Angiogram done, CAD confirmed

[ccwh70]

My angiogram was done yesterday and confirmed the findings of the CTCA from last week. Unfortunately I have a number of narrowings in the left artery and the locations are such I will need a triple bypass not stents. I'm now on a list to attend Papworth which could take a few months apparently. I'm shocked, anxious and feeling unwell. No one expected this, not even the cardiologist.

[Heather1957]

Although I 'only' needed a single bypass (had 3 weeks ago) I do get your surprise. Through speaking to my cardiologist I had talked myself into using medication or a stent at worse, so being told I needed a bypass was a shock.

Obviously my single bypass is not like your triple bypass a friend who I used to work with came and spoke to me about his triple bypass (5 years ago) and he is really well and still working, he has recently returned from New York where he had a holiday (but very active) trip with his wife and 3 teenage daughters.

I know nothing I say will help but am sure you'll be fine.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hello there. I fully understand your anxiety, I had a heart attack, then after numerous tests was told I needed a quad. I wasnt even sure I was ill, the heart attack felt like indigestion but progressively got more painful.

All I can say is it is for the surgical team a bog standard operation, for you there is a long road to recovery. But you will recover,you will feel better and you will be up and about.

Few tips, ask, ask and ask. I had the surgeon talk me through the operation, I spoke to nurses on the ward, I got angry yes something I'm not proud of, I got tearful, I felt sorry for myself and anger at 20 odd years of smoking (I had given up for ten years)

I took positives, I'm alive I have a wonderful family and friends.

I aim to give something back I'm planning on a walk across Hadrians Wall early next year 80 odd miles 6 days. I plan family trips, I'm reasonably well paid and rather than squirrel the money I'm spending it.

It's so great to be alive and the bloody sun is shining and we're here to help

[ccwh70 in reply to skid112]

Thanks for the post mate. It's a funny old life.. no funny isn't the right word... unpredictable. I am already recovering from an adverse reaction to Ciprofloxacin which left me with a heap of long term issues, especially with joints, tendons and muscles but also some nerve damage. This was the icing on the cake and totally unexpected. I don't drink or smoke, have a pretty decent diet, not overweight etc.. I agree with your Outlook though... when this is fixed I'm going to make the most of life.. no waiting for another day.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to ccwh70]

Good for you, my sentiments now as well. Remember ups and downs and share. It helps it really helps.