At the age of 45 I experienced intermittent chest pain (even when at rest), sweats, headaches and fatigue. I was sent packing from A&E as tests were normal. I saw a cardiologist privately and they found a critical blockage of my LAD. I was reassured that I was fixed with a stent and all my risks were managed with medication. Two and a half years later and the same thing - all tests normal, doctors telling me it is impossible for another blockage to form so quickly and highly unlikely a stent would fail at this stage. Guess what? I had Restenosis plus I had developed another critical blockage. I now have 2 stents but I wonder why I’m taking all the meds - I feel they haven’t prevented anything. They also found new moderate blockages which will need treatment at some point.
Emotionally, I feel vulnerable and weak. I am full of self pity, I feel I’m going to die young. I’m bewildered this could happen again and that dr’s didn’t seem to believe me again. I worry that I will die if I can’t get the necessary medical attention. I just keep breaking down in tears all the time. It’s been about a month since the second stent - do others feel like this?
Physically, I’m still experiencing angina, and I suffer with fatigue. On the days I manage to function fairly well, I am completely exhausted for a couple of days after. Is this because of the moderate blockages? Are you tired after having a stent? I’m frustrated I can’t do everything. I’m doing a phased return to work but sleeping most afternoons. I get myself out for a walk every day. I’m managing yo cook and shop but housework is falling by the wayside a bit. I just can’t seem to keep up with everything. Too tired for tv or hobbies.
Dear Mimi, I had exactly same situation at same age but had scored more stents than you like 5.
Was going through same emotions, if not worse as I had 3 stents on first HA and remaining 2 after couple of months on meds recommendation.
I would say 45 age is quite interesting part of life where usually we are transitioning from one level to another. I guess we both are so lucky to have this new life. So one word Enjoy.
However the trick is patience over the time you will start remembering this less but won’t forget.
Keep expactions low and easy on your self. I was and still very tough on myself. Still working on it but I can tell you surely.
Weight loss is challenge I am suffering but able to hold for sometime. Being an entrepreneur with this economic challenges also formed some interesting Clouds.
I am much better over the time than one and half year ago.
Thank you. Had some tears this morning, pulled my socks up and got out in the garden. I am very lucky in so many ways. I know I just need to keep sight of that. I too am trying to lose weight and eat healthy - I feel it gives me some way of fighting any progression. Thank you for taking the time to share your story x
It must be awful to feel that your requests for help are being ignored. I can't imagine anything more dispiriting.
There are some uncomfortable facts that you should have been presented with, but there's also some light at the end of the tunnel. If you'd have been invited to attend a Cardio Rehab course, all this would have been shared with you.
Firstly the difficult stuff.
Stents (and even bypass surgery) don't actually cure atherosclerosis (heart disease). I'm not dismissing surgical interventions, if a stent is inserted during a heart attack it may well save our lives. And a bypass can be transformational in removing all symptoms of angina. Indeed, stents along with the decline in smoking, are chiefly responsible for the huge decline in heart attack fatalities that we've enjoyed since the 1970's. But stents as a non emergency, elective procedure, like you had, simply grant us a second chance for medication and life style changes to slow down, or ideally halt, the progress of our underlying disease.
Expecting a stent (or bypass surgery) to do the work of keeping us fit and well is dangerous, because we then risk ignoring the things, medication and life style, that can help. Indeed the reality is even more stark, medication and life style changes are the only things we've got. So please don't entertain thoughts about abandoning your medication.
You say in your bio that weight loss is one of your interests. Smoking, excess weight, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol, and poor diet are the "big five" life style factors. But if you tick all those five boxes and heart disease is still progressing then there are other life style factors, such as gum disease or sleep apnea, that should be explored.
If we don't correct our life style risks, and also optimise our medication, then it's difficult to see how our heart disease can ever be slowed down.
However, there's good news. I recognise how brutally difficult it can be to get life style issues fixed. But if you can get things like a healthy BMI, a healthy diet, and 150 minutes of serious exercise per week sorted, then there's a really good chance of slowing the progress of your heart disease to an absolute crawl or even arresting it completely. Especially when done in conjunction with medication.
I'll say again, I appreciate these may be really difficult changes, and modern life certainly doesn't help. But the prize, additional years of healthy active life, is just so wonderful that it's worth digging really, really deep.
I hope you get the help and attention you need and deserve.
Wow. Kick me while I’m down! It’s a shame your observations didn’t pick up on the fact I’m already really emotional and struggling mentally to come to terms with this. Your response has caused me further upset. I came on here seeking a support community and asked people about their emotional well-being and fatigue. I did not invite opinions about how I’m to blame for my condition. You have over stepped the mark. You have no idea what my weight is and have no place telling me I should have attained an ideal weight by now. I don’t smoke or drink. Before my first stent I ran 5k 3 times a week, and since then I walk daily. I carry a few extra pounds (but I’m not significantly overweight) and I generally eat healthily - I’d mentioned that these were the areas I was now giving more attention to - this is because I want to do everything to try and prevent further problems. Your comments have not helped, they have caused distress. Your manner is blunt and judgemental - it comes across as bullying.
Please think about the impact your opinions have, and the hurt your judgements cause. Stress is also not good for the heart.
I thought this forum might offer me a supportive community. It seems that is not the case!
Ps. Even my cardiologist said it appears to be more about genetics than lifestyle - this is why I feel quite disempowered and bewildered!
Trying to lose weight isn’t easy - getting the mindset is difficult even though you know it’s what you need to do. I have the opposite problem & can’t eat. Be kind to those trying to get help please 😉
Mimi, hello and welcome to the forum where there are a lot of good, helpful and supportive people. Many have been through what you are going through and in some cases a lot worse but we are here to help you through the tough times 💪 I was diagnosed with heart issues at the age of 60. It was that time in my life when I felt I was a grown up, had some spending money and some wonderful family 👪 and friends to share life with.
In the past 5 years I have had 4 operations to repair or replace valves and I have a pacemaker fitted.
I was anxious all the time because I only have one heart ❤ and its failing. At least with things like kidneys, you have another one to rely on! My Heart Failure team arranged for counselling as like you I was in tears all the time. This helped and my anxiety still rears its head but I can cope much better now.
Like you, I was working and was fortunate enough to have a good boss and I was insured so financially I was OK.
One thing my Counsellor told me was that we need to make things happen. In other words if the mountain won't come to Muhammad......... Please talk to your GP to see if you can get some help.
I live my life at half pace now because I don't walk far but it isn't going to stop me from living. I'm on holiday in Switzerland 🇨🇭 in two weeks and have made sure that the tour company are aware of my mobility issues.
I hope things get better for you 🙏 and we are always here if you wish to vent.
I was 44 and had the same intermittent chest pains, at rest. Sooooo fatigued! I was finally taken seriously and too was found to have a 90% blockage in LAD artery. Received a stent.
Have since been told I have a moderately leaky aortic valve.
I need to lose weight (3 stone overweight) and need to increase exercise levels). These things are within our control. The rest let’s throw it to the universe! We can get ourselves ill with worry and still not able to change anything! Zero point in worrying about the things outside of our control!
I have gone through all the emotions you have. If we could only revert back to the days of feeling carefree and healthy. That dark cloud can linger!
We are the lucky ones really to be aware of our heart health! Many are not afforded this opportunity until it’s too late.
All we can do is put our knowledge into making meaningful changes, to our lifestyle and enables us to take a different perspective. Who or what is important to you? Try to keep your focus there.
Hi there I am a 47 year old male with all the same symptoms and was sent back to home from A&E 3 times then got a private angiogram done which revealed blockages in all my arteries. I had 4 stents fitted (Full metal jacket). This was done 2 months ago I am still having a few pains and things but found that positive thinking is the key to recovery both mentally and physically. I am not out of the woods yet but I do feel grateful for having this chance that unfortunately many people just don't get. Please try and keep your chin up and try remain positive it does really help.
Hi hidden, 2 years ago at 58 I had a stent in my lad too. I was feeling tat before it, overweight but not too bad. It has been a bit of a struggle feeling tired a lot, my weight dropped 2 stone but that was due to bad covid picked up in hosp during stenting. The tiredness was much worse back then but after tweaking my meds with my doc it's improving. Maybe you could look into the meds? I suffered the odd chest pain but they now have gone. So give it more time, see how you feel say by th end of summer. You are absolutely not alone with these physical and mental feelings, thousands like us are in the boat. Try to occupy yourself more with things you like, forget chores, if you can't be bothered just leave them, I do and I have a legitimate reason 🤭. Try walking not running, listen to or watch comedy, surf the net on YouTube for daft things. You don't have to be an athlete, your weight sounds just fine and stick to obvious good foods when you can cutting out sugar etc. But I'm sure you know all that. Just think when you're out walking or erm.. running etc I will be some way behind you with many others because you are doing great. Have faith in yourself and remember, you are not alone. Take care.
Oh, another thing, you are not going to die young, you're sensible approach to all this has banged a full lifetime on top.
@Hidden I have gone through exactly what you describe -- except worse! (not to brag, of course...). Had near total LAD blockage, 2 stents put in, supposedly good as new. 8 months later, cardiac arrest + another HA in hospital for good measure. Only it was the circumflex that was the culprit. I went through (and am still going through...) the same feelings as you.
I have bad and good days, to be honest, both physically and mentally. All I can do is try to follow a healthy lifestyle and take meds. Otherwise that would be giving up, which I am not prepared to do...
Sadly the op has now left but I do think many of us feel the same so others may well benefit from the replies.
After my bypass in 2017 I was depressed, something I never thought I would suffer although it appears to be quite common, so it is important to be careful how we reply as usually people who are asking for help/advice relating to this are feeling very raw.
It was another 4 years before I had to have 2 stents fitted and the medication after those knocked me for 6, I do agree though, we have to do what we can physically and live the best we can, who knows what tomorrow brings!!
Hi Hidden. I just read your story and going by your age 45 could some of these symptoms be connected to early menopause especially the fatigue, headaches and sweats. Could also be side effects of the medication you are taking. All I can advise is plenty of fresh air and exercise but sometimes you don't feel up to exercise. You could maybe have a word with your doctor if you get to see one just to put your mind at rest. Take care and take it easy
I had a stent a year ago and do find fatigue an issue. I was told I was underweight which is something I have addressed but now worry I am too big! I believe if you eat healthily and just try one day at a time it does slowly improve. As to the feelings of self pity, this is a horrible hole to get into and hard to get out of. Do you have a partner or friend you can speak to? Try to remember, you are a good person who has had a shock but you can get better, try a small thing each day, even if its a short walk outside. I have found pottering in the garden, listening to the birds and just doing a small thing each day helps and slowly this will turn into larger things. You need to remember, the body probably heals quicker than the emotions, find something you like and go from there. I am still a work in progress but find its the little things that help. I hope you start to feel better soon and the fatigue reduces.
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ectopic beats for 7 months 
TOE complete- not too bad!
Emotional Wreck
Ectopic beats one after the other
Emotional setback
