Fluffybee

[Fluffybee]

Hi, I'm new to this site, just been diagnosed with prinzmetal/variant angina.

Can anyone help me with a few questions?

[Camperlover]

Hi I've had Prinzmetal about 3 years, will help if I can

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Camperlover]

Hi Camperlover

Have you seen the updated BHF information about Vasospastic angina the term now being used rather than Printzmetal or variant angina?

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Fluffybee in reply to Camperlover]

Hi there

If you don't mind me asking as I know some peoples symptoms are about the same, what are yours like.

One of the ones that I find more frightening than some is, when I'm asleep I get woken up being really breathless, after a bit it goes and back to sleep, just wondered if you have the thanks for replying

[Camperlover in reply to Fluffybee]

Hi yes its is one of the common symptoms, I am unable to sleep flat - I have a wedge pillow. Most of my attacks are at night - it is quite scary and the pain can be extremely strong. I am on numerous tablets to reduce it and it is definitely better than it was but i have GTN SPRAY for breakthrough attacks that I use regularly. I am advised if it after 3 bouts of spray it does not ease to call 999. I cant say I stick to this rigidly as the nearest hospital is over an hour away and generally it has eased up by the time I get there. The pain is like someone/elephant is sat on my chest, sometimes the pain goes up my neck into my jaw and also down my arm, it can be very hard to get my breath - over time I have learnt not to start panicking as this just makes it worse. There are some great support groups on Facebook

[Fluffybee in reply to Camperlover]

I’m still at the beginning of learning about this, I’m still really surprised that what I’ve been so frightened about is a symptom and it’s something that’s typical of this condition. I’m biting one of those pillows online ASAP 😃

My chest feels like a very heavy pressure, with pain across my chest and down my arm.

I also get the heavy ache when I first get up in the morning while watching the news etc.

I also have the GTN spray which I use on most days, but I like you don’t go to the hospital when I’ve had 3 sprays, like you say it’s calmed down by the time we would get to ours as our nearest A&E is about 45 minutes away. I’m also on several other meds as well.

[Camperlover in reply to Fluffybee]

The wedge pillow took about a week to get used to sleeping on but definitely is a life saver for me...hope it helps you.

[Fluffybee in reply to Camperlover]

I’ll get one and let you know how I get on, did it help the symptoms or stop them altogether, I know we’re all different.

[Fluffybee in reply to Camperlover]

Just wandered, I know the majority of this condition happens at night but do you have anything during the day or when you first wake up ? Just ordered my pillow 😃

[Fluffybee in reply to Camperlover]

Hi there

Not having a great day today, through the night I had chest pain and heaviness so wasn’t surprised for it to be there first thing this morning 😥

Used quite a few GTN sprays with gaps in between which has helped

[Camperlover]

I do but generally linked to triggers I mentioned before.