Empowering Yourself: Recognising Heart Attack Symptoms Could Be A Lifesaver

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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the subtle signs of illness that our bodies tell us, dismissing minor aches and discomforts. This tendency, however, can prove dangerous, especially when it comes to recognising the symptoms of a heart attack.

A recent survey by NHS England unveils a concerning reality - many individuals are not confident in identifying the signs of a heart attack, with the figures being notably higher among those over 55. This lack of awareness could be a matter of life and death, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions who might misattribute heart attack symptoms to their existing ailments.

The NHS England's 'Help Us, Help You' campaign calls for everyone to equip themselves with the knowledge of heart attack symptoms and act promptly by calling 999 if they suspect they or someone around them is having a heart attack.

Heart attack symptoms can be elusive and may vary from person to person. The most common symptom is chest pain, often described as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness, or squeezing across the chest. However, symptoms can also manifest in other forms, such as pain in the arms, jaw, neck, back, and tummy, lightheadedness, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, coughing or wheezing.

The narratives of heart attack survivors Asif and Gemma underscore the importance of heeding these signs. Gemma initially dismissed her symptoms as exercise-induced discomfort, while Asif mistook his for food poisoning. Their stories are a stark reminder that a delay in seeking help can result in severe heart muscle damage, impacting the quality of life post-recovery.

For individuals managing chronic conditions, it's easy to fall into a routine of attributing all discomfort to the existing ailment. This mindset, however, can obscure the onset of other serious conditions like a heart attack. Listening to your body, understanding its signals, and seeking medical attention when something feels amiss is imperative.

The campaign by NHS England also sheds light on the common confusion between heart attacks and cardiac arrests. While a heart attack is a circulation problem caused by a blockage that inhibits blood flow to the heart, a cardiac arrest is an electrical issue where the heart suddenly stops beating. Understanding this distinction is crucial as the immediate response required for each differs significantly.

The 'Help Us, Help You' campaign is more than just a slogan; it's a plea for public vigilance and a step towards fostering a culture of proactive healthcare. By educating ourselves and acting promptly, we safeguard our health and contribute to a community where timely intervention becomes a norm rather than an exception.

With over 84,000 hospital heart attack admissions in England during 2021/22, the urgency of this message cannot be overstated. Visit nhs.uk/heartattack for further information. Your prompt action could be a beacon of hope for yourself and others, ensuring that heartbeats continue to echo with vitality.
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by Lauren Amphlett

Martha's Rule: A Lifeline for Patients and Families in the NHS

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Martha's Rule is a proposed healthcare initiative in the United Kingdom that aims to empower patients and their families with the right to seek a second medical opinion. Named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died from preventable sepsis, the rule is gaining traction and support, including the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and Healthwatch. Here, we look at Martha's Rule's significance and potential impact on the NHS and patient care.

The Tragic Case of Martha Mills

Martha Mills was a 13-year-old girl enjoying a family holiday in Wales when she sustained a severe injury to her pancreas after falling from her bike. She was admitted to King's College Hospital in London, a specialist centre for children with pancreatic issues. Despite several opportunities to escalate her care, Martha's deteriorating condition was not adequately addressed. She developed sepsis and passed away, a tragedy that an inquest later ruled could have been prevented with better care.

What is Martha's Rule?

Martha's Rule aims to serve as an extra safeguard for patients or their loved ones who want a second opinion about treatment options, particularly when there is a suspected deterioration or serious concern. The rule would shift the balance of power from medical discretion to the patient or their family, enabling them to trigger a request for a second clinical opinion directly.

Support and Advocacy

Rob Behrens of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has expressed full support for the introduction of Martha's Rule. He emphasised the need for patients to be listened to, citing numerous cases where patients were failed by their doctors due to a lack of attention. Healthwatch also backs the initiative, highlighting its potential to save lives if implemented correctly. 

International Precedents

Similar systems exist globally, including a measure in Australia known as "Ryan's Rule," named after Ryan Saunders, who died from an undiagnosed streptococcal infection. The rule allows patients or their families to request a clinical review if their condition deteriorates. 

Future Prospects

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has tasked officials with exploring the feasibility of implementing Martha's Rule in the UK. The rule could be a significant step forward in improving patient safety and ensuring that the voices of patients and their families are heard.

Martha's Rule has the potential to be a transformative addition to the UK's healthcare system, offering a lifeline to patients and families who feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. As the NHS continues to evolve, implementing such a rule could be pivotal in ensuring that no more lives are lost due to medical oversight.
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by Lauren Amphlett

Understanding a Fever

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A fever, also known as pyrexia, is a common symptom that can occur in various illnesses and conditions. But what exactly is a fever, and why do we get one? It's important to understand this symptom, as it's often a sign that our bodies are fighting an infection.

What is a Fever?

A fever is an increase in your body's normal temperature range, usually in response to an illness or infection. While the average body temperature is typically around 36.5 to 37.2 degrees Celsius, a fever is generally agreed upon in the medical field to be a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above.

Why Do We Get a Fever?

Fever is not an illness in itself but rather a symptom, often indicative of an underlying condition. It's essentially a defence mechanism of our bodies. When bacteria or viruses invade our systems, our immune system responds by increasing our body temperature. This elevated temperature helps the body to kill off the invading organisms, as many of them cannot survive in higher temperatures.

Moreover, a fever also boosts the body's immune response by stimulating the production of white blood cells, the soldiers of our immune system, and other substances that help fight off infections.

What Constitutes a Fever?

While it's important to remember that everyone's 'normal' body temperature can vary slightly, the NHS categorises a fever in adults as a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. However, even a slight elevation in temperature may cause discomfort and is usually the first sign of an illness. Please note it's not always easy to take a temperature accurately.  If you feel hot or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if a thermometer says your temperature is below 38C.

Normal Temperature Limits

While the average body temperature for a healthy adult typically ranges between 36.5 and 37.2 degrees Celsius, it's normal for your body temperature to fluctuate throughout the day. For instance, it tends to be lower in the early morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.

However, if your body temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, it's usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. In the case of a very high fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius or higher, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate a severe infection.

Why Do We Shake During a Fever?

Fever often comes with chills or shivering, which can seem paradoxical when your body is overheated. This shaking is essentially a side effect of your body trying to increase its temperature. The process is triggered by the hypothalamus, our body's thermostat, which instructs our muscles to contract and relax rapidly to generate warmth, leading to what we recognise as shivering.

 

So, while fevers can be uncomfortable, they are often a sign that your body is doing exactly what it needs to do to fight off an infection or illness. However, it's important to monitor a fever closely and seek medical help if the fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by other severe symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, or severe pain.

You can read more on the NHS.uk website here. 

 
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by Lauren Amphlett

Living with & Managing Chronic Illness

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As many of you know, chronic conditions like Aspergillosis require more than just medical intervention. Chronic illnesses necessitate emotional resilience, adaptability, understanding, and physical strength. Patient-centric strategies have proven successful in managing illness and improving overall well-being and health outcomes, irrespective of the condition. The journey can be challenging, particularly when first diagnosed, but having an illness like Aspergillosis doesn't mean enduring a life of constant suffering.

 

What do we mean by manageable?

"Manageable" does not mean that your illness will completely disappear or you will no longer feel its effects. Instead, it means that the symptoms can be controlled to such an extent that they do not dominate your life or altogether remove your ability to function. Managing a chronic condition involves developing a comprehensive and tailored approach incorporating medication, lifestyle adjustments, emotional well-being, and social support.

 

Chronic conditions require more than medication

 

Understanding Your Illness 

Knowledge is power. Understanding your illness, its symptoms, triggers, and progression will help you manage it more effectively. Ask your doctor(s) questions, do your own research, and consider joining support groups where you can learn from others' experiences.

 

Acknowledging limitations 

When we discuss acknowledging limitations while living with Aspergillosis, there's a metaphor that captures this struggle: The Spoon Theory.

The Spoon Theory, conceived by Christine Miserandino, is a valuable metaphor within the chronic illness community to explain the energy required to live with such conditions. In this analogy, 'spoons' represent energy units. Each day, a person has a finite number of 'spoons' and must budget their activities to ensure they don't run out of 'spoons' before the day ends.

 

So, how does this relate to acknowledging limitations with Aspergillosis? 

 

Physical Limitations

With Aspergillosis, common physical symptoms like fatigue or breathlessness may require more 'spoons' than usual. Understanding your body's signals and resting when necessary helps you conserve your 'spoons'.

 

Emotional Limitations 

Chronic illness can be emotionally draining. It's normal to feel uncertain and anxious about your condition. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with chronic illnesses may be more likely to suffer from depression. Therefore, depression is a common complication of chronic illness.

Managing feelings of anxiety or depression requires 'spoons'. Acknowledging your emotional health and seeking help and support when you need it can assist in managing your emotional energy better.

 

Social Limitations 

Every social activity costs 'spoons'. While it's crucial to maintain a social life, it's equally important to recognise when you might need to prioritise rest and recovery.

 

Work Limitations

The energy expended at work needs to be factored into your 'spoon' budget. Sometimes, it may require a conversation with your employer to adjust your workload or responsibilities to accommodate your health needs.

 

Understanding and applying the Spoon Theory to your life can be a powerful tool in acknowledging and managing your limitations. It's not about resigning yourself to these limitations but prioritising and becoming effective at working around them.

Each of you will have a different number of 'spoons' each day, and what may cost one spoon for some may cost five for another. That's why it's so crucial to respect and acknowledge our boundaries.

 

The power of exercise 

Exercise plays an integral role in maintaining our health and well-being. Regular physical activity can significantly improve quality of life, boost mood, enhance lung function, and strengthen the immune system. However, the thought of exercise might seem daunting given the physical constraints of Aspergillosis. But it's about finding what works best for you.

 

Exercise that suits your abilities 

Remember, the objective is not to exhaust yourself but to gradually improve your endurance and strength within your limits. Lower-intensity activities such as walking, stretching exercises, or chair-based workouts can be beneficial starting points. Even small activities like light household chores can contribute to your daily exercise.

 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation 

These are programmes specifically designed for people with lung conditions. They involve a combination of exercises to improve lung function, education, and emotional support. Trained healthcare professionals supervise these programmes to ensure safety and efficacy.

 

Breathing exercises 

Exercises like pursed-lip or diaphragmatic breathing can improve lung capacity and help manage breathlessness, a common symptom in Aspergillosis.

 

Yoga and Meditation 

Gentle yoga poses combined with mindful breathing can improve flexibility, balance, and strength while also helping with stress management.

 

Staying consistent

The key is regularity rather than intensity. Even 10-15 minutes of exercise daily can make a difference. As your endurance builds, you can gradually increase the duration and possibly the intensity of your workouts.

 

Work with professionals 

Always consult your care team before starting a new exercise regimen. They can guide you.

 

Listen to your body

Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel excessively tired or experience difficulty breathing, it's time to rest. Remember, acknowledging your limits is not a weakness; it's an essential part of managing your health.

 

Mental health matters 

Living with a chronic illness like Aspergillosis can be physically challenging, but it also exacts a toll on our mental health. Anxiety, depression, stress, and feelings of isolation are not uncommon. Acknowledging these emotions and finding ways to manage them is as important as managing the physical symptoms of the illness.

 

Understanding the Impact

Chronic illnesses can lead to a range of emotional responses: fear about what the future holds, frustration over physical limitations, feelings of isolation due to changes in lifestyle or others' inability to fully understand your experience. Understanding that these are normal reactions to your situation is the first step towards addressing them.

 

Communication

One of the most powerful tools in managing mental health is open communication. This could be with family, friends, a support group, or a professional counsellor. Discussing your feelings can provide relief and offer new perspectives.

 

Professional Help

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists can provide strategies to cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that can accompany chronic illnesses. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and other techniques can help you navigate your emotional journey.

 

Peer Support

We talk about this a lot, and many of you reading this will already realise the benefits because you attend our weekly meetings. Connecting with others who are dealing with similar experiences can be incredibly helpful. Support groups provide a platform to share experiences, learn from others, and gain emotional comfort from knowing you're not alone.

 

Self-care

Prioritise activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. This could be reading, listening to music, gardening, or any hobby that provides a sense of calm. Mindfulness exercises, yoga, and meditation can also be effective in reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

 

Depression is not a weakness 

It's not just the physical discomfort and limitations that pose a challenge. Still, the emotional burden carried with a persistent health condition can also be substantial. Thus, depression is a common complication of chronic illness. Still, it doesn't have to be a normal part of chronic illness. Depression can manifest through persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, difficulty sleeping, or changes in appetite. It's important to recognise that depression is not a sign of weakness or a normal part of living with a chronic illness. It's a serious but treatable condition. If you or someone you care for shows signs of depression, seeking help from healthcare professionals is crucial. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, medication, or a combination of both can effectively manage depression. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a critical part of managing a chronic illness.

Remember, it's okay to have tough days. Your illness does not define you, and it's okay to ask for help when needed. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and focus on the strengths that help you navigate your challenges.
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by Lauren Amphlett