Hello Everyone

[JeanieMcBain]

I thought I would write this post to introduce myself to you. I am a grandmother who has had frequent episodes of unstable Angina. I have at least two attacks per day. I am sure that most of you will agree that the experience is frightening to say the least. I have been in and out of hospital on several occasions this past few months when my spray didn't help to relive the pain.

I am now awaiting an appointment to have a stent fitted. Although I am apprehensive about having this done I am hoping that it will reduce or even stop the amount of Angina attacks I have so that I can get on with my life.

I also have Peripheral Vascular Disease in my legs and I am taking statins to help with reducing my cholesterol.

I look forward to talking with people who have an understanding of what is happening to me.

Best wishes

Jeanie

[JeanieMcBain]

Hello, I used to smoke but not any more since this all happened. I stopped five months ago.

[Nickthedevil]

Hi Jeanie, I really sympathise as I have recently been through a similar experience. I had suffered with stable angina for a few years but at the beginning of March this year I got chest pains which were completely different and so bad that I thought it was a heart attack. I was taken to hospital and kept in overnight but sent home with medication as my ECG's were fine. Over the next month I had 5 or 6 episodes most days and it was terrifying, on Good Friday I was admitted again as an emergency and while they appeared to doubt that the pain was cardiac related they sent me to a heart unit for an angiogram, where I had two stents fitted. I am pleased to say that the pains stopped immediately. They discharged me saying that I had had a heart attack but a few days later changed their minds and said it was unst able angina!

Having the stents fitted was not pleasant but it wasn't painful and hopefully it will make a huge difference to your quality of life.

Good luck

Karen

[JeanieMcBain in reply to Nickthedevil]

Hi Karen,

Thank you for sharing your experience. The worst thing about unstable angina is that it can happen even when your resting it is a frightening experience.

I had an angiogram and it revealed some blockage on the right side of my heart.

It will be such a relief not to experience frequent angina so in a way I hope I don't have too long to wait.

Best wishes

Jeanie

[JeanieMcBain]

Hello Traci,

Thank you for your nice welcome. I am glad I found you too. xx

[Nickthedevil]

Hi Jeannie you are right, I think that's the most frightening part. Sometimes i would be woken up by it. I do hope you don't have to wait long.

Karen

[JeanieMcBain in reply to Nickthedevil]

Thank you Karen, I will share my experience when it all starts to happen

[Andyman]

Don't worry about having stents fitted. Its not so bad. You are awake and can watch the whole thing on TV if you wish. I did this to take my mind off it all. Very interesting.

I hope it does the job for you.

Don't sit at home wondering when the appointment will be. Make a nuisance of yourself and push them to make it soon. Bug your doctor and consultants and their secretaries and in the end you will get there sooner.

[JeanieMcBain in reply to Andyman]

Hello Andyman,

Thank you.

My cardiologist phoned me on Monday evening about having the stent fitted so hopefully it wont be long now until the appointment comes through.

I just want these attacks to stop. I have had two already this morning and it's only 10:30.

I had an angiogram done a few weeks ago so I am thinking that having the stent done will be a similar procedure.

best wishes

Jeanie

[JeanieMcBain]

Thank you.

[Andyman]

Just lay back and relax. 30 mins and outta there

[Hidden]

Hi Jeanie, it's great that you've given up smoking as that's the biggest coronary risk factor going. Hopefully the stent will help your angina and you'll soon feel better.

[JeanieMcBain in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[JeanieMcBain in reply to Hidden]

Hello,

I am already feeling the benefits of not smoking, I can breathe freely and taste my food better.

I purchased a book by Allen Carr called the Easy Way to stop smoking. This has been a great help and I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to give up. I was a heavy smoker and I have finally conquered this demon.

I am also in the process of making lifestyle changes because I am determined to have a better quality of life and regain my independence.

I am still awaiting my appointment to have the stent fitted.

best wishes

Jeanie