Angina gone ?

[Stevie335]

Hi guys an update, ive completely changed my diet to wholefood plant based, dropped from 14stone 6 to13stone 2 not a smoker or drinker, changed my outlook - thanks to many peoples input and advice on here and havent had a single bout of angina for weeks now. Im walking 15000 steps a day and not getting breathless at all, even managing to play (badly i must add) a little bit of football with my kids and even that doesnt cause chest pains. Im quite excited about all this and would be happy continuing a medicine and lifestyle change control of my symptoms as opposed to bypass surgery. Is this even possible ? Would the cardiologist ive been referred to for my surgery take this on board ? Im sorry if im asking what seems to be obvious questions, im just a bit apprehensive to have such life altering surgery if my symptoms are being, managed, if not improved

[RufusScamp]

Very well done for the changes!But as you say, you are probably managing the symptoms rather than curing the underlying problem. Your cardiologist, who presumably has your case details, is the best person to advise you. Blocked blood vessels don't usually clear themselves as far as I am aware, (not being a medical expert) although you should have improved your long term chances.

[Stevie335 in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks for the feedback, i kind of got that used to the symptoms its kinda wierd not getting them 😅

[Hidden]

Dear You,

Fantastic positive post and no-one could be happier about your news than me.

The Cardiologist needs to be told about your worries and why he has put you forward for this really expensive/extensive procedure and what he hopes to achieve for you from it.

She/He would not have done so if they didn't think that it would enhance your life in some form.

Its down to you to ask the questions { write them down } and then down to you what you want to do, ask about any damage that a delay could cause, what your life expectancy is without the procedure and just how much of that outcome could be managed with medication alone.

I really feel for you and your young family, but get all the facts first and make sure your loved ones know them as well.

At the end of the day its your body, your life , but with a family it makes it even harder to make that decision .

Take care my thoughts are with you

[Stevie335 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words, on my angiogram report it states that upon findings 'patient expressed preference for CABG' but in all honesty i was that spaced out because they had to give me 3 lots if diazepam as i could feel the procedure and it hurt, i would have agreed to anything. I believe that the length if my 90% blockage (90mm) is what swayed it for the consultant, both my 70% blockages were 30mm long and i vaguely remember them saying stents might not be the best idea. Im still waiting to meet my new cardiologist as my current one has transferred me to another hospital for the procedure so its still early days yet. I will definitely ask the questions that you have suggested in hopes of avoiding this surgery, but I know that if i absolutely need it I will get it done. Thank you again

[Sljp0000]

I would request an appointment with your cardiologist again through your GP or the cardiologists secretaries. It doesn't sound to me like you definitely need bypass surgery. Definitely have discussions about it. Maybe multiple stents in your 90% blocked artery would be more viable? Now you are living a healthier lifestyle you are hopefully (but not always the case) preventing your CAD from getting worse. Remember you could always have surgery in the future if it came to it. I know my case is completely different but I was told that bypass surgery would be my best option for long term health because of my age. The surgery failed probably whilst I was still on the operating table (yes I was one of the unlucky 2%) and therefore I had no choice to have multiple stents in all 3 arteries a few months later. All that surgery for nothing!

Definitely discuss before you commit, and keep up the good work.

I'm a bit confused why you don't have angina symptons anymore though. Once your arteries are partially blocked they usually stay that way. Healthy lifestyles stop can help further narrowing so it's hard to understand why your symptons have gone. But how good is that? Praise God!

Good luck and keep us updated

Susie x

[Stevie335 in reply to Sljp0000]

Thank you, im going to contact GP first thing in the morning, if not ill write to my previous cardiologist. I think a second opinion is in order and a chat about my alternatived. I looked at your profile and boy youve been through mill, hopefully rhings will settle for you and start to improve real soon x

[Sljp0000 in reply to Stevie335]

Thank you so much. Still awaiting nerve reconstruction for my paralysed diaphragm but otherwise OK.....ish! X

[RaquelSpain]

How wonderful to hear. I have changed my eating to improve my health too. Always been vegetarian but even vegetarian junk food is still junk. Gone on to WFPB eating and not had much weight loss but feel so much better in myself.

[Stevie335 in reply to RaquelSpain]

Im the same, my weight started to drop off after a good few weeks, feel great now, trying to get out in nature a lot more too

[RaquelSpain in reply to Stevie335]

I am exercising more too so hopefully will see the fat change to some muscle. Not fixing too much on the weight as I am getting smaller and feeling good. I'm hoping it helps with my irregular heart beat and helps my pacemake by making my heart healthier. Keep it up.

[pasigal]

It sounds like you are on a version of the Dean Ornish diet, which is low fat and plant-based (essentially vegan, but with a tiny bit of no-fat dairy allowed). Ornish claims to be able to reverse CAD in some way, but it is an extreme diet (have considered it myself) and there's no cheating allowed, and you do need to keep up your calories and take supplements. His evidence is quite persuasive. I would talk to your cardiologist and see what your numbers are, but if they are better and your angina is gone, then maybe there's no need for a surgical intervention...

[Stevie335 in reply to pasigal]

Ive just done a little research and pretty much exactly what ive been doing is the Ornish plan, eating less yes, moving more yes, loving more yes and stressing less, im trying lol. Im definitely going to seek further advice from my cardiologist as my blood pressure averages 115/72, resting heart rate is around 62 and my cholesterol has almost halved and ecg is always normal. When i meet nurses, docs etc theyre always shocked at how i look etc, i really think diet played a huge role in my disease because up until 6 months ago, i pretty much ate whatever i wanted, thinking that as i wasnt gaining weight i was lucky etc

[pasigal in reply to Stevie335]

Stevie335 That's fabulous. Did you find it hard to go on such a diet? We have two teenagers who are NOT going to be onboard with low fat, mostly veg, and I can't bear the thought of cooking 2 separate meals every night (dinner together is important for us). At the moment I'm in the "moderation in all things" camp but seriously considering what you're doing...

[Stevie335 in reply to pasigal]

The first 2 days were awful, confusing cravings with hunger, a good tip is to really slow down with the eating, i used to eat as though i was on a time limit or as my wife used to say 'like somoene was going to take my food away from me' After a couple of days you feel fuller for longer because of all the veggies and fruit and their water content. Today the thought of a cheeseburger turns my stomach which is really really strange. The prep work is really easy, prep a large salad for a good few days, keep covered in the fridge, slowly im noticing the salads are going down and the kids are helping themselves which is a plus, why not try a slow approach such as a dairy and meat free monday ? Its really not as bad as your brain may be telling you. Good luck

[pasigal in reply to Stevie335]

thanks, that's really helpful. I've been reading up on Ornish et al...maybe time to take the plunge. Have a round of (hopefully) routine tests coming up so that could be a baseline.

[Stevie335 in reply to pasigal]

Keep me updated on how you get on 👍

[fishonabike]

well done on making such helpful changes - whatever you and your cardiologist decide on, i would think that your weight loss and increased activity mean that you will be in a better state to cope with whatever treatment you have

the added bonuses are that you also feel better and are actively participating in your own health decision

All good outcomes and paving the way for more

[Stevie335 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you, whats really great is the positive feelings are far outweighing the negatives, ill take that for now

[Smitty1956]

Congratulations on feeling better and losing weight!! 🏆🏅 What you have accomplished in terms of totally changing your diet, walking 15,000 steps daily, and just generally being more active is an amazing feat! You deserve to feel great about what you have done in making these changes.

I would suggest, as have many others, that you talk with your doctor about these changes, have any follow-up testing completed, and then go from there. As one member stated, even if you and your doctor decide that the surgery is still necessary, you are in a better physical and mental state to be successful. You have lost weight, become stronger, and it is clear that you have a positive outlook on your life.

Best wishes for your continued positive health journey! ❤️

[Stevie335 in reply to Smitty1956]

Thank you for the reply, yes im going to speak to my GP first thing and follow up with the cardiologist, i know that theres plenty of people in a worse position than me who could benefit more from having my 'slot' especially as im symptom free. A big talk is needed I think. Thank you for your kind words

[Miriam123]

I had a neighbour who was told that he needed bypass surgery. He asked about addressing this through diet. Although doctor said this was not easy he supported him to try it. He succeeded in reversing his condition and never had to have the surgery. He was not a young man probably late 60s early 70s. So it can be done. Talk to your doctor. You have made an excellent start.