Proximal Circumflex PCI

[Toffodog]

I posted recently about a Cardac stress MRI scan I was having and received lots of encouraging messages from this group so I wanted to share the results from this scan and the treatment I am having . My consultant rang me 2 days after my scan and told me that my results showed narrowing to the proximal circumflex artery as well as the LAD territory and I required urgent PCI and was provided with a date of the 13 May. Some mild narrowing had shown up on a previous angiogram I had in 2021 however I was told that PCI wasn’t attractive and medication intervention would be the preferred option . I have been on additional calcium blockers Isosorbide and Ranazoline in addition to other medication and gradually had to take larger doses to combat the angina pain which has been getting more frequent and more painful and takes longer to calm. As I am on the highest dosage I have now been offered the PCI intervention. I have asked what had changed since 2021 and was told that the procedure is necessary and will be carried out by a specialist who deals with the small artery PCI. As you probably know consultants are vague on their explanations and so I’m going ahead with the procedure as planned. I must say I am anxious about this procedure especially as it was previously not an option. Could anyone please let me know if you have had this procedure in the proximal circumflex/ LAD area and did it go smoothly and offer up improvement . Thank you.🙏

[Hatchjd]

In2019 I had stents in the LAD and LCX following some jaw aching. I had a failed stress test then angio. I was doing cross fit 3xweek so was fairly fit at the time.

The first 4 weeks following I was tired and had shoulder and back tightness when walking short distances. Did rehab and kept walking and almost felt back to normal at 12 weeks and managed a couple of 6 mile hilly walks in the next few months before lock down.

It took a year for me to feel back to my pre stent myself. I had fleeting arm and chest that seems common after stents that gradually resolved. ( I did have cardiac tests, no cause was found)

Now at 66F I am back to strength training 3xweek but on a lesser scale and try to walk a minimum 6000 steps a day.

[Toffodog in reply to Hatchjd]

Thank you for your response. I have been told very little about my procedure or what to expect post procedure so the information you provide is very useful and I am sure will help me in recovery.

[Sljp0000]

Hi!

Yes, I was told I needed bypass surgery as stents wouldn't work for me. To cut a very long story short (bypass failed and other complications) I ended up having 4 stents in my LAD, Circumflex and RCA Feb 2023. My lad was 100% blocked at the time and it was doubtful it would work. But it did work and I'm still here! 😁

I didnt have any issues after the stents. I still get slight angina as I have a blocked diagonal artery but apparently that's livable with. I take Isosorbide and Ranolozine still as well as numerous other meds.

I can walk about 2 miles at a push (I have a lung condition too) but get tired quite easily.

I've been told I've got to accept my new normal. I won't be doing the things I always dreamt of like hiking up mountains and scuba diving.

I've just had another invasive angiogram and all is working well.

Any questions please ask.

Best wishes

Susie

[Toffodog in reply to Sljp0000]

Hi Susie thank you for your response. It sounds like you had a difficult time but thankfully the stents worked for you but it is a life changing event which I know is difficult to accept. I had a heart attack in 2018 and stent inserted in LAD and was told then that there was some restriction in my PCX that could be treated with medication as stents would not work. However I have now been informed that they will try stents but have given no explanation as to what happens if they don’t work, the only thing I have found ( via Google) is that artery grafting could be a solution but stents seem to have worked for you so I feel a little better knowing this so thank you for providing the encouraging information.