A heart attack stopped my life — I want to get it back. Please help me stand on my feet again.

Hi, my name is Andrzej. Not long ago, I was active — especially physically. I would cycle many kilometers; it was my passion. Today, I rely on a walking cane. For most of my life, I’ve supported and helped others whenever possible. I volunteered with charitable foundations. I never imagined I’d end up on the receiving end — needing the kind of help I once offered.

A few weeks ago, in late May 2025, I suffered a sudden, severe heart attack. Although my body had begun signaling its limits, I didn’t expect this. My heart simply gave out.

The first attack occurred on a forest trail during a bike ride — a sharp pressure under my sternum, pain radiating through my chest, sudden loss of balance, a fall, and confusion. After just four kilometers, I felt drained. Two days later, at home, another attack hit: pressure skyrocketed (180/132-144), I lost consciousness, and an ambulance was called. What followed was a blur: emergency services, hospital resuscitation after another fainting spell with convulsions, and transfer to the cardiac intensive care unit. I survived, but I still face the consequences daily.

The heart attack was a turning point — physically, mentally, and existentially. My heart failed.

In hospital, I was diagnosed with a non‑ST‑elevation myocardial infarction, suspected to be MINOCA (heart attack with non‑obstructive coronary arteries). Elevated troponins confirmed muscle damage. Coronary angiography revealed narrowing in my left coronary artery — but no stent was placed. Echocardiograms showed hypokinesia and impaired function in the lower‑lateral segment of my left ventricle.

Blood tests revealed very high lipoprotein(a) — Lp(a). I was referred to the National Center for Hypercholesterolemia: hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, and atherosclerosis were confirmed. Lp(a) is genetic and currently untreatable; it only requires lifelong monitoring. A statin was added to my treatment.

After discharge, the next step was inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (fully covered by the National Health Fund). Unfortunately, every facility I contacted turned me down — no beds available or “not qualified” due to lack of bypass, stent, or pacemaker. The system is failing, and I’m stuck. Doctors insist rehabilitation must begin immediately with further diagnostics.

If no hospital place is available, I will have to self‑fund rehab at private facilities — 1 415–2 365 euro (6–10 000 PLN) for a 3‑week stay — which I simply cannot afford.

Doctors believe chronic stress was a major trigger — months of traumatic personal events, loss of family and contact with my children. Combined with existing health issues, it led to this moment. Now I struggle every day: climbing stairs, going to the store, even a short walk is exhausting.

Since leaving the hospital, my condition has deteriorated. I suffer from dizziness, balance issues, weakness, and I’ve fainted twice more — my doctor has advised me to use a cane. I still battle hypertension, tachycardia, and ongoing emotional stress.

Weeks before the heart attack, I experienced “pixelation” in my vision — blurriness, partial loss of clarity — signs my stressed body was sending. Today I can’t read up close; half my field of vision remains blurred. Previously, I only had mild nearsightedness and astigmatism — never issues reading or persistent blurring.

I’ve been urgently referred for neurological and ophthalmological exams, plus psychological support — but waiting lists in the public system mean months of delays. Illness doesn’t wait — it progresses every day. So, I must seek private consultations, incurring significant costs.

Specialists stress immediate continuation of treatment: rehab, diagnostics, later sanatorium care. This journey demands time, consistency, and substantial resources.

I no longer can afford all this on my own. Pre‑infarction, I lost stable income and was about to start a new job. My finances are depleted. Doctors confirm I cannot return to work now. I’m left without steady means just when recovery will take months. I live alone — daily tasks are becoming impossible, and I now require help with basic activities.

This is why, on friends’ insistence — and with great humility — I’ve decided to begin this fundraiser. My goal is to cover costs for:

• specialized inpatient cardiac rehabilitation
• ongoing cardiology and general health tests
• medications (12 pills/day + statins — several hundred PLN/month)
• urgent specialist visits: cardiologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist
• neurological and ophthalmological exams
• rehabilitation stays
• sanatorium treatment
• psychotherapy (for post‑stroke depression and anxiety)
• travel expenses for appointments
• essential day‑to‑day support

Just the basic cost of treatment and daily living in the recommended three-month period totals several to over a dozen thousand PLN — and that’s just the beginning.

I am deeply grateful to family who are supporting me — but the needs far exceed our means.

I am asking for your support for treatment, rehabilitation, and daily functioning while my life revolves around healing and regaining independence.

Every contribution and share brings me one step closer to recovery, mobility, and self‑reliance.

With all my heart, thank you to everyone who helps me get through this difficult time.

Andrzej

👉 Link to the Polish version of my page:

https://zrzutka.pl/wsparcie-na-leczenie-i-rehabilitacje-po-zawale