Hi my name is Emma i am 53 years old and a new member I just been told by the doctor at the hospital i have angina and a need to have a coronary angiography and stent one of my artery is blocked and another one is almost blocked my operation is booked for16 May and iam terrified at the moment i am waiting for my GP to give me the meds which i need does anybody know if there is any benefits i came claim i get carers allowance and income support because i am full time carer for my son
Not sure on benefits. I had stents in December and I’m good now. You won’t be able to shift the fear (I couldn’t), but the physical side and procedure itself was no big deal. Dentist is worse.
So the question is one of benefits available - may I suggest you consult your nearest CAB or Job Centre or even look on line in gov.uk/browse/benefits
Hello and welcome to the forum! Pre-planned angiogram/stents are usually a day case. However, you will have to avoid lifting for a week - you also will be unable to drive for a week. I imagine you will need additional help so as mentioned speak to CAB. Your GP may also be able to advise as may a local Carers Support Group but these are not everywhere. Hope everything goes smoothly.
Anyone who says ‘don’t be scared’ doesn’t really understand- having someone poke things in your heart is a scary thing. But here’s stuff to help, from someone who has been through it:
1. It really is routine for the team (there will be lots of them) they do it everyday.
2. Apart from the ‘little scratch’ from needles etc, it really doesn’t hurt, although it is a bit weird. You might get some angina pain briefly as they pump up the balloon, so take any drugs they offer, but it’s ok.
3. Mostly I found it humorous- the team will chat to you and each other, much like having a plumber in- which it is!
4. It’s all pretty quick, and a bit of an anticlimax. Even the scar is tiny.
5. Make sure you do rest for a few days. Bits of you that you can’t see have to heal and reshape, give them time.
Hello! How hard to be caring for another then become ill yourself. I had cared 30 years for my husband without financial support when I had advice from a friend and got attendance allowance which was a life saver as I could pay for help. But now I have heart failure but after 6 months I was given attendance allowance too and that helps me pay for more help for us as well as house and garden. It was easy to apply for and back dated to my first phone call. It's not means connected and basically it save social services providing what you feel happy sorting out for yourself and gives you some control over your needs. I don't know if it would conflict with any existing support but it's worth going for.
I didn't realize that. Sorry I don't have any other experience. My son gets pips because he cares for his wife and gets something extra because he is sick himself. It's finding the right advice that's hard.
Look at the website "Benefit and work" IT's full of fantastic advice and tey have a forum where you can ask questions. I kow having heart blockages and needing stents is really scary. It will take a long time for you to adapt but the actual procedure really is nothing to worry about. You will be sedated but still awake and you won't feel a thing. I didn't. My first one after a heart attack cause huge bruising on my lower arm but the second one I didn't even have a mark where the needle went in (* I have a needle phobia). For the second one which was planned, I arrived at the hospital at 8.30; went in for the angio at 9 and was home by 1pm, a half hour drive from the hospital.
I do hope you receive the financial support you need...stess is something you need to try and avoid.. I know it's easier said than done... several folk on here have given you guidelines and I hope they lead you to a satisfactory outcome... I'm thinking of you and sending you hugs 🤗
Esa you go doctor and send a fit note in plus you can claim for pip.
Hi I had a stent about 5 years ago and 2 days after suffered with terrible stomach and chest pain whereby I was rushed into A & E. What the doctor failed to tell me that above all the first tablet you must take was Lansaprozole in the morning. Yes I had nothing wrong from the new stent but I did have severe indigestion. That info came from a heart rehab buddy afterwards.
Hi Emma. I had angio Feb and it's nothing at all I was petrified waiting for it but was honestly nothing .ask for sedation. I had a stent in too and feel great now . Don't worry .
Hi Emma, all I can tell you is that my husband had a heart attack a couple of years ago, the doctors found 3 blockages in his arteries. They inserted 3 stents and he has been fine since then, touch wood! He is on a drug called Atorvastatin and then he also takes aspirin daily together with Omeprazole to protect the stomach. He is doing really well at 75. I don’t think you need to worry about the procedure of inserting the stents, perhaps just uncomfortable I think my husband said at the time. Good luck Emma
Very moved by your situation Emma. All I can offer you is my heartfelt sympathy and very best wishes for a speedy and successful outcome
It's a worrying time and everyone does it. I wouldn't have thought there would be further benefits payable. It's a fairly simple procedure and I was back at work in a week; would have been sooner if I'd been allowed to drive.
I had a stent inserted in January. I was sedated - I was rushed in with a heart attack and couldn't keep still - and, whilst still conscious, I didn't feel the needle go into my arm. I felt a slight scratch when they were 'going around a corner' - but not pain - and then felt a very cold, very thin sensation as they worked across my chest. I am a complete wuss when it comes to medical procedures but this was a 'walk in the park'. The team speak to you as they work, which is both reassuring and does take your mind off of the procedure itself.
Microvascular angina 
Why did my Angina begin so suddenly?
Angina in small arteries
