each time, were a combination of exercises and relaxation. These classes helped us patients come to terms with how active we could and should become for continued/renewed health. Several of the patients only felt safe pushing themselves physically under supervision in case of another attack. We were all extremely well lead, guided, supervised and cared for. I did have one occurrence of chest pain during the exercise session and was whisked up to the cardiac day unit and tended to immediately and very well looked after until I was left go home with an all clear. The team and the programme helped all us patients (of course I can only speak for myself) to regain confidence in taking steps to regain our health and control our lives. The only negative is I found the course wasn't long enough - it was only six weeks. I felt I was only just getting a grip of it all when it ended. I felt the six weeks wasn't enough to help me regain my confidence in becoming an active person again. The rehab team were totally committed but couldn't physically offer any more because of having to also work multiple long and extra shifts on the cardiac ward. So my suggestion would be to recruit extra help and offer the course for longer. However, to the existing team, keep up the excellent work. Miss seeing you all but glad I don't have to because of my better health. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the paramedics and staff of the A & E for the excellent care I was offered on all 3 occasions of my needing to be seen to. The sister in charge on two of those occasions did an excellent job of working their teams and staying on top of of what was happening with each patient. These professionals work under extreme and extraordinary pressure and are often mistreated. I, for one, would like to congratulate them for their care and dedication. Not a lot of people can do what they do.