Another Newbie

[Dralex]

Hi everyone, I am a 78 year old male, not diabetic or overweight, and until 3 months ago fairly fit and active for my age. As a result of a GP referral I had an angiogram at my local hospital, but due to severe calcification of my coronary arteries, they were unable to insert any stents. 3 weeks ago I spent two days in a major London hospital where, after rotablation, 5 stents were successfully implanted. On discharge I was directed to take "aspirin and clopidogrel for 1 year".

Since the operation, I have had no contact from either hospital, or my GP. I fully understand why cardiac rehab is currently unavailable, and so have have read lots on the BHF website, and am following their guidance on breathing exercises, walking etc., and feel I am making some progress. However, some days (and nights) are worse than others, and I don't know if and when I should seek help. I would add that I am still taking other medication (amlodipine & isosorbide) prescribed before my hospital visit, but I don't know whether this is still necessary.

Can anyone advise at what stage they were contacted after stents for some form of review of follow up?

[Chappychap]

Sounds like you'd benefit from some medical advice.

Most heart patients, once they're discharged from the hospital, have an annual check up with their GP or at least with the practise nurse. You have blood tests, possibly give a urine sample, you will have your blood pressure and weight measured, and you may have a basic ECG. You will also have your medication reviewed. Just as importantly, it's an opportunity to raise any concerns.

I'd suggest contacting your GP, mention some of the concerns you have, and request a heart check-up and medication review.

You mentioned that you're not overweight and are reasonably active, but it's worth remembering that heart disease never goes away, and the biggest single risk factor for a "cardiac incident" isn't weight or even smoking, the biggest risk factor is age. So it's worth making sure that you're regularly monitored.

Good luck!

[080311]

Hello Dralex

As Chappychap said I think you should have a word with your GP you need your medication looking at, just to make sure what your were on before your stents is still appropriate.

When to seek help is a hard one chest pains is certainly something that calls for intervention either GP, A&E, 111, or 999 You must go with your gut.

I send you best wishes for a good recovery

Pauline

[Qualipop]

Rehab contacted me about 4 to 6 weeks after my HA and stents. Your GP should be doing at least blood tests to check on how your tablets are affecting your body. It's unlikely you will hear from Cardio; they usually discharge to the GP. Even though there's no rehab in person they should still have contacted you by phone and the BHF has rehab exercises online. I would ask to see your GP in person.

[Dralex in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you all for your prompt replies. I will definitely be contacting my GP surgery today to arrange an appointment ASAP. I will draft a list of my concerns beforehand, to ensure I don't miss anything.

[Ageingfast]

I am 73. Not overweight and I had life saving AVR in central London 2nd May. The lack of follow up has been alarming.

What I have found is:

GP will talk to me on phone.

The hospital phone every month (nurses on ward, not doctors)

The BHF has medical staff who will talk on the phone.

If you get pains that could be from your heart, ring 111.

I am on a list for follow up from the local heart hospital, but nothing comes to light. They are far far too busy to start on back cases like me.

We are in a new world. Everything that we relied on has changed.

You can learn a lot from this site.

Good luck Dralex. You can do it.

Colin

[Dralex in reply to Ageingfast]

Thanks for your reply Colin, your description of the current NHS follow up situation is not too encouraging......

However, I have now booked a telephone appointment with my GP (next Tuesday is the earliest!) so hopefully I can raise some of my concerns with her. It is reassuring to know that ward nurses from the hospital contact you, and that the BHF can be also be reached by phone.