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Angioplasty Recovery Period
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Current Postings on This Page (113): • Hi everyone. I am 42 and suffered from very peculiar anginal symptoms that were never diagnosed until a CT angiogram found out my LAD was occluded up to 80 percent. I just got the stent done 2 days ago but have been experiencing some chest pain on and off. Peculiarly, the pain gets worse after getting up from recumbent position. Does anyone else experience this during recovery period? • I had a heart attack 1 year 4.5 months ago. It took at least one year to start feeling better. I always had shortness of breath and I am now better since they have taken me off my Effient and others. I am on Bystolic which is min on side effects. The first year was rough but you will get better just takes time.
• I am 47 male , having 1 no PTCA on 28/2/13. Presently having Ecospirin 300, clopidogrel 150, Astrovastin 40 mg [atorvastatin?], Lasix 40 mg, Planep 25 mg , revotill .5 mg, Remistar [Ramistar?] 1.25 mg, Pansped 40 mg. I had undergo Angioplasty in RN Tagore Cardiac Hospital - KolKatta , India. My question is How many days the Food Restrictions require & what is the minimum Fluid Intake (Incl Water ) & What are the restrictions after PTCA ?? How much interval Medical Supervision Required ? Mild Pain is in left chest after weeks, & Tiredness also. How long I have to take Drugs??
• After 36 years of faithful and vigorous daily exercise, no red meat for the last 10 years and no known family history of heart diseases, I received two stents -- circumflex and right coronary arteries -- in two separate PCIs over a three-week period in January-February 2013. The first was transradial, the second through my femoral. I returned to work four days after the second PCI. I have noticed over the past week or so some renewed angina and tiredness and am wondering if I did not go back to full-time work too quickly. I am walking again most days (I was a regular runner prior to the PCIs) though not vigorously and will start monitored exercise tomorrow evening. I would have to say I am surprised that I am not feeling stronger and more alert now almost three weeks after the second PCI I am taking the usual medications -- Effient (the stents were not eluted) and metoprolol plus 40 mgs of Crestor. Is there such a thing as "normal" recovery period for a 60-year old male -- three weeks, a months, two to three months, etc.? Thank you.
• I had angioplasty on November 2nd, after experiencing shortness of breath on several occasions this summer. They found the LAD artery 94% blocked at the bottom and 76% blocked at the top. The next day felt good and immediate subsequent days. Then bad experiences with dizziness and coming close to fainting. On several occasions taken back to hospital. I've had the usual investigations, echocardiogram ambio sound a scan similar to MRI and stress tests. All show the heart to be performing well. Average blood pressure 132/86. I was very active before angioplasty, now find a big problem with light-headedness and dizziness. Can't walk too far without feeling dizzy. Some mild pains in left arm. Prescribed drugs include: Aspirin, Amlodipine 5mg once a day, Atorvastatin 20mg bed time only, Plavix 75mg, Metoprolol 25mg morning and night, Ramipril 5mg twice a day. I think I've been off work now for longer than most people recovering, just over 5 weeks. I need advice on how to combat the dizziness. I use Ativan if I feel it's necessary (anxiety) and the nitro spray when appropriate. I can't help but feel it's my cocktail of drugs that make me feel light headed and dizzy.
• I had angio in 1984 age 43 no cath used the balloon. The worst part was the pain in my back from laying still for so long. Can't take pain meds, get very sick. I may have to have angio again. Any ideas of what to do to avoid back pain?
• I had 3 stents placed in my 99% blocked LAD on 11-3-11. It`s now 11-8-11 and I was placed on Lopressor, 50mg, twice daily, Effient, 10mg, Lisinopril, 2.5mg, and Crestor, 10mg. I did not have a heart attack and I`m experiencing more pain in my left chest than I did when i sought help. Dizziness and some shortness of breath after most slight exertion. The procedure was 2.5 hrs and they said it was "hairy". Are these symptoms unusual? RJ in Texas • I have undergone angioplasty with a stent in the main coronary artery. Doc says that i was well in time before any damage could have happened to the heart. I take drugs 1) cordovas, clopilet, cilodoc and prolomet evey day. I tend to get some sort of giddiness after eight hours of work. Is it the medicine or my general weakness. I walk for 20 mins each day and also do breathing exercise for 15 mins each day. I eat well (vegetarian food without oil). I am not able to get sound sleep during night. Please let me know what is it that I can do to over come the above • I am 60 years,observed heaviness in left side of chest all 24 hrs. and heavy breathing after climbing two storey for last 2 months. I was under treatment and was taking asomex 2.5, metelor 75 morning, ecosprin 75 after lunch and metelor 75, tonact tg after dinner for last 4 years. Had angioplasty of RCA due to100% blockage two stents of 33&25 mm long of flexi biomatrix(DES) inserted it is exactly 26 days now chest heaviness persist,weakness feeling,both shoulder pain,highly gastric. walking 30 min each morning & evening. medicines 8am cardace,10am nicoran5,clopigrel75,meterol75,after lunch 350 ecosprin,10pm meterol, nikoran, clopigrel and tonact tg.Pl. advice how long these medicines will continue and when the above symptoms will go. Before angioplasty I was swimming 30 min. daily can I go for swimming ,does cold water harms. Pl. give me feed back and oblige.Thanks Yours Truly. R. Dube • I am regular in walk and yoga. Female, Aged 48. ideal weight and not fat at all. Do not drink or smoke. Have mild blood pressure and no diabetes. Had angina a fortnight back and got an angioplasty done. After that I have either gained weight or have swelling (water retention) on my face. Is this a side effect of the medicines? Please advise? I feel very frustrated looking at my bloated face.
• i just had 4 stents 2 9mmx57mm and 2 9mmx37mm on both sides of my groin i was given the shot in the iv anesthesia and guess i came to during the procedure and went "buck wild" as the nurses called it then they gave me the tube down the throat and mask anesthesia and strapped me down. now I'm having real bad chest pains and i had this done because of leg pain not chest pain. my left side groin is not bad at all but my right side is black and blue about a area 8"x 16" from my leg on across my groin and down. i am in a lot of pain both from chest abdomen (which is where the stents were placed) and my right side groin. i tried calling the Dr. who done the surgery and was given a appointment over a week from now. i had the surgery on Friday morning , came home Saturday around noon and this is Wednesday night. should i be worried the Dr told me i would be back at work in a few days before he done it and now it looks like i may lose my job if i cant return before the weekend but i cant even stand straight yet. • I was a very active woman at 63, walking for an hour, and yoga for 45 minutes. I never had any indication of any heart problem, checked cholesterol and ecg every year. Suddenly one morning I got up with a jaw pain, no other pain. It was diagnosed as a 90% block in the RCA. It was in my maternal grandmother's family. I had angioplasty and a medicated stent 3 wks ago. Next day I came to know that the pictures are showing that I had suffered an attack. Since then I don't feel good. I had been to the hospital twice during the first wk, with no adverse finding. Now I have muscle pain all over, specially neck, throat, ear and jaws. I have been prescribed Simvastatin 40mg (my Total Cholesterol was 200 on that day), Clopidogrel 75mg, Trombyl 75 mg and Metoprololtartrate 50mg. As the attack started with jaw pain, I feel very disturbed with that. But now I have it almost always, even while sleeping. I feel very tired, even after walking for 5 minutes. I can do some household work in installments, but can't go out. I wonder if I can be active ever? I can't talk to the cardiologist before 9 th Sept. • I received a cabgx4 in Dec 95. No problems until last week. Checked in hospital on Tues. night stent placement next day went home next day at noon. Back to work Thursday. I feel great. I thank the entire medical team and all of the hospital staff. • Daddysgirl1018 -- Depression is a well-documented
after-effect of bypass surgery, angioplasty, etc. -- often these procedures
are the first encounter the patient has with the fact that they suffer from
coronary artery
disease
(CAD) and depression is not an abnormal immediate reaction. However, it is
important to move into rehab very quickly, to make lifestyle changes (diet,
exercise,
smoking cessation, etc.) which can counter this depression and actually improve
the patient's health. With these changes and the improved blood flow, it
is possible for a patient to feel better than they previously had. Check
out our topic on "Exercise After Angioplasty" for some good stories. And
also, since your dad is being done through the wrist, you can read up on
it in our "Radial Access
Center". • My father had 3 stents put in his right
artery and we are going back monday to have another stent placed in circumflex
artery
which was on the top and they need to go through his wrist. just curious
if any men have experienced depression afterwards? • To
The Roman -- as with all patients, your cardiologist should really be
the person to get you into a rehab program
for heart patients -- he/she knows your personal capacities best. But
a recent study out of Canada shows that patients should start exercising
as soon as
one week after
a heart
attack.
Here's an
article on it in a UK newspaper. Also check
out our topic on "Exercise,
Sport, Physical Activity After Stent". • Hi. I'm male, 60 years old. I was having
pains in my chest which turned out to be Angina. They also found I had
had a mild
heart attack sometime previously. I have no idea when as I had no symptoms.
They said very little damage had been done to the heart muscle, which was
in good condition considering. I had a stent fitted for a 70% blockage
on Thursday 14th April. I have been given no advice about exercise etc.
I feel
ok. I walk an hour non-stop once a day and may do about 10 minutes in the
garden. Is this ok ? • Robbo -- first off, congratulations on keeping
up an active lifestyle. less than 5 months after a heart attack!! How much
exercise is "safe" is really a very individual matter, since
so much depends on the state of your total body, as well as your heart
muscle. Maybe your
GP and cardiologist should have a talk. FYI, we're going to cross post
your question to our topic on "Exercise,
Sport, Physical Activity After Stent" and maybe some
answer will come there. • I had a stent fitted in November 2010 after
heart attack. Was prescribed atorvastatin, amlodipine, ramipril, bisoprolol,
lansoprazole, clopidogrel & aspirin. Before the procedure I was very fit
having cycled and walked regularly. I had a bad time for 3 months with chest
aches, and dizziness. Subsequently I requested to come off the tablets and
immediately felt 10 times better. I now take only aspirin, clopidogrel (for
12 months after op) lansoprazole and atorvastatin. Now I am cycling regularly
40 miles and walking mountains. I try and exercise every day but have rest
days in between. I am trying to get back to full fitness. However I was told
to keep my heart rate down below 121 which is difficult sometimes when out
cycling. After particularly strenuous cycling ( a long uphill) my heart rate
rises to 145 for a prolonged period. This is fine at the time but the next
day I sometimes suffer with dizziness & pins & needles in my left arm.
Can I persevere with my exercise (making my heart stronger) or is it advisable
to reduce my exercise? My cardiologist who is Indian did not encourage
extreme
exercise at any stage (even before heart problems. My
GP encourages my exercise! • Mother in India -- 26 is
very very young for such an incident. His cardiologists might have some answers,
in terms of
how the heart attack occurred, was there a blockage in one or more arteries?
Also they will have his medical records and so can best prescribe the
correct therapy going forward. Sounds like his lifestyle is pretty optimal
but
he may have high cholesterol, etc. which can be modified with modern medications,
which have come a long way. We hope he and you find answers, and please
let
the Forum know. But again, his best recommendations would be from a cardiologist
who has his medical report in front if him. • My 26 year old son (non smoker, no alcohol,
player and a gym regular, no family history, thin and tall, unmarried)
had a heart attack in office last week. Emergency stenting was done.Will
he
be able to do normal activites in future? How long will he be on medication?
What kind of diet will be good for him? Pl guide me since i am totally
devastated
after the incident. Also my son had taken an international flight just
two days earlier to the incident. Can there be any connection? • Broken
Hearted in Australia -- read our Editor's Blog from yesterday, Smoking After Sex: A Double Heart Attack Risk? • Broken Hearted in Australia -- as we tell
all patients asking these types of questions: each individual is different
in terms of their clinical status -- the risks for exercise, including
sexual
activity, have much to do with your physical state, whether you have
exercised regularly, etc. Your cardiologist is the best judge of whether
a given
activity may present an increased risk. Also stay tuned to Angioplasty.Org
because
there is a study coming out later this week dealing with this very issue.
We would say, however, that if you know you need another stent, that
means your
coronary arteries are somewhat compromised -- so taking it easy would
not be a bad idea. We did not say abstain...we just said take it easy.... • Delicate subject....How soon after having
a stent is it safe for a man
to have sex & if another stent is needed in a few weeks, is it safer to wait
till after that? • As we have often responded,
if you are having ANY questions or feeling poorly, experiencing blood pressure
changes, etc.,
contact your cardiologist. The body may take a while to adjust to the
stent, the increased blood supply, and definitely to the medications
that patients are given -- often for the first time right after an angioplasty.
The chief reason angioplasty and stenting is performed is to make patients
feel better, relief from angina, increased energy, etc. If that is not
happening, you should consult your cardiologist. • My father had an angioplasty two months back.
Had two stenting done 85 and 90 percent blockages. For two months his
BP was normal but suddenly now it has started fluctuating and stays high
even
after high dosage of medication. Could this be related to stenting? • I am 55 recently retired. developed tightness
in chest and L arm, breathlessness over 5 weeks, thought it was due to
overweight and lack of exercise. Went to
A and E had angiogram 2 stents in L Ascending Artery 90% blockage. Going back
for 2nd stent for a 70% in 3 weeks. Feeling reasonably well after first. Some
discomfort in L arm and a little heaviness in chest but nothing I feel alarmed
about. Main problem is worry and negative thoughts also have yet to tell my
family. Walking ok for 10-15min . up and down stairs Slowly. Great to find
Forum feeling
less anxious. Thanks to one and all. • I had a stent inserted 2 months ago but still
have off days. I am back to work but find a whole day too tiring so I
work half a day. I am exercising and eating properly but still don't feel
100%
and am worried that at this stage I should be back to normal. Is this
a bit odd? • Bala -- we do not know the drugs Innegy and gulofide
-- but coughs such as the one you describe may be related to an ACE inhibitor
-- a drug used to control blood pressure, etc. It's a known side-effect.
Again, we aren't familiar with the two drugs you've mentioned. Ask your
cardiologist. • Hi experts I 42 years and i have one stent
fixed with angioplasty 10 days ago and i am in drug with Plavix, Aspirin,
Innegy & gulofide. I am in my routine work, currently i am having severe
cough and sometime feeling pain in the chest. Is it a alarming sign
for any thing or is it Normal? Will the cough affects in
any way??? • Worried in Azusa -- Check
out our related topics, specifically "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting". A number
of readers have posted that they experienced chest or back discomfort post-stenting,
but it often goes away after a month or two. It's
possible that some of the back pain may be caused by the extended period
that patients
have
to
lie flat so that the femoral puncture site can heal. But if you are concerned,
ask your cardiologist • I had angioplasty 4 weeks ago, 85% blockage on
had 3 stents on 3 arteries. I walk for 30 minutes per day at moderate
speed only as my exercise. Now I have pain under my left and right ribs,
more
pain on the right side and some times back pain is that normal? I take
plavix, aspirin, metoprolol, diovan and lipitor as prescribed. For my
GERD, I take
nexium. I'm also diabetic and I take metformin for this. Is the rib pain
and back pain normal? • Oh my! We hope this is not typical for the NHS....
Not that you're in need or having symptoms, but the emphasis on wellness
care
is definitely lost here! We can only repeat what suggestions we made
earlier, but if you're feeling great and are able to stay active without
the symptoms
you had, then there's really not much the doctor will probably do, except
make sure these things are true -- and also do some standard in-office
tests like blood pressure, listening to your heart, etc. which you may
be able to get at a walk-in clinic. Anyone in Ireland or the UK have
any suggestions for Cassandra?? • Dear Editor I had a phone call this morning,
from the Hospital to inform me my appointment to see my Cardiologist
was being posted out to me, I asked them when it was for and got quite
a shock,18th
of February 2011,that was the earliest they could see me .Is there any
danger in leaving it so long for a verification that all is well after
all I am 80 yrs old,would be grateful for your advice,thank you for your
previous advice. • Cassandra from Dublin -- good for you! Getting
back to a routine, exercise, etc. is the best thing you can do. Sorry
to hear there's such a long wait to see your cardiologist, especially
since he/she
requested you to come in for a check up. Maybe you could try to convince
the scheduler that it's something the doctor wanted(!) -- but it shouldn't
be cause for anxiety -- the doctor just wants to make sure you're doing
okay, that there's nothing amiss, etc. and also that you're taking the
prescribed medications (like aspirin and Plavix). The fact that you're
feeling well is great. Make the appointment for as soon as you can and,
if you're concerned at all, you might get your blood pressure measured.
Other than thaty, just keep up what you're doing! • I had a Stent inserted 6 weeks ago. I am feeling
great, considering I am 80 yrs of age. I'm doing my housework etc, and
out walking every day. My Cardiologist wants me back for a check-up in
2 weeks time, but when I phoned up for an appointment, I was informed
there was a long waiting list. Will having to wait to see the Doctor/Cardiologist
cause any problems? • Paddy -- as we've said many times before, each
patient's clinical picture is different and questions like yours really
need to be asked of your cardiologist. If the procedure is uneventful,
no complications, etc. (and especially if the procedure is done via the
wrist) many patients these days are treated as outpatients and released
the same day. • Hi I visited my Cardiologist in my home country
but may now need to travel to NY to have a stent installed but as I live/work
in the Caribbean how long
after the operation is it safe to fly and return back to work ? Thanks • Neel -- it's impossible for anyone who's not your
relative's cardiologist to even attempt to answer that question. Certainly
angioplasty and stents are used in similar situations with multiple blockages,
etc. We always suggest getting a second opinion if you want, preferably
one from an interventional cardiologist (one who does stenting) and one
from a cardiac surgeon (who does bypass surgery) to see which way to go. • My nearest relative was diagnosed with 4 blocks
in artery & suggested angioplasty. He is 57 years male. Can u please suggest
whether angioplasty will
be effective? • Jean -- as we've said many times, people go back
to work and do all kinds of things right after a stent procedure, but since
each patient is different and has different issues and clinical
profiles, any advice such as "Can I do this?" should be addressed to your
cardiologist. In your case, having actually had an infarction, a careful
assessment of your heart muscle capacity would be in order. • I had a heart attack 5 days ago, angioplasty with
stent done 2 days ago. I work as a registered nurse in a nursing home,
fairly heavy duties. How long
should I stay off work? • Madlyoverweight in Minnesota -- this Forum is
mainly about coronary angioplasty for the heart, but you might want to
look at the topic on peripheral angioplasty, although we're not sure your
issue is discussed there. We've not heard of anything such as stenting
causing weight gain -- this may be an issue with your medications -- or
there may be some other cause. You clearly have peripheral artery disease
-- atherosclerosis in the leg, iliac, etc. You may be experiencing this
same disease elsewhere -- have you discussed this issue with your cardiologist?? • I have had four surgeries on the main aorta and
the iliac arteries in my legs. They were almost completely closed. I
have seven stents in my arteries.The last time I large blood clot developed
in between the aorta and the iliac and one traveled into the popliteal
causing me to lose some feeling in the left leg.My question is this.
Before
they stented me I weighed 122 lbs. In three months time I weighed 148
and I keep gaining and no matter what I do, can't lose a pound. It almost
feels
like I am pregnant. My breasts are extremely sore and I have heartburn
like when I was in my twenties and pregnant. I don't have a uterus any
more so this is not possible. I feel that where they stented me is sending
a signal to the ovaries that I am pregnant. My stomach is huge where
before barely a roll was there.No one can give me any answers and I don't
believe
that old age caused me to change that quickly. B.S. The doctors need
to be more honest about this procedure as they want you to exercise and
maintain
weight, when
they are the ones that caused the weight gain. • Beverly -- We're not trying to duck the question,
but our mantra here is always, "ask your cardiologist". Every
patient is an individual and your capacities and clinical situations are
all different. Your doctor knows you, sees your chart, your history and
your angiograms -- so he/she is best suited to answer this question of
returning to work. The best things you can do are to lower all your risk
factors through diet, exercise, smoking cessation and the medications you've
been prescribed. Genetics is not something we can alter...yet anyway. As
for stress from work, that'[s harder to measure. President
Clinton recently had two stents inserted in his original native artery after his bypass
graft failed -- and he was back at work within a couple days -- trying
to help the victims of the Haitian earthquake. • I had two stents in October 2009, one in November
my chest pains continued. I had a normal stress test in March , in April
the chest pains were so bad, I went to E.R. with an abnormal stress test,
had another Heart Cath, they reopened the one in November with scar tissue
and stented another one. My job is pretty stressful-mentally. Should
I wait a couple of weeks before returning to work? • Patti -- the Guidelines state 4-6 weeks of Plavix
plus aspirin for bare metal stents (minimum) and a year for drug-eluting
stents. But every patient is an individual and we would suggest strongly
that you discuss the upcoming surgery with your mother's cardiologist
BEFORE the
stent procedure
so he/she
is
aware of it. Also it wouldn't hurt to get the surgeon in on the conversation. • How long after an angio and 2 stents would an
84 yo woman be able to have a total hip replacement? If a bare metal
stent is used....Plavix x one month? • My 87 year old mum has just come home from an
angio. She is very tired (which is quite unusual for her). I have been
told by her cardiologist that she
should be right in about two weeks. Has anyone else had this type of experience? • Jim -- actually minimally invasive robotic bypass
surgery has been done for several years now. DaVinci is a company
that makes one of the leading systems and it's incredible -- surgeons sitting
in New York have actually perfomed surgery on a patient in Europe. Pretty
futuristic already! • Just had angioplasty with stent placement in right artery. This was not
my first stent and the artery had three previous stents. This created a real
problem and they were unable to place the stent on the first try. The next day
they repeated the procedure using "ROTO BLADE" to clean out the plaque and make
way for a new stent covering the entire area previously occupied by three stents.
These procedures are advancing rapidly and soon bypass surgery will be performed
by Robotic arthroscopic surgery with minimum invasion. Please forgive me if the
spelling is not correct. As far as recovery goes it is all in your head ! Get
up and get moving, no laying around saying how tired you are. When you moan and
groan it just puts more stress on the family. We are all going to die so be thankful
for everyday and live life to the fullest. • just had two stints [stents] put in 03-16-10,
home now 3-18-10 but still have little pain in middle of chest. Not bad
but an acky dull pain, is this normal
? • Karen -- fascinating that the doctors are doing a CT Angiogram because the standard invasive angiogram couldn't image the third artery! It's usually the other way around. But it's doubtful they would do a bypass, since now that you've gotten a stent, opening up one of your arteries, even if this third artery had a blockage, bypass is not really called for in single vessel disease, especially since it's probably not a major area. The big question is whether the third blockage (if there is one) is causing you angina or reduced blood flow. If not, there'd be no reason for an intervention. And Don M. from Vancouver -- people fly, go back to work,
do all kinds of things right after a stent procedure, but since each patient
is different and has different issues and clinical profiles, any advice
such as "Can I do this?" should be addressed to your cardiologist. • I have read a number of the postings. I had a
stent inserted Feb 26/10 and I think I am feeling good considering the
procedure. We have a trip planned to Palm Springs flying out on Mar 10/10.
Is there any restrictions on flying and although I haven't driven my car
yet should I be concerned about doing so especially since we will have
a rental car? • I just had a stent put in for a 75 percent blockage
in one artery a week ago. The second artery is clean, but the third is
sort of "hidden" and they have to do a 64-slice scan to make sure its clean.
I feel great; great vitals, cholesterol,
BP, etc. But someone said "Maybe they'll have to do a bypass" if there's a problem
because the Dr. couldn't "get" to the third artery. I've never even been in a
hospital before---this is totally shocking to me. At what percentage can you
handle a blockage with meds/lifestyle
etc. rather than invasive bypass? • I had a heart attack and one stent placed in
the - at almost age 61 - over a year ago. I was back on my bicycle
five days later, albeit riding slowly around the block until a stress test
three weeks later confirmed I was good to go. I still had an estimated
70% blockage
in another artery.Two more stents were placed after angina pain developed
7.5 months later, in that artery. Less than two days later, I peeled
back the bandaid covering the incision in my groin, and couldn't find
the
wound.
I was back on my bike in three days and I didn't bother with any rest
period. I was floored, especially the second time, at how minimal the
after effects of such an important procedure turned out to be. • I recently had a stent placed for a blocked artery
(LAD 95% blockage). My doctor placed me on two blood pressure lowering
medictions (an ace inhibitor
and a beta blocker) although my blood pressure runs in the normal to low range.
Can you explain the purpose of these medications and how long I will need to
stay on them? • hi my name is slem i just had an angioplasty
done on friday. whats the
recovery time before heading back 2 work. • I will soon undergo an angiogram procedure. I
had open heart surgery 12 years ago at 42 and have in the last year had
multiple heart attacks. the cardiologist
can tell from the echo and ekg. What is possibility that my heart muscle will
not hold up? I had a prior MI 12 years ago. I also have pain in my legs. Will
this affect my legs? • I am a massage therapist and one of my weekly
clients will be having angioplasty on a thurs. His appointments with
me are on mondays. Is there a recommended time to wait to get a massage
after
the procedure? • Had three stents placed in two arteries for 70
and 80% blockage a week ago today. I did not have a heart attack. Was told
I could return to work (light
duty) last Monday and did. The fatigue is what worries me. I am more tired
now than I was before. Post stent placement chest pressure and headache
are gone.
Why the fatigue. On plavix, aspirin, HCTZ, and Atentolol. • To all who ask whether this or that activity is
too strenuous, etc...these questions should be asked of your cardiologist
-- there really is no accurate answer as to how many days, what amount
of weight-bearing, etc. is safe, since every patient has a different clinical
status, different muscle tone, etc. If the physician doesn't discuss this
with you (and they often don't) it's really up to the patient to be proactive
and find this information out directly. Also check out the related Forum
Topic on Exercise,
Sport, Physical Activity After Stent. • I just had a stent placed in my LAD last Friday
(5 days ago). I am an RN and am off from work for this week. Do you think
it is safe for me to resume my duties as a bedside nurse which involves
some strenuous physical activity
(lifting and pulling up patients in bed). • I had a clinical trial stent placed on 9/1/09
and have had increase BP since (159/97 avg) and have recently had chest
pain, though not the type I had
prior to the stent. I am on Cozaar, but my BP has gone up since going to that
med. Obviously, I need to tell my cardiologist about the BP and medication,
but are the chest pains normal? • After a false positive on a stress test, I got
this procedure 3 days ago. My heart is healthy and strong. My question
is...how long before I can return
to the gym and my normal workout (running/bike/weights)? • Barbara -- the bruising sounds like a hematoma,
a not uncommon complications after and angiogram or angioplasty. It comes
from blood leaking internally from the femoral puncture site (has nothing
to do with the stent itself). It usually resolves itself. The pain is another
story. If it feels odd, comes on with exercise, etc. definitely call your
cardiologist, if for no other reason than to rule out anything. Also check
out our Forum Topics on Complications
After Femoral Angiogram and Not
Feeling Well After Stenting. • had a stent put in 3 weeks ago today. had a lot
of bruising from knee on up. it is finally going away. but the last couple
of days i have been having pain in my chest and upper back. and also
left arm aching. Is this normal or
should i call my doctor? • Brenda -- check out our topic
on Plavix. Bruising is not uncommon. If this gets worse, or your
blood pressure drops (or your stool is black) contact your physician
-- otherwise this is a somewhat "normal" side effect. But don;t
stop taking Plavix or aspirin -- very important to keep the blood from
clotting inside the stent. Lower cholersterol. Good! • I am 40 and had a stint [stent] put in April
17/09. I am on plavix 75 and aspirin 81. I am bruising very badly and
it takes forever for them to go away. Is this normal? I am only scheduled
for blood work every 6 months and my doctor doesn't seem too worried
about it. My blood pressure is down lower than ever (also on atenolol 50
and
coversyl+) The doctor has lowered my atenolol to 25 and says will recheck
in 30 days. I did have a mild heart attack and had a 90% blockage. I
am
told I have a perfectly healthy heart now. My cholesterol when this happened
was 7.54 and is now down to 3.04 with crestor. Again, is this normal? • Advice from Joyce
in New Jersey below is well worth reading. Thank you Joyce!! • I had two stent implants 3 weeks apart. I was
feeling much better going on the third week after my first stent, but
still didn't feel fixed as I still had one more stent implant needed and
still
had chest pressure and pins and needles in my left arm and hand. After
the second one I knew what to expect for the most part and just took
one day at a time. Blood pressure medication makes you sleepy and also
if your
not fixed yet meaning you still have to under go another stent implant
the feeling of feeling sleepy could be because your not getting enough
oxygen circulating through your system. Statin drugs can at first make
your food taste like tin because of the statin,but the tin taste goes
away. I am not having any problem recovering so far and it has been one
month
and five days now since both stents were implanted. When I get tired
or I know I had been busy with chores and the like I lay down no matter
if
I am feeling sleepy or not. I have some vague discomfort in the groin
area, but i suppose that will take a while to go away. If you are prone
to anxiety
attacks or are under a lot of stress at home or at work find a way to
handle anxiety attacks and stress so that it doesn't bother your heart
any. The
first thing that was suggested to me was music therapy. Also chest pain
also known as Angina can be a chronic problem. If it is not relieved
with nitro or rest within a reasonable amount of time then you have to
go get
checked out. If you were diagnosed with angina you need to ask your doctor
what type of angina you have because there are a few different types
of angina. you can read about the different types here http://www.lifeheart.com/
I am coming to the conclusion that I have to live differently now because
feeling normal and living a normal life or at least bring things back
to
the way it was before I got sick isn't going to happen, instead I have
to learn how to live differently now. It is the new norm in my life.
Since I am living a new norm then I make sure I ask my doctor questions,write
down your questions or else you will forget what to ask. Thanks for this
forum a really nice place. • Hank -- check out the topic, "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting" and you'll see a number
of posters who don't feel great after stenting. You're correct
that some of this may be due to new medications that you're on. These
can be adjusted by your cardiologist. Others report that it just takes
a little
time for the body to adjust. We always recommend that patients discuss
these issues with their cardiologists. • Had an angio/stent six days ago. No MI prior.
The narrowing in circumflex was an incidental finding to r/o cardio issues.
Before procedure, I could easily walk or treadmill two miles, at 140
bpm, no symptoms. Today I got light-headed walking around the block. I
realize
it could be new meds, but I assume time to
get rechecked, yes? • CR -- good question. Most hospitals I've been
in send patients to CCU recovery, but not all. For example, patients
where the transradial approach through the wrist is used, patients go
to a simpler
recovery room and are able to sit up immediately. Would be interested
in hearing from other hospitals on their protocols. • Is it usual to go to a specialized unit after
PCI? I am a nurse in a cardiac
step down unit and getting a lot of "push back" from administration about the
misuse of the step down unit. the ratio on the unit is usually 3 patients to
1 RN with a higher level of vigilance during the removal of the arterial sheath.
I sometimes get the "practicing old medicine" line from admin. but the docs want
an "ICU" level
of care. Stuck in the middle. • Robin -- not insane -- sounds like your brother
got to the hospital quickly enough so that an interventional cardiologist was
able to open the blockage causing the problem in time to prevent damage
to
the heart muscle. Before angioplasty, little could be done for patients
except to "wait out" the heart attack, which allowed the heart
muscle to become damaged, and life changed radically for the patient. Now,
what might have
been
a full-blown heart attack can be stopped in its tracks with little or no
heart damage or long-term effect -- if it's treated in time. • My brother, age 53, had emergency PCI (one stent)
2 nights ago. He is being released from the hospital today & says the
cardiologist told him he could return to work the day after tomorrow. Does
this sounds insane to anyone other than me? He is a draftsman but does
a lot of driving during the day, too. • To the posters who have written in regarding fatigue
and/or chest pain following stenting, these are issues to discuss with
your cardiologist, since every person has varying clinical pictures, and
different recovery times. For example Sanjay in India, who had "kissing
stents" at the bifurcation or branching of the LAD and Diagonal is
feeling pain and having trouble walking, while Graeme in Australia was
well enough to move furniture and paint a room. Often stent patients are
suddenly taking new drugs, which may cause a reaction or possibly fatigue.
Certainly any strong or intense pain should be reported right away. You
might also want to browse through a related topic, "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting". • My husband had a stroke and heart attack about
10 days ago. He has recovered well from the stroke in his use of his
limbs, speech etc, only his walking is a bit wobbly. He had an angiogram
and stent
inserted in a blocked artery. He was discharged the next day and is home
recovering. He is very tired and lethargic. What sort of recovery should
I expect? • Hi, I went through Angioplasty a week ago and
the procedure was completed with two stents, one in the Diagonal (D1) and
other in the LAD artery. However
I kept having distinct chest pain throughout next day while being in ICU. Having
complained about this, I was again put through angiography which revealed
that everything was alright, the stents were in place and the blood flow
was established
very well. Later on my pain slowly went down and I was discharged from the
hospital. However during last one week when I go out for a short walk,
I get a chest pain
very early, just after even half a Kilometer and walking further almost becomes
impossible. This is worst than the original trouble I had before angioplasty.
What could be the reason ? I am going to meet doctor after a week, but very
worried whether anything has gone wrong during angioplasty. • I had 2 stents inserted end to end in my right
coronary artery on 23rd december and home on the 24th. Without a lot of
guidance i set about some tasks that felt within my physical capabilities
- painting a room, moving furniture out of the road and some other quite
physical tasks - all within the first couple of weeks at home. Can these
actions impact on the "seating" or bedding in of
the stents. • I had a stent put in last thurday and I am still
weak and I am having some
pain. Is that normal? Thank you. • I had a stent put in 10 days ago and 2 others
put in 3 weeks ago. I am very tired and have pains in chest now and then
including center of chest is this normal and will it get better? I feel
very weak doing regular duties etc. and have little energy to go out
socially etc. • Rosematie -- you might want to look over the postings
on another Forum Topic, "Complications
from Catheterization, Angiogram or Angioplasty". As you'll read,
many patients have itchiness, lumps, etc.. As for when to resume activity
in your father's case, especially lifting heavy objects, you should talk
to your father's cardiologist. Hope allheals well. • my father had PCI to LAD just 6 days ago, now
he's feeling more better but the problem is there is hematoma on his
right femoral region on the insertion site and also there is lump he said
only
today he notice that, also there is mild itchiness is it normal. also
for after how many days he can resume his regular daily activities like
lifting
heavy object? • Suman -- gangrene is a symptom of peripheral artery
disease. The same disease that causes blockages in the heart arteries
also causes blockages in the leg arteries (peripherals), thus the gangrene.
You and your father should discuss your questions with your cardiologist. • hi, my father age is 56 yrs , he has undergone
angioplasty due to heart damage, later he discovered a complication i.e.
gangrene so his right leg got
amputated , so he was 10 days in hospital and nw he is back to home now its 2
months finished after the angioplasty and he kept artificial limb and he is practicing
to walk without support, also taking the medicine for heart also regularly visits
the cardiologist to know the staus...so our worry how he is going to recover
his heart muscle which was got damaged .. what would be chances life risk due
to heart damage in future life and is completely out of danger ...and how he
it can be recovered from heart damage and heart stroke ... Please let us know
what can be done what
are
possibilities? • Gwendolyn -- There's no literature we
know of that would link stents to weight-gain per se. but that's a pretty
large gain in a relatively short time -- you also have other clinical issues,
so we suggest that you
discuss this with your cardiologist and/or G.P. • I had 2 DES inserted last year (Dec.2007). Is
there a diet pill OC or by prescription I can take to help me lose weight?
Before the stent implants
I weighed 120 pounds. After the stent implants,my weight soared to 165 pounds
and I cannot adjust well to this weight increase. I am on Plavix, Lasix, Premarin
and Benicar/HCT 20 mg. At the present time, I have been diagnosed with Acites,
liver cysts and gall stones that have caused my abdomen to become extremely swollen
with an increased weight gain of 45 pounds. • I have just had my second angioplasty - only
1 stent this time. Staying still and horizontal for 4.5 hours after the
procedure did the trick for me; for 5 days after, no driving or lifting
and no sex. the result is no bruising, lumps or pain this time.Just take
it easy, work can wait if you really want complete recovery from a somewhat
invasive procedure. • Dear editor, thanks for your reply I have to
have another stent put in in a week or so. It does seem strange that
I can do these things and hope that this is because there is not much
or any heart damage, I will ask the cardiologist what he can see whilst
he
is doing the next stent which is not a complete blockage (like the
last
one) but a restriction and carry on trying to lose two stone and be
healthy, hope It lasts? I am 46 so a bit young for this sort of stuff,
rather
a fright to the wife. • W. -- your cardiologist is the best person to
discuss this with you. The figure you are looking for is called
the "ejection fraction" which is a % of how efficiently your
heart is working. Using
ultrasound or a catheterization, the cardiologist can also see how well
the heart muscle is moving and exactly where and how much damage has occurred.
So you're saying that you just had a heart attack last week, and a stent,
and since then you've mowed the lawn twice, hoed the garden and walked
two miles into town??!! Not to be facetious, but we'll
bet there are some readers who are breathless just thinking about that.
Best
of luck to you and please let the Forum know what you find out and how
you are progressing. Cheers. • I had angioplasty and a stent put in this last Saturday having had a heart
attack that I never felt until central chest indigestion type pains afterwards,
it was two days later having done some reasonably physical work that I went to
the doctor and they did a cardio graph and called an ambulance on viewing it.
After having a blockage stented I came home, no work for six weeks and no driving
for four weeks. Have mowed the lawn twice hoed the garden walked round the village
(2mls)felt pretty tired and slept a bit no pain but a bit breathless. I had an
enzyme reading of 7.0 on the blood test two days after the event which worried
the hospital. My question is how much damage to the heart have I done and is
it normally assessed after this sort of thing. thanks A (IS THE BREATHLESSNESS
RELATED CLOSLEY TO THE DAMAGE?) • Thank you for your fast reply! I feel better
today but have another problem - high temperature - I feel like I have
a flu
but I hope the high temperature is not connected to the angioplasty or
the meds. My cardiologist said that I should not have pulse more than
58-60 but my pulse is 85 when I am relaxed-the blood pressure is ok 70-130.
I've
heard that the high temperature increase the pulse. My cardiologist couldn't
explain why my pulse is so quick. • Bilyana -- almost 50% of patients report some
chest discomfort, sometimes a heaviness in the chest right after stenting
and there is an adjustment period as the body gets used to it. With a 99%
blockage
now
opened up,
the heart
is
suddenly getting more blood and oxygen. But if the pain is like the angina
you had
before stenting, report
it to
your
interventional
cardiologist, for peace of mind of nothing else. As for stent thrombosis,
it's a rare but acute event --
a blood clot doesn't just cause pain or discomfort, but blocks the artery,
similar to what happens in a heart attack. Again, it's rare -- so keep
taking for
aspirin
and Plavix or other prescribed meds. • I have been in the hospital last thursday for
coronarography. It was find out that I had 99% occlusion and the doctors
placed one stent - the coronary has been successful with optimum result.
But I worry because I still have some kind of heaviness in the chest,
this morning I had pain in the left side of the chest and had nitroglycerin.
I want to know is that normal, I am going to have control examination
after
two weeks, shall I wait till the examination or shall I go earlier because
of these symptoms. I get all the medications including Plavix. I would
like to know what are the symptoms of stent thrombosis - is that pain
in the chest means that there is a problem or is this adaptation period
of
the
body! Thank you all! • Guncha -- prognosis, etc. are things which your
husband's cardiologist can answer best. Much depends on how quickly his
angioplasty was done after his first symptoms, and what his heart function
now is post-MI -- i.e. was there much heart muscle damaged? His general
state
of health is also important. • Hi, My husband [56yrs] had to undergo angioplasty
of two of his arteries after he suffered a major heart attack. He was
in the hospital for four days. He is now back home and on a number of medications.
His treating doctor has given him four weeks of leave from work. It has
now been almost 8 days since his release from the hospital but he seems
to be recovering pretty slowly and has low level of energy. Can you please
tell me what should we expect with regards to his recovery rate? Thank
you. • hi, just to thank you for being here, tonight.
A friend had me boggled, when he was about his normal business, including
driving, less than a week after an angioplasty and insertion of stent.
He is one who usually, but not always, good about following recommendations,
and I was concerned that he was "trying
too hard", which he sometimes does. Your article and forum entries were very
helpful. I
have my CPR, but who wants to use it ? thanks again. • BJ -- we assume you mean "stents" not "splints".
See our comments below as to recovery time. Also you say you have a systemic
disease. Do you mean coronary artery disease? This is a chronic condition
and that is why, even with angioplasty and stents, medical therapy and
lifestyle change is very important in keeping the progression under control. • i am going in for a heart cath and possibly splints;
how long will i be in the hospital and how long will my recuperation be?
My calcification level is 331 and i have a systemic disease. Could that
have caused my high calcium
level?
Thanks. • Mohamed -- as we say to all patients, these are
questions that are very individualized for each person, depending on their
health, clinical status, and what is being done. Your interventional cardiologist,
who should be able to see your entire medical history, is the best person
to make this call. We would certainly think you'd want to wait a few days
to make sure your access artery has no complications, etc. • I will be undergoing Angioplasty very soon, but
not in the country where I am working right now. I am planning my angioplasty
in my home country. Can you please tell me how long I have to wait for
an air travel (about 4Hrs 30Min) after angioplasty? • Hi Peter My cardiologist signed me off from work
for 10 days following the op. To be honest, I could probably have gone
back three or four days later but I took full advantage of the break to
rest and relax properly. In the UK you are not allowed to drive for a week
after the op. It is very important not to put any stress on the groin area
in any way for two or three days afterwards. I overdid it after my second
angioplasty and suffered quite bad bruising due to an internal bleed. Given
that you know that you have to have an angioplasty, it is also very important
that take it easy from now until the op too ! PS. If it's any reassurance,
I found the most uncomfortable part of the whole procedure was having to
lie still in the hospital bed for 6 hours after the op ! The actual op
itself is relatively painless. • Peter, You are fortunate to have advance notice,
please use the time to learn as much as you can and to work WITH your doctor,
don't just let him tell you. From my perspective, there is no such thing
as recovery period after angioplasty. Although I was home the next day
and at work the day after that, there was no "recovery". Recovery suggests
returning to the way things were, but things will never be the same. Look
forward to new experiences, many of them wonderful. It's like moving to
another part of the country - you bring the old furniture, but now you
have to figure out how to make it work in the new house .... and you will. • Peter -- recovery varies with the individual,
their state of health, the amount of work being done and whether or not
there are any complications. Normally patients are kept in hospital overnight
and can go back to work within a couple days. There is really not much "recovery" needed
from the angioplasty/stent -- more from the catheter access site (groin
or wrist). If the procedure is being done from the femoral (groin) artery,
you definitely want to avoid lifting, and any exertion for a while. You
want the catheter access site to fully heal to avoid bleeding or arterial
complications. A long haul trip would involve lifting suitcases, etc. so
you may want to give yourself a few days. Discuss these concerns with your
cardiologist, for sure. Also you may be on some new drugs post-angioplasty,
so you want to give yourself time to make sure you're not going to have
any reactions to these when you're on the road away from your doctor. Any
other stories out there regarding recovery time?? • I will soon undergo angioplasty. Can anyone tell
me anything about the recovery period following this procedure? I'm scheduling
a long haul business trip and concerned. |
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