Does Micro-vascular Angina get worse over a period of time?

[achillislander]

Having been diagnosed with MVA a couple of years ago and having tried various medications I know find myself being to do much less than this time last year. Has anyone else found themselves in this situation.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Yes, absolutely !

Unpredictable is how I would describe my life with Vasospastic and Microvascular angina. I live in a state of perpetual instability. I never know from day to day how things will go.

However I am doing reasonably well for me at the moment. I was in CCU this time last year!

The cold, emotional and mental stress are the main triggers for me.

I have this year approached my 7th winter with a different mind set.

I have accepted I have to rest every afternoon. No swimming for a while and I have reduced the amount I do physically.

I manage my stress through yoga, Tai Chi, Mindfulness meditation and art classes.

I attended a Pain Management Course which was very helpful in teaching me stratergies to manage in particular my emotional response to my pain.

Your GP can refer you to this service.

If you still are struggling ask to see your Cardiologist and ask them to review your medication.

Treating our pain is important and it can take time and patience to find the correct combination of drugs that work best for you.

Be prepared to be persistent. There is no quick fix and so little knowledge about the condition but there is more and more research going on into Vasospastic and Microvascular angina.

I send the latest research articles to my Cardiologist before I see him in clinic.

I hope you feel more settled soon.

[achillislander in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for that Milkfairy, I am seeing Gp next week and Cardiologist next month. I am at my wits end at the moment and the additional stress is not helping. Just like you the cold at the moment isn't helping and a rest in the afternoon certainly helps. Hope you continue to feel better. Long may it continue.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to achillislander]

Thanks,

I forgot to add.

I use oxygen for my angina pain too.

My Cardiologist prescribed the oxygen via the Respiratory team.

I also use a TENS machine like the ones women use in labour.

[achillislander in reply to Milkfairy]

I would love to use a TENS machine but can't as I have a pacemaker.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to achillislander]

Well it maybe possible....

niddvalley.co.uk/sympton_se...

They use TENS machines at the National Refractory Angina centres in Bradford and Liverpool.

You could contact them and ask for their advice.

refractoryangina.uk/uk-refr...

I put my pads on my back. 2 above my bra line and 2 below.

I hope this helps!

[achillislander in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for all the information, were do you find all the research information?