Advice on sleeping positions

[beck98]

Hi all

I'm 43 years old. Just been diagnosed with angina and coronary artery disease. Waiting for bypass surgery and seeing a consultant this week. Getting alot of discomfort/chest pain when I go to bed. Does anyone have any advice please? Also trying to go for walks but symptoms get worse 1-2 hours afterwards. Used to walk 45 mins per day less than 3 months ago but only managing 20 mins now and breathless throughout. Don't want to stop but unsure if I'm doing more harm than good. Sorry this is all very new to me and might just be paranoid. Would appreciate advice from anyone who has lived with this for a while. Thank you

[skid112 Heart Star]

HI Beck, the pain is this something thats eased with your GTN soray? assuming you have one of these. I wouldnt give up on the walking but i would take it easy, take the GTN spray with you

[beck98 in reply to skid112]

Thanks skid112, yes got GTN, so will use it if I need to.

[Allyboy1973]

I would be taking it easy and get the surgery out of the way first then when your walking resumes after you should be problem free... I always tried too limit the use of the GTN spray as it's not a nice feeling using it .. if your arteries are blocked and you've not had any intervention ie . Stents I don't think your doing yourself any favours ...ive had 2 heart bypass ops in the space of 18 months the second one has done the trick and can walk miles and no breathlessness ....

[beck98 in reply to Allyboy1973]

Thank you that gives me some reassurance for the future. Just had such a dramatic change and hard to come to terms with not being as able as I was 3 months ago. Will look forward to getting a bit of normality post op. Thanks again

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I take Isosorbide mononitrate each morning. This is a SR (slow release) tablet to prevent angina. My walking was limited by PAD (peripheral arterial disease) before but is even more limited now. It might be worth discussing this medication with your consultant. There are others available.

It's not worth pushing yourself. I find my limit is lower on very hot or very cold days. On hot days I think your arteries delate causing hypotension and on cold ones they narrow. I had a bad angina attack last Thursday evening (2/3C) and felt washed out all day Friday. Listen to your body - no one else can!

[beck98 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks MichaelJH, they've just put me on the same medication. Sleeping propped up a bit has helped and managed 20 minutes walk today. You're right need to listen to my body and judge it day by day. Thanks for the reply 🙂

[Jaycey]

If you are now on Isosorbide mononitrate things should ease. It take awhile to see the effects of this medication but it does make things easier.

I agree with the input about not pushing. It will just make your symptoms worse. Best to take it easy until your op. Then work with cardiac rehab to build up your activity levels.

[beck98 in reply to Jaycey]

Thanks Jacey

[gal4God]

I have a different heart condition and I turn around at lot in bed so I have no idea. I don’t mind tho. My bloke also has the same heart condition so I guess we will make fun of it wen we are married but have decided to get a king size bed.