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Fluffybee

Fluffybee profile image
10 Replies

Hi, I'm new to this site, just been diagnosed with prinzmetal/variant angina.

Can anyone help me with a few questions?

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Fluffybee
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10 Replies
Camperlover profile image
Camperlover

Hi I've had Prinzmetal about 3 years, will help if I can

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toCamperlover

Hi Camperlover

Have you seen the updated BHF information about Vasospastic angina the term now being used rather than Printzmetal or variant angina?

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Fluffybee profile image
Fluffybee in reply toCamperlover

Hi there

If you don't mind me asking as I know some peoples symptoms are about the same, what are yours like.

One of the ones that I find more frightening than some is, when I'm asleep I get woken up being really breathless, after a bit it goes and back to sleep, just wondered if you have the thanks for replying

Camperlover profile image
Camperlover in reply toFluffybee

Hi yes its is one of the common symptoms, I am unable to sleep flat - I have a wedge pillow. Most of my attacks are at night - it is quite scary and the pain can be extremely strong. I am on numerous tablets to reduce it and it is definitely better than it was but i have GTN SPRAY for breakthrough attacks that I use regularly. I am advised if it after 3 bouts of spray it does not ease to call 999. I cant say I stick to this rigidly as the nearest hospital is over an hour away and generally it has eased up by the time I get there. The pain is like someone/elephant is sat on my chest, sometimes the pain goes up my neck into my jaw and also down my arm, it can be very hard to get my breath - over time I have learnt not to start panicking as this just makes it worse. There are some great support groups on Facebook

Fluffybee profile image
Fluffybee in reply toCamperlover

I’m still at the beginning of learning about this, I’m still really surprised that what I’ve been so frightened about is a symptom and it’s something that’s typical of this condition. I’m biting one of those pillows online ASAP 😃

My chest feels like a very heavy pressure, with pain across my chest and down my arm.

I also get the heavy ache when I first get up in the morning while watching the news etc.

I also have the GTN spray which I use on most days, but I like you don’t go to the hospital when I’ve had 3 sprays, like you say it’s calmed down by the time we would get to ours as our nearest A&E is about 45 minutes away. I’m also on several other meds as well.

Camperlover profile image
Camperlover in reply toFluffybee

The wedge pillow took about a week to get used to sleeping on but definitely is a life saver for me...hope it helps you.

Fluffybee profile image
Fluffybee in reply toCamperlover

I’ll get one and let you know how I get on, did it help the symptoms or stop them altogether, I know we’re all different.

Fluffybee profile image
Fluffybee in reply toCamperlover

Just wandered, I know the majority of this condition happens at night but do you have anything during the day or when you first wake up ? Just ordered my pillow 😃

Fluffybee profile image
Fluffybee in reply toCamperlover

Hi there

Not having a great day today, through the night I had chest pain and heaviness so wasn’t surprised for it to be there first thing this morning 😥

Used quite a few GTN sprays with gaps in between which has helped

Camperlover profile image
Camperlover

I do but generally linked to triggers I mentioned before.

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