Botched Angioplasty

[Penthilus]

I was getting an angioplasy to open a 90% blocked artery when the doctor noticed a cap form due to a nick on my main decending artery where it branches to feed the bottom of the heart. The location of the nick made it where no other doctor would want to go in and stent the nick. They didn't even want to finish the work they started. The only choice I was left with was open heart bypass surgery. I had it done and am now recovering. Outside of the fack that down time for stenting is much shorter then bypass what are the further downside of bypass surgery? It has been a month and the chest still hurts and I can not work so I am in a bad way because I am self employed and can not perform the duties I need to do my job. What are the real problems with having this done I really didn't need it if it weren't for the nick. Thank you

[jim62]

I don't understand the whole scenario.  I think I'd find another doc and have him try to explain what happened.

The stent vs. bypass question is easy.  If you get a stent, you're pretty much back to normal in several days.  If you get bypass surgery, you're pretty much back to normal in several years.  

[wife_of_cabg_patient_from_ahem]

no, depends on your job.  desk job?  back to normal in 6-8 weeks, in fact, my husband probably could have returned after 1 month.  physical job?  4-6 months.  downside of bypass?  possible (probable perhaps?) recurrence of blockages in 8-15 years.  and subsequent bypasses aren't necessarily as successful and perhaps even risky (depends on specifics).  bypass surgery doesn't cure the disease.  it just treats the symptoms, which can recur.  trust me on this dearheart, there's no magic bullet.  if you have any heart disease, and it sounds like you do, since you were being treated for a 90% blockage, whatever lifestyle changes the dr. told you to do, do it.  eat healthy, exercise approperately for your situation, take your meds, please take your meds, learn to effectively manage stress, and quit smoking, drinking or drugging, if that shoe happens to fit.  all of these changes are your best hope for a long and satisfying life, and they do make a difference!  all the very best to you.