Unsure of things now.

[Philomenad]

New to this, following an Angina diagnosis not sure of the way forward. Fed up.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hello and welcome. You say you have been diagnosed with angina, have you been prescribed any drugs or treatment as yet?

[Philomenad in reply to skid112]

Yes, started with the GTN spray and now extended it to Slozem and Carmil XL. Assessing things from there. Crap really

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to Philomenad]

Ok, good news it's been found and you have been given meds to try and relieve the symptoms. What follow up has your GP suggested so far? Other good news you've found this forum, lots of helpful people around

[Philomenad in reply to skid112]

Hi,

Yes it's good to know about it before a heart attack, I was complaining of pains - shocked when sent for tests. Now, other than seeing how I settle on the medicine, and it's not the death sentence it used to be ( watched it change my Dad) not a lot. That's why I started looking elsewhere, and it's comforting not to be the only one feeling stunned, and great to be finding information.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to Philomenad]

Nope it's certainly not a death sentence. A more common disease than you think, hopefully the meds and a few lifestyle changes will do the trick. I'd be looking to get more information from your GP, asking about next steps and what recommendations they will make, have you had an angiogram?

[Philomenad]

Had a dubutamine echocardigram last week and they rang me with the results. The medication to stabilise it, not a death sentence and see how things go. Phone call in 2 weeks to assess. , think you're right need to talk to them more about this,probably my fault as shocked as the test results. The hospital is good but my doctors not so.

Research I think is needed.

[Saggybagpuss in reply to Philomenad]

Hello and welcome..I was diagnosed with angina 2 years ago and I remember that shocked feeling so well! That two week telephone call was a 'breathing space' for me, and as suggested, I had a list of questions ready. I think it is a common feeling when told of this condition. I found that not accepting feeling 'OK' and pushing to feel the best I can to allow me to enjoy my life, was essential. Over the last 2 years, my meds have increased, I take a combination of 7 drugs to control the symptoms. As you say, it is definitely not a death sentence, you are in the system and they will monitor you, but don't be afraid to live your life and most of all, ask questions.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Its difficult to think at the time not your fault at all. GPs tend to not have sufficient time, certainly the case with mine but the more I ask the more he tries.

Your follow up call, start writing down questions you have to be prepared, even if you consider them trivial.

[Philomenad]

Hi,

Hadn't thought of doing that.

Thanks

[skid112 Heart Star]

No worries, happy to try and help

[Heather1957]

It'll take some time to sink in but as others have said it is not a death sentence.

Obviously there is a lot of information that can either educate or confuse you.

IMHO you need to find out how bad this all is and the best way is via stress test and Angiogram which should show how bad the arteries are.

I was diagnosed with angina in the Summer of last year and 8 weeks ago I had a single by pass. Obviously I have a long way to go but am into my recovery and the angina pain has gone, no more spray or Isosorbide Mononitrate. I have been on a few walks and so far so good. I have had a small set back but getting back to as I was.

It is a big deal being told you have a heart problem, now you need to know how bad is it and what they can do to help.

While I feel it is important you get to grips with the angina please remember as well as the official support of the medics you have some practical experiences of us on here.

Take your time to accept this then if you have any questions and we can help we will.

[Sina-6491]

Very good advice above. Chin up