Two steps forward, one step back.....

[RTCLP1]

So following my STEMI, 2 stents and an angioplasty just over 6 weeks ago, it's been full of ups and downs. I felt like I was making progress then started getting this odd feeling at the base of my throat and an uncomfortable feeling in my chest - not all the time, it can come and go - I notice it sometimes going up the stairs. Anyway, having chased for the results of my echocardiogram, my GP said "oh, you know about your valve problem then?". 'Err, no", I replied. She then nattered on about the report (jumping all over the place) and how I can still live a normal life, etc. but was referring me back to the NHS cardio team. I was frozen, confused and completely dumb struck that no one had spoken to me. The throat/chest feeling came back and hasn't really left me, although it's not there when I first wake up in the morning.

So, I used my employer's PHI and within a week I had tests completed and a meeting with the cardiologist, who said I had a bicuspid aortic valve so would need to be placed in 5-10 years - okay, no problem. I mentioned the throat/chest feeling and I think it's anxiety but he wants to do an angiogram to see if the angioplasty has worked. So, another angiogram - I'm really not looking forward to it and wished I didn't have to have it done but there's no harm in double-checking? This guy is the Clinical Lead at the hospital and works at St Thomas'.

I've read some posts on here with people having this throat/chest feeling and that it was anxiety. I'm starting counselling this week - something which I never thought I'd do but I'll give anything a try. I'm trying meditation, too.

I'd just like to get the green light to say I'm all good to go and can get back to living my life again.

Does anyone else feel like you get HA whiplash?! lol

[Whitehousee]

I have had three non stemi heart attacks the last one in Dec 2024 my stent had restonesed it was cleaned and a balloon put in but I constantly feel like you .I find it hard to discuss with my family

[Paula233]

I also had funny blocked feeling in throat and chest pain which was heart related. Not saying it isn't anxiety but best get properly checked out as a lot of people are told their issues are anxiety and then it turns out they had a heart problem.

[RTCLP1 in reply to Paula233]

Thanks. What was your problem? If you don't mind me asking.

[Paula233]

A blockage - ended up having a heart attack and 2 stents. I also had lots of other symptons (headaches, cold feet and blue toes, breathlessness) and had I acted earlier and gone to my gp i might have been sorted. your symptons might not be the same but don't ignore them and put them down to anxiety without checking. I was to quick to blame anxiety, being unfit due to lock down in 2020 etc etc even though at the back if my head is knew something was wrong.

[RTCLP1 in reply to Paula233]

That's interesting to know. I'm having a further echocardiogram next Wednesday so if there's any further blockages, they will see it there. They've also said that the ticagrelor can also gives people similar symptoms so I might end up having that changed, assuming the issue continues. I'm just thankful that I have PHI via work. The NHS have sent me a letter to say they've just put me on a waiting list.

[Paula233 in reply to RTCLP1]

Let us know how you get on. So good that you have PHI as you'd be waiting ages for an NHS appointment.

[RTCLP1 in reply to Paula233]

Yep, will do. It's an angiogram I'm having next week, not an echocardiogram....

[Paula233]

That makes sense for it to be an angiogram. That will definitely give you a more detailed picture than an echo.

[Thumper-Rabbit]

I had a heart attack during the 2nd lockdown just before Xmas. 2 stents fitted and the 3 minor blockage was left to clear with medication. After the episode I started to get very cold and suffered cold feet at night so invested in bed socks (don't laugh but they worked). I found rehab very difficult as there was no face to face at all during the following months and found the angiogram very rough. No real discussion after and it took a very long time to get any sort of strength back. Good luck with your trials and tribulations.