Stent to LAD.

I had a stent fitted to an LAD about two weeks ago. This was not because of an heart attack. In November 2022 I was referred to the Chest Pain Clinic at High Wycombe because of chest pains. My bloods were fine, ECG was okay but on having an echocardiogram I was diagnosed with severe Mitral Valve regurgitation. I was due to see a consultant in January 2023 but that was cancelled as were several other appointments, (all by phone.) GPs were useless and could not make contact with Wycombe Hospital. I felt so ill during January 2024 that I made an appointment at the Nuffield Clinic, Oxford. I paid for a consultation and another echo test, The result was that I had decompensated heart failure plus a restricted LAD. Consultant organised a visit to the JR within four days. He fitted a stent to the LAD and has organised further tests in two weeks. I now have anxiety issues sometimes even with the simplest of tasks, this can cause a tight painful chest. After five minutes the pain subsides and I can start again. Is this normal ? I have never smoked, very rarely touch alcohol and have been a long distance runner and swimmer for fifty years.

[Maxbar]

higlad your starting to get sorted.I would take it really easy for a few more weeks. haveing the stents fitted and waiting for everything to settle down can often take 4 to 6 weeks just take it easy and get to the hospital if really concerned better safe than sorry.

good luck to you.

[Hidden in reply to Maxbar]

Thanks for your input, maybe I am a bit impatient to get going again. One week after surgery I mowed the lawns at home and washed the car, had to sit down every ten minutes to let the pain go away. Walking around normally is no problem.

[Stent2024 in reply to Hidden]

Maybe you’re over doing it a bit . Try and rest a bit even though it’s frustrating . Wish you well

[Hidden in reply to Stent2024]

Thanks for that. I have a wife telling me that every day. I will heed the advice.

[cocobearbhf]

take it a bit easier. I have heard of people that have stents and have an immediate new lease of life … but it hasn’t been my experience at all. Took several weeks to feel ready for anything, needed lots of sleep every day.

Are you enrolled in a cardio rehab programme? Get on one if you can … they will monitor and increase workload over time.

[Hidden in reply to cocobearbhf]

No I am not on cardio rehab but have more tests in a weeks time, Thanks for your reply.

[Stent2024 in reply to cocobearbhf]

Had my stent 6 weeks ago . Not sure I feel any better to be honest . I start cardiac rehab in March though , so hopefully that’ll change

[wischo]

If you have pain every 10 minutes when active then you definetely need to cut back and give it time. Its ridiculous that you need to go private to get proper help although I think it is the future healthcare model.

[Hidden in reply to wischo]

Thank you for your reply. I guess I am a (was) a fit 76 year old and should cut back. Such is the healthcare in the UK at the moment, getting a telephone call with a doctor can take three weeks.

[andrew290171 in reply to wischo]

I was the same at aged 52. I had chest pain. Mother had heart attack and triple bypass at 50. Dad same at 60 and gran had 2 heart attacks in her 50's. Got referred to NHS nurse led cardiology clinic. They did an ECG and took blood pressure. Told me I didn't have angina or heart diesese. Went private and had an MRI scan first. Told I had calcium score of 400 and deffo had a problem. Had an angiogram and needed a stern to severely blocked lad. Very glad I firstly didn't take NHS nurses word for things and secondly had a bit of money to go private. NHS is dangerous and inadequate at the moment

[wischo]

I live in Ireland and can get a face to face appointment next day with my GP, but then again I am over 70 and entitled to a free medical card, The system in Ireland is means tested so basically most people have to pay 50-60 Euro for a GP visit. Over 50% of people have private health insurance which gets you all you need very quickly. Some companies pay for this insurance when you are working there as did mine though I pay for it myself now. We also have a large influx of illegals who seem to get everything free and a public health system similar to the NHS. This is fine if you are really sick but huge delays in getting diagnostic tests and is free just like the NHS. So I would never let my private insurance lapse as that is where you will get an early diagnosis and the best treatment. That is why I think the days of free healthcare is coming to an end all over the world.