What should I ask?

[VelvetSky]

Hi, I’m going back to the hospital next week for a cardio clinic, the first time since my heart attack and stent. What do people wish they had asked and found out about? I’m very unclear about a lot of went on as it was an emergency. I’m writing a list of things I need to ask.

But I’m bound to miss something’s that are important and would welcome suggestions of what I need to find out.

[jimmyq]

From Bassman65:

A few things come to mind but most importantly write your questions down and write their answers to them

1. What exactly do they mean by narrowing?

2. Is it treatable with medication?

2a. If yes, is it long term or can it be decreased over time (I.e. will the arteries improve or just be prevented from worsening)

2b. If no, what treatment is available and are there any alternatives (less aggressive options than surgery)

3. If surgical intervention is necessary:

3a. how long will you be in hospital for?

3b. How long is the recovery?

3c. Does someone need to be with you when you get home and if so how long for?

3d. Is there a rehabilitation plan?

I sure others her can offer thee advice as well, this is just what came to mind....

[VelvetSky in reply to jimmyq]

Hi, thanks for the tips, I certainly wouldn't have thought of some of them. I'm already 4 weeks on and fed up with all the meds but absolutely exhausted, I lost a stone in 21days.

I hope I can get some help from the clinic next week.

[Ianc2]

Ask how blocked your arteries were and what you can do to stop them blocking up again.?

Do they think you should adopt a particular diet?

Do the think you should lose weight?

Do they think you should take exercise and if so, how much and how often?

Be positive - you are one of the lucky ones who survived a major cardiac event and will have a new lease of life, if you play your cards right. Take a companion to write down the answers in a diary or similar so that you can check it all out later.

As you recover and get fitter and lose a bit of weight you will feel a lot better. With your doctors approval you may even be able to cut back on your meds. in the end you can't outrun a bad diet so now is your chance to get things together and start a new life.

[Qualipop]

Things I wanted to know after my heart attack and stent.

If I have tablet side effects, what alternatives are there.

What is each tablet for?

Will I need to take them all for life?

How bad and where are the blockages?

Will I need a pressure test to see how good the blood flow is through any other blockages?

Will the blockages improve on medication, change of diet, lifestyle etc?

Will I get cardiac rehab?

Will I get a follow up appointment or is it now down to my GP?

How do I know what's safe to do?

Do stents last forever?