Cardiac Support Group? Me?
I’m not a ‘group’ person. A support group? Not me! I’m not into ‘that’ sort of thing. Everyone sitting around telling their stories? I don’t think so!
Why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and maybe a lot to gain. The following are responses by some of our members to a brief questionnaire sharing their experiences of the group. Note: our group includes patients with a range of conditions including heart attack, heart failure, heart bypass and valve surgery and arrythmias.
I’ve been coming to BCSG for about 3 years, (including Covid), after being advised to attend by the hospital. I first came with my sister for up-to-date information, general advice and suggestions and we were made very welcome. We gained quality information and knowledge from the doctors, and nurses and were given a sense of belonging by fellow members. My greatest challenge both living and working with heart disease is to be treated equally at work and still be allowed to do a good job.
I would advise someone newly diagnosed with heart disease to join everything they can, listen to other people’s experiences and slow down. You may well learn something. My hopes for the future are to slow down and enjoy life!
Diane 45 – 59 years
****************************************************
I’ve been coming to the group for around 6 years. I was apprehensive but I didn’t remember much of what happened or what I had been told in the hospital and I had a lot of questions. I was a bit scared the first time I came but someone spoke to me when I first arrived and everyone was very friendly. I learnt so much coming to the group from the other members and also the professional speakers.
My biggest challenge was regaining my confidence which took a huge knock. You think you are the only one to feel like you do but you aren’t. I would advise anyone with a new diagnosis of heart disease to come to the group. Try it just once. You might be surprised.
Anon. 60 – 74 years
****************************************************************
I’ve been coming to the support group for around 3 years, (including Covid), not for a heart attack but for a degenerative heart condition. I started after my sister had a heart attack, she was told about the group, and we came together. We were made to feel very welcome. The group has helped me to see other people and their conditions and different treatments. I feel I am not alone.
My greatest challenge in living with heart disease is knowing my limitations and having some good days and bad days.
Covid meant my consultant appointments were via phone but apart from that I feel my care has remained the same.
My hopes for the future are to keep stable and put off the inevitable as long as possible. I would advise anyone with a new heart disease diagnosis to come to the group when you can, there is always someone to help.
Christine 45 – 59 years
****************************************************************
I’ve been coming to BCSG for 21 years. I am 97 years young! I first heard about the group from my cardiac rehabilitation group/class. I came with my wife, and we were made to feel very welcome.
The group helped me and my wife by just listening and picking up hints or tips that referred to our situation. It enabled us to talk more with one another about what concerned us. My challenge, in living with heart disease is to know my limitations and not to look for problems.
I would advise anyone with a new diagnosis of heart disease to contact their heart group. My hope for the future? To reach 100 years!
Norman 97 years
****************************************************************
I heard about the Bolton Cardiac Support Group from Royal Bolton Hospital, and yes, I was made to feel welcome at the group. I have been attending for six months with my wife since it moved to Egerton. I find tiredness and anxiety one of my greatest challenges living with heart disease and sharing concerns and getting information is helpful.
Covid 19 impacted my care and treatment so much that I do like not telephone consultations.
I would advise anyone with a new diagnosis of heart disease to join a support group and get as much information as they can. My hopes for the future? Not to get any worse and experience some improvement.
Alan 75 years +
***************************************************************
I’m not sure how I learned about BCSG but I’ve been coming, on my own, for about 3 months. What have I gained or got from the group? I’ve not been coming long enough but I like the atmosphere and I’ve learned about the ambulance service and hope to learn about cardiac matters.
One of my greatest challenges living with heart disease is finding travel insurance and trying to get going without damage. I think Covid 19 impacted my care and treatment very little.
Because I have haemochromatosis and now take blood thinners I have to have venesection at RBH instead of Breightmet clinic.
I would advise anyone with a new diagnosis of heart disease to join the group, read all you can and exercise. My hope for the future is to become healthy without worry.
Dorri 75years+
****************************************************************
I have been coming to BCSG after hearing about it from two other members about 8 years ago and I still come with them. I was made to feel very welcome and the group offers me reassurance. There’s nothing really I don’t like or would change about the group.
The greatest challenge about living with heart disease has been knowing when to slow down. Covid 19 hasn’t really impacted my care and treatment.
What advice would I give to others with a new diagnosis of heart disease? Not to worry; keep taking the medicines; and do as you are told.
My hope for the future is to live as long as possible.
L. Martindale 60 – 74 years
****************************************************************
I have been coming to BCSG now for 10 years having heard about it from RBH. I come along with Audrey and was made to feel welcome. The greatest challenge of living with heart disease is knowing my limits. The main thing I got from the group was confidence. There is nothing I would change about the group or my journey.
Covid 19 didn’t impact my care/treatment at all.
What advice would I give to someone with a new diagnosis of heart disease? Just take a day at a time. My hope for the future is to just keep going.
BA Ralphs 75 years +
****************************************************************
I came, by myself, from Cardiac Rehabilitation to BCSG about 10 years ago. I can’t say there is anything I don’t like about the group nor would I want to change anything about the group or my journey.
My greatest challenge has been knowing my limitations and keeping within them. Covid 19 didn’t impact any of my care/treatment.
What advice would I give to someone with a new diagnosis of heart disease? Listen to and follow the advice given. My hope for the future is to be as well as possible, to cope and enjoy every day as it comes.
A.Walch 75 years+
****************************************************************
I have only been coming to the group, with my wife, for about 3 months and my path has been a slow one due to the pandemic. I heard about the group via Facebook and we have been made to feel very welcome. What I have gained from the group is information and support. Acceptance is my greatest challenge living with heart disease. There isn’t anything I would change about my journey or the group. My hope for the future is improved medication.
Anon 60 – 74 years