upcoming Angioplasty

[2rivers]

hi, hope everyone is well? I am due to go into hospital tomorrow for an angioplasty, was supposed to be done back in March but was understandably cancelled! But I have severe COPD (Emphysema) and am wondering if having a stent put in will help my breathing? The stent is for my Right Coronary Artery and is appx 25% blocked! example of my breathing would be one flight of stairs relatively ok, two flights and need rest and inhaler! I have been told that I will also need to wear a mask all day whilst there (understandable) but it does worry me that I will have difficulty breathing! Maybe I am just being anxious? But any thoughts would be greatly accepted! John

[Ageingfast]

I didnt need a mask all day. I was "tested" on arrival and, once confirmed negative I didnt need a mask. In the meantime I would hope you could have a mask that facilitates easier breathing.

I presume the angiogram is to give the medics a clue about what is going on inside your heart, so your query will be better answered after the angiogram is reviewed by the doctors.

Yes of course you are wound up about the procedure, who wouldnt be. But I found that everything was taken care of for me. Amazing staff in these areas of the hospital, utterly amazing. And really communicate well, to let you know whats going on.

Good luck.

Colin

[2rivers in reply to Ageingfast]

Hi Colin, thanks for your reply, yeah hopefully something will be sorted about the mask! I had a Covid test on Friday, not heard anything so assuming all clear! It is an Angioplasty they are doing, this will be the third attempt! 1st was cancelled as I had a chest infection, 2nd cancelled in March due to the virus, so hopefully no probs with this one! LoL!

[scotsrish]

Of course you are anxious John but they are aware of your health issues so try to relax and work with them. It was painful for me because i am female and little but it was also quite interesting to watch. You will probably be put on antiplatelet after and i believe it is the ticagrelor that does not work well with COPD but you can do your homework on that. BREATH !

[2rivers in reply to scotsrish]

Hi, thanks for your reply, yeah guess just anxious a little! This will be the third attempt! Was cancelled twice before! Maybe it will improve breathing, maybe not! Either way guess it will be better to have it done! Take care -)

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[2rivers]

Hi,

thanks for your reply, much appreciated! Yeah guess it may help a bit with breathing, time will tell! Even a small improvement would be good!

As for the mask, well like you said a bit of discomfort is better than the alternatives, so will deal with it!

Have to say Sundays normally drag a little, but this one is disappearing at a fast rate of knots! LoL!

Take care

[Jimcw]

Best of luck on the angioplasty. I’ve had several of those and currently have five stents. Additionally I’ve had teo open-heart surgeries. My first angioplasty did help blood flow and the breathing. It seems to me that when our blood flow is restricted or our ejection fraction has decreased especially when we eat that it’s harder to breathe. I’m not sure why but I know that happens to me. I think many times when they do an angioplasty they might put in a stent which I find is a good thing. I had my first open heart surgery in 1988 and I’m still Kickin although I can’t kick as high as I used to. I also have COPD and I’m overweight. Best of luck and I hope it helps your health. I bet it will

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Before my bypass in 2018 I had both angina and breathlessness. When I came round although I felt like the victim of a Big Daddy Splash the angina and breathlessness were gone. So you may breathe a little easier. It's hard to predict as you have COPD and your blockage is nothing as severe (I had four arteries between 70% and 85% blocked).

Community fingers will be crossed that your breathing improves but it make take a few weeks as you recover.

[2stents]

Hi, hope everything goes well for you, I’ve had 2 stents and waiting for another one, felt great after them both. I know it’s scary for you, but you can do this

[Sooty2020]

Hi. I had a stent in my right coronary artery 4 years ago for a 95% blockage. It was like a new lease of life for me. You don’t realise how bad things have got until you have something to make you feel better. It definitely improved getting out of breath so you may see an improvement from the artery perspective but COPD is a slightly different issue. It sounds like a even a slight improvement will be on the right track though. If you have to wear the mask, just think of the improvement long term and that may well get you through wearing the mask. Very best of luck.

[Hidden]

As young as you are, I'd check on introvenous chelation before having any surgery! I wound up not needing any stents until I was past 80. If your doctor won't provide any information, there are more just up the street.

[barbadosbaybee]

Ask for a sedative, u wont notice much.

[Hidden]

Don’t worry 😉 they will look after you and the more you worry the more the mask will annoy you

If you do struggle with it obviously let them know

I went for angioplasty but it was not successful but I think I had more severe blocking than you

Hope all goes well you be in and then home for tea! Good luck 😉

[Smileyian]

Hi 2rivers. Nice hearing from you. I am very surprised that you are having a stent at 25 pct blockage. It is my understanding from all medical advice that stents are not required below 60-70 pct blockage as up to that extent should not greatly affect blood flow. Of course you may be an exceptional case. I have been turned down for stenting at 50pct for over 2 years. Love to hear bsck as you are the first person I have heard of where cardiologist will stent at 25pct. My very best wishes.