Scared!

[Forestdweller]

I have been a type 1 diabetic for 31 years, I’m 38 years old married & 2 kids. I have just been diagnosed with coronary heart disease and peripheral artery disease. I am having an angioplasty and stents fitted in My coronary artery’s on the 25th august and I am terrified. I don’t know how to cope with this and am terrified of having to walk away from my family and into the hospital for the procedure On my own because of corona for a procedure that has big risks. 🙁

[Hidden]

Hi Forestdweller, I do understand yr anxiety around the procedure. However, angioplasty and stents are very routine procedures these days. The actual theatre teams are experienced professionals who carry out these procedures all day, everyday. I have had 3 angio’s over the years, and please be assured your in very safe hands. I am also diabetic and have CHD.

[Forestdweller in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the reassurance. This is all so new to me. I was only diagnosed a few weeks ago and everything is happening so fast! My anxiety is terrible and my head keeps jumping to worst case scenario. I’m finding it so hard thinking I have to hug the hubby and kids and then walk away from them into the hospital on my own 🙁 This feels so horrible. I know logically they do loads of these every day and are very experienced and I am under the top cardiologist who is doing my angioplasty and stents but I just don’t know how I’m going to get through this next week! X

[Hidden in reply to Forestdweller]

You’ll be fine, and the upside is after the stents are fitted your heart will be revascularised and you will feel so much better, scouts honour 🙂

[Forestdweller in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I always feel worse in the evening with anxious thoughts. I hope I feel better! It’s not optional, is what I keep telling myself, they are certain this needs to be done so I have to deal with it 😬 I’m just so scared and I guess everyone feels like this with heart stuff. X

[Forestdweller]

Wow! That’s amazing! I haven’t had a heart attack, touch wood! But had a big angina attack at Christmas And a few smaller attacks since and then all the test etc followed. Got my appointment for the stents a couple of days ago. I was always fairly fit until the last 6 months when it’s a struggle to walk for 10 mins without getting exhausted! My cholesterol was okay or so I thought... it was 4.5 but told the statin will reduce that to around 2.5 which is where they want it. Weight is good so they blame the type 1 diabetes and said I was just unlucky. I’m definitely choosing to be sedated! I can’t stand the idea or being aware of it 😬😬thank you for replying to me. I am glad I found this forum!

[HenryTudor]

Hello Forestdweller,

As many people have said, this is a well understood procedure and very successful. It will greatly improve your life. Chatting to the nurse before my second angioplasty she said in her time in the cardiac unit she’d seen approx 5,000 angioplasties and only one didn’t go wholly as expected. Just explain that you’re anxious. They are very good.

Given that you’re also T1 consider joining the DUK forums, if you haven’t already. Lots of sensible support. I’m T2.

You’ll be fine but discuss your concerns.

Henry

[Forestdweller in reply to HenryTudor]

Thank you. I am waiting to speak to the cardiac nurse. They are supposed to phone me sometime this week. I have so many questions. I am on duk forum already 😊

[Henry20]

Hi Forestdweller,

I'm sorry to hear about your condition and I can fully understand why you are so concerned. It's never nice to go out into the unknown feeling so alone. Please be reassured though, this procedure is now really done so often on so many of us, the doctors and nurses will know what they are doing.

I've had 2 stents fitted; they were about 4-6 weeks apart. I hadn't had a heart attack. That was nearly 2 years ago now. For the first, it took about 30 minutes, I was told afterwards that I had been snoring - I'd gone to sleep for a little while. The second one took longer, the stent was far longer and I would guess it was a more fiddly operation, so I just lay there, frankly I was a bit bored. It was a day away the first time and no driving for a week or so too. The second time, the op was in the late afternoon so I had the delights of hospital food and an overnight stay! Actually, it wasn't too bad really.

It is a significant operation, however, and your family will need to know that you will need to recover, sit down and rest. Running a household will need to take a back seat for a few weeks. Just take things easily, you need to slow down to give yourself a chance of the recovery time. Just listen to what your body is telling you and don't try to do your usual routine. Your role will be to direct household operations, not to do them all. If they are offered, covid allowing, do go to the cardiac rehabilitation classes, they really do help. ( In my area they were stopped a while ago, I haven't heard if they've restarted). Others in the class, who were working, were given time off work to attend by their employer. (I'm retired)

Keep cheerful

Henry

PS Do keep using this website, it helps. I also got in touch with the doctor a bit for specific medical queries I had; they seemed to be expecting my call!

[Just-Wanna-Run]

I understand the nervousness on the lead up to the procedure. Its normal to feel this way. Whenever you feel yourself starting to think about it, distract yourself. Plan something nice for afterwards and focus on that. Maybe download one of the calming / meditation apps and use that. I normally distract myself just playing games on my phone. I find distracting myself the best way to cope when I start overthinking things whatever they are in life. Hope this helps.

[Forestdweller in reply to Just-Wanna-Run]

Thanks, I’m trying to distract myself but it’s so loud in my head I’m thinking about it even when doing other stuff. I’m now bouncing into here every time I feel overwhelmed and reading all the encouraging comments is helping a lot x

[Hidden]

Having my 'just in case' stent was an ordeal, but not because of the procedure itself which was painless.

The ordeal was one surgeon played and sang along with Spanish songs when he had a terrible voice and the other kept on about how none of the nurses at the party the night before would have a selfie with him!

The sandwiches afterwards weren't too bad either.

Please don't worry as these procedures are routine like going to the dentist nowadays.

Take care

[Forestdweller in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the reassurance. 😊

[Phil_London]

Hi, Hope that the replies are helping you, I am another who had the procedure after a HA in May 2019, an remember the stents are saving our lives, eventually the blocakages will cause a HA so you will be much better after. I have had high anxiety levels so I do understand. The procedure is so bad and as some have said very interesting what they are doing.

I remember the Doctor coming out and seeing me after and saying, ad you came in when you did, you should have a lot more energy now and to my wife's dismay, I do!! like so many with new found life, changed life style and run 5K every week and cycle every where, I am now 53 and happy it was done, you will be also, good luck, it makes you enjoy your family and life even more after.

[Forestdweller in reply to Phil_London]

Hi thank you , yes I am really grateful for so much support and kindness from this forum. I feel much less alone!

[Forestdweller]

Thank you all for the support and reassurance. It really is appreciated! I was getting myself in to a bit of a state about it all. Feeling a bit calmer since I have found the forum and can talk to others with the same or similar stuff going on. X

[Sunnie2day]

Hiya from NE Scotland and Welcome to this merry band of Hearties!

The waiting is absolutely the worst part - the procedure and recovery is 'nothing' in comparison. This time next month you'll most likely be well on your way to recovery and quietly giggling to yourself about how worried you were.

I had an angiogram in November 2019 with three weeks to build up a good head of total panic steam - I was told they expected to go straight from the angiogram to angioplasty and that I would likely need multiple stents and there was some talk about potential bypass as well (didn't need any of it, the angio disclosed 'crystal clear arteries' and a diagnosis of 'angina with normal coronaries' with the cardiologist thinking now it's microvascular angina). To say I was terrified on all levels is probably the understatement of all time.

I was so wound up by the time I arrived to the cath lab table I begged for the maximum amount of 'anxiety relieving' meds - took me three days to come out of the resulting fog, lol! I had to keep asking 'Are you sure I didn't need stents?'. Your experience will be different in that you know you're going in for angioplasty but the anxiety is probably much the same as mine - I worried about my husband's ability to cope, I worried about things I should have got done before undergoing what could have ended up being major surgery - I taught my husband how to use the microwave and steam mop, and checked my last will and testament. My children are grown and live in the US with their children, I tried to keep my fear out of the weekly Skype visits but they're not stupid and afterwards they told me they wished I'd confided my concerns - even the 15yo grandson noticed 'something's not right with Gran'. So if your children are older, you might want to talk with them now - but first:

Have you seen this BHF page on angioplasty:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

The downloads are free (as are hard copies but with your date so close, you won't have time to order) and all of the information is super for easing anxiety plus planning for post-procedure homecoming and recovery.

Please let us know how you've got on, and add my voice to the chorus that this site is amazing for the support and wealth of first-hand knowledge.

[Forestdweller in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thank you. I will look at the downloads. I haven’t even spoken to the cardiac nurse yet so I’m still really in the dark, other than I know they used the words significant narrowing when they reviewed my CT angiogram , those words make me go cold!! and I had loads of drugs I suddenly had to take. I’m still swinging in and out of total panic but not in a permanent panic today so that’s good 👍

[mauschen in reply to Forestdweller]

Medical and nursing staff use the term significant to mean they can intervene and do something about it. If it’s non-significant findings, they must justify their reasons more vigorously for inserting a stent.

I realise that this word “significant’ Is going around in your head and it’s making you feel anxious. No one can say with certainty that this significant blockage won’t cause problems before your procedure is due. However, the doctor has given you an appointment for an elective rather than emergency procedure, therefore, you are not considered to be at immediate risk. That said, your anxiety is building which is only natural but this could be detrimental for your heart disease so please find a way to relax and chill. Your children and husband will be feeling your stress, which will heighten their own anxiety levels.

Unfortunately, you will be having the procedure done under Covid conditions which means, extra hygiene and vigilance... if that’s possible, plus on the downside, without the support of your family being with you. It’s a small price to pay for your safety.

Yes, it’s a standard procedure and for staff it’s routine. However, staff are aware that for you, it will be frightening and stressful as you venture into the unknown.

We can all reassure you, share our experience with you and wish you well but you are scared which means that your thoughts are racing around in your head. You will find it difficult to o focus which is understandable.

My advice for you is to speak with someone, your husband, sister or friend and share your worries. Have a good cry and a cuddle before writing all of your questions down for the cardiac nurse, so that you don’t forget any. Then focus on relaxation, deep breathing techniques and anything to focus your mind away from this issue. Try to avoid unnecessary contact with people to reduce your chances of a Covid infection . Stress can also affect your blood sugar, therefore, that’s another reason to chill out.

I wish I could hug you, you are young to be having this procedure done but thankfully, some terrific doctor has spotted the issue and most certainly has prevented you from becoming more serious cardiac issues.

When you feel up to it, let us know how you get on.

Thinking of you x

[Forestdweller in reply to mauschen]

Thank you so much 🙏I have been told to isolate for 2 weeks, I visited my mum who had been shielding anyway last week. My oldest son has been given a few weeks off work , he just had to take my Covid protocol letter in to work. So he can help his dad out with our youngest son and round the house. I have to have a Covid test on Saturday. As long as that’s good then I should be okay 🤞 I’m on an insulin pump so keeping blood sugar okay hasn’t been too much bother. Like you said I feel so young for this to be happening. Not unexpected shouldn’t be yet, you know. I hope that I can get back on here when it’s done and I am okay, I think the anxiety of all of this will stay with me for a long time it’s really put me though the wringer! Thank you for the reassurance, I need as much of that as I can get at the moment 😬

[mauschen in reply to Forestdweller]

Trust me, when it’s over you will wonder why you worried so much. Nevertheless, I and I am sure many others on the forum also worried about what was about to happen and what the future would bring. We can’t stop you worrying but we can support you through it and be there for you when your procedure is over. The hospital will give you lots of information and hopefully you will be followed up by a cardiologist. If you are offered rehabilitation, take it, it will do you the world of good.

Take care!

[Qualipop]

I've had two angios and two stents fitted; the first with stents was the day after a heart attack. The second was to check two other blockages. I can honestly say I didn't fel a thing. I had bad bruising after the first one but nothing at all second time. Oddly I couldn't have cared less about eh first but was really worried second time. They do understand and will give you sedation. They do this all day every day. Don't worry. My only complaint was that I really wanted to watch the monitors and they wouldn't let me.

[Forestdweller in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you. I will def be taking all the sedation I can. I have panic attacks so I can’t risk having one during the procedure.

[Qualipop in reply to Forestdweller]

I also have panic attacks. Just tell them; they do understand. I was surprised how scared I was second time round when I'd had one with absolutely no worry or problems. I guess I thought the second one was going to be different somehow but it was actually better. Just make sure you have taken your tablets as instructed. They will probably give you more blood thinner with the sedative. I had to be there by 8.30. The consultant came and spoke to me, I told a nurse how scared I was- she was lovely-. I went into the lab at 9, fully awake but couldn't care less; transferred onto a narrow metal bed and hooked up. I was back on the recovery ward by 9.30. I had to have a blown up plastic wrist band fitted which puts pressure on the artery they go into to help stop the bleeding which takes a while because of the blood thinners. They ease the pressure off a few times after a while and eventually, when they are sure it's not bleeding, they remove it. Best thing was a cup of tea and slice of hot buttered toast. We live almost an hour from the hospital but my husband had collected me and we were home by 12.30. You can't drive yourself home because of the sedation of course but I found it wore off quite quickly. I was fine by mid afternoon. The first time, my arm was one huge purple bruise from wrist to elbow (didn't hurt) but the second time I didn't even see a pin prick where the needle went in. They talk to you during the procedure to take your mind off it. I had no pain at all either during or after. To say stop worrying is useless I know but I hope knowing what happens will help. They really do understand anxiety. I've had to be pulled out of an MRI scanner 3 times now and the 4th time I couldn't even get into it until they knocked me out. Nothing to be ashamed of.

[Forestdweller in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you so much for explaining. I have panic disorder and gad so I was worried about my mental health during the procedure too! I nearly had a panic attack during the CT scan, I think they gave me so much beta blocker though I started to settle. I am terrified! But your explanation helps 😊how long before you felt ‘back to normal’ after it? I mean recovering from the procedure.

[Qualipop in reply to Forestdweller]

I felt quite normal immediately after the procedure, didn't even feel groggy; just a bit uncomfortable having to have the pressure thingy on my wrist. I was just desperate for a cup of tea which I got right away. I just felt a bit tired for a couple of hours when I got home but I think most of that was the stress rather than the sedative. A few people do seem to get chest twinges or pains for a few weeks while the stents bed in but I didn't have anything. You get instructions on what you can or can't do but it's only for a few weeks. I know I wasn't allowed to drive for a while but I didn't even have to inform DVLA or my insurers. I actually did, just to be sure but they just said "You are better now than you were before so you are actually less risk"

[Handel]

I don't think I can add anything to these lovely people's comments. You'll get through this and feel a million times better after. Please let us know how you get on.

Love and virtual hugs to you and your family xxxx

[Forestdweller in reply to Handel]

Thank you 🙏

[Forestdweller]

Oh wow, thanks for sharing your experience 🙏 I too hope when I breathe in it actually makes me feel like I’ve breathed in!! Lol 😂 I’ve been breathless for some time and it drives me nuts being puffed out doing nothing! I am feeling a bit more reassured having been on this forum everybody has been so supportive and kind 😊 nice to talk to others who know what this feels like. My hubby has been amazing but I think my constant panicking was getting to him!

[valeriep]

Honestly, I found this forum a godsend in the lead-up to my treatment and afterwards - just being able to check with people who'd had the same thing if I had any niggling worries. Make sure you let us know how you've got on after you've had the procedure. Lots of people post when things go wrong, but it's nice to hear the success stories too. Re breathing, I'll never forget my sister phoning me when I got back on the ward. I was babbling on to her about how well I felt and she said, "I know you're better - I can't hear you breathing any more and you're not coughing, and that used to happen all the time you were on the phone!" I hadn't even been aware... Makes me feel quite tearful even now! 😉😀

[isobelhannah18]

The sedation works beautifully. It really relaxed me. Also, the cardiac teams are very skillful and reassuring. It's such a routine procedure that everyone knows exactly what their role is and they perform it without hesitation. Good luck.

[2stents]

Hi forestdweller like everyone else as said it is a routine procedure and it’s normal to feel like you do, I’ve and 2 angioplasty and 4 angiograms the thretre. Staff are fantastic

But I always tell them if I feel nervous

Good luck, you will feel great once it’s all done ✅

[Astronomyrules]

Hi,

I haven't had a HA, but have had 6 stents, fitted at intervals over 17 years, due to genetically super high cholesterol levels and am always scared, but I cope by focusing on how wonderful I'll feel when I get through it and get my life back. Like others have said, when you get there tell them that you're frightened and they'll give you plenty of sedation. Afterwards you'll probably wonder why you got so worked up about it. Good luck, happy times are coming.

[outofwhack]

Sit back and relax - you don't have to do a thing. An angiogram is nothing to worry about. I'm 54. I saw fireworks at one stage when my blood pressure crashed but the team were totally ready to correct that. The worst feeling was being told during the angiogram sorry youve got severe heart disease and can't have stents you need an open chest surgery = bypass. But even that is routine and the great thing is you are asleep when they do it. I'd be more uneasy breaking my leg.

[mauschen]

I am sorry that you have had an MI and had to further undergo treatment on your own because of Covid19 regulations. Both you and your family must have been very worried. However, your positive attitude is inspiring and the fact that you have taken the time to reassure Forestdweller is very kind. Good luck with your future plans and stay healthy.

[Fish4Info]

Hi ForestDweller, I was 47 year old single dad to 3 teenage boys, when I needed an urgent coronary artery bypass graft (cabg) × 4. My oldest was due home from his 1st term at Uni. I was sh*t scared! I even wrote a will. But I was also worried; Mum who loved them dearly simply couldn't cope on her own.

I resolved that I would not let this get to me. As a family we had already been through too much.

Long story short, we did get through it. It was nearly 14 years ago. All my boys are doing very well ... and I now have 3.5 grandchildren. The oldest was a key worker during the recent pandemic ... not stacking shelves ... but leading a team designing the automated warehouses of the future for a major food retailer.

At 38, you've had some knocks for sure ... but you also have so much to live for. Modern heart procedures are so good ... and give you great quality of life. Yes, it's scary too. I'm having a colonoscopy on the 27/8 but it's simply got to be done. (I was on my own in the John Radcliffe at Xmas 2006 for my CABG. In the end not as bad as all that, and pretty much every Xmas since then I go out or away at Xmas to enjoy today and the future - not dwell on the past.)

Good luck with it all,

Best wishes,

David

[Forestdweller in reply to Fish4Info]

Thank you for replying. My feelings are normal I guess. It’s horrendous to feel like this. I know that what ever has to be done has to be done but it’s terrifying. I worry about my boys and hubby. I am just hoping all goes well. I have had no time really to prepare for this so feeling like I don’t have all my ducks in a row. There is only so much I can do to prepare in a week. I hope I can come back on here on the other side of it and be feeling better. It’s shaken me to my core though. Thank you for you reassurance x

[Chrissydoll]

Hi u will be absolutely fine I promise u I had o e sent in 11 yrs ago with no problems wot so ever then April last Yr I had a very severe heart attack came on very sudden I was taken to Lancaster hospital and transfered straight to Blackpool into theatre and 2 more stents put in if it had nt been for these fantastic doctors I don t think I d ve been here I also had to go alone all the way as I could nt get hold of my partner at work it was scary but he was just so glad I was still here as we're my family the things they can do is amazing 5 days in Blackpool n I now walk miles every day or cycle and feel fitter than ever good luck but I know u ll be absolutely fine 😊 xxx

[Forestdweller in reply to Chrissydoll]

Thank you for your kind words 😊

[Buscaglia]

I am diabetic also. Had a heart attack 20 years ago. Had angioplasty with stent. Aside from being nervous it was a walk in the park. Had another one two yrs later. Not scared that time. I knew better. Stayed overnight first time. Went home later same day second time. They ran the scan for me to see after the first one. Procedure looked incredible. Please be assured that the worst part of this procedure is the stress you are putting yourself through. I promise. I am no different though. I had a stress test last Fri and I was a nervous wreck all week. Fear is always the worst. Take some slow deep breaths. Watch funny stuff on TV and get into something to busy your mind. Mental stress is worse than physical stress. God bless you. You will do just fine

[Forestdweller in reply to Buscaglia]

Thank you. I am a nervous wreck, had my pre op over the phone today. Still terrified but have answers to some of my questions now. Hope your results are good! I have my fingers crossed for you x

[Buscaglia in reply to Forestdweller]

Thank you so much. I always worry too much I make my blood pressure go up. I am my own worst enemy. Hard for me to give advice cause I am so bad. But your test is really nothing to worry about. Post again after you are done. Warm wishes