I am scheduled for a heart cath next wk. Am worried sick. Dr says my prognosis ecg n blood test results are no good. And I should be mentally prepared for a bypass.
Am 43 yo female, High blood, Cholesterol and Blood Sugar. Thought of needles scare me and now, thinking a bypass maybe needed. My feet are trembling.
My symptoms are when I walk, will hv chest tightness n pain that radiates to back but once I rest it's gone within minutes. Usually 8th minutes after walking. Anyone has the same symtoms?
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Hello and welcome to the forum! The symptoms you describe are typical of angina caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. The angiogram in the catheter laboratory will determine the location and extent of the disease. If you are nervous you will be offered a sedative - personally I did not accept the offer but we are all different. Depending on the outcome they may decide on a conservative approach (medication and life style changes), stents or a bypass. Stents could be done there and then, or they may have you back to fit them.
I was initially going to go back for stents but after further tests and a peer review meeting it was decided I was an unsuitable candidate for stents and I was referred for a bypass. My issue was very much hereditary as my father, his brother and their father all died prematurely of heart disease. The thing to remember is that bypasses and valve surgery are the day job to highly skilled professionals even though it is a daunting prosoect for the patient
The thing that worries me is your high cholesterol and blood sugar (I am a lifelong Type I diabetic). How are you and your GP tackling this? Many surgeons typically not operate, unless urgent, if HbA1c is above 8.0.
If you research on the net stick to the BHF and NHS websites as Doc Google is full of out-of-date and incorrect rubbish.
Any questions just ask as thousands here have been through the process. I would take it one step at a time to prevent over thinking. You could also speak with the BHF nurses who are all highly experienced.
A reasnoble figure but below 7.0 would be better. If you do need surgery Metformin is stopped some days before to significantly reduce the risk of lactic acidosis. You are then put on what is called a "sliding scale" where insulin (and glucose) are administered via a drip. Because I am on MDI (multiple daily injections) I was only connected up once I was anesthesied. You usually get back to your original regime once you are through ICU and HDU.
Hi, so sorry to read your post, I know it’s a scary time facing the unknown, the angiogram is ok, I did have the sedative did feel I was on the Star Ship Enterprise lots of high tec equipment!
If they think bypass is the way to go again it’s ok, I had avr and bypass done and it certainly gave me my life back. As Michael as already said these very clever medical teams do this as their day job, though to us it’s terrifying please believe me when I say it’s not as bad as we imagine.
If you want any other information there are lots of us here that can help.
I found it helped me be a bit more relaxed or probably should say a lot more relaxed! Should also say I was in hospital before the the angiogram. As Nathan says the team chat away explaining what is happening and making you feel very secure. It also helped me that my Cardiologist doing it I saw on a daily basis on the ward.
I can totally identify with your anxiety. If only we had a switch to turn off the anxiety light. I asked for a sedative just prior to my angiogram and it really helped me to relax without being 'spaced out'. The team were brilliant often chatting to me asking how I was feeling very reassuring. My experience was good I was fascinated by the whole procedure and felt in safe hands. These teams are doing these procedures daily and are so experienced and professional. Try not to speculate too much as conditions are often treated with medication or stents rather than bypass surgery. You will get through this but do tell them you are anxious and don't be reluctant to ask questions. Be good to hear how you get on or if you have any questions.
I had a heart bypass at the end of 2018, like you I was shocked when I heard the news and alarmed at the prospect of open heart surgery. However, now that I've experienced life with a re-plumbed heart I can honestly say it was the best thing that's ever happened to me.
We all become acclimatised to our reduced capabilities due to angina, and when those symptoms are suddenly removed it's a revelation. Like many I now feel twenty years younger with loads of energy and a new zest for life.
Don't dread a bypass, instead embrace the new you that awaits on the other side!
Hi - others are giving the right advice here - BHF best source for information. All I’d add is this - needles - yes, unpleasant, but never watch, look away and count to 10 and it’s over. Sedative - accept it, enjoy the ride and you won’t feel a thing. You can do it!
Please don't be afraid of a cardiac catheter as you will only feel a slight discomfort and remember that the Dr. Will be able to fully understand the extent of your CAD. You may have a stent procedure or Bypass both of which are highly successful procedures. I have had 3 catheterization in the past 2 years but arteries not bad enough to operate. The thought of the procedures is worse than the actual if I may put it that way.. May I wish you all the very bestf
I can relate to your situation. I had similar symptoms to you as a 42 year old male. I went through the usual tests, culminating in an Angiogram and was pretty shocked to be scheduled for a double by pass. That said, l came to terms with it and the operation went ahead. I was admitted on the Monday evening and l was first on the table on the Tuesday morning. I had a brief spell in the ICU after the op and later that day was transferred to the HDU on the ward.
On the Wednesday morning l was back on the normal ward and was discharged on the following Saturday.
I’ll be 66 in July, and have been fit and well since the op.
My advice to you, for what it’s worth, should you need a by pass, is to keep as positive as you can, and view it as a great opportunity for a new start.
I made some changes to my lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, nothing excessive, just the usual stuff - it seems to have worked for me.
I hope you find this helpful, and l wish you all the very best in the future.
I can only add to the above reassurances even though I have no experience of the procedures thay have had.
A long time ago I learned that the mind can take us to horrible places when it comes to our health. We imagine the worst when in fact the reality turns out to be far less serious. It's not easy but you can do it!
The heart cath procedure will be quick, simple and painless. I had two separate procedures about 10 weeks ago. I suffer from really bad health anxiety, scared of everything, and I can seriously now say that each of my two procedures was simpler than a dentist visit. Prior to my first one my legs were shaking uncontrollably. On my way out a half hour later, I was all smiles. It was that easy and that painless. They have this down to a science and it’s a very simple procedure for them.
Hi ST, I had to laugh when I read your post. Not at you, at ME! I had a similar phobia about needles before my angiogram four years ago. I've passed out while my son had a blood test, and I've even passed out waiting for the dentist because I worried so much. My angiogram did prompt a bypass, it also alleviated me of any needle worries.
All I can say is, try to relax and trust the doctors and nurses. It is better they find any problems sooner rather than later.
My advice is to take one step at a time. I had a horrendous stress echo result and I thought I was heading for a multiple bypass. But when I had the angiogram lo and behold main arteries not in too bad shape. Problem was my microvessels were not opening up properly to let the blood flow to where it needed to go. Diagnosis mvd - coronary microvascular disease which is managed with medication. As you are a female this possibility should not be ruled out (mvd affects far more females than males). Good luck for the angio. As others have said it's not that bad. The doctors know what they are doing.
You really don’t need to worry although I know that’s easily said. I am very phobic about needles into my veins and regularly faint when having blood taken. I was fine during my Cath angiogram. They give you an intravenous relaxant if you are worried which I had and it really is done before you know it. Also remember once you have it done they will be able to fully treat your condition and you will be much better off for having had this procedure.
Thanks loads Stu888. Though I dun faint but my bp shoot up 200/100... another scare for myself lol. Agree with u that I shud be looking forward for a quality life after all needed to be done! Cheers!
if your procedure goes ahead with the current virus situation as most routine work has been back-benched for a while, then there is nothing to worry about you’ll be fine. but with high col your diet will need looking at plus your doc should prescribe a statin to help with it.
I wasn't going to reply originally as everyone has given you good advice. However, I've been in a slightly different situation so thought I'd tell you that too. I had a heart attack in January and was blue lit to hospital and straight into the cath lab. The sedation works a treat, I don't remember feeling anything at all but remember everyone bustling around me. Obviously, mine was done as an emergency so they may not be running round so much for you; I also had a stent fitted. There was a nurse who kept coming to tell me what was happening, I don't remember what he said at all but do remember the reassuring shoulder squeezes I got from him. Tell them your fears, they do what they do to make us feel better so will help you through as much as they can.
Steer clear of Dr Google and you'll be fine. I'm hugely bad with needles too, my heart rate shoots up with injections, even when I'm expecting them. Good luck with it all, I'm sure it'll be a lot better than you're expecting, we all imagine these things will be a lot worse than they often are x
I can only add my voice to the other comments. I would reiterate the advice to ask questions. I found all 3 of my catheter procedures were quick and efficient. Watching the screen as they worked was amazing and helpful in understanding what was going on inside. 😁
If they'd left my glasses on, I would definitely have watched. I still can't get over them fixing my heart through a tiny hole in my wrist, it's too amazing really. I'm sure you'll be fine, if I had any spare, I'd put money on it 😊
I think it's all been said! My husband had an angiogram (through the wrist) with no problem at all. Bruising where the catheter went in and a feeling of warmth through the body as the dye went in!!
He was hoping for stents but needed what they thought might be a triple bypass - turns out the surgeon reckoned a quadruple bypass would be better ("while I'm in your chest I might as well sort out another artery!!").
This was 18 months or so ago and he's never looked back.
You've got loads of lovely friends on this site who'll help you through the process. This site was a lifesaver for me when I had worries.
I was told there are no stupid questions (believe me I asked loads!!!).
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