I posted earlier today about a morning episode of AF. This stopped after about three hours. Unfortunately, there was an even nastier surprise in store: at about 3pm I had a phone call from a cardiologist. Consultants don’t usually ring on a Saturday so I realised right away that this was probably not going to be good news. The consultant told me that he had looked at my CT scan result (I had the scan on Thursday) and it showed that I had one completely blocked artery and two badly diseased ones. I have to have an invasive angiogram next week to see in more detail whether only one artery has to be bypassed or all three. Then I will have a bypass soon after. This all seems slightly surreal at the moment.. it hasn’t sunk in. I’ve been admitted to hospital and estimate I’ll be here at least two weeks probably longer. Not a great day all in all…
A very nasty surprise indeed… - Atrial Fibrillati...
A very nasty surprise indeed…
I'm so sorry to hear this and can imagine how you must be overwhelmed with it all.
You don't need me to tell you that you are in the best place now. Thank goodness this has been discovered before things got far worse.
I expect you will find it difficult to sleep tonight with so much on your mind in a strange environment. I had 2 nights in cardiac unit this week before I had to be cardioverted but fortunately had a side room and some peace.
Sending all good wishes to you. Please let us know how you get on.
J
Thanks for your thoughtful words. I have a side room too and you are right about being unable to sleep. My heart is racing and there is an immediate worry that I could go into AF again.
I'm sure you will be monitored closely so try if you can to put your faith in your medical team . They will be keeping a close watch on you through the night.
I’m to see the consultant later today and so expect to have a better idea of what’s ahead. At the moment I’m not sure how long I will be in hospital.
Just read your latest news. We will all be awaiting your updates and rooting for you .Best wishes
J
Many thanks!
So sorry to hear your news. Horrible shock for you. Try and keep positive. I am sure it will be ok in the end. So good it was found and the cardiologist was on the ball.
Hiya Samazeuilh,
So sorry to read of your shattering news. At least the action team are swinging into action now and you will soon be master of the universe again. Wishing you every success .... may the force be with you.
John
At the moment they are just taking blood pressure, temperature and Spo2. They do this every four hours round the clock so it makes it difficult to get a good nights sleep!
Hi Samazeuilh
Oh my goodness, what a shock for you! I’m so sorry to hear your news but very glad the problem has been discovered before anything worse happened and that they are acting fast to assess the extent of the blockages and then deal with them.
Wishing you all the very best and please keep us posted on how you get on. TC
Yes, it’s not the best news. I should get a clearer definition of the road ahead by the end of today.
So sorry to hear that, very overwhelming and natural to be in shock.
Thank goodness it was checked and that something can be done about it.
A time of turmoil and strain but hopefully a brighter future for you after recovery. I know so many people who have faced and come through this and although it is a stormy time for you, hopefully it’s a time that can have a rainbow at it’s end.
😘
I think “stormy” is the right word! I imagine it takes a while to get back to normal after the operation.
If it is any consultation we were chatting to a couple we know that like us spend long winter holidays in the Algarve.He had a triple bypass 18 years ago.The surgeon guaranteed his work for 2 years.He is now in his mid 80s and has needed no further intervention.
Hi Sam.
A shock indeed. Nothing I can say can overcome your fears. However, you will be in a stronger position when this is dealt with and have that to look forward to. You are in the right place and fortunate enough the medics acted quickly. It's no fun being in hospital for a couple of weeks I know - you'll deal with that though.
I like CD's reply and want you to repeat after me.
A time of turmoil and strain but hopefully a brighter future for you after recovery. I know so many people who have faced and come through this and although it is a stormy time for you, hopefully it’s a time that can have a rainbow at it’s end
Good luck.
Paul
Thanks for your thoughtful words!
What a shock for you! I hope they get you all sorted soon, and it’s good that the medics are right on hand for you now. You can do this! All the best.
Best wishes.
Actually I think it is a great day for you.
Without the tests it is highly likely that you would have had a massive heart attack at any time so always look for the good news.
Yes being stuck in hospital is not exactly fun. I did get a little frustrated in 2017 when I had to sit waiting for similar test and even more at the apparent waste of NHS money blocking a bed but as the consultant told me at the time "It would be very cavalier for us to let you go home."
You will soon get used to the regime and probably feel even worse when they do let you out. I know I did.
I’ve only been here for a day and am already getting bored with things. I suppose it’s good that they’ve finally identified the problem, but it’s going g to be a stressful few weeks ahead.
Give you a chance to catch up on reading. Also unless you are confined to bed you can pass the time by helping the staff with things like fetching bottles etc. and helping less fortunate with dinner menus .
They’ve put me in a side room in an AMTEK ward, as cardiology is full. I’ll be moved there tomorrow. It’s probably better than being on the cardiology ward.
So sorry to hear this Sam, what a shock that must have been to get that Saturday call. You've had the feeling all along that something wasn't right, haven't you.
Keep in touch please and let us know how you get on.
Wishing you good luck.
Jean
I think I was engaged in self-deception, trying to persuade myself that this was just indigestion or costochondritis . I should have been more sensible given it’s been running for months.
The most important thing is that because of the scan the problem has been identified.
I can understand how scared you must be but the other option of it not being discovered would have have had unthinkable consequences.
I hope that it will all go well for you.
Pete
I’ve just seen a doctor two minutes ago-the consultants are not seeing me until tomorrow- and he said I will be in hospital for three weeks plus-I will have to go to a specialist heart hospital some distance away. There is a slim possibility- he emphasised slim- that only stenting will be needed.m not a bypass. You have the privilege of being the very person to hear this news!
I am honoured 😇.
I did wonder if stents might be an option.
My friend had 3 about 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. In addition the stent procedure is so much less invasive than bypass. Let’s hope this option is possible
I bet you are fed up being in hospital but you know you are in the right place in the circumstances.
However not good being transferred to the other hospital. We often talk about moving house but as we live 10 minutes from one of the best heart centres in the UK I am very reluctant given my heart problems .
Pete
HelloA shock indeed,but you have not felt well for a while and now you know why.
As Bob said,It was actually a great day yesterday in a funny way. You might mot have had as many days as you expected if this hadnt been found.
Now you will be 'fixed' and good to go on .
Upwards and onwards now instead of a sudden nasty end.
All the best to you xx
Many thanks for your kind words.
A week will pass in no time at all. How lucky that they found it in time.Might this issue be a cause for your Afib episodes.
Best of luck and a very successful outcome.
Praying for you.
Wishing you all the best with a successful outcome.
Very best wishes, I echo Paul's words.
What a shock for you but I am pleased they have found what is wrong, the consultant got on it right away and you are in the right place. I can appreciate you are getting bored and will possibly start climbing the walls but I would rather be doing that than sitting at home in blissful ignorance with things brewing. Do you have a TV or radio in your room or access to books etc?
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are. Will be thinking of you and wishing you well.
I can only echo what everyone has said previously. I'm on a valve repair list so know what a state we can get ourselves in with worry.Get yourself a Readly subscription (they usually do a couple of months free) and then you have access to thousands of magazines on line to keep you occupied.
Please let us all know any updates and I've everything crossed for you.
Wow that must have been a big shock. Looking on the positive side, you are in the right place and will get the right treatment.
It doesn’t bear thinking about, if this hadn’t been found.
Good luck and keep us posted.
what a shock for you but good that they have found it, are acting quickly and decisively. Try filling the time with books, crosswords etc. mindless games like how many times will a different nurse ask you the same question, who’s not cleaned their shoes. Who’s dating who in the care team, you’ll be amazed how quickly you start to get little clues from observing them going about their work. As you can tell I’m a people watcher others call it nosey. Look after yourself and keep us informed.
You mightn't regard this as a blessing right now, but you have known for a long time that something was definitely not right. Now something is going to be done about it and soon. Hopefully when all this is over you will look back on this and be relieved. Thinking of you.
I only know of two people who had triple bypasses and both of them lived to a ripe old age, one well into his nineties. I am sure all will go well for you, too.
Steve
Sorry to hear but they sort this out all the time, I'm sure they'll do your plumbing and you'll be better that ever. MAKE SURE you ask about them doing the Full Maze on the outside walls of your heart as part of the procedure of the bypass, usually they do but ask and mention it especially if you see your Cardiothoracic Surgeon . Wish you all the best and keep us updated all the way.
What is the full maze?
Hi What a shock for you! But at least a chance for your heart to be repaired before matters deteriorate any further. Three weeks in hospital, a long time. Lots of reading ahead of you and time to play all those games/puzzles that we are advised are good for our brains. I am not a huge fan of historical drama but the Hilary Mantel books are a good read. And they last for ages. Best of luck on your journey. xx
oh dear I’m sorry, but the good thing is that it has been discovered and after the procedure to possibly stent one or three arteries you will be safe
Good luck
Pat
What a horrible and frightening shock for you.
I’ll check on here to see if you post about how you are getting on…
I 🙏 you’ll be ok.
I'm sure everything will be fine, cardiac specialists are wonderful and extremely talented people. Wishing you all the best
Hey Sam … isn’t there some sort of scan type angiogram available these days❓❓
Yes, the CT- but they told me this was only a screening test. You need the invasive one for accurate diagnosis.
It seems not to be good news and you must be in shock but look at it this way. They found the blockages and are treating them urgently. If they hadn't found them you can imagine what might have happened. The very best of luck.
Sorry to hear this. It must've scared you....I can only add that over thirty years ago my uncle happened to be visiting Papworth Hospital to see a friend who was recovering. Whilst my uncle was there he collapsed & they discovered he needed a quadruple bypass! This was done as an emergency He recovered back to full health.....was discharged in 10days and lived to a ripe old age of 90. No further heart probs! Back then it was a pretty new op so he was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time. I wish you a speedy recovery post op. You are in good hands.... Big hugs
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but it is as well that this has been discovered . My stepfather had a triple bypass at the age of 76. He recovered well from it and lived another 10 years . A friend of ours is living well into his late eighties after 2 bypasses. You will be in good hands and can look forward to being able to get about without crippling angina.
Wishing you all the very best !
too many replies already, just add what I think it is important to ask the surgeon who will do the bypass.
Here the stents would not work since you have triple diseases. All three arteries are blocked to some extent degree, some almost blocked. Ask the surgeon to use the arteries as graft instead of the veins in the thighs or legs. The reasoning is the arteries are created to sustain high blood pressure, the veins are not. If the surgeon is well experienced in working on the pump, ask him to do it . On the pump means the heart still beats. Off the pump means they will use the heart lung machine to oxygenate you and stop the heart while the surgeon works on it. Also ask him to clamp the left atrial appendage to allow you to skip blood thinners in case you still have Afib.
All of these techniques depend on the skill sets of the cardio thoracic surgeon. The reasoning behind it is as follows: - arteries used as graft last longer more than 10 years, - on the pump has less risks than off the pump. Arteries are less prone to reblockage avoiding another bypass down the road.
In your case you are already in the hospital, I pray you got a skillful cardio thoracic surgeon, you don’t have a choice here since it is an emergency bypass. You will be OK. The recovery will be tough but you will be OK. Good luck.
Thanks for your replies. You sound very knowledgeable on this issue-have you had this procedure yourself, or do you work in some area of medicine? I have noted the points you mention and will raise them tomorrow. Although the consultants here seem rather dismissive of patients questions and concerns.
just submit your requests since you have nothing to lose. I am highly trained in my field. In the States we can choose the surgeon if it is a planned bypass but the issue is the recovery time since it might last more than a week and you will stay at the hospital and if you are out of your state where you live, the hotel costs are expensive for your family member who takes care of you and you have to follow their cardiac rehabilitation program too.
I’ve been told I will stay in hospital for about three weeks possibly more. I have an invasive angiogram tomorrow- there is a slim possibility it just requires stenting (apparently the CT scan sometimes exaggerates the extent of blocking). They didn’t say whether there I will have off or on pump. I gather the on pump is more unpleasant although safer. I’ve no idea what state I will be in after the op-I’m guessing it’s not good. I have PAF and have been told that a bypass can lead to AF. I don’t know if that could be permanent. I know many people here on HU have permanent AF and are ok with that, but for me it’s always been one of my biggest fears and I’ve tried to do everything to avoid it. Also, I’ve now been switched from Sotalol (which works well for me) to Bisoprolol which probably won’t. Any expertise on the AF questions you may have would be greatly appreciated.
two critical points to add here: - if you have calcification of the coronary arteries stents are not recommended since the weight of the calcified plaques will weight on the stent and block the flow even the stent is not blocked itself. - there is a medical protocol for Afib patients before bypass surgery to avoid immediate post op Afib which is very common after heart surgery, your surgical team would know what to do.
Three weeks post op seems reasonable and ask for the cardiac rehabilitation program too. It is 40% of success of the whole process. They might require to do it in the same facilities where you have your surgery. Stay positive you will be OK. They do it for a living for so many years. Trust them. I will not say it is not tough, it is. Good luck again.
Many thanks for another very informative reply.
Hi Samazeuilh2,I recently had a CT scan done and was told I had a 75%-99% blockage in my right coronary artery and a 50%-60% blockage in my left. I had an angiogram done the next day and thought stents were going to have to be placed. After the angiogram it showed only a 40% and a 30% blockage and blood flow was still good in both arteries and I didn't need stents. Was told this happens quit often. So try and stay positive and know there is chance it's not nearly as bad as the CT scan shows. And if by chance it is like BobD said it's better to find out now and have it addressed than to end up having a heart attack and find out that way. Try as best you can to keep thoughts positive, sending best wishes 🙂
Shaun
On a side note, this is the first time I've posted in quit a few years. I'll post again soon to say hi to everyone and give an update on how I've been doing. Good to see there's still quit a few people here that I remember from then. Talk to you soon, best wishes to all 🙂
Your reply is greatly appreciated- perhaps there is still some hope it’s not quite as bad as it looks now.
Yes absolutely there is ALWAYS hope and one should NEVER give up on it!Take care and I'll await your updates 🙂
I'm so sorry--I know how terrifying news like this can be. I will keep you in my prayers over this next month especially. "All shall be well... and all manner of things shall be well." (Julian of Norwich) Blessings, Diane S
Thank you. Much appreciated.
I seem to have received this rather late -- I'm so sorry to hear of your news. You must feel overwhelmed. I hope by the time you read this your mind will have wrapped itself around your predicament, and knowing you're taken care of at the moment, things will improve soon. Best of luck to you.
At the moment Im rushing around (which I’m not supposed to ). The irony is, I feel perfectly well apart from lack of sleep (it’s a noisy ward).
Thank you .
I've just seen this. I'm wishing you the best of luck and many good wishes. Please let us know how things progress.
Thank you.
Try and be positive on the bright side it's been found and something can be done all the best ,it will be fine
Hope you’re right! Thanks
Similar event happened to me Samazeuilh2, was in the hospital for hernia surgery and went into afib on operating table so had to delay surgery the Drs. said for an hour and a half, but when finished and in my bed in a hospital room I had to use the rest room. After straining to get through was walking to my bed and a lot of hospital staff came running in and told me I was having a heart attack as I was still hooked up to monitors. They had me lie down and the next day I was having an angiogram and had two stents put in. Come to find out one of my main arteries was 97% blocked and it is the one they call the "widow maker". I didn't even know I was having a heart attack, felt normal to me. I was a lot like you, I've had chostocondritis for 50+ years and didn't think nothing of it but thank GOD I was in the hospital when this happened or I'm certain I wouldn't be here now. I'm 76 years young and just want you to know that GOD is watching over you and it will turn out OK for you, things happen for a reason, just be thankful it was caught in time. Angiograms are nothing to it, just lay on a flat hard board and if your lucky they will let you see the video screen as they are cleaning out your arteries and inserting the stent(s) as they did with me. This all happened at age 71 so don't let yourself get down and keep your thoughts on HE who is the true healer. You'll get through this just fine. May GOD Bless You and continue to look after you.
Best wishes for a successful outcome☘️🍀
Well, that stinks! However, I am glad that the problem was found before it could cause an even bigger problem. I am sending all good wishes for a successful surgery and recovery. Please keep us posted.
Thank you! I will do.
I am so sorry that you received such terrible news. The good news is they have discovered this so hopefully they can help you. If they hadn’t found it you could be in trouble. At least right now you were somewhere where they can help you. 🙏🏻
what a shock for you and so much to deal with. As over have said it’s good it was identified and then action taken. Thinking of you.
76 years old with A F
Feeling very low
Been a while
