After Angioplasty
I had 3 stents fitted this week and ... - British Heart Fou...
I had 3 stents fitted this week and am very anxious about every little twinge I get. Have other experienced this and if so? Any advice.
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Sap1405
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Thank you so much that was very helpful and great advice👏👏
I had 3 stents fitted in 2012, and then unfortunately another 5 since at various times. I’ve always experienced little twinges but put it down to the fact these are little foreign object(s) inside and it’s the body’s way of coping.
I also wholly agree with the other reply from ‘Thatwasunexpected’ about doing physical stuff. This same philosophy has served me well and I now plan to start the couch to 5k challenge as soon as I get to 12 weeks after my recent quad bypass surgery.
Breathing exercises and meditation also help me but I wouldn’t worry about your twinges unless it is constant and never goes away which might be something else.
Hope that helps.
Thank very much and I hope you recover very soon from your recent surgery
I would say the same as your last two
Posts . I had 1 stent last April .
Took a good few weeks to settle down and I was very anxious like you .
It really does get easier and I did the couch to 5k recently and feel fitter than I did before
H A so 🤞you will be the same .
You have had a tough ride by the sounds of things but you’ll pull through this just little steps .
Relaxation/ meditation and CBT helped me no end .
Take care x
Thank you so much for your wise and kind response, it helps knowing that what I am experiencing is quite normal. I find the anxiety worse in the early hours of the morning when distractions are few and far between. Thanks again x
Hi Sap. As others have said, sensitivity to minor twinges and aches is completely normal. I would go as far as to say if you weren't a bit concerned, that would be abnormal! SaRAH says each time it happens and nothing comes of it is another boost to your confidence. My nstemi and 2 stents were in July 2019, but the concerns do remain - just lessen as time goes on. From being the first and last thing I think about, it is now only occasional. Good luck on your journey to recovery. Xx
Edit : SaRAH should say as TWU (that was unexpected) !!
Hi Sap, welcome to your new world. Like all others what you are feeling is totally normal. I had a stent in 2012 and went through all the feelings you are talking about. It does pass and it is early days. The good thing is that you are known to the medics and have the medication plus the knowledge to know what to do. Keep at it, you will be fine.
Yes, I agree with others on this post. It is only natural to worry about things and I found the anxiety got worse the more I thought about it but speaking to others, our reaction is common place as are the twinges unfortunatelyand can last quite a while apparently .They will get less frequent..mine have but once you’re ready ,if you can get out and about then that will help...sitting there stewing over things doesn’t ..but sometimes that’s easier said than done!🙄
Bristolfox, I came out on Thursday having had the procedure on Wednesday.Already I have managed two small walks as per the instructions given on discharge. Glad to hear that my discomfort is normal and thank you for your very reassuring words. I am glad I joined this community. Regards
Totally agree I’ve run a similar path! Keeping active, remembering that you overcome the pains and keeping your mind occupied all helps my worst time is when I just sit down!
Hi Sap, I had angioplasty sept last year after a stemi and cardiac arrest. I fully understood how your feeling. Things are better for me than they were and I have good and bad days. Like others say every twinge you think the worst. I find speaking to my cardiac nurse helps. I'm also having counselling from a clinical psychologist. Best of luck to you.
All the advice on here is so comforting. My HA was 4 weeks ago and I do get anxious about pains, twinges and breathing issues. So reassuring to know that life goes on and improves after a HA.I am currently waiting for heart rehab and sessions with a psychologist.
Maddox ( great name) I started the rehab last week at level 2 and today they put me up to level 3. The point I am clumsily making is that a month ago I would have been too scared to even try one. As time goes on your confidence will grow and the anxiety will lessen.
Good luck with the road ahead.
Sap1405
Hi, I had very mild chest pains a few weeks ago, I called the doctor and told to call back in two days as I had missed the 8am slots. Thankfully I called 111 and they said just to be safe they would send an ambulance. It ended up that I had a major blockage and had two stents fitted. I also need to go back for a third. next week. I have a family and I am worried about the future as well.
So I fully understand how you feel, we are sent home with a bag full of pills and told be careful. So as you say, I watch out for every chest pain or twinge. What works for me is taking a moment to check, is the pain growing, does it go away when I rest for 20 minutes, I am on stand by to use my spray, that means sitting down, checking me heart rate, loads of app can do that, relax and breath, BUT also monitor the pain, do I need my spray, do I need to phone 111 or 999.
You will be the best judge and I would add dont worry about calling 111 for advice. Worst case you might go to hospital so have a grab bag with your phone charger incase your there for a few hours but again, we are at risk so I would advise there is nothing wrong in asking for help or a second opinion.
I also know quite a few people in the same position and they are leading normal lives so I take comfort in the fact that it is possible, we are not the first.
Great to read your post and the replies, I had a heart attach 10 days ago and had two stents fitted yesterday.....i"m feeling very anxious at the moment
