Update, still got discomfort

[Bebo2]

Still got discomfort in the top of my chest, under my left arm and neck. Does not get worse on exertion and even disappears sometimes. GTN does improve it. Doctor says it’s almost certainly not my heart as it does not get worse with exertion ? Doc says Could be the meds but thinks it’s to early after my stent to start tweaking them. Still worried it’s my heart, can’t help it.

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Bebo2. It’s probably nothing to worry about - especially as GTN doesn’t improve the situation. When did you have your stent? Did you have a heart attack? Hearts are delicate things and don’t like to be pushed around. And my arm looked like it had been severely beaten for quite a while. It took a while for everything to settle for me but now, 3 years later, all is good.

[Bebo2 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Gtn “does” improve it. No didn’t have a heart attack. I had a totally blocked LAD.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Bebo2]

Ah sorry. Misread your post. When did you have your stent put in? Just because GTN improves it, it doesn’t mean it necessarily is an arterial problem. It’s common to think that every tweak is your heart after a procedure like this. The benefit I have is that my blocked LAD led to a heart attack so I know what that feels like! If you feel worried you could call the BHF nurses.

[Bebo2 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thanks 🙏 never called them before I will try tomorrow.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Bebo2]

The line’s open Mon to Fri, 9 til 5. Good luck.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Bebo2 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

It was 4 and a half months ago

[Bebo2 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

My stent

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Bebo2]

Definitely call the BHF nurses. The physical stuff should be calming down (but you’ll be on anti platelet therapy that stops healing) and it could be a side effect of the meds. I don’t know if you are like me: absolutely no meds before I had a heart attack then 6 a day. It takes time to adjust. Try to do some mindfulness or breathing exercises and see if that works. Stress itself can cause pain. Take care.

[Bebo2 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Great advice on the breathing and mindfulness, thanks Steve 👍🏻

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Bebo2]

I loved the phrase somebody else said their Cardiologist used to describe the after effects of coronary arteries being messed about with whether a stent being inserted or a vasospasm.

They leave a ' footprint' an imprint of the damage that has happened.

The lining of our blood vessels is very delicate so not surprising they can object.

[Bebo2 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy, I understand it could be that but as many others on here, I have been up and down....4 good weeks feeling fab then four bad ones then four good ones ? I know it’s early days still but the up and down wears you out 😒

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Bebo2]

Bebo2

I absolutely agree it can be relentless.

2 steps forward one step back.

Hopefully with time you will have more good days.

Did you go to cardiac rehab sessions?

[Bebo2 in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes really enjoyed them and been walking 2 to 4 miles a day since with the dogs 1 mile of that up a fairly steep hill to get the ticker going

[benjijen]

Get it checked out with cardiologist. Don't know why your doctor thinks it can't be heart as not worse on exertion! I have unstable angina and I only get it at rest, have even had it wake me before now! GTN spray usually works for me. I have the pain between my shoulder blades, neck and stomach.

[Bebo2 in reply to benjijen]

Thanks benjijen, my doctor has forwarded my worries about my symptoms to the hospital (although she thinks I am fine?) everything else good ecg,bp, bloods etc ? and I’m waiting for a reply? I’ve just got an appointment through for for a heart disease check ( review) with the doctors also 6th of feb.

[Imin]

Hi.

I had HA 4 months ago too! I have had a chest ache on and off since coming home from hospital! Been very on these last two weeks. It is right in the middle of my chest and I describe it like a bruise being pressed on from within. I have been to a&e 3 times as having this chest ache has led to panic attacks. Each time I have been ‘reassured’ that it ‘probably isn’t’ cardiac related as ecg, bp, bpm and bloods all fine. I have had very sympathetic visits but no definitive answers. I’ve been told by hospital and GP that it COULD BE anxiety, stents settling, side effects of meds or indigestion/heartburn. Last week I was put on 40mg Omeprazole so need to give that a chance to see if any improvement.

Like you it doesn’t get any worse with exertion, in fact I didn’t really notice it when exercising and when attending cardiac rehab the nurses and instructor weren’t worried. Since my chest has been particularly bad these last couple of weeks I haven’t been to my exercise classes or done any walks so I haven’t tested it on exertion recently.

I wish you well with your recovery and hope you get an answer to your ongoing chest pain. If you do please let us know and I will do the same.

[Bebo2 in reply to Imin]

Hi Imin,

Sounds similar to me. Went on a big dog walk, up hills and then came back and did an hours digging in the garden felt great. Then sat down and discomfort in my arm, top of my chest, up to my neck. No real pain but!....I have been on the omeprazole didn’t make any difference for me. I will definitely let you know of any progress. Everyone on here is so helpful and lots of them have been at the stage we are at but it’s still so scary when we get pain or discomfort