Hi Everyone. So I’m 56m. Just found out I have 3 moderate blockages. CAC score 944. Thought I was pretty healthy because I’ve been walking 10km a day for many years so this has come as a shock. Terrible family history which I’ve ignored for years along with very high cholesterol. Also was a smoker until a few years ago.
Anyway I had a heart catheterisation last week my doctors have put me on high statins and told me to have a stress test in 6 months. I feel like a ticking time bomb and that my future is now very uncertain, I guess it takes time to process
Anyway thought I’d introduce myself and send my best wishes and prayers to all of you out there. Please feel free to connect. I’m a good listener too !
Regards from London UK
Mark
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Don't consider yourself a ticking time bomb but consider yourself lucky.
High cholesterol, recent smoker, family history , it's good you got preventative treatment prior to something serious happening.
If I were in your position I would understand why my cholesterol levels are high ( diet? , weight, excercise) and what can be done to fix it , above and beyond the help of medicines.
Take this a warning shot, carry on living, but make positive lifestyle changes and enjoy a good healthy life.
Thank You sooo much for your reply. I had to have a look at your bio, you are amazing, so positive, so strong. 7 months on, incredible. I’m so happy to hear you’re doing so well and with your mindset, you’re a world beater and an inspiration. Thanks, seriously. Your reply was so kind and has lifted me. God bless you 🙏
we all end up in places we didn't expect but I've learned , it's an up and down journey , life is up and down, so better to make small positive steps, accept the falls but get up and keep going.Always keep going further and forwards because life is a one time opportunity.
Wise words and so true. Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t change anything. You’re an inspiration . Carpe Diem my friend. Thanks again for the welcome
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Very well put Baly but it is such a shock and takes time to comes to terms with. Perhaps upset and other feelings are likely before it is possible to dust oneself down and get on with the new life one has.
You’re absolutely right cotonh. I am in shock but the range of emotions are changing all the time. It started with anxiety, that has quietened down a little. Then it was hopelessness for a few days. Fear, depression. Finally I’m starting to accept the situation. I had my cath 9 days ago. I have a little more hope tonight knowing that people care and understand. Yes I’m depressed about it all but at least I’m functioning. I didn’t get out of bed for 3 days ! Takes time to process. I have health anxiety. Used to worry about a cut getting infected. So this has been quite a journey. But I will keep looking for answers. I believe there is a way to improve things even if the cardiologists say it can’t be done. I’m reading a book from Amazon “heal yourself” - people that have turned things around that apparently were “impossible” - I think this is my way forward. I hope and pray you aredoing well on your journey cotonh. Thanks for making me welcome here
Ps. I think genetics same as you and stress I think Too. Trading the markets, playing pro poker for many years. Was always on the edge . And yes, looking for ways to fix or improve things over and above the meds. Seems they were very close to stenting my LAD and with a FFR of .80, not a huge margin of error moving forward. Doctors say there is no way to reverse, only to keep things as they are but I’m a great believer in never say never. Ornish and esselsyn for starters. Maybe I have to live like a rabbit for the rest of my life. Whatever ..Calcium score will go up with the statins so need to look at everything. Take care my friend
You take care too and hopefully someone with a more like for like experience to yours will chime in and be more useful.
Me? I went from feeling great one day to a full on LAD STEMI the next. Crazy!
But ( without sounding like some preacher or life coach) we are here, we have the luxury of medical care, the luxury of getting treatment, the luxury of discussing these and how we feel on an online forum. The luxury of support.
There are far worse things going on in the world, far more worse things that happen so as a wise bloke I know said to me , " you had a medical car accident, you got out, you survived, it's time to move forwards as you would if you had a regular car accident because if you had one of those would you stop driving?"
I’ll tell you what your experience does for me. It gives me hope. You managed to survive and through your positivity and strength of mind, you are thriving after the worst case scenario and with 2 moderate LAD blockages and a 700 CAC score, I realise that I am at high risk and that could happen to me, even with treatment. I keep reading that it can’t improve, it can only stabilise so I realise that I need to keep things as they are for 10,20 years, then who knows. But your experience and you as a person and those wise words inspire me. Thank you ! And yes we are lucky that we have a chance of proper lifesaving treatment living here in The UK. So many don’t have that chance. The world is a mess with too much suffering.
Anyway I’m following you and will continue to read some of your posts. Your attitude and how you have dealt with your own issues will give a lot of people hope and that’s pricelsss 🙏
Very similar to yourself. Once I'd come to terms with my planned treatment (CABG), meds and new reformed diet, including much stricter on alcohol became the norm to improve lipids results. If it's Angina that you are diagnosed with, you'll learn what you can do, e.g. I was able to carry on mowing or going for reasonable length walks whilst waiting for my op - I just took my time over it. I went through the ticking time bomb thought process, which is only natural. It's good that you are in the pipeline, take care.
Thanks for yor understanding snowflake. So did you go through the CABG or are you still waiting. How are things with you ? You sound very positive and very brave 🙏
Had CABG about 10 days ago. All went very well and now recovering at home, hence loads of time to read these chats at the moment. I considered the CABG option far far better than doing nothing. Very daunting, but very positive for a better future - got to be positive 🙂
Hi, good to hear from you. So far I feel quite fortunate that my recovery is going as well as I could ever of hoped for (just over 5 weeks since the CABG). Things do feel like a big effort and I do get drained, often needing recovery time and space, but that is part of the long steady recovery.
Physically, I'm doing well - scars are healing nicely, sternum feels stronger and legs are doing well. I'm up to walking 2-3 miles per day and (hopefully) starting Cardio Rehab next week. Sleeping is improving each night as well, mainly due to the sternum healing process. It definitely helps to physically 'train-up' towards being 'op-ready' (mainly regular walks).
Emotionally/mentally - also doing well and improving though this is something I'm learning more about with some self-reflection. Being mentally prepared and positivity for the long-haul has helped massively - I'm not in any rush and have been given the space to recovery, so I feel no pressure there (e.g. time off work).
I have found that my emotional resilience is much more strained than before the op and tests the patience of those around me!
Whilst I might 'look' physically good, the emotional side can still be a struggle and I do need to remind people that it can be a struggle, including 'sense of humour failures' that can strain relationships. You need the space to relax, time-outs and recovery. I also often feel more openly emotionally sensitive than before, which I think is natural when you've been through such an intense experience. Mentally, my ability to concentrate was understandably low at the beginning, but now reading books and doing puzzles etc much better. It's all a steady long recovery, not to be rushed.
Hope you are doing well and coping - glad you are back and reaching out, we've all got our experiences that we're more than willing to share. This helped me no end as I prepared for my op, even if just reading posts. And now post-op, it continues to help and support my recovery (inspired by your father's bypass story). Part of my healing process is now sharing my experiences back 🙂
I’m so sorry, I missed this reply somehow. Yes there is a huge range of emotions. You’ve been through a huge ordeal. I think I’m coming to terms with things myself now. I’m told it’s likely I will also need a CABG at some stage because my LAD is diffuse and flow is very borderline, but it is what it is and my father lived 30 years after his … I’m sure we both will too 😁
How are you coping ? It’s still very early days for you … are things settling down a little mentally and physically ?
Hi, easy to miss when there's so much going on, don't worry... This is a strange thing to say, but hopefully you are 'pleased' with the CABG route as it provides a potentially longer term fix - I'd be happy with +30 years 💪💪💪 ...and who knows what less intrusive treatments might be available in the future by then if necessary.
I'm 9 weeks post op now, feeling much much better, more active mentally and physically, back to my annoying self to those around me! Starting cardiac rehab now, so that's hopefully back on the road to all the activities I was doing before (but better?)...
Yes the CABG route is definitely the gold standard .. I’m sure you’ll get 30 years
Rehab will go well but remember that it will take time for you to get back to where you were, but you will and maybe even better than where you were a few years ago ..Don’t be too frustrated if it takes a little time. You’ve been through an ordeal.
Don’t worry too much about annoying others but try not to annoy yourself too much 😁
Cheers - yes, agreed, patience with slow and steady recovery is needed. The body has a way of reminding you when you've done too much! Take care and keep us posted 🙂
Hi Mark, so many of us can empathise with the mental situation de of cardiac issues. I had Nstemi heart attack and quadruple open heart bypass July 2023 aged 61, fit and strong 🤦🏼. I’ve posted regularly about my journey and rehab , monthly photo collages to show progress and living lif to the full . The rehab isn’t always linear , the mental side takes longer to heal than the physical stuff. I think about it so much. I’m sure I had/have a touch of ptsd. You might find some of my previous posts and take whatever you need if from them if it’s of any help to you. Great community here , loads of support and sharing experiences. Wishing you well with your journey . I’m loving my rebirth 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Hey DWizza. Sorry I only just logged in. I will definitely have a look through your posts. Yes the mental side really is an issue. I haven’t been through anything like you have but my life and outlook has completely changed moving forward and I am having a struggle with my mental health. Things feel hopeless at times. I’m sure you’ve been through these awful times yourself. And you’re so young too. You sound very strong and such a good person. Thank you for your good wishes and yes, there are some amazing people on here including you ! I would like to pass on one thing, 100% truth. My dad had a MI in the 1980’s at the age of 59 and lived until 92.
Hi,yes I expect it's a shock,and it's worrying as your heart keeps you alive, but the technology the drs have in amazing these days,I had AF last year- was told by A&E Dr it was permanent,but after being referred and echogram and bubble test I have a large hole in my heart probably from birth! Didn't have a clue- have been sporty in younger days,swam,walked etc and have mild coronary heart disease and angina but medication has helped even tho have never had any medication until a year ago,getting used to having chemist in my kitchen 😆
What a shock this must have been for you. We do live in amazing times. I believe there is a chemist in your kitchen and that kitchen is good. Have you read any of ornish or esselstyn ? I’m following the esselstyn protocol. I think this will give me the best chance of a future, God willing🙏 Hope you’re doing ok ?
You're regarded as having asymptomatic coronary artery disease at this time and your goal is to avoid progression to more advanced disease,symptoms and heart attack. I assume angioplasty or stent placements weren't needed. Were you advised to take daily low dose aspirin? Beta blockers can be protective especially if you require treatment for hypertension. Discontinuation of smoking was a key lifestyle change and I'm sure you've been advised to eat a healthy diet,avoid too strenuous exertion,maintain a healthy weight and minimize stress. Review these points with your cardiologist. I'm confident you can maintain a physically active life and will do well as you were diagnosed at a relatively early stage of coronary artery disease before any damage.
Awwww thank you so much for getting back to me with such a positive message. Yes, aspirin and high dose statins and a stress test every 6 months 👨⚕️ I’m sorry for not replying earlier, I haven’t been online for a while. Yes no stents or procedures but I have a long segment of medium diffuse disease in my LAD and my flow factor was 0.81 so very close to the “grey zone”. 3 other arteries narrowed too but not enough to stent. So yes, no margin for error. No more smoking or chocolate cake … I also have a calcium score on my LAD of 700. Very high … so yeah, it’s not just the narrowings, it’s the calcium too, the pictures look like a Christmas tree so things are a little concerning but I’m on the esselstyn diet and setting statins so hopefully that’ll keep a procedure at bay, but for how long ….. so many people out there so much worse than me.
How are things going with you ? I pray you’re doing well with all my heart. You’re amazing by the way ….. 🙏👍
Hi Mark, I too thought I was quite healthy always ate quite well, yes I had the odd treat was on a statin one of the lowest 10mg, unfortunately I suffered a big old HA in the middle of the night woke up with what I thought was indigestion hubby took one look at me and didn’t like my face colour, i actually phoned 111 all the while chuntering on that I was fine just a bit of indigestion
Within 10 minutes there was an ambulance and paramedics at the door, long story short I was having a Stemi, I was blue lighted to resuss at the local hospital who tried to fit stents but couldn’t so an emergency bypass was carried out, all this happened so quickly and I struggled to process being as fit as a fiddle one day and the vulnerability I felt during and after, I’m not ashamed to say I had to seek help from a phycologist, the cardiology nurses & staff were brilliant and for a full year after they kept in touch, I too felt like a ticking timebomb and you know I sometimes still do!
I am now on a few different meds a day including 80mg of statin each night
It’s took a while but I’m getting there, let the cardiologist help you and make sure you write down & ask any questions you may have
I’m over 2 years down the line, had a few blips along the way but always highlight them, they think I may have angina but any discomfort I get is at rest I don’t get a lot while walking or exercising, this is being looked into now.
Thank You so much for your message. I’m truly sorry for not getting back to you earlier. I’ve only just logged in again after a few weeks of anxiety and depression and I’m also not ashamed to say either that I have spoken to a psychiatrist. I definitely need meds for anxiety and depression. There are also some food meditation recordings on YouTube to help relax when feeling anxiety. Sometimes helps me, not always …
Your journey. Wow. I’m so sorry. What a shock and understandable that you’re going to struggle at times, but my dad has a quadruple bypass at 59 and lived until 92. There are lots of similar stories out there as you know .
Ok I haven’t had the HA but with a flow factor of 0.81 and diffuse disease on my LAD, there really isn’t much margin for error. The other blockages are on other arteries. I’m on 40 atorvastatin too and they want to raise this to 60mg. I also have a calcium score of 700 on my LAD so this will go up with the statins but at least it shows stability.
Sharing is caring. Please do keep in touch and thanks again so much for your welcome. I hope you’re doing ok right now 🙏
Welcome to the unfortunate club that no-one wants to join.
My profile a bit similar, altough I have moderate stenosis in mid LAD mainly. Like you, put on Atorvastatin 40mg and Aspirin 75mg. Terrible family history of Cardiovascular disease and high colesterol.
Was diagnosed last year in Oct, but have turned my life around since then. Used to be a big snacker, but otherwise healthy and relatively fit. Now, minimal to no processed food anymore and only mainly white meat.
Have lost nearly 2 stone and cholesterol has dropped like a brick mainly from the medicine and healthy lifestyle.
Lastly, I realise it is hard and a slap in the face, but try to see it in another way. You are fortunate that you have discovered that you have an issue and luckily, you have started treatment. Many dont have that luxury and only find out the hard way after an event.
Anyway, best of luck with your journey. You will have ups and downs, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Ahhhh amazing message. So sorry for not getting back to you early. Just logged in after a few weeks. Went into some kind of depression and anxiety and disconnected from everything. I guess that slap on the face was a hard one 😃
Well done with your progress. Sounds like you’re doing amazingly well and so grounded. You’re an inspiration !! I’m on the esselstyn diet now. Dropped about 8kg in the last 6 weeks and my cholesterol is down from 6.4 to 3.9 in the same time. I believe that if you can get your LDL under around 1.2 there is a real possibility for reversal. Have you read up about ornish or esselstyn ?
Sending you my kindest regards and best wishes 🙏🙏🙏
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