This may seem a silly question, I got 2 stents fitted on December 21st, and was discharged with very little advice, I got a letter saying I would have a telephone consultation on March 22nd just to see how things are.
Since getting the stents I haven't had to use my spray, and am not suffering the pains I had before the stents, caused by unstable angina, blocked arteries etc.
The thing is, whilst my breathing etc all seems OK, I still have days where I am incredibly low, and feel sad, almost tearful, and I was never one for crying.
I get up in the morning and see my pills for the day all sitting out, and it is depressing, going from 0 to 10 pills a day, almost overnight.
I think the stents are working OK, it's just I read about people getting them, and never feeling so good in themselves, and feeling really well, and I worry because since discharge I honestly don't think I've had a day where I have felt 100%,. I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking still. Had my BP taken this morning and it's 128 over 80, which the nurse said was OK.
I take 2 x 2.5mg of Ramipril, and GP wants to up this to 2 x 5mg a day, is that normal, or Is this something to be worried about?
I really need to give myself a shake and get over all this. I know that myself, its managing it to get over it i suppose, it's proving harder than I thought
Anyway, moan over, thanks to anyone who reads it
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ScottL
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I think it would be unusual for stents not to work, and I think you'd know about it for sure. Since the 2020 event that cannot be mentioned here, aftercare has died a death. Like you, I was offered no rehab, no face to face with GP or cardiologist, just a call to discharge me some months later. I'm 22 months on and haven't seen a GP or cardiologist.
You'll be on a shed load of meds that you weren't before. These have a profound effect on the body and it isn't all good. Hopefully your body will slowly adjust to the new regime, but if not, many alternative meds are available and can require some trial and error with your GP. You won't necessarily need all of the meds in the future, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.
It's also early days for your stent. I felt it took months for mine to settle in, whereas my expectation was a few weeks.
I had bypass surgery back in 2017 this was discovered after I had angina that resulted in bypass surgery.In September/October I had Angina pain again and on 22nd October I had 2 stents fitted after they drilled out the artery and I stayed in until the following day and was then released with a bag of new medication but nothing else.
I used my good friend Google to find out a few things like when I could drive etc, and after a week I made a phone appointment with my GP who phoned back and read out the letter from the hospital, I did find that useful, the GP was not a cardiac expert so really couldn't answer my questions.
A few days later I was phoned by the Cardiac nurse and an appointment made to see her on the 9th November, this was a very productive meeting as she had my notes and the expertise to answer my questions regarding exercise, medication etc etc.
The reason I have posted this is in the hope that where you live a similar process is available but unfortunately because your process started just before the Christmas period there could be a delay.
As far as feeling low/depressed is concerned, I didn't feel too bad this time but was depressed after my bypass, even wondering if I should have had the procedure!!
Phone your GP and tell them how you are feeling and ask them what happens next, at least that is one less thing to worry about.
After my bypass and stents the angina pain went which indicated it was successful, but I now still carry the spray with me which I didn't after the bypass.
Often things are in motion that you are not aware of but start with your GP, even if it is just a phone chat it may relieve some of your concerns.
Personally I think depression is often associated with heart procedures and most of us here will have experienced that at one time or another.
Apparently depression is well known after heart problems! I googled it after being shocked by how depressed I had been after my heart attack and stent (lockdown too) American sites were very helpful and acknowledged it, British not ! Still struggling, no cardiac follow up because of Covid !
Dear ScottL
So sorry to hear that you are dipping in and out of a low spell.
If I told you that you are not alone will it help? It’s doubtful , but true.
What you must do ,if you feel that your not rising out of this low period, is seek help, we on here can only do so much for you, our main job is to support you and I hope that you have felt we are trying.
The dreaded medication , like you going from 0 to 16 tablets a day, at first did my head in, all there stupid packing, stupid sizes and the complete way they ruined both my morning and evening routine.
But and a big but, deep down I knew that they were there for a purpose, and that purpose has allowed me to reply to your distressing post.
As for the Ramipril @ 5mg morning and 5mg evening then I am on the same as you are going on, normal? for us it will be for a while.
Crying, now look, I’m 6’5” and built like a tank, ex army { ex everything to be honest } covered in tattoos , and like you not prone to tears.
The other week I was inconsolable over a cartoon snowman melting, and don’t get me started about the little match girl that froze to death!
So what is going on? I was told it was my body recognising what it had been though and was trying to work it out.
I was offered drugs to help me pass this stage but decided to let it settle its self, but they are a phone call away if I need them.
Another thing was I was not getting my full sleep, and if anything makes me want to chuck my toys out of my pram, losing sleep is it. Now this time I did take medication, all be it for just a few nights, to get me back in the rhythm, it worked.
I hope that my ramblings have helped in a small way, and that how it works, get a little from me , a little from someone else etc
Thank you so much, those words do mean a lot, I appreciate you, and all the others taking time to reply to this whole new stage of my life. This place has been a huge, huge help for me, I know it'll take time, and like you I'm keen to come through the low points without more pills, though I know the option is there..
I think my main challenge will be coming to terms with it all, in my own way, and time I read so many stories of one's who virtually skipped out the hospital and never looked back, I know I will get to that stage too, just maybe take wee bit longer, but, I'm only 51, so I have time. Physically feeling better, I never even considered the mental side of things, until now. Every day will make it easier , I just need to get into that mindset don't I.
Hi ScottL. I had heart attack medically treated discharged no information just bag of medications ??? Then through post letter regard local Rehab appointment week later by phone which I wasn't told happening just been given more information and encouragement means so so much. I have since had telephone appointment Cardio Rehab and arranged yesterday with my contact with them with all going on Covid for them to send me a link to a sign in regards rehab videos they use and I asked for a contact email with them to let them know how I am doing and any questions I need ask. The connection means so much Did need go in hospital again had aniogram and stent to blocked artery and yes I do get chest sensations and twinges at the moment It seems like the events seem to consume every minute of every day when new to this. I like always try to be positive and yes I do get low low days as well so it seems it is a natural feeling of so many of us Onwards and Upwards to you🙂👍
I have not had stents but Bypasses yet I can relate to how you feel
I worry if my Bypasses have been successful and all the what if's , I think it is part of how so many of us feel at first as this is very early days for you
I am over 4 months now since my surgery and I get days when I am low and I cry , I can cry sometimes nearly all day when I am really feeling low
Also I relate to that feeling of seeing all the meds I now have to take , hard to describe the feelings but I sense we possibly feel the same but I try and look at the meds when I feel this way as they are keeping me healthy even though I do wish I did not have to take so many
I am so sorry that you were sent out with little support as you really do need that support
Were you not introduced to a Rehab Nurse and given her or his contact details this is something they usually do as well as information about Rehab classes you can attend which even though I have not been able to go I know members on here that have found them so good and helpful
I would maybe contact your Consultants Secretary , your Doctor if you have not been given any plan for after care and ask how you access this
You are certainly not alone and glad you have found us as so many will be able to give you some great advice and knowing you are not alone really helps as well and now you are not alone anymore you have all these wonderful supportive members to try and support you x
Thank you, it's hard isn't it. The first I knew of rehab nurses, or rehab classes was when I found this site a few days after my discharge. Admittedly a rehab nurse would be good to know as someone I could speak with, I find this site so helpful too
Luckily my cardiac nurse was the same as I had in 2017, I am waiting to start the rehab classes, just waiting for the dates. I only had 1 physical meeting with the cardiac nurse, I also had a meeting with a physio just to see where I was physically and to check my active heart rate. The cardiac nurse has phoned me twice since the meeting, she is also in contact with my GP to sort out my next blood test to see where my cholesterol level is and how my blood/sugars are. I had a phone call from my GP yesterday to talk through medications and the new blood tests (I have made the appointment today)
From a personal experience I really cannot complain as the wheels are turning just as they are supposed to and I feel I am being looked after.
Hi scott. Sorry to hear you are struggling a little. It is very early days in your journey, so give yourself a bit of a break. The NHS has always been great at fixing the broken bits, but after care has always been a little shaky and even more so these days. Even back in 2019 before this strange new world, my GP simply could not understand why I wanted an appointment to see him after having 2 stents fitted. I had questions, I was cross, I was scared, I had no warning signs etc etc. I was lucky to have an advanced nurse practitioner assigned to me (as an alternative to a consultant) who was lovely and answered all my questions. As I struggled a bit I kept her for about a year before being discharged back to my GP. The take home from this is if you have questions push until you get answers.
As for the pills, well I have a 7 day pill dose box and I still hate filling it up every week, but it is a necessary evil. It is usual to be titrated up to a high dose of ramipril as you are.
The mental side as TWU says is more difficult to contend with. We are led to believe that once the mechanical issues are fixed everything will be fine and dandy. In my case I went into a state of complete denial - I may still be there. Please don't take this approach, emotional fragility is normal. Accept it and move on. If you continue to struggle maybe some counselling might help. With very best wishes for continued recovery x
What you're going through is normal. It's really horrible having seemingly been healthy, to then suddenly be on a load of medication and having a life threatening condition.
It takes a lot of time to adjust.
I'm on 10m ramipril, 10m amlodopine, 5m bisoprolol and a load of other drugs. I wish I wasn't. I've got 5 stents, I've had 2 heart attacks, one as recently as November last year. That was then followed by this 'light' virus that's going around, that frankly, knocked the living crap out of me.
Eventually, you accept that this is s stage of life and you learn to live to the full as best you can. But I won't pretend it's easy.
Keep smiling, keep trying to be positive and eventually things will improve.
Hi Scott your not moaning at all you’ve been through a life changing scary event. i had heart attack last year & 2 stents fitted & I had never been poorly & led an active lifestyle so to say this knocked me to the core of my mortality & the dark thoughts worries I had was an understatement. But apparently that’s quite normal and joining & reading posts on here definitely helped me process lot of worries. questions I had were answered just by reading others posts. The aftercare is non existent really & I had same issues but as we was in lockdown then that was the reason I was given. I did however have a cardiac rehab nurse call me but this was after I had chased this up because I knew I needed that support if nothing else! So please ring your hospital cardiac dept & request this service even if it’s only for telephone calls at the moment as I’m sure this will allay some of your fears or just help you feel supported if you need it. I also realised that after having the heart attack I could practically feel every pain in my chest whether this was just my own mind as you are certainly more aware after going through this life changing experience & yes taking all of them tablets certainly got me down & I couldn’t process how every single person regardless of age size illness was given this concoction of medication either! But you can ask your doctor to review your medication & especially if you don’t feel right trust your own instincts! I’ve just come up to a year now & yes it does get a whole lot better & you do start to live your life without massive paranoia & I think being weepy is just part parcel of this journey I myself am not one who normally cry’s but we’re all only human & it does help to get it out your system! Take care & this is my first time posting but I hope I’ve helped even a little bit to let you know it’s quite normal how your feeling & hey your doing great at least you’ve had guts to post on here I didn’t. Take care
I totally agree with my fellow hearties , it takes time. Had a stent to clear 85% LAD blockage (3 years ago) , got my bag of "sweeties" morning and night ! I didn't even see Cardiologist just discharged back to gp. Even had to track down a Rehab place at local hospital.
After great course and learning lots including living with the twinges as stent settled at 6 months l started to feel a bit "down". Feelings of my own mortality crept in . I spoke to Cardiac nurse who referred me for counselor - worked well !
Just glad to still be here and taking one day at a time.
Hi ScottLAfter my heart attack and one stent in April last year i was told on discharge that cardiac rehab nurse would be in touch within a few weeks. If I remember correctly i had an appointment 3 weeks later with her. It was just one face to face where she talked everything through and gave me a book explaining all that had happened and how to move forward. Unfortunately the exercise programme wasnt available at that time due to ..... but she did call me every two weeks for a while to check in and answer any questions.
At the ripe old age of 44 its not a postion or group i ever hoped or thought to find myself in but this wee forum is fab for offering advice,or just letting you know theres someone there who has been through it all.
Emotionally it does get better although I did have a wobble at Christmas/New Year when it hit me that my family could have been spending it without me. That makes me very thankful for my wee cocktail of meds which are now part of every day life and help to keep me ticking over.
You are still early on in recovery so take it easy and take care. Julie x
Had a stent in March. I no longer have the “heartburn” that I’d had for years. I think my stent works. Sounds like yours does to. Any aftercare that may have been available at one time has hidden behind Covid.
I had 2 stents fitted January 2021 and was given a bag full of meds from the hospital with no explanation ( having been on Perindopril previously and nitrates after being diagnosed with angina in November of the previous year). I was not happy with all the meds and had side effects from Bisoprolol and spoke to my GP who reduced the amount of meds and I was a lot better. In March I saw the consultant who reduced meds to 4 a day for 12 months post stents and am now down to just aspirin and Losartan (changed from Perindopril due to persistent cough - they made no difference). Changed my diet, cut out alcohol (my choice) and walk a friends dog every other day. If weather is bad I use an exercise bike. No further follow up from consultant or GP.
Mee too, he took my blood pressure and asked if I had any questions...I was so gobsmacked I was speechless. Some good, some bad...time to do some research, there is a ton of stuff out there. "You will be fine for at lease 15 years" I heard one doctor say and a friend of mine is way past 20 years on and fine.
Once they are in your chances are close to 100% if you look after yourself and that means exercise, diet and managing stress.
A gold rule with diet is to avoid all processed foods, especially margarines and anything with high sugar. If you cant cook, learn and enjoy your food. Example, we now make our own jam with 25% raw sugar, but keep it in the fridge, we make biscuits with butter too, but mainly eat lots of meat (or fish) and 2 veg, home made museli for breakfast using organic everything. No processed foods mean no deep frying, if you must fry, use EV olive cool cooked at low temperatures.
I/we started with the BHF 10 minute workout and still do it with a few things added afterwards, dumbells kept by the sofa, there is loads of exercise and stress management technique videos on youtube, so now is the time to get and stay healthy.
Your stents will look after themselves...I am 3 years in and still fine, but learning. Pills, I am down to a aspirin and statin now, so try to get off all that stuff if you cardio will allow it. Ask him/her questions, it's your body.
I went (still going) through a very similar experience 2.5 years back.I went from never visiting the hospital to ending up in the CCU and no medicine to lunch and dinner of meds.
I believe I was lucky (ironically) to have cardiac rehab (pre - covid) after the stenting, primarily being with people with similar condition helped at least during the rehab.
Like yourself physically I have been fine but mentally/emotionally it has taken me a while and it is still work in progress. I believe, I am a very strong willed person but this sure is something else and lot more tougher than I imagined.
I won’t comment on the medicine, that will be based on individual conditions, though not having angina certainly means the stents are doing their job. For me I felt it as soon as they were put in as part of emergency procedure. Each one of us has a different way to cope but understanding more (reading) about my condition helped me, along with being with people in similar situation (like this group and before that cardiac rehab).
Hi Scott. I had a second angioplasty (technically a balloon rather than a stent) 18 months after my heart attack, and my cardiologist assured me that I'd feel much better after it. Since I didn't actually feel physically unwell before this, I wasn't surprised that it had no affect whatsoever on how I felt physically. I did struggle mentally after my HA. A round of CBT made matters worse (4 weeks of being told to be kind to myself was not what I needed), but over the last 3.5 years my brain has caught up with me, and although I do still burst into tears occasionally (yes, the morning pill cocktail is a big trigger), it's nowhere near as bad as it was.
Your pains have gone so you can be pretty sure they are working. What you a re feeling is perfectly normal, part because of the new meds and part because of the shock. You should have heard f rom a cardiac rehab nurse after about 3 weeks but otherwise it's down to your GP now. It's horrible how they fit stents then just chuck you ou t with no advice at all. It's like" we fixed your plumbing now get on with life". If you haven't heard from rehab, ring them via hospital switchboard. They should at least be giving phone advice. I got just one appointment with rehab who decided because I was in a wheelchair I couldn't do rehab . That and a book about having a heart attack was all I got and that was well before the present problems. JUst ask to speak to cardiac rehab. Remember you will be getting side effects from some of the meds too
I would say feeling low is a perfectly normal emotion in your situation. That’s why psychological support is often offered to heart patients.
My experience suggests that time is a great healer and that people tend to come to terms with their condition over time. I hope that is true in your case.
As for your question about the proposed increase in your dosage of Ramipril, I am not in that particular medication, but I have seen my dosage of several other drugs increased over time.
My impression is that we are usually started on a low dose to see how well we tolerate the medication and this then gets increased over time so that we get greater benefit from it. If you are concerned, I would suggest that you ask your GP.
I had a stent fitted in April last year and put my faith and body in the hands of the experts who do this every day!! for me it was a terrifying experience, and due to covid 19 I was not allowed any visitors in hospital and so felt very lonely and worried sick. I was discharged and never had physical cardio rehab, nor did I meet a cardio rehab nurse. I did, however, have regular phone calls from one. I am on more medication now but I would not say it has had a profound effect on my body that isn't all good?? Getting used to having had a heart attack was and is far far more difficult that taking new tablets!!! I am 8 months on now and I still have days where I just want to cry, and I mourn my previous life that seemed so carefree and happy??? Clearly it wasn't as I suffered a heart attack!!!! I instantly stopped smoking and now hardly drink!!! I was told it can take up to a year for your body to be back to normal after having a stent fitted??? I am still super aware of any unusual feeling in my lower jaw sternum area, whereas before, I probably wouldn't have given it a second thought!!! I know I wasnt easy to live with for quite some time after my HA but I just didnt know how to process any of it!!! The really rididulous thing is that I am a counsellor!!! I help people process things all the time!!! when it came to me though, I didn't know where to start. It will all start to make sense in time Scott, and meanwhile, talk to people you trust and tell them how you feel. Just being listened too is enough sometimes. Be kind to yourself, and one day you will wake up and just feel different!!, as if a weight is beginning to lift from your shoulders. Take care. xx
Hello ScottL.. I think its normal to be overwhelmed by this stuff I'm the same its been only 7 months since stent etc, the meds are terrible for side effects but definitely necessary i believe. The heart having issues is bound to cause some instances of feeling low. Also, like you ,I had little advice,but this forum is helping me loads.
I'd Just give GP a bell see if you can have ten minutes to chat though (I cant seem to get longer than 5 atm). Tell them how you feel because your quality of life is important.
Human beings suffer from negativity many times in their lifetime, it comes with the territory of being an existence which has the power of thought, understanding and unfortunately - worrying what could go wrong.
We all live in that possible world but the trick is to ensure it does not become OUR world!!
Negativity is the brother of positivity - or sister to be PC correct. The latter can be just as dangerous at times. Thoughts and emotions need to be rationalised. Talk to people openly, express your fears but ultimately you live mentally with yourself,
So I work on a basic principle.
It is impossible to shut out your thoughts, but having analysed that thought, I put it into a box, close the lid and store it on a shelf in my head. It’s there but it only comes back out of the box when I let it. We all walk though life opening doors (and boxes 😂) and the trick is not to be afraid of what we find but to embrace what we find and move on.
What all of us face in our everyday life is a virtual jungle. Try to concentrate on something else which provides a positive mood, even if it’s putting your negativity in that box and closing the lid. The longer that box lid remains closed is a testament to your recovery and strength of character.
None of us are alone. We’ve all been through similar to how you are feeling. The unknown can be debilitating on our mind if we let it. Whatever you or I have to tackle, it is something which is personal to us and it means so much to our well-being to share. Never be afraid of appearing foolish. None of us who have walked or are walking the same road as you, will ever be judgemental.
Best wishes.
And for the record I had two stents on 9 December.
Sounds like you’re ok mate I had 2 stents in 2017 still worry a lot what I can’t eat etc , still here though , I was 52 then so keep as active as you can swerve them takeaways get umungst them veggies n omega threes👍🤜
You sound like you are doing really well physically and recovering and you should be proud of yourself and your success.
Unfortunately , we don't get much help and advice from the Professionals about how we can feel Mentally after an operation or big life change like this.
And believe me , your body has been through a lot but your Mind has been through the same.
When you are diagnosed and getting ready for your operation you are so busy thinking about what is about to happen and coping with the Stress of it all that your brain has no time to respond to how all of this is making you feel.
After you improve , however , your Mind has more time on its hands to think , either consciously or unconsciously , about how you life has changed , these changes may be small , pacing yourself , changing your diet , taking some pills but they add to to your Brain seeing that Life has changed and it is often hard to come to terms with that : even if Life has changed for the better over all.
Some people feel blooming brilliant , a whole new lease of life and these people are the ones whom tell us their success , which is great because it gives us all Hope. We luckily hear those stories more often than those stories which are more like your own.
Yet, many of Us can feel a bit of grief at the loss of the phase of Life before we were ill , we are already tired and can feel depressed about the changes and adaptions we need to go through. It's the , " Is This It? " , response that can often come up and bite us for various reasons in Life , not just the Health related ones.
What you need to know is that Acceptance can take time but you will reach that new phase and feel positive about it as you accept the change and slowly begin to find the way that works for You to enjoy this new part of your Life.
Some people also feel like they are no longer themselves any more after a big Health change . So I say to them , You are still You , its just what you do that has changed not the great person you are and will always be.
You should feel proud of yourself for being brave enough to post about the way this is making you feel ; most people don't , and then don't get the help or reassurance they need which makes them feel lost or a lot worse.
Take each day as it comes and try to remind yourself that taking the pills and making the changes are giving you a fresh start to keep on fighting.
Its good to talk to someone if you need too , my Mum actually got Counselling after her Cancer operation , in the UK the GP can direct you to post op counselling if you want to try it.
Try starting a new interest or taking up something you really enjoyed before your operation that you hadn't been able to do for awhile.
Let your friends and family know how you are feeling too ; honesty is the key to be treated the right way by those closest to you when you need a bit of extra support.
Don't feel like you are going to upset them or bring them down. Choose your words and sound as matter of fact and be as simple about your explanation and how they might be able to help you through it as you can.
It will make you all feel a lot better.
You could find a local group as well as this online one and take part in video group chats , you'll find a lot of people to chat to one on one whom feel similar reactions to you.
Tell your GP or Cardio Support , you may not need medication but they can be prepared to help you and give you more support in your area to help you with this very common feeling.
Keep coming back and posting if you need more support with this , it's important and I'm sure everyone whom sees your post will want to help you get through this.
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