I had the invasive angiogram this afternoon. This procedure was no problem apart from some four or five brief visual migraines afterwards. They found two completely blocked arteries and one badly blocked one as expected. The cardiologist said to have the triple bypass or I could expect to live about 3-6 months. I was immediately send for “lung” tests (Spirometry). When I asked what this was for I was told this was to see if I was suitable for a ventilator. The spread with which this was arranged suggests the procedure will be very soon, although I’ve not been given a date. I’ve been sent to Basildon which is miles from where I live, which makes visits difficult from friends and relatives. They insist I go everywhere by wheelchair although I have little or no pain or discomfort. Because of the noise at the other hospital I didn’t sleep at all last night. Some of my biggest worries about the procedure is that you could get worse (permanent AF), cognitive decline or, yes, *psychosis*: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo.... Today was, without doubt, the worst day of my 67 year old life-nothing else even comes close.
Horrors!: I had the invasive angiogram... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Horrors!
Basildon is the main cardio thoracic centre for Essex and has an excelllent reputation. You are in good hands.
Very sorry to hear you are having a tough time. They are clearly on top of your needs and moving speedily to accommodate your health issues. They kmow what they are doing and you are in excellent hands.
Its only natural to be upset and worried but let them get you sorted asap and trust in their expertise to get you back on a good track. Its a scary time I know but go with the flow as best you can. Could do’s, maybes, are just that and its more likely you will be renewed after your surgery. Best wishes.
What can I say ? It most certainly must have been your worst day.
However, the wheels are in motion to get you back to good health and no one would pretend that it will be an easy ride. Look positively towards the future. You need to have this done. There are worse things than permanent AF and cognitive decline comes to many of us.
My brother in law had a triple bypass and lived for many years a normal life without trouble.
Keep posting and know that we are all thinking of you and sending positive vibes.
My uncle had a complete open-heart done believe it or not back in the late 70s in Boston. He went on to live a great quality of life. It was much better than before the surgery. When he did pass in his late 70s it had nothing to do with his heart. Of course everything is so shock right now every time we’re told of things like this it makes us remember how human we are. It sounds like they plan on moving fast for you that might be why your doctor used that little shock tactic of telling you how long you will live without it. We all slow down. I just turned 70 diagnosed with a fib just a couple of years ago and yes changes I see in myself are not good but most of me is still here. I still feel younger than my age especially when my AF settles down. I am waiting to find out what’s next because my Cardiio conversion failed less than two weeks ago. I will be happy to do anything just to get to feel the way I did before it failed.
Take a deep breath you are not alone there probably isn’t a person out here who has not felt like you’re feeling right now. When we are chugging along in life then something physical changes it reminds us that we are human and aging it doesn’t have to be a bad thing I still don’t believe my age because I still don’t feel that. I am trying to figure out how I am the age my mom should be if she were still here From what I’m reading here you’re in a good place for medical help you’ve got this
"Some of my biggest worries about the procedure is that you could get worse (permanent AF)"
Blocked arteries is far more serious than permanent AF.
I'm in permanent AF for past 3 years approx.
Asymptomatic and on no AF drugs apart from APIXABAN anticoagulant. Much better than previous very symptomatic PAF.
Best wishes for your bypass.
Well,my take is this,and please take in right spirit.You have felt unwell for quite some time,and not got any answers.
You now have an excellent chance of living a full and healthy life. My dad had AF,and then a triple bypass and valve replacement. AF disappeared for the rest of his life. He was 61 at time of bypass,lived until he was 84 despite 2 strokes in his final 18 months.
He was champion after recovery period riding his bike again,down allotment nearly every day,messing about with cars ( sorry Bob)
He had no significant cognitive decline.
It is shocking to hear that the engine needs attention,my brother is in surgery tomorrow after having a mild heart attack out of the blue(57) and obviously quite surprised!
Your team sound on the ball,Im sure you are in good hands and now they know the problem,and more important,the solution,the only way is up.
Very best wishes. It sounds like you’re in the right place.
You are in good hands. Your world has been well and truly tipped upside down and I really feel for you. It is a lot to take in and get to grips with . However, it is happening quickly so no long and worrying waiting lists. I know quite a few people who have had the same operation and are now back to living active lives. You just have to get through the next 6 months and then life will be on the up again.
Thinking of you
Jane x
can they do a surgical Cox Maze IV while they are in there? That is generally when the full maze is performed, during open heart surgery for something else.
Although it feels like the worse day of your life, in a bizarre way it’s a good day, they’ve found the blocked arteries and in time to do something, they know how to treat it and quickly it would appear. Granted it’s not going to be a walk in the park for the next few weeks but hopefully after you recover from the initial surgery you’ll be so much better. Try to relax and rest not easy I know in a noisy hospital.
I can only offer this - the father of one of my closest friends has had multiple bypasses- also has diabetes and is now in his late 80s. He lives at home with his wife. Forgetful these days but functional. And my brother at 69 is in permanent AF. Hardly notices it.
I have 3 members of my family with 20years of good health following this procedure. Best wishes
Very sorry to hear of all the trauma you are experiencing and do give my best wishes for everything to go well for you which I am sure it will. I know that having had the last year waiting in trepidation for the procedures I have had that now they are behind me life is looking much brighter for me and I wish you the same.
Sending you best wishes. It was all a huge shock so you will feel bad. I think Basildon cardiac unit is supposed to be good so you are in safe hands. Xx
Really sorry to hear this but as others have sais, now you know what's happening and you are being looked after. Good luck and best wishes x
I’m sure it is all feeling overwhelming at the moment but as others have said it also sounds as though you are receiving prompt and excellent care. OK it’s a bit of a trek for the hospital but that’s not a bad trade off to get excellent care.
I think now is the time to NOT read what could happen and focus your mind on preparing and planning and putting yourself in the best possible mindset for the op and the recovery. Worry = stress = worsening of symptoms. Distract and do things you enjoy, take this time for yourself and not worry about others, let them look after you.
You’re a coper, I can tell but let everyone else ‘cope’ with your care now.
Heartfelt good wishes and hope you don’t have to wait long.
I know this is daunting, but your treatment in being done quickly and in a controlled manner. Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre is excellent. You will be very well cared for, and will be offered full cardiac rehab after discharge from hospital.
My neighbour had a sudden cardiac arrest at home last year. He was rushed to Basildon and given an immediate angiogram which showed blocked arteries. He was kept lying flat for a week with a tube keeping the arteries open.
The following week he had the bypass and was home about a week later. He was over 80 at the time and is still enjoying life as he knew it before. He continues to go for long walks and his main hobby is gardening.
I told you this little story to show you that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
You are in good hands.
Keep us posted, we are all routing for you.
All I can say is that our prayers, thoughts and hopes are with you and we wish you well and a complete recovery. As a stroke survivor I look back now on the dark times and thank God I am so much better. Medical science now achieves miracles and however dark the days now for you, the light will return. As they say, the darkest night is just before the dawn.
sorry to read your message. Keep positive. All will work out well
best wishes and prayers
Hi Sam.
I can understand this being a bad day for you - well actually I can't because I haven't been through it.
I have been through trauma in life however. It's called 'The Wall' and you have just hit it big time. It needs knocking down rather than you feeling it's going to hold you back. You are going to demolish it and have the right medical intervention to do this.
You are still coming to terms with it. Nothing worth anything comes easily - the care you are receiving is worth everything - for example your life! Of course, it won't be easy but look forward to a bright future - this will be your prize for smashing The Wall. Your body and mind will heal and be thankful your heart problem was caught in time. Don't fill your mind with apocalyptic scenarios but deal with the task at hand - having your heart made better. I bet you wake up every morning thinking the worse.
DON'T - It's pure speculation. When you wake up tomorrow morning have 5 minutes to think about how lucky you are to have this treatment before it was too late and the positives that will likely come from this. Rinse and repeat every morning and you'll get a better start to your day. Cut out negative thoughts the minute they appear and think of some positive outcomes.
You wrote
Some of my biggest worries about the procedure is that you could get worse (permanent AF), cognitive decline or, yes, *psychosis*
Yep, you could. You 'could not' as well. I could be run over by a bus today - I 'could not' too. Easy to say but try not to think about what could happen as it will drive you nuts. Think about what's going to happen - receiving the correct treatment for your condition. When you have change your username from Samazeuilh2 to 'Smash-it-Sam'. Put the dashes in as smashitsam doesn't sound quite right if you see what I mean 
Good luck Smash-it-Sam and keep us all updated on how it goes. Everyone is in your corner.
Best wishes Paul
Onwards and upwards.Very best wishes.
Harder and easier said than done but so many people have triple bypasses and are fine afterwards. May take a little while to feel 100% but being blunt better than dead. It sounds like the hospital are looking after you well and I’ve heard that it is a good hospital
As for visitors please don’t worry about that although I know how you feel as when I had my brain tumour surgery I had to go to St George’s tooting so I couldn’t have any visitors although my husband did make it a few times
When I came out we found that there was a travel lodge literally about 100 yards away and also some hospitals have annexes for close relatives to stay
I hope all goes well which I’m sure it will. Hospitals do thousands of bypasses all the time
All the best
Pat xx
You are filled with fear and trepidation right at this moment, but you have an excellent team and everything seems to be happening so quickly the op will be over before you know it and you can start looking forward to the rest of your life. Our friend had a quadruple bypass many years ago and said after he had it done, he couldn't believe how many years he had gone feeling so unwell - it had become his norm.
I know you are worried about possible complications from the procedure, but as a wise friend once said to me, worrying about what might never happen is like paying interest on a loan you might never take out. Easier said than done, I know. But you will be told of the possible complications because the profession has to, not necessarily because they think you will get them but to avoid repercussions when one in however many gets them.
Thinking of you. And sit back in that wheelchair, you are being looked after!
It is understandable that you should feel overwhelmed by all this. But from your posts here over the last several months it was clear that you suspected and feared that something like this might be wrong with you. Try not to think about the possible negatives. At 67 you will have many years of good active life ahead of you. My stepfather was 76 when he had his triple bypass. He was home within a week and back to walking round the golf course with his best friend a few months after. Unfortunately the best friend died of a massive heart attack because he had not had the warning symptoms and investigations you have had. Look forward to your recovery and renewed health after the op. Hope you get a definite date soon.
You have a lot of support and prayers are with you. 🙏
My husband has also had treatment for cardiac problems at Basildon and he is very pleased and happy with his treatment there. Previously he was a patient at KCH in London but when we moved, he was sent to Basildon for his cardiac issues. I hear only great things about care given at this centre. Best wishes. x
It is so understandable to be upset today, it does look like they are moving fast to get you well again. I know 2 who have had triple bypass and yes it is daunting to say the least, but both are flying now 1 was 4yrs ago other 6 mths. What Bob said is very reassuring. Healing hugs all goes really well. Keep us updated.💕🙏🙏🙏
All the best to you , we are all rooting for you 😊✊️💯
Wishing you all the best for your upcoming treatment and recovery! ❤️x
Best to you Samazeuilh, keep your spirits and faith high.
I think we can all look back and remember the worst day of our lives -- this truly is yours. You're there now to take care of the problem, and though it all seems very scary, you're where you need to be. Your doctors know your predicament and are aggressively taking action. Try to be calm (I know, it's very difficult!) and take things one step at a time. I'll be cheering you on from Ohio.
Sorry to hear about your health issues. Sending you our hugs and prayers for a successful surgery. You have this whole community behind you, wishing you well!
Hey Samazeuilh2,
Basildon is my local cardiac hospital here in Essex, it has an excellent reputation. I know many people who have been cared for here and their care was first class.
All the best,
Claire x
Oh gosh - I am sure you are beside yourself with worry, but please remember that the docs are giving you the worst case scenarios on all these things. They would not be recommending them if they didn't have your best interests at heart (literally!). I am glad they are wasting no time - less time for you to stress about all this. Obviously, you are intelligent and you understand what is ahead. That can be both a blessing and a curse! The anticipation is so much worse than the reality and I hope you do not have to wait long for your surgery and treatment. As I try to tell myself, if this were Las Vegas, the odds of you doing well at this are very much in your favor.
Hi Sam, was holding out hope that the angiogram would show it wasn't as bad as the CT scan indicated. Try as best you can to have positive thoughts and to be thankful for every day you're given. Sending prayers your way 🙏 best wishes, Shaun
You lucky chap.
3-6 months life expectancy, certainly no need to worry about cognitive decline with that lifespan.
And it will all be cleared for you quickly. In an NHS service at breaking point they are going to save your life at no cost to you. And you say you are not currently in pain so that’s great as well.
Read Paulbounce’s reply a few times, it’s great advice.
Feel lucky and smile, the alternatives for you were dreadful.
I am so sorry to read about your recent experiences, if you need any support or just a chat, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact a member of our Patient Services team on 01789 867 502
keep fighting pal
When I was told I needed a valve repair, I felt like some one had punched me so can share a little of your anxiety. I'm yet to have it but can tell you I have patients (I'm in foot health) who had triple or quad bypasses 20 odd years ago and are in their 80s now and in great health and as sharp as tacks.The AF or cognitive issues are really not where you should be focusing as without the bypass, you won't need to worry about either after 3-6 months.
Deep breaths and hope you are sorted quickly.
We're all rooting for you.
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