Life with Angina

[Twobells]

Been to see my cardiogist today and saw the results of my recent angiogram on video. He explained the bypassx3 showed me the grafts explained in detail. Although the bypass has worked on two of the grafts the arteries are so minute the vessels cannot be stented or grafted so I now have unstable angina. The only treatment is medication and advised me to take gtn before I walk rather than suffer an angina attack, this is mind blowing as intially I thought the bypass would sort me out. The positive bit though is he said he didn't know of anyone who had 3 completly blocked arteries at 98% and was still here to tell the tale. I should be dead. Makes me feel humbled that medical science and the NHS saved my life, so I am going to try and focus on being alive rather than worrying if I am going to have another HA. I am not finding it easy, far from it, but I am very lucky. I start rehab again next week with a specific programme to get me back into shape after not exercising since the angina started in Feb this year, two hospital admissions and finally know exactly what's going on with my heart. Cardiologists advised me to focus on quality of life rather than quantitive life, there is no point living if you don't try your best. Better to have 10+ years good health than suffer for 20 with poor health. Now I have to accept a life on a cocktail of pills and have more bad days than good, but there are always others who also have it tough and in worse situations. I think sometimes I feel I was dealt a bad hand in regards to health problems, but I am or use to be very bubbly and outgoing, now I am going to try make the most of what I have got. I asked the cardiologist today to start a chat group after rehab sessions so patients can exchange and talk about their experiences. This is going to be put in place asap. Psycholpgical/counselling is a long long waiting game. I was also diagnosed with PTSD.

[Zena166]

Hi Twobells. This must have come as such a shock to you. Your emotions will be on such a rollercoaster. I think it’s important to stay focused on your rehabilitation as that will help improve your health bit by bit. It may be helpful to ask your GP to bring forward the counselling especially as you have a diagnosis of PTSD or why not contact MIND or mental health matters two charities who may also help. Take care. Sending love and hugs. Zena x

[Twobells in reply to Zena166]

I am getting help at a local mental health day center were we do craft and woodwork and somtimes bit of cooking. It is helping distract and gives me a focus. So thank you for listening, I also going to try and set up a group for anyone who has a heart condition as there isn't one locally. Cardiology team are looking into practicalities to this after cardio rehab sessions, so watch this space.

[Zena166 in reply to Twobells]

That’s a great idea setting up a cardiac group. I wonder if the BHF might help as well. Here is the link to their advice on setting up a group bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Also glad you are part of a group giving you support at the moment. Take care. Zena x

[Twobells in reply to Zena166]

Thanks for that hope your OK

[controlcause]

I have similar situation 1 × 100%,4 x 90% blocked artery.Stenting failed,refused CABG,on loads of medicines but no regrets

[Twobells in reply to controlcause]

Ì hope you stay well as you can, my bypass wasn't a choice it was that or death. The option for surgery is a tough decision so I hope you find the meds help you.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Twobells,

Really sorry to hear about this, I remember when you joined the forum and all the good advice you have offered to other sufferers since. I hope we can all be of help to you again going forwards

take care

Mark

[Twobells]

Thank you Mark, I'm doing OK, today I walked about 2 miles, but had to rely on GTN several times, but I have to push myself to get back in shape. Now I have actually seen the results of angiogram, I now see why there is no current intervention, but hopefully meds will help.