LAD blocked any advice please 🙏

[DoctorZchivago]

Hi!Thinking I could do with some advice please/ not sure where I’m going with all of this!

Had a heart attack last November/ diagnosed only by my Triponin levels/ apparently I’m not your “typical” heart attack patient- whatever that is?! Anyways my LAD was 95% blocked so resulted in one stent. Passed my rehab fine , then in June started experiencing chest pains on slight exertion just walking up a slight incline, or cold might set it off or even just going upstairs. Several trips back to doctors as I was using my spray more than 3 times a week, finally saw cardiologist/ another angiogram shows my LAD is 100.% blocked! I have been sent home on medication management and if I experience chest pains still then it will be surgery/ single bypass. I am still experiencing chest pains, use my spray and can then carry on. But really is the new norm? Don’t feel as I am living a “ full”life and everything is on hold! What am I waiting for, I just want some clear direction/ frightened of another heart attack and apprehensive of the op too! Although I’ve had loads of ops this seems a little bit too scary! But my husband has had a triple and is fine. I am female and 66 years old. Should I be getting a second opinion / I have a review at the end of the month? 🤷‍♀️

[Casualvisitor]

Hi there,

I don't know what to make of this to be honest. If the LAD is 100% blocked why would they send you home, sounds so daft for them to do that. I would give your GP a ring first thing tomorrow and firmly raise this, your physical symptoms and the anxiety it's causing because you're right, no one needs to be living like this.

I really hope they get it sorted out for you.

[DoctorZchivago in reply to Casualvisitor]

👍seeing my cardiologist for a referral to surgeon this Friday 🤞

[Nikki051174 in reply to Casualvisitor]

Any mention possible SCAD??

[Mancunian1]

hi.

I was in a similar situation and immediately booked for a double CABG. I’m not sure about medical management but a blockage at that level must surely make you eligible for a bypass procedure. Of course it’s a huge undertaking but as others have commented I think I would strongly lobby your GP and cardiologist for a more pro active approach so you can at the minimum understand the medical management being proposed and also consider the other options which may be possible.

I really hope you get a resolution soon. Don’t be afraid to respectfully challenge the decisions being made about your health, I was lucky in having a pro active consultant, sometimes the waitful watch approach some consultants pursue isn’t the right course of action.

[DoctorZchivago in reply to Mancunian1]

Booked to see my cardiologist again this week 👍

[DWizza]

Just posted this on another thread “did you have choice of stent…”

had Nstemi in July 2023, angiogram next day , thought I was going to have a stent . The doc performing the angiogram said “ well , it’s cabbage for you , no stents”

He explained that 3 arteries were, in his opinion , too blocked to benefit from stents and that it would be appropriate and better for bypass surgery and that it would be decided by a panel. I was utterly shocked ! Ended up with quadruple bypass . Glad I did , new pipes 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 , loving my rebirth

[DoctorZchivago in reply to DWizza]

Great news ! So glad you are back on your feet 👍

[Yisselda]

Hi,

Your experience of a heart attack was similar to my own. My understanding is that women often do not to have what are regarded as typical symptoms. My HA took the form of a hot, tight feeling high up in my chest.

I must admit to being puzzled by your situation, but you do say, ‘if I experience chest pains still then it will be surgery/ single bypass. I am still experiencing chest pains, use my spray and can then carry on. ’ I would suggest you report your chest pains immediately.

Good luck,

Yisselda

[DoctorZchivago in reply to Yisselda]

Thanks for your reply 👍 I have followed your advice and seeing my cardiologist again! Thank you!

[Yisselda]

Good luck!

[Nikki051174]

I had this in 2020 no symptoms no racing heart beat was normal healthy 46 year old no cad etc normally affects lad in women really rare

[DoctorZchivago]

So quick update guys! I was referred to heart surgeon, only option for a longer fuller life was a bypass! So saw heart team Friday, pre assessment Monday, admitted Tuesday, op Wednesday - single bypass using mammary artery attached to LAD past the blockage, 3 days intensive care, up to ward, went into AF, which I have to say was very scary! Meds tinkered with , next day they took my external pacemaker wires out, all drains etc, needed oxygen for a bit, sats were a bit dodgy , but settled and then discharged home- all over and done with within one week, almost to the hour! I have to say the level of care, understanding, and professionalism I have received has been second to none! NHS must look after your staff, we need you! Day by day doing a bit more, walking a bit further, doing the spiro exercises, sleeping for England , check up in six weeks time so fingers crossed 🤞 THANK YOU to this group for giving me the confidence to question and act upon advice. I am so grateful for this opportunity and will work hard getting back to a normal life- feeling very positive . Wishing anyone else out there with doubts and questions to go and ask, seek and act!! Who knows really what lays ahead for each one of us but hold onto hope, advice and help yourself where you can. There is so much to be thankful for- I know I have been very lucky with a couple of close shaves. But onward & upward 🤞

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to DoctorZchivago]

Well done! I wish you a speedy recovery.