2nd opinion or not??

[Padalak6]

Hi,I'm after some advice please. I'm 47 years old. In 2017 I had a double heart bypass and before that told I also have angina, I found out in March this year after an angiogram that the bypass hasnt fully worked and only 1 of the arteries is pumping blood to my heart, I was told at the clinic with a cardiologist and the surgeon that done my op that they arent going to do another bypass or put a stent in as they are happy to leave it as it is, they did give me some tablets I think they are isosorbide mononitrate, (I forget as I am on quite a few now). Since my bypass my health has deteriorated I get very puffy and people have commented on this and I get very tired and have 1-2 angina episodes a week. Am I right in feeling this isnt right and asking for a 2nd opinion from another cardiologist.

[Dolphin14]

Second opinions never hurt. They help settle our mind if everyone is on the same page

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

If you think something has changed since your surgery (and it does sound like it), then you should get back to see your GP.

If you don’t trust your current Consultant, then tell your GP and discuss being referred to a different Consultant.

I ended upon a neighbouring hospital, with a much bigger Cardiac service, when taken in by ambulance. They were so much better than my local hospital, that I asked if they’d go on seeing me, and then got my GP to refer me there.

Patients have choice! Still.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

You are definitely entitled to a second opinion. Obviously I do not know any specifics but it does not sound right. Puffiness may be medication. Have you had a recent medication review? A pharmacist can do a quick initial one and they tend to be better on side effects dispensing dozens of heart meds daily. A private consultation may be worth considering. I had one in the early stages and it was extremely beneficial (average cost £200 - £250).

[Arthurtom]

Hi I have been on Iso Mono for a few years -- they can make you puffy -- mainly they make my ankles swell -- so I rest with my feet higher than my heart..what else do you take ?

Best Wishes

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Arthurtom]

Do you take a CCI (calcium channel inhibitor) like Amdopoline or Diltiazem? These are notorious for odema!

[Padalak6]

I take bisoprolol 2.5mg, ramipril 1.25mg, isosorbide mononitrate 20mg (twice a day), aspirin 75mg, slozem 120mg, gabapentin 300mg (3 times a day). Lipitor 40mg.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Padalak6]

Slozem is Diltiazem that I mentioned is a CCI and potential cause of odema.

[Padalak6]

Yes I get a pharmacist talk over my medication with me every few months.