Limerick man 'in a fog' after being told he had four blockages to his heart

LIMERICK campaigners are among those calling for the government to pledge €1.2 million in annual funding for heart and stroke patients. 

It is estimated that 24,000 people in Limerick are living with cardiovascular disease. 

For many, supports provided by the charity are the only help they receive after a life-changing heart event, heart failure, stroke or other cardiac conditions. 

The practical, social and emotional support services begin when patients leave hospital and continue for as long as they are needed.  

The Irish Heart Foundation say they need more money to fund patient support services around the country for the volume of patients who need help. 

Last August, Robert Simring from Limerick city experienced some slight chest pain, breathing difficulty, tiredness and discomfort. He went straight to his GP, who referred him to a cardiologist.

It was then, after some tests, that Robert, who lost both his father and brother-in-law to cardiac arrest, would be told the devastating news that he had four blockages to his heart, one of which would require a stent. 

Robert remembers it as a very scary time for him and his wife and three children. He felt alone, and “in a fog” when he came out of hospital.

His biggest challenge was the mental side of dealing with the diagnosis. 

He came across the Patient Champions Programme in the Irish Heart Foundation, which he said was “like being part of an extended family”.

“Being part of a group of like-minded people that have been through similar life changes and experiences is very important to me as one doesn't feel so isolated,” he said.  

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Director of advocacy and patient support for the Irish Heart Foundation, Chris Macey says their supports are vital and in the long run, actually save the government money. 

“Nationally, 80,000 heart and stroke patients are discharged from hospital every year, or one every seven minutes, in many cases to a bleak and uncertain future,” he said.

“One in three of all stroke patients returning home are being referred into our services, whilst we are also supporting thousands of heart patients.

“These people cannot simply return to the lives they led before and desperately need the unique pathway of support services that the Irish Heart Foundation provides.

“We are doing our utmost with our resources to ensure that people can make the most of life after a stroke or heart diagnosis, but we cannot guarantee continued delivery of these services.”

Mr Macey says stroke patients leaving hospital often feel abandoned – and many heart failure patients end up in a revolving-door system where they need to be readmitted.

“Our range of services, described by patients as a lifeline, reduce the need for admission to hospitals and nursing homes. A heart disease diagnosis or stroke often leads to post traumatic stress disorder. But the counselling we provide is the only psychological support available to many patients.

“People are denied basic services and it is appalling.”

People are being urged to ask their local TDs and senators to sign the online pledge on irishheart.ie/advocacy/

As well as counselling, the Irish Heart Foundation provides nurse-led needs assessments, weekly support calls, back-to-work programmes, fatigue management, peer-to-peer support services, social interaction and online exercise groups. Patients also have access to a nurse support line to provide medical advice.