Hi my first post after lurking in the shadows reading all the brilliant advice on here. Bit of background i had 2 ct scans on nhs but as heart rate 89 for both the quality was not great. Nhs cardiologist basically rang and said in his words to take results pinch of salt stop smoking which I have and put me on bisoprolol and atorvastatin. My son was concerned so paid for a private consultation and ct scan. The results if this pretty shocking my LAD completely blocked and other 2 serious stenosis!! He was taking about needing bypass surgery which at £25000 is out of my price range privately. He advised me to contact my gp to request angiogram. My nhs consultant is ringing Wednesday morning which was already arranged. Sorry for long post but everything I read says stents should not be used with triple vessel disease especially when lad blocked and a bypass should be done. Will I have to have an angiogram on nhs ?it seems mad when I already have a detailed report from the private ct scan which I have sent to nhs consultant. I am so scared and sitting here waiting to have a widowmaker any minute and even considering getting in to debt having a private bypass . Sorry for long post I am crying yet again typing this I can't seem to stop crying !! Thank you in advance for any advice just to complicate thing I also have multiple sclerosis!
Very confused and scared: Hi my first... - British Heart Fou...
Very confused and scared
Hello,
I am so sorry you are in this so bewildering and frightening situation.
I suggest you write down all the questions you may have for the NHS consultant.
Ask if you can record the consultation or have someone with and put the phone on speaker phone.
2 pairs of ears are better than one.
I found having my husband with me at appointments when I was being investigated for possible breast cancer helpful. He heard things differently and more calmly.
My husband btw had an almost completely blocked left anterior descending artery (LAD) he was successfully treated 12 years ago.
Do you have a copy of the private CT angiogram report ? If so send a copy by email to the NHS Cardiologist along with any clinic letters.
Any test is dependent on several things including the equipment used, the skill of the staff carrying out the test and then the experience of the person reviewing the results.
An invasive angiogram is usually offered to get a more accurate assessment of the coronary arteries, when a CT angiogram detects problems.
If you feel that the NHS Cardiologist doesn't listen to you or acknowledge your concerns, I suggest you ask for a second opinion or contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Service PALS to raise your concerns.
I hope your appointment goes well on Wednesday.
Thank you for replying I hope that your test results were good and you are well ? I have sent the written report from private ct scan to the nhs consultant so hopefully he will look at it before he phones me. I know the nhs is struggling but I am struggling to trust him now but hoping the telephone call Wednesday will go better. I am so scared of having an angiogram I know many on here have had them and survived but I am dreading him saying I need one.At the same time I am petrified that I am going to have a widowmaker before anything is done,!
My problems were sorted out thank you.I am nervously waiting for the results of my latest mammogram.
Trust is so important and I acknowledge how this situation errods your trust in the system at the moment.
You can ask for sedation before an angiogram if you are feeling anxious. Also tell the staff how you are feeling, they will understand.
You're not the first or only person to feel anxious about having an angiogram.
I was anxious before both of mine.
If you feel that your anxiety and feeling scared are becoming overwhelming, perhaps go and see your GP and discuss what further support maybe available for you ?
Glad you are well my gp is excellent really nice and I have an appointment to see him Wednesday afternoon which again is good timing thank you again for taking the time to reply
I've had two angiograms both without any problems at all except a lot of bruising after the first. ( They released the pressure bandage a bit too early. The first was after a heart attack and I couldn't have cared less. HOwever I was sedated but aware of what was happening. I didn't feel a thing. For the second one I was a nervous wreck and in tears yet it went even better than the first. I didn't even have a pin prick mark where the cannula went in. Both were through my wrist and for both I was home for lunch and just told to rest for that day . I had two stents fitted during the first.
The main reason they will want to do an angiogram over a CCTA, which is commonly called a heart CT, is FFR, Fractional Flow Reserve, which needs to be measured in situ, this is our best known measurements of how blood is flowing through the coronary arteries, by measuring pressures, it cannot be detected remotely so should be measured with a probe, up until now - a new technology exists called CT FFR, which uses even more sensitive detectors and advanced algorithms, to measure FFR remotely, there are 2 such scanners in the UK, the location of which I shall not publicly reveal, but the word is the research teams are progressing well.
In your case though it will be a tried and tested angiogram for the FFR measurements but also they allow the Cardiologist to see the shape and formation of the plaques, for example a low aggressiveness plaque with a large stenosis but hard fibrous cap. I personally am not so worried about having an angiogram, in the small chance anything will happen you are absolutely in the best place.
More good news, when it comes to heart surgery we are world leaders think Papworth, and John Radcliffe, you are in the best of hands, and the one good thing about the NHS is the more serious the issue the better the care.
Another piece of good news, they are people out there who have a genetic disposition for carrying a large amount of calcium in there arteries and never have a heart attack.
I am going to write a further reply later, with some ideas based on my opinions, what medicines are you taking?
Thank you I did have a private ct scan in Newport. After my 2nd nhs ct scan I was prescribed atorvastatin 40mg and bisoprolol 2.5 but this was before my results of private scan came through i have a phone call Wednesday morning from nhs consultant so am sure he will make any adjustments he feels necessary . I am just so worried about having a widow maker before angiogram !sat here crying now!!
That's why I was given my second angiogram. When they stented after the heart attack they noticed two more blockages in the LAD but needed to check how the blood was flowing. They were assessed at 65 % blocked but blood was flowing freely so they were not stented. Of course now, 5 years later , when I develop any new symptoms I do wonder if they could have got any worse. My GP is very good at sending me for an echo to check.
Sounds like you’re a cardiologist
Hi Mollie, regarding your apprehension about Angiograms. I had one in 1988, and it was fairy common, and fault free then.
I can only suppose that since t hen, they have only got even better at doing those types of procedures, so try not to angst too much.
All the best. Ron
Dear Mollie, I had an angiogram at the beginning of August. I was diagnosed with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the consultant requested an angio to rule in/out coronary artery disease. To say I was anxious was an understatement, but the staff at Plymouth Peninsula were wonderful. I can only reply with what happened to me there (not sure if this is standard). I requested sedation (diazepam) and reminded them in the catheterisation lab!! As soon as it went in (the sedation) I didn’t really have a care in the world, but was alert enough to hear what was going on. Once the procedure was over they applied a see-thru pneumatic wrist thingy to cover the wound (literally no bigger than the mark the tip of a Sharpie pen would leave) then over a few hours released the pressure until it has all sealed up. Just then had to take it easy for 24 hours (no diy or heavy lifting, which was easy!!!) Anxiety is natural, but be assured the practitioners are experts and will care for you.
Its the fear of something going wrong more than having it done ! I know its only a small risk but I have got it in my head ! I know its crazy even the nhs consultant put in his letter about risk of death not sure if this is normal!
Hello, First of all calm down. You'll need having Angiogram. It will tell all. I had a quadruple bypass and a heart valve replacement Nov 2021. The last test I had was Angiogram, before going to see the heart surgeon. Wednesday before easter 2021 I had a dizzy spell in the garden. No other symptoms. It all happened that day. I was fine even when I went into hospital Nov 2021. I thought it was happening to somebody else. Don't get stressed, it won't do you any good. Have your Angiogram and go from there. Look after your self. C
Thank you I managed to tell my 3 brothers today I had been putting it off they were all brilliant my youngest brother will be here to listen and take notes as my son is still upset and a bit angry with the nhs consultant. Hopefully his attitude might be different when he sees the private ct scans showing everything thank you again for replying
I hope the appointment goes well.
Thank you milk fairy I have really appreciated your advice just hope its not cancelled with the nhs strike I have calmed down a little but not really x
Good morning,
Similar to most replies on here I also got myself into an absolute mess before my angiogram with only an achy arm as a symptom.
My mother many years ago had an angiogram and did get badly bruised so I think I got more worked up about this test than the quadruple bypass that followed.
I had no sedation and no pain just the news immediately after was a shock but I had to wait 3 months before my op.
5 years on and a second chance at a healthy life I am grateful for the expertise of the surgeons and the excellent rehab offered.
It is hard to advise you to be positive as I know it can be scary.
If you can try to keep calm it will help your journey through this time.
All good wishes
You are on the right path, you are having the scans, you are taking high dosage statins that will be solidifying the plaques lowering your ldl, lowering the inflammation, the chances of you having a heart attack before you get your treatment are low.
Also you are talking about a widow maker event, your LAD being blocked would be more likely to go to an NSTEMI not a widow maker, NSTEMI are not so harsh on the heart,
You are in one of the best places on earth to have your operations, remember you are on the path to recovery, and getting this sorted
Also as Milkfairy said, working out the questions you want to ask beforehand, and writing them down is important, and having friend or partner with you is a good idea, maybe put the doctor on speakerphone?
So this part is more subjective and just based on my opinion what I would do in your situation:
1. I would ask to add in ezetimibe to my medicines, this will usually drop your LDL by a further 30%, everyone is different of course, and then you may find you reach a state of halting plaque progression.
Why is this important, halting plaque growth will firm up the plaque and make the whole situation much safer, it has been hypothesized that someone with a CAC score of 2000 who has halted CAC progression had a lower risk profile than someone with a CAC score of 100 with standard CAC progression e.g. 30% a year, The most dangerous type of CAC sub strata is LAP, and with halting CAC progression, Low attenuation plaque is virtually eliminated.
2. I would follow a WFPB diet, a whole food plant based diet, there are many reasons but it would take up pages, forksoverknives.com/success...
I actually follow a keto diet as I have a tiny amount of CAC in my LAD, and I am actively monitoring this through blood profiles and CCTA every 3 years. The minimum anyone should be doing is a Mediterranean diet. If my CAC progresses I would switch to a WFPB.
I forgot to say well done on giving up the smoking, ensure you are not vaping too, it is so important not to smoke or vape they contain vasoconstrictive toxins that interfere with the normal processes.
Hi Mollie, I was disturbed to hear about your NHS Scan results, and the obvious errors made by them.
You were fortunate in that your son initiated on a Private Scan. As we are probabley all aware, the NHS is in deep trouble in some area's, and more and more people are going private as a result
It really is a lottery out there at times, and one has to be 'Politely Assertive' when it comes to ones own Health Care, especially in the current climate.
I am going through something similar in relation to my CLL. I have also recently had a tumour show up on a Private MRI, which is now being dealt with by the NHS. I am actually having 2nd opinion consultations, regarding both those matters, at the time of writing this post.
I have been told by Doctors that my 'Haematology Department is at the moment staffed by one Locum , when there should be three full time Haematologists.
The ENT Department is the same and both are under immense stress and pressure. Lack of recruitment also seems to be an issue.
I suspect that your own experiences reflect, the current problems surrounding your local hospital, and the NHS in general.
Having said that, my observations are no reflection on the remarkable work being carried out by the amazing nurses doctors and back up staff whom I have dealt with. There are obviously underlying problems within the NHS with which they have no influence over.
Regarding your own distressing experiences Mollie, and perhaps after the intervention of your son, and private health care, your future will may be brighter soon.. Stay positive, and all the very best to you. Ron
Should you not be entitled to NHS treatment if you are in need? I was found to have serious stenosis and I had to have lots and lots of tests before they actually operated on me. I ended up needing two mechanical valves and my ascending aorta replaced.
I know you got this. Please don't feel frightened - just keep on at the cardiologists medical secretary, don't let them forget your name!! I sincerely hope the best for you and am hoping that you recover well.. xxxx
Dis the CT Scans give any indication of collateral?
Hi- I really empathize with you. I had CT scan early December 2022 which identified blockages in 3 arteries including LAD. My cardiologist said the CT scans can ' undercall or overcall' the significance of blockage only angiogram truly give good picture. I went on to have angiogram on December 29th fully expecting to have stents fitted at same time. I was then told it couldn't be done as100% blocked LAD. like you I was terrified and from then had numerous visits to A and E every time my heart fluttered or my back or shoulder ached! However, the human body is very clever and the heart can learn to compensate by growing new smaller arteries to get oxygen to the area that is being deprived. The angiogram will show if you have these collaterals - some people refer to it as a ' natural' bypass. To help manage my anxiety until my bypass ( Feb 2023). In my opinion the angiogram is no more difficult to manage than the CT and the CT served as a very good dummy run for the angiogram. Happy to chat more if message me.
Recently several members of my family have gone private for the initial consultation/diagnosis, but when it comes to any costly treatment the consultants have got them back into the NHS system. I hope your appointment goes well and you get a treatment plan to move forward.
Hi I am so glad my son paid for the private consultation and ct scan !!As soon as I have spoken to my nhs consultant Wednesday I will hopefully have more idea of waiting times and whats happening and if and when the angiogram is likely to be. I am still in a state I am trying not to be but it is all such a shock I know others are going through the same thing and I feel selfish going on about me me me all the time. I am usually the one that is there for others so this is all new for me having to open up to others .
No one thinks you are selfish! It’s a big shock and takes some getting used to .
Hi mollie 223 your post was exactly me two weeks ago !! Anxiety is horrible but please don’t worry about angiogram ask for sedation and try and relax ! Put yourself in their hands and you will be fine ! Good luck to you my friend I wish you well
Thank you just read your posts you did have a rough time of it what really stands out with everyone's replies and support is that they all got through it and are still here which gives me hope
You are never short of support from a really good bunch on this forum Mollie
We are all here for similar reasons, so you should never feel selfish, Mollie, most people will relate entirely to the initial fear and shock you are feeling. Give yourself credit here.
I just hope that Wednesday brings reassurance ...
My 2p worth is to find a way to record what the cardiologist says,
(I have never had my request to record on my phone refused)
I guarantee that any information you receive, you will want to refer back to!
My memory is not my greatest asset 😬
Most of all ... you've got this Mollie x
That is also my experience, Seal59, although it must be said, that whilst living in London 40 odd years ago, many private hospital carried out serious and complex operations in their own hospitals.
The service, then was almost four star, with menus and wine lists, I would think that this is definitely not the case now, and there would be many, who would be thankful for that.
When you are transferred from Private to NHS care, there is nothing stopping you getting 2nd opinions Privately, most health Insurance companies seem to be doing this currently.
I would think all this must be concerning, for the NHS, at the moment. It is a fact that Private Health Insurance is very much on the increase, The test for many of those Private Health Insurance Companies, will be to keep up, with a similar increase in, staff, and resources.
All the very best Ron
Hi Mollie223
I completely understand and know how you're feeling. At 56 I had undetected Angina for 10 years before I finally convinced the NHS to do a CT Angiogram. This found very high scores of calcification which led them to do an Angiogram through the wrist. (You will get an Angiogram now I'm sure, it's a definitive answer to what's going on) I was told on the table there was no point doing stents as my arteries were severe and critical!. The shock was immense.
I subsequently saw a surgeon at Glenfield 30 miles away and was put on the list for a quadruple bypass. I, like you was very anxious. I was told not to move, sit on the sofa and do nothing. Hmm.....not that easy!
I pushed for any cancellation I could get and got one around 6 weeks later.
My bypass failed straight away in all grafts (VERY unusual so don't worry about that, I've not come across anyone that's happened to) and I had various complications including a severed Phrenic nerve and a massive blood clot (almost unheard of but i got everything🙄). I'm not telling you this to scare you but to give you reassurance. By the time I had another Angiogram (after my body had been under immense pressure) my native arteries (my original ones) were mainly completely blocked. But I hadn't had a heart attack?!! Your body compensates blockages and finds any way to feed the heart and all my capillaries and veins were working hard to keep me alive. They are called collaterals. I ended up with 4 large stents in 3 arteries.
If I had my time again in this process I would push for stents firsts. Bypass is always an option in the future.
When you start in this process you don't realise just how common Angiograms, stents, bypass procedures are. They are done all around the country all day, everyday with great success rate. I am just in the unlucky 2% that's got problems.
I hope you get your Angiogram ASAP. (Get on tje cancellation list if there are no appointments available at the moment) You are on the right meds now to help stabilise your problems too although they may add some blood thinners. I take 20 tablets a day now!
Good luck and God bless. Private message me if you want any support.
Love
Susie x
Thank you your post is reassuring as even with everything that went wrong you are still here 😁😁 just waiting for a phone call appointment Wednesday but just seen on news about the strikes so hoping it will not be cancelled after all the replies on here I am a bit more confident to have an angiogram i must admit that Google searches were frightening me more saying how high risk they are !! Glad everything worked out for you in the end it sounds like you really went through it
Dr Google is a bin fire ... note to self 🤣
Hi susie , I had a cardiac arrest out of the blue 14 years ago discovered I had a total blocked artery and was given a single bypass ! Fast forward 2 weeks ago I had chest pain taken to hospital and as Troponin was raised I had angiogram and by pass had failed they think it would of happened straight after op !! Main arteries were clear but they think smaller ones are blocked causing pain ! Sent home to wait for a scan appointment and follow up ! Like you I’d never heard of anyone else as I was told the bypass would last as long as I did ! Such a shock ! I wish you well for the future x
I had a CT angio that showed triple vessel disease. My cardiologist then went on and did the angiogram as he said the CT is good for ruling out any disease but not so accurate showing the difference between severe and moderate disease. I did end up with a bypass
I am guessing this is what will happen and sort of now just want to get started with it all I only have to wait for the phone call Wednesday how are you doing now?
I had my bypass 7 months ago and apart from suffering a dose of covid at the moment I am good. It’s tough in the beginning but to be fare it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. My recovery has been slower than I would have liked. I thought after 3 months I would be back to normal but it has taken longer. I think you just have to listen to your body. It was my first week back full time at work this last week
my CT scan results were completely different to my angiogram - which resulted in different treatment from what they were discussing initially. The cardiologist said CT scans can give very variable results and angiograms give much better, accurate images I didn’t really know what an angiogram was tbh so I wasn’t too worried beforehand being blissfully ignorant. And the whole procedure was very straightforward. My niece used to be a cath lab nurse and told me they do 100’s of angiograms a week. They’re very routine and very safe. So no decision can be made until an angiogram is done. Please don’t worry and make sure you get it done.
I have to get off Google am just reading about the risk of death !!!was just starting to calm down now am scared again !!!
Bin fire ... Dr Google is the last thing you need
Hi Mollie, lots of good advice from people who've been through similar things. I haven't but if it's any help there are some really good books on managing anxiety and worry. I particularly find ACT (acceptance commitment therapy) really helpful. It basically trains you to live one day at a time. Do all you can to help each day (eg; chase up appointments, don't smoke, eat well and exercise), then any thoughts that pop into your mind you ask yourself 'is this helpful?'. If it is that's good and you may act on it. If it's not, thank your mind for suggesting it but try to focus on noticing something in the here and now eg, how beautiful a cloud or a tree is. Try and focus on what your senses are feeling - what can you see, feel, smell, hear and taste. I'm using it for chronic insomnia and find it really helpful. I hope it's of some help to you. Good luck with your journey.
I have always been good at living in the moment due to living with ms but this having an angiogram has changed everything I think its not having faith in the nhs cardiologist who sent me on my way with meds and to take things with a pinch of salt and come back if it gets worse he did not even say my lad was totally blocked or mention the other 2 with serious stenosis I think mainly due to the poor quality of scans !he did not even give me a diagnosis as such after getting the report from private scan it has totally thrown me !,
An angiogram is pretty much the gold standard for determining the state of the large vessels of your coronary arteries. Given that there are 2 CT scans which differed in the result it should make the position clear.
But before that. was it the interpretation of the NHS CT scan which was flaky , or the fact that it was not a clear picture? Could be that a second opinion of both scans might be a good idea before you embark on anything else.
If angiography is needed, it's fairly painless. had a check angiogram (on NHS) a year after my heart attack. It showed that all coronary arteries were OK. the procedure was pretty painless and if you want, you can have a sedative.
Since Angiography is the same process used to insert stents. Could be that a decision needs to be made before an angiogram whether in the light of the findings from the CT scans, that if stenting is a good option, they go ahead with it during the angiogram. If of course bypassing is needed, then angiography is irrelevant.
Hi Mollie,
I had a stent fitted 2022 in LAD and so far all good.
My other arteries are also moderately blocked but no urgency yet to do them.
Stay strong!
How are you now?
Heart all good even after lung transplant.
Wow you have had a lot to deal with well done for coming out the other end
I am hoping so the first nhs ct scan showed step artefact so no diagnosis second nhs ct still had artefact but showed narrowing in LAD both times heart rate was 89 which I believe is too high for scan son made appointment with private cardiologist who got access to nhs scan he said lad totally blocked and more stenosis than I should have for my age my son said cant we get a better image so cardiologist referred me for private ct scan on in his words the best scanner in uk !!he prescribed me tablet to take an hour before scan and I was also given more injections as soon as I lay down in scanner my heart goes mad I presume its my nerves anyway this time scan was excellent quality and private cardiologist rang me with news that lad totally blocked and other 2 have serious stenosis he said I need a angiogram urgently and when I said oh will I need stents then and his answer you are looking at bypass surgery. Soooo I have a detailed report from private ct scan that I have sent to nhs consultant who I cant speak to until Wednesday. All very complicated I do not want to upset nhs consultant but I do feel that he should of looked at scans closer or ordered another scan and not just sent me on my merry way!he did mention a angiogram as the next step but also mentioned it can cause death so that is the reason I am so worried about having one I also do not have much confidence in him but realise it was probably the scan quality but again very annoying. I have a really detailed report from the private scan so hopefully he will read this before ringing me Wednesday
Hi Mollie. I work in a hospital and I had a CABG eight weeks ago. Sadly, you have play the game.
And this is how you play it.
Go to your ED, complaining of chest pain. Centrally crushing and radiating down your arm. Your ECG will no doubt be normal at this point. But your troponin in your blood results will be elevated raising a red flag. With your recent history and angio results. The NHS should shift gears and get you in front of a cardio-thoracic surgeon. This route, as with me, I was unable to leave hospital for four weeks, until I had my surgery.
Let the NHS treat you. Don’t delay. Sounds like your angio isn’t brilliant. I would make plans and go today or tomorrow.
On a side bar, considering your angio results privately. I’m very disappointed with the surgeon wanting to treat you privately. He would have picked up 40% of that fee.
Good luck.
The private cardiologist rang me as soon as he got the results he said he would advise me to get a cardio angiogram on nhs as he could not treat me on nhs as I was out of his area? With all the mistrust of my nhs cardiologist my son wanted me to go private so it was me that asked him for a price he quoted 2000 for angiogram 8000 with stents and 25000 for bypass all these figures were not a definite price just a ball park figure. We could probably manage 2000 but don't want to confuse treatments if I have a private angiogram will nhs accept this or insist on another? I am hoping that the waiting time for the dreaded angiogram will not be too long as I don't think I can take any more worrying if I am going to drop down dead.
Of course they will. You need the diagnosis from the cardiologist who treated you in letter format. The NHS can work from that. You already know the result of that private angio. Presenting with this to ED with symptoms. They will treat you.
I have only had a private ct scan and have the written report from that I have not had an angiogram yet thank you for replying
I had a bypass last December for triple vessel disease. Initially I had a CT angiogram which showed severe blockages; I was told that this result would have to be confirmed with a catheter angiogram as the CT angiogram can yield false positives and may not be as diagnostically accurate. So if your private angiogram was a CT one, you would indeed need a second angiogram to confirm. Your doctors are also correct when they say that stenting is not appropriate in this situation.
As far as the operation itself is concerned, I was told by doctors that it’s a big operation but it’s not one which has a high level of fatalities, so I don’t think ‘widowmaker’ is a very accurate description. There are other heart procedures which are more risky. One good thing is that the procedure is not particularly painful. You have a sore chest for a bit afterwards however. If you have any questions about the procedure please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you once I have spoken to nhs doctor Wednesday I am sure I will be asking loads more questions I cannot beliebe the level of support on here it has helped me get through the past few days
Hi, Mollie223,
I am really sorry to hear that you are going through all of this. You must feel confused and blindsided by all of the different pieces of information that you are receiving. It probably feels overwhelming right now.
I totally understand your feelings of panic and sadness and all the other emotions. Perhaps it is good to take a day and “cry it out.” Next, try to find some calm—that may include some medication, breathing exercises, etc.
I am including a link for a coping activity for anxiety: urmc.rochester.edu/behavior...
You will need a calm heart and head as you move forward in the process of diagnosis and treatment. I struggle daily with anxiety, so I do understand how difficult it is to be calm, but you can do this.
I wish you best wishes with what comes! ❤️
Thank you I have been crying .on and off for 2 days however this afternoon I went in the woods with my lovely neighbour and my dog .I made a decision and told her when I get home I am going to have a shower and sort myself out!! I was actually a bit smelly and sweaty and fed up of crying. I lost my mum in May and not having her has definitely made it harder I would have spoken to her but I must say everyone on here have been so kind and supportive it has blown me away soooo I am going to wait for phone call Wednesday hopefully be put on list for angiogram and go from there I still have the niggle of having heart attack before then or during the angiogram but am going to try my hardest not to think that way
I had ct angiogram which showed significant atherscoliosis I lad. Then drs came from everywhere as a large tumour was shown between lungs and covering part of heart. Stents were supposed to be done but couldn’t because tumour had to be operated on immediately. After op did Dobutamine stress test and went way over expected time without problems and scanning done during test showed minimal plaque so was discharged, told to go back if I started getting angina again. As you say very scary, went from significant to minimal, now don’t know when having pain if it’s from heart or cancer op.
That sounds very traumatic I hope you are well now it must be such a worry for you its awful when you are in pain and not sure what it is I do understand how you feel I get bad pain with ms especially at the top of back and am now thinking is it my heart I really wish I had private health insurance at least that way you can be seen quicker. I hope you get some answers
Thankyou, you too. I had to give myself a good talking to and remind myself that thinking about the bad things that may happen will not stop them happening just probably hasten them. I was told there was a chance of death when I had the tumour removed but if I didn’t have it done it would kill me anyway, I accepted it and sailed through the op with no complications x. All the very best x
Goodness, that's an awful lot of information to take in and a shock between the sets of NHS and private tests. I hope you get answers tomorrow and everything is clearly explained. All the best of luck with the appointment tomorrow
Thank you been up since 5 am !
Hope they call you today 🤞
Thank you everyone quick update he did indeed ring and he had looked at private scan his attitude was completely different especially when I said my brother was here !!he said urgent angiogram not for stents but to have a look then there will be a meeting to decide treatment which will prob be bypass apparently according to him its the stenting part of angiogram that is high risk to me rather than the angiogram itself. He said appointment should be in about 4 weeks he will sort it today. So it looks like I am now def at the start of a journey many of you have been through he also increased my atorvastatin to 80mg from 40mg again I cant thank everyone enough for all the advice and support on here x
Glad he listened and took note. Did he give any reason for the difference in reports? AT least things will now happen. Stenting depends a lot on just where and how big any blockages are. Sometimes they're just not possible. He will know better after the angiogram. Don't worry about it. They do hundreds a week.
He sent digital letter straight away which included that i had a private ct as" her nhs scans did not give a clear diagnosis due to step artefact " to quote him he did say he will arrange angiogram when he gets off phone so I am thinking maybe the fact that things did not go as they should it might work in my favour speed of treatment wise he told my brother as soon as angiogram done the following Monday there would be a meeting to discuss the next steps I feel a bit more confident having angiogram as angiogram and treatment is a 1 in 300 risk but angiogram on own is 1 in 1000 I just can't shake the feeling that I will be the 1 who does not make it even though I know they do so many a day and everything is fine !I know lots of others will have been as scared but at least I am now in the system and hopefully getting sorted I know its going to be a long road but worth it in the end
Omg whilst replying the appointment came through for 30th October which is very quick
I hope your appointment goes/went well, wait and see what the experts say.
I guess its a frightening time, im kind of glad my windowmaker came completely out of the blue, but I can tell you my wife isn't a widow just yet.
An angiogram itself isnt something to fear, I had two, they put 2 stents in the LAD then 3 days later they put one in the RCA.
I know saying dont fear is easier said than done, but they really can work miracles these days, Im living proof of that.
So glad for you and your wife and I think you might be right the knowing and dreading is not good mind you it must have been a massive shock for you and your wife I hope you are well now
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