2 weeks after stent insertion. What can go wrong?

[HedgeHogHome]

First, thank you to all respondents to everyone's posts. You have been so reassuring / comforting at anxiety producing times.

What can go wrong in the early weeks after stent procedure? I didn't have a HA but blockage was discovered. Straight afterwards the cardiologist said, ' blood flowing well, other arteries are pristine and you can run a marathon'. A review in 3 months.

No damage to heart muscle and echo fine. Sinus arrhythmia but I have had that a long time.

Since discharge I have had reasonable, ok days but still chest discomfort, aches on resting. Walking is fine .I had read about settling in / stretch pains ( thanks to you ), but feel I should be much better now!! I was fit , never smoked and slim.

Went to A and E last Saturday. Waited 7 hours bur ECG, X Ray and Trops fine.

Rationally I think I am ok but ????

[Hidden]

Two weeks isn't long at all. My arm was still heavily bruised two weeks after the PCI, I can't imagine my insides looked much better. I would expect you to see some improvement in the next few weeks, although 18 months on and I still get lots of idiopathic chest pains which I am assured are not my heart, but I do have other weird health issues.

A bit of patience and not sitting still for too long is likely to help with recovery. Good luck!

[Chappychap]

Sounds like you're in great shape HedgeHogHome.

Get out there and enjoy your healthy life would be my advice!

[Mentdent]

The blood vessel with the stent has been bashed around a bit during the insertion and needs about 6 weeks for initial healing and 12 months to fully settle. Be gentle with it for the first 6 weeks and take the preventive drugs for the next 12 months. A simplified version I know but that sticks in my mind.

[Clerkenweller]

Anxiety and panic attacks after stent is quite common. I had them. Never really found out the triggers. You sound really sensible so focus on your fitness and be active in a sensible way paying attention to what your body tells you. You don’t mention any drugs you are now taking. Do not underestimate the effect that they have both physically and mentally. It can take time for your body to settle. Start working on that marathon!

[ocnnll]

Hi I can only speak for me but I had the same for a while. Discussed it with my consultant he seemed to think it was anxiety as like you, my heart was fine.

I was having like a dull ache in the centre of my chest. Had it after my GTN spray was taken twice. As directed in my heart online manual I went into hospital. Twice I did this and twice all the bloods and egc were fine.

I have noticed that when I talk or think about it this pain comes back. Ironically I have it now as I am typing this.

What has worked for me is having some rennie by the side of my bed. Since being on this forum my anxiety has got so much better.

Good luck

Darren

[ocnnll]

Yes I agree, it's always difficult ground when advising someone. Luckily my pain was caused by anxiety but theirs may be serious. Since coming on here I feel much better and less anxious.

[wischo]

After my stent I had lots of different pains for months which I now know were anxiety related. The odds of something going wrong are very small and easily picked up if they do. Give it a bit of time, stop worrying too much and I assure you it will all stop. I went walking for some miles within 5 days of having the stent fitted with no ill effects. Maybe the advice has changed since 2018?. I also got palpitations which sent me into a frenzy which were all anxiety related.

[Milwaukee]

Hello, I’ve just read through all the comments regarding pain after stent insertion and found it so helpful and reassuring. Thank you all for sharing. It makes such a difference and provides enormous peace of mind!!

[HedgeHogHome]

To all my 'heart mates' thank you so very much for your thoughtful , measured responses. They were of great comfort to me in those 'dark hours' when every twinge made me feel panicky. You have been a source of inspiration as well as advice/ insight. 11 days after my stent and I have resumed my Walking Workout ( very little workout) and feel much better. Still experiencing slight chest discomfort and breathless ( not on walking but climbing the stairs), but I am forgetting I have a stent much of the time. Off to some gentle Pilates this afternoon.To all new ' stenters' , it will improve and keep reading the comments.