Living with micro vascular angina and stents

[Sunshinebrew]

Hello everyone

I’m feeling a bit frustrated and looking for some input from others with same conditions.

I have 3 stents put in 4 years ago and also diagnosed with microvascular angina

This is being treated with medication and up until recently I had about 6 months of feeling really well no pain no breathlessness more energy I really felt as if I’d got my life back.

Then in December back comes the pain breathlessness and exhaustion again. I put this down to being a bit stressed and colder weather.

Since then I’ve had symptoms regularly again not every day and not severe but it’s still there and I’ve got to live with it.

Feeling fed up 😢

[Hidden]

Dear Sunshinebrew

So sorry to hear that you are suffering after what appears to have been a good run of feeling well.

But no you don’t have to live with it, you must contact someone to help you understand these recurring symptoms.

I hope all works out for you for you and I will be following your posts with interest.

Take care

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

Some of us unfortunately live with Refractory angina which means all the usual treatment options are exhausted.

We live with frequent episodes of angina and other symptoms which do not respond to treatment.

[Sunshinebrew in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply I do know that this type of angina can come and go so just feeling sorry for myself really and it’s not that bad could be a lot worse thanks for your kind support

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Sunshinebrew,

Those of us with microvascular and vasospastic angina do need a group hug from time to time.

😫😖🤗

This condition of ours can be so unpredictable. As someone else said it likes to sneak up on us to remind us that it's not gone away!

The cold, mental and emotional stress are definitely triggers for my vasospastic angina.

I did way too much over Christmas and my angina was certainly worse.

I can't quite believe I am now into my 10th year of living with vasospastic angina.

I use nitrate patches which help with isosorbide mononitrate extended release tablets. I reduce my nitrates in the summer when I am well to allow me to increase them in the winter. This is with agreement of my Cardiologist.

I don't change my calcium channel blockers, nicorandil, stattins or clopidogrel.

I put them on in the late afternoon as I experience most of my pain in the evening and at night.

I keep warm, I find hot water bottles help along with a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS machine (like the ones women use when they are in labour) help.

I rest and listen to music.

I also attended a Pain Management Programme which was run by Physiotherapists and Clinical psychologists which I found helpful.

Perhaps ask your GP to refer you.

If you are on Facebook there are a couple of long established support groups.

You can find their details on the BHF website.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Sunshinebrew]

Thanks milkfairyYes all very true it does sneak back up and I had a bad night.

I am better than I was since I’ve been taking calcium channel blockers so I think I’ve got the vasospasms because I can exercise and be fine then get pain in the night at rest.

I may try and take them at night rather than in the morning, that might help.

I was so well in the summer it’s been a shock having symptoms again but it’s still not as bad as it was this time last year so all in all I’m sure I’m on the right meds now. I could be a lot worse.

Just feeling sorry for myself really roll on the summer.

You take care 🤗

[JonathanH in reply to Sunshinebrew]

I get this night time pain. If it persists, I go downstairs to make a cup of tea and a slice of toast, with which I return to bed. I don't know if it is the gentle exercise or the tea, but I find this treatment usually a successful gateway to sleep.

Taking extra diltiazem (calcium channel blocker) as authorised by my cardiologist doesn't help. GTN doesn't help me. Alcohol sometimes does.

[Sunshinebrew in reply to JonathanH]

Thank you for replying I think it’s accepting that we have to manage the condition and pain on occasion and learn to live with it, and if you can get up make tea and go back to sleep then it’s okay I guess.I do find that the gtn spray will help if the pain is quite bad. Luckily the pain is generally mild but makes me breathless and very tired and nauseous forcing me to lie down and rest.

So I do and I find meditation really helpful, and I just have to take it easy some days then which I find frustrating.

It’s important to stay positive and calm isn’t it.

[MONIREN in reply to Sunshinebrew]

It is very frustrating, I'm worse in summer, extreme heat and seems like no oxygen in the air. I then forget all the good days. Here in Australia it's very hot. I also can't sleep with full moon. Not getting enough sleep really can affect the heart. Hope that your good times return soon. Take care. Moni

[Healthyheart1]

Sorry to hear your suffering with your angina Sunshinebrew, mine flares up in the winter. I've found a coping strategy this year, My left knee is bad and I seem to be concentrating on that. I think you have been given some good advice from previous posts. I hope these help kind regards Sheena x

[Sunshinebrew in reply to Healthyheart1]

Thanks SheenaYes the winter is not the best for us. It’s not being able to do anything much I hate the most I’m back to resting a lot and pacing myself ! Still could be a lot worse and I know there’s lots of others far worse off than me.

So I need to stop moaning now and be more positive . I do love reading and meditation and knitting all things I can do while I’m resting

You take care too

Roll on the summer x