Angiogram No7 in three years

[James4540]

Just been notified my 7th angiogram will take place on 7th July (pre med 1st July), last two were using cutting balloons to open a troublesome LAD where bridging and an under expanded stent are getting restenosis, last procedure was only in November and have had all meds increased to ease angina.

Cardiologist suspects he may have to fit another stent this time but doesn’t real want to (not sure why) but does say even this isn’t guaranteed!

Hopefully will get sorted this time as not sure what next step is after this🤷🏻‍♂️

[Hidden]

Hope this time works for you, that’s certainly a lot of angiograms. Did you say you have a bridge in your LAD? And it’s got stenosis? Do you think the bridge contributes to your angina?. I have a selfish motive for asking as I have a bridge and experiencing angina but struggled with this being acknowledged. Sorry if misread, but do hope you get some relief.

[James4540 in reply to Hidden]

That’s the problem, at my last procedure in November my cardiologist didn’t actually carry out the intervention but his colleague did, afterwards he visited me on the ward to check up on me, I asked if it was the under expanded stent that was the issue again as this always seems to get mentioned in my notes etc, his reply was it’s wasn’t that that concerned him but the bridging and that he expects to see me again in 2022 or definitely large next year (it’s lasted 6 months).Then again my cardiologist who rang me for my 6 months check dismissed it when I queried it with him, I’ll need to ask him in more detail when I’m in as telephone consultations aren’t the best to ask questions on imo

[Hidden in reply to James4540]

I understand that problem because my research has Indicated that most believe the bridge is benign. I have one cardiologist who acknowledged it as a cause of angina but the other saying it’s insignificant but is treating me for angina. Utterly confusing. I’ve had one angiogram and I was given impression beforehand there was a significant blockage and stent may be required. Then when they were in there they found the bridge and later told can’t stent a bridge as it will get crushed / cause perforation (I think). I’ve been told it’s medical management and if not controlled then bypass. Cardiologist who says bridge not an issue now sending me for perfusion scan, so they are pursuing. Have you seen the Facebook group on Bridging? And yes you think and prepare but when you get to appointment you fluff it. Lots of knowledgeable people on this site said to write your questions down / get someone else to listen in or go with you. Best wishes and good luck.

[James4540 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for info, I do think I need to get more information this time as they’re always busy after procedure to talk and tbh I’m always a bit washed out with the sedative to query in depth

[Hidden in reply to James4540]

Yes it does seem like a bit of a conveyor belt approach, i fact there was a gentleman in the next Cath lab and I thought if I can see him through the huge window he must be able to see and I just hoped all my bits were decently covered 🤣 all the best, hope you get what you need to feel better.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello James, I hope this works out for you. They were originally going to stent four of my arteries but after further tests decided on a quadruple bypass. I imagine this may be the way forward for you if things don't work out for. It's actually nothing as bad as it sounds and it is the surgeons' day job!

Let us know how it goes...

[James4540 in reply to MichaelJH]

Will do 👍

[Qualipop]

I'm wondering why, after so many attempts, they haven't suggested a bypass as someone else mentioned.

[James4540 in reply to Qualipop]

My wife did query this with himAnd what would happen in the future (before covid stopped her coming in with me)

All we got was ‘I’m a stent man’ which isn’t that helpful

[RailRover]

I am also wondering why they haven't done a bypass. My history was HA end 2019 with one stent to the RCA. There was residue disease in the other main coronary arteries, and troublesome symptoms a year later led to triple CABG in May 21. I don't understand why they are persisting with so many angioplasty sessions.

[James4540 in reply to RailRover]

Looks though it may be the way it’s heading, can’t go through this every 6 - 12 months

[MONIREN]

I have had 7 angiograms, over a longer period of time, finally in Feb, they fixed the LAD which was nearly blocked. It took a while to balloon and stent. It had been stented in 2014, I don't block the stent but always next to it. Even though I have good cholesterol, I do block. At one stage they did say it's useless to continue with stents, bypass was needed, but they continue to stent. It did fix my constant angina, so hopefully this angiogram will help you. All the best. Moni

[James4540 in reply to MONIREN]

Hopefully get some answers next week 👍, I’m the same low cholesterol no history of chd, before HA I walked and cycled loads but still ended up in the cardiac ward.Never have energy or stamina since to be able to do as much, constantly tired and horrendously so after work