The Rhythm of Recovery: Understanding “Pumphead” and the Heart-Brain Connection after Heart Surgery
Maybe you’re struggling to find the right words in conversation. Maybe you feel a strange sense of detachment from your loved ones, or an anxiety that doesn’t seem to have a source. In the medical community, this is often called Post-Perfusion Syndrome (PPS), AKA, “Pumphead.”
Heart Health Recovery: From Fear to Freedom
The hospital fixed your heart. Now, let’s heal your heart, mind and life.
If a heart attack, cardiac surgery, or a sudden heart diagnosis has left you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or fearful about the future, you are in the right place. That “rollercoaster of emotions” isn’t just in your head. It’s a vital part of your recovery journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
I help to bridge the gap between clinical discharge and long-term heart health wellness. I’m Sallie Crawley, a heart attack survivor, cardiac therapist and life coach. I understand the “what if” thoughts because I have walked this path myself. My mission is to guide you from health anxiety to a life filled with confidence, peace, and purpose.
Who I Help & Support
I provide a dedicated cardiac recovery roadmap for survivors and their families, specialising in the mental, emotional and practical side of:
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- Heart Attack Recovery & Post-Cardiac Arrest Support
- Heart Surgery Recovery (Bypass, Stents, and Valve Repair)
- Life with Implantable Devices (ICD and Pacemaker support)
- Living with Chronic Heart Disease and a long-term diagnosis
Google can give you facts, but I give you a way forward
Through my books, community, membership club and podcast, I provide actionable strategies for the questions most heart patients are afraid to ask:
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- How do I manage the fear of having another heart attack?
- Is it normal to feel depressed or anxious after my heart surgery?
- How do I adjust to life with an implantable device like an ICD or pacemaker?
- Why am I so tired all the time?
- When will I feel normal again?
- How can I rebuild my confidence when my body and life feel different?
- Is it safe to exercise or be intimate after a cardiac event?
- Why am I crying after my heart attack?
Join my online communities
Do you feel like it’s only you who feels like this?
You are not alone! Come and meet like-minded people by joining my free Facebook Groups or my NEW Membership Club (coming soon). These communities are for you if you are trying to work out how to feel good after your life has been tipped upside down by a life-altering cardiac event and heart health issue.
I have created the groups so we can support each other. Come over to rant about life, ask questions or ask for advice and experiences from people who have been through it too. Click below to join and meet other people who have a good idea about how you’re feeling, the complexity of reducing risk factors and what it’s like to live with a heart health issue.
My Heart & Mind Support Group
This community is for people who have experience of a cardiac event and is having difficulty managing the emotional side of rehabilitation.
Primarily this group is a safe and nurturing place for you (and your partner) if you have had heart-related problems such as a heart attack, transplant, cardiac arrest or have been diagnosed with heart disease.
Smoking Hearts Community
If you are a smoker or vaper that wants to quit and has had a heart attack, cardiac event, or lives with a heart disease diagnosis, this group is for you. You’ll find quit tips and ideas, encouragement, understanding, and make new friends.
In this community, we will help each other to quit and support each other as we do.
Heart Led Membership Club
Designed for people recovering or living with long‑term heart disease. It focuses on the emotional, mental, and practical challenges of recovery, offering tools that go beyond what clinical care provides. You’ll gain access to live learning sessions, community meetups, guided relaxation practices, and holistic support rooted in coaching, positive psychology, and therapeutic techniques. The club helps you rebuild confidence, reduce fear, and feel understood by people who truly “get it.”
How I Can Help
Get your hands on one of my free or paid resources to support you on your journey…
Do you want to know what your heart is up to?
I’ve created this free heart tracker to keep track of your heart and health after hospital discharge. Use it for your own peace of mind or share it with your healthcare professionals when needed.
Stay on track and feel safe.
Cardiac Hypnotherapy - Road to Acceptance
Hypnotherapy to help you in the early days after cardiac treatment. Spend 25 minutes with me on a gentle journey, to acceptance. I will guide you to help you come to terms with the trauma you’ve been through, adapt to the life changes and learn to trust your body again.
Do you want to get ready for your heart surgery?
Are you worrying about your heart surgery? It is so confusing and you’re really unsure what you need to do and plan for. My checklist will help you plan, prepare and pack with confidence and reassurance. It will assist you in getting ready for the before, during and after.
After a cardiac event as you recover you can move to survivorship and then on to thrivership.
Loving the life you live.
