I am seeking some advice required from those who have had CABG. I had surgery about 15 months ago. all seemingly going swimmingly until about two weeks ago, when I started to experience discomfort in my left arm, akin to what I suffered pre-heart attack and surgery. Ache, and heaviness in my chest, only stopped when either I slowed down, or stopped. I have been to my GP, only appointment I could get was with a doctor who isn't on my Xmas card list and who blithely said I will prescribe you a GTN spray as you have angina. I was told by both my cardiologist and the rehab team not to use this as I had no need for it post bypass, I declined her kind offer and, I say apparently as I doubt it will be actioned, she is referring me to the rapid access chest clinic.
Any advice?
Ta
Mark
Written by
skid112
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That all sounds very frustrating. Not sure what to suggest, other than what you already know, I'm sure - keep asking until you get some answers. It's amazing the difference an (un)helpful GP makes. Sigh. It won't affect your walking trip, will it? Good luck x
OMG, Mark, you are one of the stalwarts - I look to you for encouraging news (having had a CABG 4 and bit months ago).
Stating the obvious, you have coronary heart disease and a CABG doesn't change that. You might have Angina, it will always be a possibility for us CABGes' although all the drugs should reduce the likelihood. I think I'd be playing merry hell with my GPs surgery and making sure I got a cardiology appointment, and soon. I also think I'd be very tempted to follow the BHF advice - if it gets worse, go to A&E - and from what you have said, it is worse. I hate advising people to get to A&E, they are busy enough as it is, but at least you'll be seen by a cardiologist that way, even if you are sat there for hours beforehand.
I hope its all much ado about nothing. Keep us posted. Good luck.
A former colleague had stents fitted some years ago. About two years ago he had major, but unrelated surgery, and the angina returned a few weeks later. No underlying cause could be found and he now takes isosorbide mononitrate which has prevented further angina attacks. Cardiologists do not seem keen on GTN spray post stents/bypass.
I haven’t heard not to use GTN after stents. In fact I’m left with microvascular disease, which is too small to stent, and a spray works a treat, even though I’m on lots of heart pills, low BP and HR. Some of my ‘cardiac’ exercising friends take a spray before exercising. I prefer to work up slowly to more energetic exercise, but slow down a bit, as you do, if I get angina. Seems to work for me.
Please dont worry too much. I am sure it will turn out to be a memory pain and exspireance as you may be coming down with something.
Because of course when we are unwell or vulnerable with other health issues like a virus. Our other existing health issues are sneaking in the background just to remind us they were once there.
The one good thing is at least you'll be seen as soon as.
And of course like myself, you are always advising people to dial the obvious numbers if in doubt with regards to simptons.
My Gp before last also told me to carry on carrying my GTN spray around with me when I wasn't feeling great a few months ago.
I told her that I had been told what you were told Mark. I didn't need it as that part of the artery that had been blocked wasn't there anymore due to the bypass. Therefore I nolonger needed GTN.
So my Gp at that time said, if you still have a GTN spray, then it wouldn't hurt to take it. Especially when you are walking up the hills.
I don't know if maybe she felt there could be a new blockage that we were unaware of? But she didn't want to be suggestive and say anything.
Mark you had your opp about a month before mine on memory.
I haven't had a great couple of weeks ether. Had to see an out of hours Gp Sat night, the old blood pressure is playing up again. Bit of chest pain, still not sure if it's reflux. Tinnitus poticually frequent and loud, head aches, twitchy eyelid, then leg muscles started twitching last night.
I have a Gp consultation this afternoon.
Not totally confident the consultation will benifit me as it turns out the third regular Gp since my HA is now leaving.
Every time I get comfortable with someone they go and leave the practice.
So now of course another Gp who hasn't really got a clue about me or my medical history.
Just because they can read our files on the computer, it doesn't mean they can automatically know what is best for us. Not until they get to know us as a patient anyway.
They wont let me talk to the Gp I have seen for the last four visits and a couple of telephone consultations.
They said because she is leaving soon, they think it will be pointless me seeing her.
So I hope this new one later is ok and is willing to really listen to my latest issues. Oh well, it is what it is I guess.
Please try not to surmise Mark, we kniw that can create simptons from anxiety.
I had my bypass in June last year and have been fine(ish) a couple of weeks ago my brother had an emergency heart operation which meant I went to Bristol and spent a week helping with his care which involved a fair amount of uphill walking from the CP to the heart institute, during this time I had a few pains in my chest but in the right side. They have now gone and I am hoping it was muscular caused by the extra exercise.
It has made me wonder about the angina coming back and what happens then.
I do think that bearing in mind your history Mark I would be wanting to see the cardiologist sooner rather than later and would either go to A & E or ring your cardiologists secretary.
With all that has happened we cannot afford to waste time especially with GP's who we have no trust in.
I know I would be a pain in the ar@e if anything happens but that seems to be the way forward.
I hope you are okay Mark but if you need to be forceful then be forceful - good luck!
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