On Wednesday I'm having multiple Stents in my LAD, Circumflex and RCA after my triple bypass in Sept failed. My LAD is chronically occluded and my consultant has said he will try his best to stent it. Fortunately, the blockage is lower down the artery which is why I haven't (praise God, as yet) had a Widowmaker HA.
Unfortunately I have very narrow arteries naturally which will make the procedure even harder. I'm also diabetic but have always tried my very best to control it.
Has anyone on here been through
this? I'm so scared he won't be able to stent it and if he does that the stents might fail within months. My bypass failed as soon as it was done by either clots (I had a severe PE after my surgery), a technical reason or cells growing to block the grafts which were very narrow. (1.2mm) I don't suppose I will ever know why.
My diaphragm is damaged/paralysed from the bypass surgery meaning I only have half a lung working on the left side. If my heart improves I can have surgery to fix it apparently.
My faith is God is holding me tight. I know I have eternal life with Him but I so much want to live longer in this life. I'm only 56, not properly retired yet and there's so much I want to do and see. I want to walk miles again, I want to play golf again. I want to play with my grandson and go on holidays and feel the sun on my face.
My dad had Angina from his 30s, he died in his 50s from CAD.
Please, even if you don't normally do so, can you pray for me? It would mean the world, thank you, Susie xx
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Sljp0000
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Yes I know I'm being a wuss flitting from "my life will be better when all this works" to "my life will never be the same again and I'm going to die soon". I find it hard not to worry cos 'what's the point''. Believe me I know that but it's easier said than done. I really wish I had your glass half full attitude. Did you feel like that when you were going through your cardiac events or have you grown to be more pragmatic about life?
I think I'll feel better when I know for sure what I'm dealing with.
With regard to my dad he really didn't do much about his angina. I remember sitting on his knee listening to his heart beat when I was about 6 yrs old and hoping and praying it would keep going. He had bad attacks just steering the car (no power steering in those days of course) and reversing into small spaces in the heavy Princess. He used his GTN tablets but wouldn't have further intervention. I remember him telling me he wouldn't live much longer when I was in my late teens. He lasted another few years.
My narrow arteries are something I've been told I was born with. Nothing to do with narrowing (Although I do have bad disease in places as well) I understand its hard to put stents in fully occluded arteries. If this doesn't work I'm definitely going to be searching for new techniques and the best hospital. It's got to work somehow.
Thank you for your positivity. It made me feel much better. And thank you also for your prayers. God needs to know how I'm feeling....he wants me to cry out to him.
Thank you Milkfairy, I will do. I hope you feel better soon and get out of hospital. If you want me to i can pray for you if you let me know what for. love Susie x
I had a bypass in 2020 and on the 9th February had to have 3 stents fitted as bypass failed.
I was terrified but it went okay, obviously not pleasant but bearable.
I understand your anxiety as I am also terrified it will happen again. Surgeon said no explanation for it just one of those things that happen to a small minority of people.
Thank you for your reply Jill. Its heartbreaking to go through all that to be back to square one. Mine didnt even last a month and im left with all sorts of issues.
How did you feel after your stents were fitted physically? Do they check them on a regular basis or is it just a case of no pain no problem?
Hoping you continue to feel well, I know its easy to say but maybe it's time to grab life and enjoy it without the anxiety now you are fixed.
Will post on Thursday to let you know how I got on.
I don't think my surgeon will be quite as caring. I had tears in my eyes at the consultation and he told me to stop with the emotion and it would put him off the hard job he has to do!
I am praying for you my dear sister in Christ. I am trusting that our Lord will guide the hand of the surgeon and equip the cardiac team with every skill to carry out the procedure to open up your arteries. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be with you and give you peace.
Dear GeraldYour prayers mean so much to me, thank you. I can feel the Holy Spirit with me holding me tight. God is good, I just hope my recovery is in his plan. How can I pray for you?
I'm fine Susie... quite literally there by the Grace of God go I... in my case to mountain summits. I give thanks each time I top out. Next trip to Scotland early next month if the weather holds good. 😀
I Had a double Bypass at the age of 40 which failed i was then given another Double Bypass 20 months later which im happy to say was a success. Im sure your Cardiologist will work wonders as they normally do . I Hope everything goes well for you . 🙏
Thank you so much. Unfortunately because of my rubbish veins and arteries throughout my body I don't have anything worth using so I can never have bypass surgery again.
I also had a totally occluded LAD. I had two surgeons, one through each wrist, tackle the blockage one from each end. I had two stents fitted in my LAD and one in my RCA. Took about four hours to do, and I have had no problems since - touch wood!! I am 49 and also diabetic and all my grandparents and both parents have all had heart disease/heart attacks/heart issues- myself, my mum and grandad have exactly the same issues. I am back to walking and swimming regularly now, so I am sure you can get back to this too.
What an inspirational message, thank you! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well! ❤️
I too are having two surgeons. One catheter in wrist, one in the groin. Can't use both wrist as I had the arterial vein used for my bypass surgery. He told me it would take 2 hours or so amd that's for 3 arteries and goodness knows how many stents. I'm worried I'll need the loo as you have to lie flat for 3 hours afterwards with a groin catheter as they obviously can't put anything on it. I only had an Angiogram thru there last week and it's still very bruised. The pain was quite bad when he stitched my artery.
It's nice to hear from someone who's had a blocked artery stented. Thank you for replying. I hope you continue to be well, I can't wait to swim again! X
Ill saybit again, you are very inspiring, thank you so much for your positive response and attitude.I'm taking on board everything you've said and it's really helping me to put everything into perspective. Kudos to you.
I didn’t even think about needing the loo!! I didn’t need it until just before I went home which was about six or seven hours after I went to theatre. It was uncomfortable to stay still for so long, but they did keep giving me pain relief and sedation so it was manageable I drifted off to sleep through a lot of it! They all know what they are doing and work together like a well oiled machine so it was very reassuring- hope all goes well for you
Oh wow, THANK YOU so much, I really appreciate the pillars of the Church. Please thank them for me. Praise God xx
So sorry to hear what's happened to you Susie and I hope that all goes well. It's not easy when you find out your bypass has failed. I had a double bypass 3 years ago when I was 46 years old. Found out last year that one of my bypass grafts has failed and, like yourself, am due to go for angioplasty and stents which is getting done in March. Fingers-crossed both our procedures go well and we have many more years to enjoy life.
I know it's horrible isn't it. Especially as I got a collapsed lung, a PE, internal bleeding and a paralysed diaphragm as a result of the surgery. Didn't even last 1 month.I am sorry you are suffering too. Hope and pray your angioplasty is successful. Are you having it on your native artery or your graft artery?
You have had a horrific time of it, I'm so sorry to hear what you went through. The side effects of my bypass were not as severe as yours but three years on I am still dealing with chest pain and other issues so it's frustrating to say the least when you discover that the bypass was only partially successful. The failed graft is unrecoverable so they are stenting other areas that are effected in an effort to improve overall blood flow I believe but to be honest I was so disheartened when I was told that I wasn't fully concentrating on what they were saying.
Susie. Sounds as if you've had an awful lot to contend with, and here you are still standing, that shouts fortitude in my book, so keep going, you are doing great and you will be enjoying life again with your grandson and family.It's been my experience that sometimes the path to a perfect "fix" is beset by set-backs that you couldn't possibly imagine or forsee. These things happen.
My initial underlying condition is not the same as yours, but that said, I had 4 badly blocked arteries and was told that I needed a quadruple bypass.
I too am diabetic, insulin dependent, so I know the struggle . .
I was 56 years old when all my issues started.
Long story short, prior to my heart issues, I had a TIA (mini stroke).
Fortunately I didn't come to any obvious harm but I was hospitalized, but it was, it seems to my doctors, a red flag and that's when I was refered to see a Cardiologist.
Before I was even seen, I started to feel unwell, no actual chest pains but could feel my heart racing and very, very, breathless on minimal exertion and with pain in my shoulder blade's and neck.
If I sat down for 10-15 mins. it would pass, till the next attack.
This went on for quite a while and there were a few emergency admissions to A&E. I Eventually got to see the Cardiologist which got all the diagnostic scans, tests and bloods up and running including the initial Angiogram.
That's when I was told that I had AF Atriel Fribulation and 4 badly blocked arteries needing a quadruple bypass.
I was shocked and devastated. Im not going to lie, I was just 56 living a fabulous full life and didn't want to be cut up and left with a horrific scar (even though i knew it was going to save my life). Crazy i know . . .
But thats how I felt. I also lived overseas in a hot climate, so I was very aware I couldn't hide under a roll neck jumper for 10 months of the year. I fell into a deep depression
My file was sent to the Surgeon.
My appointment came round and I met the Surgeon, who kindly informed me that he was not prepared to undertake the bypass surgery and said I was too high risk, given my prior TIA and the fact that I had badly controlled diabetes. His professional opinion was that I wouldn't make it off his operating table, the surgery would take too long for me to be under general anesthesia and I'd most likely have a massive stroke then cardiac arrest on the table
He categorically refused to entertain it.
However, what he said he could do, was to stent all four arteries and put me on a raft of medication that I'd have to take for the rest of my natural. There was really no other option available.
So this was the agreed plan. As it turns out he was only able to stent 3 of the arteries, the 4th one was just too narrow to stent, but he said it wouldn't be a problem as we had the medication. that would compensate to some degree.
I had the procedure under general anesthesia as I'm not good with only local anesthesia, my pain tolerance is less than zero.
The stenting procedure was done via my groin.
All went well. I was kept in overnight but only because of my diabetes and the fact that I lived alone in a rural location. I went home the following morning, armed with my bucket of medications.
I can honestly say the stents caused me no problem at all, no pain or tenderness. nothing. I definitely couldn't feel them.
I was just told not to lift anything for the first few days and thereafter I could lift minor light items but nothing heavy or anything that would involve stretching my arms out, like vacuuming or cutting the grass. Just so the stents could settle in. I was able to drive after just one week.
That was 3 years ago and I've never had any problems with the stents, they never even cross my mind that I actually have them in me.
The medication wasn't an issue itself. It's just having to take them morning, noon and night, plus the insulin, it's a constant reminder that you are poorly, but I counter this by knowing how fortunate we are in the UK that these drugs are freely available to us, to keep us alive and as well as possible.
God bless our NHS 🙏🙏
So I hope this may give you some reassurance that all will be well for you.
I'm not adverse to the power of prayer but I don't think you need to worry too much on that front.
Don't be afraid to discuss any part of your treatment with your medical team or with one of the nurses available on this forum.
Hopefully you will let us all know how you are doing as you continue your journey. Take care and best wishes.
WardijaWardija That' was so inspiring I have a similar story with 4 stents at 44. Quite healthy and active .bloody Gene I guess. Never thought I will have blockage minimum symptoms, found during routine test. You story gave me hope I am 5months post stents.
Sljp0000 all the best will pray for youm it is tough but it l all go well. Stents have came long way different shape and sizes and I think technology has improved. Good 👍 luck 🤞 keep us updated.
Thank you so much fory our lovely message. I really appreciate it, and yes it has put my mind at rest a little. I do struggle to work out how a heart can work efficiently with a blocked artery. I know the heart can use all sorts of capillaries and veins to access blood and apparently they get stronger amd more efficient when there are no other viable options going to that area if the heart.
Can I ask what meds you are on? I'm on Bisoprolol and Isosorbide Mononitrate as well as various blood thinners and diabetic meds.
I really wish they would give me a general anaesthetic but I've asked and I was told a clear NO. I too have a low pain threshold.
Morning Susie. It can be so overwhelming I know, but you'll be in the best of hands come tomorrow and I'm quietly confident that you'll soon be feeling so much better post-stenting.My primary medications are:
Clopidogrel 7.5mgs
Isosorbide Mononitrate 60mgs
Aspirin 75mgs
Bisoprolol 7.5mgs (taken at night)
Disopyramide Phosphate 500mgs ÷ over 3 doses
Atorvastatin 40mgs (taken at night)
Dapagliflozin 10mgs
Omeprazole 40mgs
Sertraline 100mgs
For the diabetes, Insulin (Isophane Humulin I) 65units twice daily
There are some other extraneous medications I take relating to other on-going conditions but they are not central to my heart conditions.
My secondary heart condition (diagnosed after I had the stents put in) is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with obstruction.
This is a purely genetically inherited heart condition, which I knew nothing about until 2020.
There is no cure but the symptoms can be managed also with the above medications.
Fortunately I don't have any issues with the medications taken, other than I do get tired easily, so still have to pace myself, but I do also have stage III CKD, Chronic Kidney Disease, only diagnosed mid 2022, which definitely contributes to my tiredness and fatigue.
I will be thinking of you tomorrow 🙏🙏🙏
Theres nothing else you can do now, so try and relax, if at all possible . . tall order I know, and please, when you are ready, do let us know how things went. xx
I was thinking of you yesterday, having your procedure.I hope it went smoothly and after a period of recovery, I'm sure you will start to feel so much better.
Hi, yes, had ny stents. Got home last night after a stay in CCU overnight. I was told at the time the surgeon managed to stent all three arteries (even the fully blocked one with 2 long stents, yayy!) Now I'm home and read the discharge letter it says one balloon to one artery and stents in the other. Gonna ring the hospital thos kerning and ask if that's right. Don't really understand that.The procedure was awful to be honest. Took just under 3 hours. At one point I had the most excruciating pain in my pelvis and back of neck, like the worst cramp/stabbing pains ever. They had to pull the wires out and start ultrasound ing me. They thought they'd done something to my Aorta but nothing seen. Scared me stiff. Anyway, pumped me full of pain killers and I said they could carry on. What a nightmare.
I've been told my case was major and that my heart has suffered lots of trauma. My ECG showed I had an MI but they've told me to ignore that (??).
Not got to do anything for a week or so, no driving for 4 weeks. Been told wjat to if I suspect a HA, how they could block again, absolutely no fat to be eaten etc etc. Was feeling elated it was done but came home feeling low again. Praying these will last but not feeling very positive I'm afraid 😞
Hi, yes, had ny stents. Got home last night after a stay in CCU overnight. I was told at the time the surgeon managed to stent all three arteries (even the fully blocked one with 2 long stents, yayy!) Now I'm home and read the discharge letter it says one balloon to one artery and stents in the other. Gonna ring the hospital thos kerning and ask if that's right. Don't really understand that.The procedure was awful to be honest. Took just under 3 hours. At one point I had the most excruciating pain in my pelvis and back of neck, like the worst cramp/stabbing pains ever. They had to pull the wires out and start ultrasound ing me. They thought they'd done something to my Aorta but nothing seen. Scared me stiff. Anyway, pumped me full of pain killers and I said they could carry on. What a nightmare.
I've been told my case was major and that my heart has suffered lots of trauma. My ECG showed I had an MI but they've told me to ignore that (??).
Not got to do anything for a week or so, no driving for 4 weeks. Been told wjat to if I suspect a HA, how they could block again, absolutely no fat to be eaten etc etc. Was feeling elated it was done but came home feeling low again. Praying these will last but not feeling very positive I'm afraid 😞
Thank you so much. Can't believe how low I suddenly feel. Should be elated but can't help thinking I've just been given a few extra months. I'm being ridiculous I know. Xx
It's good to hear you are home and the procedure is over.You feel, how you feel . . and that's absolutely OK. There's no right or wrong way.
I think sometimes we have an inner expectation as to how we think we are going to feel afterwards (positive/happy/relieved) but in reality, its not always like that straightaway - and can feel somewhat of an anti-climax and left feeling a bit deflated.
I think the fact that you had a traumatic experience most certainly dosent help.
At this point, I have to "fess-up" . . . I didnt mention it to you before, because I know it doesnt happen to most people, and it wouldnt have helped your mindset, but I too, had a similar awful experience on my first attempt at being stented.
Infact it was so bad that the procedure had to be aborted and re-arranged for a later date.
The next attempt was successfully completed (under anesthesia) with no problems, and it was upon this that I recounted my experience to you.
You didnt need to hear any negativity just a few days prior to your intervention, feeling the way you did, and like I said, my experience was more, I believed, the exception to the rule.
Give it time, rest and be kind to yourself in the meantime, this is a day-by-day recovery phase, acceptance and peace of mind will surely follow.
The discharge advice you have been given, sounds pretty standard. So whilst taking it on-board and being mindful of it, remember you still have a life to live that should be both pleasurable and realistic.
ABSOLUTELY NO FAT, is I think, a common knee-jerk, shock provoking response to having had any serious heart issues brought to the fore.
However, in reality, it is a virtually un-achievable goal, and as humans, nuitrtitionaly, we need some fats, essential fatty acids to promote and protect our good health.
Personally, I have amended. my lifestyle in terms of food, but given my age and prognosis across my medical conditions, I refuse to be a slave to a prescriptive diet sheet and thoroughly enjoy the occassional doughnut or take-away as life really is "too short"
You've come through this, a stronger version of yourself, even if you dont feel it right now - you will.
No absolute guarantees, as with nothing in life, but I doubt you'll ever have to go through that procedure again as your stents are designed to last. Mine were reviewed recently after 3 years and I was told that they are great and working 100% well. Despite the doughnuts !!
Try and focus on the positives you now have to look forward to, and start to make plans for your future.
Wishing you the very best and sending positive vibes for your recovery.
If you need support or wish to discuss further, please just PM me.
Thank you so much for your lovely response. Its so kind of you to time the time to reply.
I do feel much better today. I don't know where the negativity came from last night. I think it was all the warnings at the last minute by the nurses when I was walking out the door. Telling me how ill I was before the procedure and how long and complicated the surgery had been and how I need to be really sensible and not do anything for a while.
Ironically today my GP wanted to see me to go through everything (my GPs are so good) and because I had a bit of a temperature he sent me back down to day case ED for bloods, xray and other tests. Spent the day running round the hospital rather than lying in the sofa chilling!
I'm trying to be good with food. I love healthy food, lots of salads, veggies, pulses, nuts, seeds etc. Have always cooked from fresh so to be told a 100 times to stop eating junk food really got on my nerves to be honest. I could do with losing a couple of stone, I know that, but I certainly don't eat junk food. We maybe have a takeaway once every 2/3 months at most. I do like a slice of cake now and again though so understand your doughnut needs!
I really hope you're getting on OK. Thank you so much for instilling some confidence in me re the stents. Sorry you had a tough time with them the first time. What actually happened if you don't mind me asking? I wondered why they let you have them under a general. I asked for one but was told no, they never do them under anaesthetic.
Hi Susie, I had a similar thing - triple by-pass that failed after 3 months. Not sure if all parts had failed but I had a lower key HA than the one that led me to the by-pass. Had to have a stent fitted. A rather arrogant cardiologist post stenting stood by my bed and said (paraphrase) - 'looks like you could have had a stent after all' - rather than a by-pass.
That was all from 2019 to early 2020. Well, I'm still here and mostly feeling well with a few blips. Back to doing my gardening though maybe just slower these days.
It's rubbish isn't it. I'm still getting lots of irritable feelings from my 3ft of scars and all for nothing. I'm guessing you only had one graft fail if you only had one stent? All 3 of mine failed and I've had 4 long stents in 3 arteries. Start cardio rehab finally next week, hoorah, should have been last October but of course with everything that happened it was not to be.I hope you continue to recover well amd your arteries are good!
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I drifted off to sleep through a lot of it! They all know what they are doing and work together like a well oiled machine so it was very reassuring- hope all goes well for you 
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