Introduction

[VaniaG]

I am a happy retiree. I had a NSTEMI 5 years ago. Received 2 stents but have 80-90% blockages in the septal and diagonal arteries off the LAD. They tell me medication is the only treatment available. Frustrating but keeping a good attitude most days. Radical acceptance is key. 🙏🏼

I am looking forward to interacting with the forum and sharing when I can. It really takes a village to become an elder. Thank you in advance for your insights and wisdom. 😊

[10gingercats]

Welcome to this group. Plenty of helpful people and some of them will relate to your situation and be able to advise if you need advice from their own experience.

[VaniaG in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you 🙏🏼.

[Vilsugheart]

Hello VaniaGWelcome to the group.

I'm new to all this (heart attack and stent 3 weeks ago) and had my first cardiac rehab session yesterday.

I am now aware that I also have a couple of other partial blockages (50-74% and 75-94% ) and the best information I have been given thus far was from the cardiac rehab nurse who advised me that

1. there's no real (practical) impact on blood flow (in the heart) below 70% blockage (if I recall the figure correctly)

2. there are risks associated with stenting (etc) which makes it less likely that a medical professional would recommend intervention without further 'good reason'.

Obviously everyone's personal circumstances are different so I do hope that you are able to have a proper discussion with your GP / specialist regarding your own needs.

[VaniaG in reply to Vilsugheart]

Thank you for your kind response. I wish you all the best. I have had many discussions with my cardiologist and read many medical journal articles. It has been an interesting 5 years…not without some tears but most days are bright. Sending you some healing prayers from the heart. ❤️‍🩹

[Qualipop in reply to VaniaG]

I'm in the same position as Vilsugheart ie HA and two stents but have two further blockages in the LAD. However the cardiologist assured me that blood flow is fine through those two blockages . It doesn't stop me worrying though that they may have got worse over time. I do know the heart can sometimes grow new blood vessels to bypass blockages in the minor arteries.. As they say "Keep taking the tablets"

[VaniaG in reply to Qualipop]

I know that feeling. No cardiologist has convinced me it is fine, but most days I convince myself that all is well. I have great days and enjoy them to the best I can. I still need to work on the down days. I hope you are having a great day! 😊😊😊

[Qualipop in reply to VaniaG]

Yes, m ost days I forget about it but when I get breathless after doing almost nothing I start to worry again. Acute care as an in patient, referred me back to cardio last October because of arrhythmia. Then my GP referred me in Jan/Feb because of the breathlessness but the booking centre tells me they are only just doing last June''s referrals. It's very poor when a hospital department refers you and they still can't see you.

[VaniaG]

Oh my goodness…I can truly relate. Sending you some cyber hugs 🤗!