Preparing for angioplasty and stent … any tips, experience, suggestions welcomed

[Kiromase]

85% blockage of LAD, angioplasty, stent either 5th or 12th March and looking for any insight or guidance on the best way to prepare for the stent within the next two to three weeks? Any tips greatly appreciated specifically anything you think made a difference on the day and post procedure … many thanks to this amazing community

[Mikeysaab]

nothing to be unduly concerned about as these days the procedure is quite straightforward and painless. So I would say relax and stay calm. The post procedure care is amazing and just follow all the advice given. After a heart attack, had a similar procedure just over a year ago and still go to the weekly cardiac exercise class. The NHS offer the first six weeks of this as post cardiac rehab although it’s optional, I would highly recommend doing it as it builds your confidence back. As to further classes which you have to pay for, it largely depends where you live although there are online courses available now. The other aspect of course is adjusting to the meds. I remain eternally grateful for the treatment and the after care. Best of luck and I’m sure you’ll be fine.

[Kiromase in reply to Mikeysaab]

That’s great guidance and insight, Mikeysaab. Staying relaxed and calm is the challenge for me currently so that’s my focus. Again, thank you.

[Kiromase in reply to Mikeysaab]

Also, thank you for taking the time to reply

[Wonky_heart]

Be prepared for the fact that you won't be allowed to drive for 2 or 7 days depending on what they do. Therefore think ahead to ensure you have enough shopping etc. Otherwise the advice already given is really good, the team will really look after you. Good luck

[Blackknight57 in reply to Wonky_heart]

Mine was 1 month post heart attack.

[BridBoy]

Be amazed at the process that takes place and the expertise of the people carrying it out, it's unbelievable to look at the monitor and see what they are doing.

As others have said welcome the rehab classes, they will give you the confidence that your heart has just received a great "service" and that it has a fresh MOT.

It's coming onto four years since my heart attack and angioplasty, I'm 73, I'm doing a Fitsteps class this morning and this afternoon we are off to a sequence dance where we will be doing about 2 hours of dancing.

I took the heart attack as a great opportunity to look at my life and lifestyle, a lot of good and changes for the better have come out of it.

[purpleleah]

I echo the recommendations so far. my addition is not to underestimate the psychological impact of it all. Give yourself plenty of time and reach out to friends for practical support and someone to talk to. breathing exercises or meditation perhaps to help you relax? when it comes to the procedure, the drugs will take care of that. All the best.

[Bingocaller]

Had 2 stents 3 years ago I was very nervous while waiting for appointment but there was nothing to worry about I slept through the angioplasty but had to be awake when they put the stents in which took minutes then I went to the recovery ward for a while but it was a few hours before I could go home you can’t drive home and you must rest for a few days and don’t try to rush your recovery you will feel much better after the procedure good luck and speedy recovery

[PaddyRedVan]

Hi! I had similar blockage in LAD dnd had angioplasty 30 months ago. I found the procedure was fine and certainly nothing to be concerned about. A local anaesthetic in the arm and a bit of discomfort locally when inserting the device. I was conscious throughout and was chatting with the consultant and staff. I thought it was all really interesting and enjoyed seeing the tv screens! The consultant was very good and we joked a bit too. Its a safe procedure and you will definitely feel better afterwards. Try to be relaxed and positive. Best wishes! Youll be great!

[Qualipop]

Make sure you have someone to drive you home. You will probably have sedation so w on't be allowed to drive. There really is no preparation; just take your tablets and go but make sure you go to the loo before they start because you will have to stay in bed until they've removed the pressure bandage but boy that tea and toast tastes good! I had to be there by 8am. They started at 9 and I was home having lunch, 50 minutes from the hospital by 1.30pm

[Quadcabg]

My angioplasty resulted in a referral for a quadruple bypass. Now 2 years on and I've never felt fitter. Whatever the outcome, good luck. You're in safe hands.

[Whiteghost]

Just turn up. 😉They will take great care of you.🤗

[Cruise1]

my wife loves anything medical on TV and asked the hospital for a CD of my procedure.😊 My biggest problem was the long wait after the procedure for my sackful of meds (no explanation given about them and a lot not needed after seeing consultant for follow up.)

[momander]

Hello,I echo most of the advice here, but I think.it might depend on where you live, and the hospital, as to what kind of experience you have. I have had 3 of these procedures, and the first one wasn't too bad. You have to lie extremely still whilst the surgeon guides the wire up your wrist, arm, and chest to your heart. I did not see the monitors as they were not facing me. Unfortunately the sedative did not work for me, and so it was quite uncomfortable, and also my veins collapsed the 3rd time. We are all different and so I hope this goes without a hitch for you.

[Jaybbb]

hi everyone. I had a left circumflex artery stent 'installed' in November 2024. Easy procedure. Went into the hospital with chest pains, they determined I needed a stent, prepped me for possible wrist or thigh insertion point, and the actual procedure was done in about 40 minutes or less. They knocked me out completely with whatever they inject, and that was good. I was hoping that they would be able to use the wrist access location since it is my understanding that is slightly easier, and they were able to do that. Went home in less than 2 hours. Must have a driver. I was back to normal right away, with no side effects.