Getting support

Emotional journey

Talk about it

Try to share your feelings with a friend or partner. Sometimes simply talking over your worries and fears with someone else can make you feel less alone with your condition.

But if you can't shake off your feelings of anxiety you may be suffering from depression. Speak to your doctor or practice nurse.

Relax

Finding ways to relax can make a big difference to how you cope with your condition. Here are some ideas you might want to try:

• Treat your body with respect by making a special effort to eat properly and get enough sleep. Doing some exercise can also make you feel better about yourself and give you a more positive outlook on life. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired or slightly unwell, don't overdo things.
• Try to cut back on stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. These may provide short-term pleasure, but in the longer term they will make you feel even worse.
• Experiment with relaxation techniques – Many people find meditation and visualisation techniques extremely relaxing, and puts them in a positive frame of mind. A practical way to start is to buy a relaxation tape or CD. These are widely available from book or music shops. To a background of relaxing, unobtrusive music, you will be encouraged to slowly relax your body, and then focus on relaxing and positive thoughts.
• Indulge yourself now and then. Go for a massage or a pedicure. Being pampered by someone else can help you relax, release stored up tension and make you feel better about your life.
• Take time out to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, sitting in the park or going to the cinema.

Sleep well

Getting a good night's sleep can do wonders for your feeling of wellbeing. When you are in physical pain because of your high cholesterol or simply worrying about your health this can, however, be easier said than done. If you can't sleep properly for a few nights in a row, or even longer, your symptoms could feel much worse.

If you're struggling to get to sleep, or find that you're waking up in the middle of the night, try our tips for a good night’s sleep.

• Avoid eating or drinking too much close to bedtime as this may make you want to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
• Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine (including chocolate), alcohol and tobacco in the evening. These will stimulate your nervous system and make it hard for you to drop off.
• Check your non-prescription medicines as these may contain caffeine or pseudoephedrine, which will keep you awake.
• Get some exercise to ease stress and help you relax, so you don't lie there worrying about things when you should be asleep.
• Relaxation and breathing techniques can be beneficial, helping you to let go of anxieties that may prevent you from falling asleep.

If you still can't get to sleep, it may be worth talking to your doctor or practice nurse, as it could be a sign of another medical problem.

Practical help

If you have other conditions as well has your high cholesterol, the NHS and Social Services can provide a number of services to make your life a little easier.

For example, there are many healthcare professionals who look after people with high cholesterol and other heart disease risk factors. They can even visit you at home if you find it difficult to travel to hospital.

If you require equipment, such as a wheelchair or walking frame, the occupational therapy department of your local Social Services office can sometimes lend items out and help you to adapt your home. 

Ask at your GP surgery to find how you can get referred to Social Services providers in your area.

Telling your employer

Having a long term health problem may cause you to have time off work, either because of the condition itself, or for you to attend GP or hospital appointments and to receive treatment. Depending on the severity of your high cholesterol may take up a significant amount of time and / or require frequent appointments.

With some jobs it may be possible to work around your appointments. Most companies offer some degree of flexible working, and a convenient working arrangement can usually be reached by discussing your medical needs with your employer.

Arrangements may include:

• Working from home on days you have appointments
• Working longer hours on the days you do not have appointments
• Starting work later and finishing later

Your employer is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your medical needs.

If you have recently suffered a major event like a heart attack or stroke, you may be physically prevented from undertaking some types of manual or skilled labour.

If you feel that you may have been discriminated against at work because of your high cholesterol, there are people that can help you. You can find information from your local Citizens Advice office or contact a solicitor.

Support groups and charities

There are a number of UK organisations which provide invaluable help, information and support to people experiencing health problems such as high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart attack and stroke. They are also a useful source of information for those caring for others with long-term conditions or for friends and relatives. 

Contacting these organisations they arrange can help you to understand and manage your condition better. 

Here are the contact details of some organisations you may find useful.

- H•E•A•R•T UK supports people at risk of heart disease due to raised cholesterol.

H•E•A•R•T UK

Helpline: 0845 450 5988

Fax: 01628 628 698

Web: www.heartuk.org.uk

-     Diabetes UK

www.diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes UK’s community forum for people with diabetes and high cholesterol:

www.diabetesuk.co.uk

-     NHS Choices

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cholesterol/pages/introduction.aspx

Please note, contact details are for information only and are correct at time of going to press. Pfizer is not responsible for the content of external websites.