My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
By: Sallie Crawley
Language: en-gb
Categories: Health, Fitness, Alternative, Mental
You survived the heart attack, cardiac surgery, or cardiac arrest, but now what? Life after a heart event can feel overwhelming, lonely, and uncertain. Your body may be healing, but your mind and emotions are still catching up.Friends say you’re lucky to be alive, and you know you are. But inside, you’re dealing with fear, exhaustion, and grief. You’ve been given a second chance, but you don’t know how to make the most of it. Your confidence is shaken, your energy is low, and no one really talks about how recovery is more than just medicati...
Episodes
GTN & Vasodilators - Managing Angina Effectively
Jan 07, 2026In this episode, I will explain what vasodilators are, the difference between short-acting and long-acting nitrates, and how to use GTN spray and tablets safely. Learn about common side effects, emergency tips, and practical advice for living confidently with angina.
Key Points Covered:
How vasodilators work to improve blood flow and reduce heart workloadShort-acting vs long-acting nitratesStep-by-step instructions for GTN tablets and sprayWhat to do in an angina emergencyCommon side effects and how to manage themResources:
Get Your FREE...
Duration: 00:10:16Why Saying THE Heart Attack vs MY Heart Attack Matters
Dec 31, 2025Reclaiming Your Life Story: Why “A Heart Attack” or “The Heart Attack” Matters More Than “My Heart Attack”.
The words we use to describe a health event can influence how we cope, heal, and view ourselves. In this episode, I explore why saying “a heart attack” or “the heart attack” instead of “my heart attack” can empower recovery, reduce fear, and help you reclaim your story. You’ll learn practical tips for shifting language, distancing yourself from illness labels, and building emotional resilience.
Key Takeaways:
Lan... Duration: 00:12:26Relaxamation - I Trust Myself to find Moderation
Dec 24, 2025I will guide you through a relaxamation session that supports balanced living and moderation during the festive season. Using gentle relaxation, body awareness, and the affirmation “I trust myself to find balance and moderation”, this session helps people living with cardiac conditions enjoy celebrations with confidence and calm.
Not sure what a Relaxamation is?
You can find more information here: Episode 22 called Relaxamations Explained - The Big Calm & The Feel-Good Factor
Who It’s For:
Anyone recovering from heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrest, heart attack, or surger...
Quitting Smoking - The Voice That Says You Can’t
Dec 17, 2025Today, I explore the hidden psychology behind why it can be so difficult to quit smoking after a cardiac event, especially when you’ve tried before. Discover how your brain’s limbic system tricks you into believing you can’t cope without nicotine, and how to rewire that inner dialogue using calm, compassionate, and evidence-based tools.
What You’ll Learn:
The real reason your brain resists quitting - and it’s not lack of willpowerHow to spot the “limbic lies” that tell you you’ll die or lose yourself without nicotinePractical ways to respond to cravings with c... Duration: 00:13:13Love, Intimacy & Sex after a Heart Attack or Surgery
Dec 10, 2025Intimacy, love, and sexual connection can feel complicated after a heart attack, cardiac arrest or surgery but they are a vital part of your recovery and emotional wellbeing. In this episode, Sallie Crawley walks you through the challenges, practical strategies, and gentle steps to help you reconnect with your partner and with yourself.
You’ll learn:
Common sexual and intimacy challenges after heart surgery or a heart attackWhy these challenges happen, from medications to emotional stressHow to safely restart sexual activity with your doctor’s guidanceWays to feel close to your partner without sexStrategies to rebuild conf... Duration: 00:12:00Ejection Fraction (EF) – Understanding Your Heart’s Strength
Dec 03, 2025Understanding your ejection fraction (EF) can feel confusing, especially after a heart attack, heart surgery, or when living with heart disease. In this episode I break down EF in simple, relatable terms and explains why it matters for your heart health.
You’ll learn:
What ejection fraction is and what the numbers meanWhy EF matters for your energy, oxygen flow, and overall wellbeingHow EF is measured and what to ask your doctorPractical steps to support your heart, including diet, exercise, and stress managementA gentle, actionable “Heart-Pump Boost” activity to help you fee... Duration: 00:11:36Can you have a Happy Brain after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Nov 26, 2025Discover how to boost your happiness and improve your heart health after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explain how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline impact your recovery, and how “happy hormones” - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins - can help you feel joyful, motivated, and connected. Learn practical tips for regulating these hormones and reclaiming your life after heart surgery or a heart attack.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding stress vs. happy hormonesHow cortisol and adrenaline affect your recoveryPractical ways to increase dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins Daily habits to support mental and heart... Duration: 00:13:29Alcohol and Your Heart: Finding Balance After a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Nov 19, 2025Many people worry about whether alcohol is off-limits after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explore the effects of alcohol on the heart, the truth about moderation, and practical strategies to enjoy life safely.
Learn:
How alcohol affects heart health and medicationsWhat moderation really looks likePractical tips for reducing intake without feeling deprivedBenefits of mindful drinking and reducing alcohol for heart recovery
Resources & References:
Self Care After a Cardiac Event isn't Selfish
Aug 18, 2025Me, Myself, and I, today I tackle the myth that self-care is selfish and learn why it's actually an essential practice for our well-being after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I use the powerful analogy of the airplane oxygen mask to understand why we must take care of ourselves first before we can effectively help others.
I also dive into the transformative power of mindset, sharing a personal journey from self-criticism to self-love. Learn how changing your thoughts can lead to lasting changes in your habits and overall happiness when living with heart disease.
<...
Relaxamation - I Have the Right to Be Happy
Aug 11, 2025In today’s guided Relaxamation, I invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the truth that happiness is your right and not a reward or something you have to earn. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack, adjusting to life with heart failure, or living with any form of heart disease, this is your time to remember: you can feel joy, peace, and calm—even in the midst of uncertainty.
You’ll be gently guided through a soothing body relaxation, followed by a powerful repetition of the affirmation: “I have the right to be happy.”...
Duration: 00:19:42A Self-Soothing Toolbox for your Heart & Mind Health
Aug 04, 2025Today, we're talking about A powerful tool to help you manage those overwhelming moments of worry, stress, and anxiety that can often accompany a cardiac event: creating your very own Self-Soothing Toolbox.
Sallie shares why this "emergency kit" for your emotions is so much more than just a coping mechanism – it's a proactive step towards improving your mental and physical health. She explains how to create your personalised box, from decorating your chosen container to filling it with items that ground your thoughts, trigger positive memories, and gently pull you back into the present moment.
... Duration: 00:14:41Coming Home: What the Early Months After a Heart Attack Really Feel Like
Jul 28, 2025What are the early months after a heart attack really like?" It's a question that brings back memories of my own uncertainty after leaving the hospital, stepping back into a life that suddenly felt unfamiliar. I just didn't have a clue what to expect!
In this episode, I'll explore what those first few days, weeks, and months can bring, both physically and emotionally, and share how you can navigate them with strength and hope.
Important Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. This episode shares my personal experience as a heart attack survivor and...
Duration: 00:16:35From Trauma to Triumph – Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth After a Heart Event
Jul 21, 2025Today, I'm diving deep into a topic I touched on previously in episode 035, about "Can trauma and PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery." This time, I want to share how even after a traumatic event, feeling good is not only possible but something you're absolutely allowed to do. I'm talking about moving From Trauma to Triumph: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) versus something truly transformative – Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).
In this episode, I'll share:
My personal perspective on the reality of post-traumatic stress after a heart event and why seeking help is cr... Duration: 00:11:13Beat the Heat and Stay Heart-Healthy
Jul 14, 2025Summer can bring unique challenges for those with cardiac conditions. This episode provides actionable advice on staying cool, hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat-related stress, all tailored to help you protect your heart. Sallie shares her expertise and personal insights, guiding you through crucial precautions and lifestyle adjustments that can make a significant difference during hot spells.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the risks of heat on cardiac health.Practical tips for staying cool and hydrated.Identifying and responding to heat-related symptoms.Adjusting your routine to minimise heat exposure.Empowering strategies for continued heart-healthy living... Duration: 00:13:15Mindset and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Is There a Connection?
Jul 07, 2025I challenge the notion that "you can't think yourself better" after a life-altering cardiac event. While it's crucial to acknowledge the trauma and negative emotions, we delve into the powerful connection between your mindset and your cardiac recovery.
We explore:
The Nuance of Positive Thinking: It's not about being relentlessly positive, but understanding how your thoughts influence your feelings, actions, and behaviours.The Thought-Action Link: How a negative thought can derail your plans (like a rainy day stopping a walk) and how a shift in perspective can lead to positive actions.Changing Your Mindset... Duration: 00:10:47Relaxamation - I Cope With Uncertainty (20 minutes)
Jun 30, 2025Today I’ve been thinking about how much energy we spend trying to predict, control or prepare for every possible outcome in life… especially when we’re living with a health condition.
It’s completely natural, we want certainty because it feels safe. And when your body isn’t behaving predictably, or when your health is uncertain, it’s easy to feel like the ground beneath you is shifting. Even the smallest decisions can feel overwhelming. Will I feel well enough today? What will the test results say? How do I plan when I don’t know how I’ll feel...
Duration: 00:20:32An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Jun 23, 2025A cardiac event, whether a heart attack or surgery, doesn't just impact your physical health; it can dramatically affect your emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore the emotional roller coaster ride that often follows, akin to the stages of grief.
We discuss:
Grief Beyond Loss: How losing your "old life" after a cardiac event is a valid form of grief.The Change Curve: A model based on Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of grief, adapted to the cardiac recovery journey.We'll look at stages like:
Shock & Denial: The initial disbelief and fe... Duration: 00:15:31Introducing Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds!
Jun 16, 2025Join me for an exciting announcement! My Facebook page, formerly known as "Heart Attack, Heart Surgery & Heart Disease Survivors Support Group," is officially rebranding to Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds! 🎉
This new name truly reflects my mission: to support and empower individuals living with or recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or cardiac diagnosis on their journey to a healthier and happier life.
In this episode, I'll explore what this rebrand means for our community and introduce my three dedicated Facebook groups designed to offer even more tailored support:
My Heart & Mind: Our... Duration: 00:07:31Can PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest or open-heart surgery?
Jun 09, 2025I confront the reality of trauma and PTSD following cardiac events like heart attacks, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery. It's a question many ask, and the answer is a definitive yes. I discuss:
The Reality of Trauma: How life-changing cardiac events can make your own body feel unsafe, and why these feelings are normal.What is PTSD? Understanding symptoms like re-living events, heightened anxiety (hyperarousal), rage, guilt, vivid nightmares, and avoidance behaviours.Recognising Triggers: How your brain's protective mechanisms can lead to anxiety around hospitals, medications, or even physical sensations.The Impact on Recovery: How untreated trauma and... Duration: 00:11:05Pumphead, Is That a Thing? (Post-Perfusion Syndrome)
May 29, 2025I dive into "Pumphead," or Post-Perfusion Syndrome, the post-operative brain fog many experience after heart bypass surgery. We'll cover:
What is Pumphead? Common symptoms like brain fog, confusion, and dizziness.Why does it occur? Theories involving the perfusion machine and heart handling.Recognising Symptoms: How to identify signs like imbalance, difficulty problem-solving, or mood changes.Treatment & Recovery: Exploring medical approaches, cognitive exercises, social interaction, and lifestyle tips for improvement.Time as a Healer: Understanding that full recovery often happens within 3-12 months.If you're dealing with cognitive changes post-surgery, this episode offers vital insights and encourages seeking...
Duration: 00:10:54Rebuilding the Engine with Triple Bypass Surgery - John Fraser's Story
Mar 03, 2025Join me in this powerful and candid interview with John Fraser, who shares his remarkable journey through a triple coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. At 66, John, a previously active individual, faced unexpected heart issues, leading to a life-changing operation. Listen as John details his experiences from initial symptoms and diagnosis to the challenges of surgery and recovery.
In this episode, John opens up about:
The initial signs and symptoms that led to his diagnosis.The emotional impact of waiting for surgery and the importance of a positive mindset.The realities of undergoing a... Duration: 00:57:39Relaxamation - Today Is My Day (13 minutes)
Feb 03, 2025Today’s episode is a relaxamation and it focuses on taking time for yourself and putting yourself first.
When was the last time you spent a whole day just for yourself, doing only what you wanted to do when you wanted to do it? I don’t do it very often myself and yet I know that I should.
It’s an essential part of self-care. Self-care shouldn’t be for when you’re burnt out, uptight, stressed and feeling awful it should be used as part of your everyday life to avoid feeling depleted and unable...
Duration: 00:12:36Embracing Awe: The Surprising Connection Between Wonder and Cardiac Wellbeing
Jan 25, 2025I am not sure about you but does your cardiac event consume your life? Is your heart health at the centre of everything that you do or think?
Awe is an emotion characterised by a sense of reverence or wonder in response to something perceived as vast or great. Something outside of yourself. It has been shown to have several potential health benefits.
Today I am going to talk about awe as it has been shown to have a positive impact on both psychological and physical health, making it an important aspect of well-being after a...
Duration: 00:12:46Relaxamation - I Am In Charge of How I Feel (13 minutes)
Jan 17, 2025The Dalai Lama said, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” To me, the quote means that experiencing pain, physical and emotional, is a natural and unavoidable part of life, but whether or not we experience suffering as a result of that pain is a choice that we can make. In other words, we can choose to let the pain control and consume us, causing suffering, or we can choose to accept the pain and manage it in a healthy and constructive way.
Managing how we feel and react to people, circumstances, and situations can reduce our suffering. You...
Duration: 00:13:31Stress Less, Live More: 5 Breathing Methods to Improve Cardiac Health and Emotional Well-Being
Jan 08, 2025I am sure that like me you experience stress and anxiety. I thought that prior to my heart attack, I had it pretty much nailed anxiety and that I managed my stress levels well.
Perhaps I did but after discharge from the hospital it got really out of my control and I had to learn to practice what I had been preaching to my clients.
Today I am sharing with you 5 different ways of using your breath to improve your stress tolerance, enhance energy, and regulate your emotional and cognitive states.
Psychological SighBox BreathingDiaphragmatic Bre... Duration: 00:18:18A Journey of Survival and Resilience with Jon Johnston
Dec 07, 2024My interview with Jon Johnston. He’s a survivor of a widow maker heart attack and a cardiac arrest that caused him to be without oxygen for 20 minutes, technically dead. He is also an author of two books and a sports website owner.
Today he talks to me about his life before his event and how he died but miraculously survived. He shares with me how he pieced together what had happened with the help of family and friends along with his realisation that he was not the only person affected. His heart attack impacted his family and...
Finding Your Sweet Spot with Cheryl Strachan
Nov 28, 2024This week is about nutrition, and my guest is Cheryl Strachan of Sweet Spot Nutrition. She is a Registered Dietitian, specialising in cardiac nutrition and wellness.
Her mission is to share her love for food that hits the sweet spot. She is also the author of a recipe book. It's called 30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for Easy, Low-Sodium Meals. Cheryl believes that we should focus on eating for health gain, because in the long run, weight loss diets don’t work for most people.
Please note that since we recorded this epi...
Cardiac Fiction Egregious Fortune By Aaron David
Oct 24, 2024Today’s episode is going to be rather different; it’s going to be a fictional story. It’s a story of someone that had a heart attack although it is founded in a true story. It’s the first fictional story that I have found about having a cardiac event and I’d like to share it with you.
I came across the author, Aaron David in a Facebook group when I was looking for people to proofread and give me feedback on my book ‘The Beat Goes On’, a how-to support yourself emotionally and practically guide for once...
Duration: 00:22:55Relaxamation - I Am Whole, Healthy & Complete
Apr 29, 2022Quit hiding your magic! You are UNIQUE, you are the only one like you. You have one of a kind fingerprints, not even identical twins have matching ones. You are the outcome of one egg and around 40 million sperm, any other sperm and you would be a different you. You are the only one to see colours the way you do.
Remember not to compare yourself with others as there is no comparison. And anyway, you would be matching their outsides (what you see) with your insides (with what you think and feel).
The same g...
Duration: 00:29:08Fatigue management tips when you have a heart health diagnosis
Apr 28, 2022This week I am talking more about "how-to" live life with fatigue and minimise the impact. I talk through more tools, rules and ideas to help you manage fatigue and conserve your energy.
Here are some of the topics I discuss in this episode.
Relaxamation - Forgiveness Is A Gift
Apr 22, 2022For a full understanding of what my relaxamations are make sure you catch up with my episode called Relaxamations to relax and energise when living with heart disease, you can read or listen to me explaining it. In a nutshell, though, relaxamations are a blend of all of the best bits of meditation, guided relaxation, mindfulness and positive affirmations.
Imagine this: If you had $86,400 in an account and someone stole $10 from you, would you be upset and throw all of the remaining $86,390 away in hopes of getting back at the person who took your $10? Or...
Relaxamations Explained - The Big Calm & The Feel Good Factor
Apr 21, 2022Today I am going to tell you about my relaxamation technique and how it can help you to relax and energise when living with heart disease.
It is a blend of all of the best bits of meditation, guided relaxation, mindfulness and positive affirmations. It's so exciting to tell you about what a relaxamation is and how it can help.
Relaxamations for you to download will be included in my regular mix of podcast episodes so you can gain the benefit at a time and place that is convenient for you. I hope you f... Duration: 00:15:22
Fatigue, the What, the Why and the How To Work It Out
Apr 14, 2022I recently asked in my Facebook community how have people been feeling since their cardiac event or diagnosis. The top answers were Fatigue, Sleep Issues, Anxiety and Lack of Motivation. These I thought would be top topics for me to talk about.
In this episode, we will be focussing on fatigue.
• What fatigue feels like.
• What’s the difference between tiredness and fatigue?
• Why do we get fatigued, what it is and what causes it?
You will understand what fatigue is and is not. You will understand what causes it and accept th...
Interview with Sallie Crawley by Brian Simpson, a ruptured Achilles, a heart attack and breast cancer
Jul 01, 2021A few months ago, I invited Brian Simpson, the Heart Attack Thriver to be on my podcast. He turned the tables on me and invited me to be his guest on his IGTV show. He kindly allowed me to use the audio to share some of my story with you.
You’ll get to find out why I think I am so lucky despite having my leg in plaster and having a heart attack. Then 8 weeks later having a cancer diagnosis that couldn’t be operated on as my event was so recent and that I was on ti...
Duration: 00:38:27Interview with Jakki Woywitka, the Healthy Heart Coach
Jun 24, 2021At the age of 36, she was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy and Aortic Stenosis. This was from having an undiagnosed Bicuspid Aortic Valve.
Her life was turned upside down. Since then, she has been on a journey to heal her body, mind & soul and reclaim her life.
Now she helps others do the same. Heart disease isn't the end of your life. It is a second chance. A chance to learn from the past, live joyfully in the present and to dream of an amazing future!
Jakki introduces her five pillars of...
Duration: 00:38:10Interview with Tony Richens-Smith, a heart attack during Covid-19 lockdown
Jun 17, 2021In January 2020 Tony decided to change his life and pursue his passion for working as a dog behaviourist. It was probably not the best timing but he made the best of things. Little did he know that in February 2021 his life was turned upside down once again.
Tony tells us about the day when his heart attack started and how he thought he had COVID, so went home and took himself off to bed.
Later after a call to 111, the ambulance was called and Tony was taken to hospital having a major heart attack.
Interview with Ashley Reaver, Registered Dietician - Lowering your cholesterol one meal at a time
Jun 10, 2021Ashley specialises in helping people with high cholesterol live a long, healthy life without feeling powerless to control their numbers because of their family history.
Hear about what Cholesterol is, what is good and bad about it. Ashely explains in terms that makes total sense – Cops & Robbers.
We talk about some of the misconceptions and myths about your cholesterol, about diets that reduce or increase cholesterol and her thoughts around diet vs medication (in particular statins).
You’ll learn how you can make your diet interesting, what you can eat and that thing calle...
Duration: 00:49:35Interview with Angela Hartley, Cardiac Nurse & Exercise Coach - Rehabilitation exercise on your terms
Jun 03, 2021Angela is an exercise coach and a cardiac nurse. In the last seven years, she’s been specialising in cardiac rehabilitation exercise.
She has quite a unique combination of skills. We chat about how in the UK cardiac rehab is provided for most patients via the NHS and how important it is to have the proper instructions for the wellbeing of our hearts during the healing process and how to achieve it.
We chat about how in the UK cardiac rehab is provided for most patients via the NHS and how important it is to ha...
Duration: 00:37:17Interview with Nicky Duncan-Sutherland – Not your typical heart disease stereotype
May 27, 2021Nicky was 44 years old, a fit and healthy mum of 3. She is not the stereotypical candidate for a heart attack.
She went to see her doctor as she began to feel unwell, the doctor suggested it was indigestion so Nicky took the recommended Gaviscon unbeknown to her that her symptoms were angina.
Nicky shares with us how 5 months later she’d been up all night with chest pain, although it was more in her back than her chest. “It was like having a red, hot poker being thrust between my shoulder blades and twisted. It wasn’t...
Duration: 01:13:24Interview with Brian Simpson – The Heart Attack Thriver, how having a heart attack changed his life for the better
Apr 29, 2021Brian suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 48. Prior to that he was exceptionally healthy and lived a very active life.
His heart attack occurred during an Ice Hockey match and he spent 20-25 minutes on his own in the dark unable to move.
Did he see the light? Despite there being a number of factors that seemed to make the situation difficult, he was lucky in so many ways including having paramedics having a Tim Hortons coffee (it’s famous in Canada). He’s lucky to be alive as they were so close...
Interview with Sara Bushnell - Having a heart attack in a work meeting far from home and an important discovery
Apr 22, 2021Sara was fit, healthy and ate a good diet. She had been experiencing regular headaches and stress, at one point thought her blood pressure machine must have been broken.
Living in Bristol, she left for a meeting in London, had an early telephone meeting at the station. Then she went on to her business meeting that was the reason for travelling. She has a sense of dread, and indigestions, but didn’t want to draw attention to herself. She continued all day until the end of the meeting when a friend mentioned she didn’t look too well a...
Duration: 00:41:08Interview with Steve Wrigley - Having a cardiac arrest at 30,000 feet and recovering from a heart attack in Singapore
Apr 15, 2021Steve Wrigley was flying home when he had a heart attack on the plane. He was fit and healthy, he loved adventure holidays that revolved around cycling.
He went with friends he’d met on previous adventures on a trip to Bali. Steve shares his story of amazing luck as he survived two accidents on his bike. Then the third event when he was on his way home. He had a cardiac arrest caused by a heart attack while 30,000 feet up in the sky.
Steve describes waking up in Singapore, not remembering anything other than plug...
Duration: 00:44:14Interview with Ray Bishop – Misdiagnosed more than once, having a forgiving heart and becoming the music man.
Apr 01, 2021Ray was born with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. This did not affect his quality of life until after he had developed coronary heart disease. He was lucky that by this time, cardiac ablation could be carried out on him. This is one of the rare procedures which cures, rather than treats, a heart problem.
After years of Ray's CHD being misdiagnosed, a heart attack was correctly diagnosed and coronary artery by-pass surgery was performed.
At this time Ray had a confusion of feelings – relief at finally being taken seriously, anger at having been regarded as a hypochondriac, de...
Duration: 01:12:26Interview with Tena Kennedy – Life with chronic illnesses, it’s good to talk
Mar 25, 2021Just before her 50th birthday Tena was admitted to hospital with unstable angina, and this was just the beginning of her story. Tena lives with many cardiac and respiratory chronic illnesses and she shares with us her journey and her coping mechanisms that helped her with her glass half full outlook despite the many changes to her life.
She talks about her diagnosis and some of the procedures she has undergone, including TOE (Transoesophageal Echocardiogram) and explains what that is. We also talk about acceptance of using a CPAP machine at night, how scary the thought is...
Interview with Eliza Bell, a transplant chat
Mar 11, 2021In February 2019, Eliza (aged 20) had a successful heart transplant recipient at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, UK. It was a life-saving event that focussed her on fundraising and being a patient advocate.
Eliza explains that she was born with congenital heart disease but didn’t know about it until she was 12.
What life was like as a teenager and how she coped with having her first pacemaker fitted at 14.
She shares what it was like being on the transplant list, moving to the urgent list and living in a hospital.
We talk abou...
Duration: 00:51:17Interview with Claire Berouche, heart failure and being a hero
Mar 04, 2021Claire was nominated in 2020 for the BHF Heart Hero Awards. She has contributed in amazing ways to raise awareness of heart failure and has had many TV interviews, been in national papers and BHF publications.
Claire tells us about her life growing up with type 1 diabetes.
Like many women she shares with us how she didn’t realise she was having a heart attack. It was nearly missed but the paramedics that carried out an ECG just in case even though her readings were all fine.
Claire was blue lighted to hospital and rus...
Duration: 01:02:38Interview with Sanjay Shah, life after 3 heart attacks
Feb 25, 2021Sanjay made a massive difference to my state of mind during the early days of my recovery from my heart attack. A random stranger and an act of random kindness.
For Sanjay, a series of life challenges culminating in a heart attack by the age of 42 contributed to some hard and fast lessons for Sanjay in how to live a more fulfilled life without sacrificing career, relationships and health.
He experienced his second heart attack whilst working out in a gym and got to see the inside of the state of the art Queen Elizabeth...
Direction: A winning tactic is to just do it
Aug 20, 2020Trying to find direction after a cardiac event. I discuss how to be able to take action on your unique path of life you need to have direction and focus.
When our life changes it can feel uncertain and we feel vulnerable. By having direction and taking action we are able to develop and grow so that we can enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.
Sometimes we know what and where we want to go but then we get stuck and never move forward. In this episode, you’ll find out what really makes the difference so...
Duration: 00:16:20Confidence: Having belief about being lucky
Aug 13, 2020Gaining confidence with life after a cardiac event. Having confidence is another mindset that is important during recovery after a heart-related health issue.
I tell you about how gaining confidence with life after a cardiac event helps you get out of your own way of your rehabilitation.
That you can rid yourself of doubt. You can grow your self-belief. Have the confidence to step (at first, then leap) right outside of your comfort zone.
Find out why you should embrace your superstitions and why belief in luck helps.
Episode takeaways<...
Purpose: A to-day list rather than a to-do list
Aug 06, 2020Having purpose when living with a heart condition. Today I chat about purpose. I’ll talk about what it means when living after a cardiac event.
I will explain that it isn’t what you achieve but the feelings that you experience on the journey. As your body releases its natural feel-good chemical, dopamine.
That it’s not always the big things that make the difference. When recovering from a heart attack or cardiac event it’s the little baby steps that matter.
Helping you overcome the ‘what’s the point’ thoughts so you feel purposef...
Duration: 00:16:49Hope: You can change your expectation
Jul 30, 2020Hope helps when living with a heart condition. This week I am sharing with you my thoughts around the mindset of hope. How having hope after a cardiac event is key to giving your life meaning and being able to look forward to the life you live.
You’ll learn how hope is motivational and helps you be able to adjust to new things and the differences in your life.
I will explain that even though your life may not be as it was prior to your heart health issues, it can be just as ful...
Duration: 00:17:25Energy: Fun and laughter the quick fix
Jul 23, 2020Creating energy for living with a heart condition. In this episode, I will introduce you to another of my mindsets that I think underpins our emotional recovery after a cardiac event.
To gain energy to fuel your ‘new normal’ this is your physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Having energy gave me motivation and drive to want more from each and every day. No more I’ll do it tomorrow as tomorrow may never come.
I will talk about how you can find energy boosts. How laughter can be a quick fix to improve how you...
Duration: 00:30:02Acceptance: Breath, an undervalued wellbeing tool
Jul 16, 2020Finding acceptance when living with a heart condition. In this episode, I talk about acceptance and how having it contributes to emotional wellbeing after a cardiac event.
You’ll learn why it is important to accept the situation, yourself, what was and what is, along with your limitations.
Find out how you can regulate your moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the fear of failure.
Discover how you can increase your positive emotions and gain a sense of freedom and independence.
I will share with you an activity that h...
Duration: 00:24:40Introduction: Sallie Crawley, what's she all about?
Jul 08, 2020In my trailer episode, I introduce myself, who I am, what I do and my experience. I chat about how my podcast can help you if you have had a heart attack, cardiac arrest or live with a heart condition.
I explain how emotional rehabilitation is crucial for our recovery, that it should sit alongside and intertwined through the NHS provision of physical rehabilitation.
You’ll find out why I decided to create this podcast when you can listen to it and broadly what the future episodes will be about.
You’ll also lear...