Confused and disappointed?

[Auctioneerjim]

Hi

All just returned from my appointment with cardio consultant 6 months after a heart attack

When I had one stent fitted. It was felt at the time because of the severity of the coronary heart disease on the other2 arteries that the only real solution would be a bypass but to medicate first. I have regular chest discomfort and breathlessness

Which they tell me is angina .i went today prepared for them to tell me I would have to go for surgery but unless I’m misunderstanding what he said I’m a bit confused. He told me that because of the long time I’ve had this and the extent of disease he didn’t feel a bypass would be successful? He’s tweeked my medication and given me something else for the chest discomfort but I’m now thinking if I don’t have a bypass what is left to do ???

Any thoughts would be appreciated I’m a bit stunned

[Karenpr]

Strangely my husband had the same sort of conversation with his cardiologist. He was stented after a cardiac arrest and at the time the surgeon said there was too much damage (not sure where) but it meant more stents were not an option. When we had the follow up with the cardiologist he denied there was any more damage. When we had the follow up ECG he was asked if he had stents already, obviously the technician saw something that required a stent.

Like you we now wondering if there are no other options and it’s a suck and see situation.

Not helpful I know, ask for a second opinion. Pin the cardiologist down (ring the secretary and ask to speak to the cardiolist or another appointment as you have questions) asking what options there are, which is what we intend doing at our next appointment.

[Auctioneerjim in reply to Karenpr]

Thanks Karen I feel devastated as although I wasn’t exactly looking forward to a bypass I thought that was the next step and I know people who had one over 15 years ago so thought I’d be ok Now I think I’m facing certain death not if, but when ! Morbid I know sorry but I just can’t get my head round this one

Good luck to your husband and thanks again for your thoughts

Jim

[Karenpr in reply to Auctioneerjim]

Don’t think you are facing certain death, aren’t we all. With drugs etc and life style changes people with heart complaints live long and fulfilling lives. Seriously ask for a second opinion, get the cardiolist to explain Everything in simple layman’s terms and dont be scared to question.

[Fortepiano]

Whether medication or surgery is best for an individual patient is often a difficult decision, but it's hard when you have already keyed yourself up for surgery. I suggest getting a copy of the cardiologist's letter to your GP and discussing it with your GP. My husband has been in a similar situation (with different surgery from you) twice - the first time we were terribly upset but realised later the surgeon was correct to deny surgery, the second time he changed hospitals and had successful surgery. For a second opinion I would suggest asking your GP to refer you to Papworth as the best cardiac hospital in your area, whose decision you can feel confident in. Also talk to the BHF helpline.

Medication and diet / exercise are very important parts of treatment anyway - they deal with the underlying disease, which is still present even if stents and bypasses fix the individual blockages. After all, undergoing a bypass that failed (e.g. if the heart muscle was too scarred for the improved blood flow to help, or if conversely there were enough collaterals that the bypass closed up from not enough blood flow) would be devastating. I hope the new medication helps with your angina.