Just had 1st Stent put in on Thurs at age 44 with Questions

[Tiztina]

Hi there,

About 5 mo ago I was put on Lisiniprol and have been changed to 5 different blood pressure meds because of allergic reactions. Anyway, my Cholesterol is 281 and I was on a strict diet and exercise awhile back and had lost some weight and got my Cholesterol back down to normal. Well I found out that I have 3 Herniated disc's in my neck and 3 ruptured disc's in my low spine so I stopped all exercise etc.

Well after being put on Coreg I started having left arm pain,tight chest and shortness of breath which I never had before starting the Coreg so I thought all this was caused by the Coreg. Well the Heart Dr sent me to have a CT Scan with Dye to check for blockage, that came back abnormal saying 50-70% blockage in the LAD main front artery. Well a week later I was sent to have the Cath test done and while in there they found that the blockage was much worse, it was 99% blocked and had to be Stented. Dr's told my hubby and my mom I could have died.

I just had the Stent put in on Thurs Oct 25th 2012 and I am home recovering nicely for the most part. I am still having some small pains and wondered is this normal after having a Stent put in ? I am now on Plavix, Crestor, Daily Aspirin & Bystolic for blood pressure. Also, when am I allowed to start driving again after having this Stent put in ? I don't see my Dr again for 2-4 weeks. Now I will be worried about the Stent and if it will hold up, I don't want to have a Heart Attack so what can I expect now ? Do Stents last etc ? Thanks

[ed34]

when I required a molar to be extracted, my dentist refused unless my Doctor agreed to stop my aspirin and plavix for a few days. My Doctor was too scared, so she contacted the cardiologist who said I could stop it for 24 hours before the extraction, then start it 24 hours again after. It all went well.

[Tiztina]

Hello,
Thanks for the replies. I smoked for several years off and on but I was not a chain smoker or a really bad smoker, I did quit over 3 years ago and i am somewhat over weight and have been trying to lose weight since before this happened. I know even skinny people have heart issues as well.

I plan on watching my diet and begin exercising again when the Dr's says its ok. I am not sure what form of Stent I have in but I don't like being on the Plavix because its going to keep me from having 3 operations i need for at least a year. Does anyone know how Plavix works when i need Dental work ?

[ed34]

Yes I would have to add that there is no guarantee that a stent will last years. There are many cases where they last a matter of weeks or even less. The big problem is scar tissue formation and the narrower the artery it seems the worse the problem is. Obviously scar tissue will block a small artery much easier than a larger one. The medication coating some stents is still not a very effective method because the stent is a mesh. Only a small percentage of the stent is touching the artery lining, so delivering the medication. The rest of the artery is lining is touched by nothing because of the gaps between the mesh. It is becoming more common in Europe to balloon the artery with a drug eluting balloon before stenting, because this covers the entire area with the medication. Results seem to be very good so far. Most people have a fairly large LAD and this is more prone to new plaque formation rather than scar tissue. So long as you adhere to a strict diet and healthy drinks too, there is a good possibility of the stent lasting a long time. I have a large obtuse marginal 1 vessel which had a stent in feb 2007. This is still perfect.

[Flycaster305]

Over a twelve year period I had eight stents inserted, both what are called bare metal and coated, and took basically the same drug cocktail you are taking with no problem with stents plugging up.  However, in my opinion, it is very important to keep your weight down, eat a heart-healthy diet, certainly don't smoke.  You have had a stent inserted in a very important vessel and need to changes in your behaviors to keep the arteries clean.
I always had what I called 'zingers', after receiving a stent for awhile, little chest sensations.  
I think I was driving within 72 hours of receiving a stent, it's been a while, I was warned to not lift any heavy weights for a couple of weeks to make sure the groin artery wouldn't open up.  Your hospital or doctor can advise you about driving.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Some amount of pain may be there post stenting. And a stent will last for many years, so please dont worry. The total rehabilitation will take time, so follow the instructions given and follow up with you r doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.