Prognosis

[Chris-a]

5 years ago at age 55, I was diagnosed with diffuse CAD.Coronary angiography showed my condition was inoperable - too many blockages, too much damage, no healthy tissue to attach grafts.
Is it possible for my cardiologist to give any sort of prognosis? I know the position is bad,but not knowing is worse.
I am doing my best with all the medication and low fat diet etc,  but cannot exercise much without becoming unwell.All this is making me very depressed with nothing to look forward to.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Chris-a,

Prognosis is a very difficult thing to predict for any given individual.  It is easier to say that for certain groups of individuals the risk of death or heart attack is higher than for other groups but there will be individuals within that group that will not be affected and other individuals within the 'healthy group' that will be affected.   We do know that lifestyle modification does significantly decrease one's risk so I would strongly encourage you to continue these changes.  It is possible that you will continue to have many good years ahead of you.  

It is not uncommon for individuals with serious health conditions to experience depression.  I would recommend talking to your doctor about this as there are very good medications that can help.

[Chris-a]

I would love to have some "good years " ahead of me.That would be better than life is now . How do I get them to be "good"?? Even more medication? As my doctor says "we can't wave a magic wand2

[CLM]

Hi Chris-a, I just wanted to try to give you some encouraging words.  I won't bore you will my own annoying and chronic "stuff" and I don't want to suggest I "know how it feels" but nevertheless, I have had to stare the Big "D" in the face a few times and have only in the past year or so (with the help of a beta-blocker and a whole lot of thinking things through) been able to reconcile myself with a "less-than-perfect" life -- indeed, a somewhat threatened life.  But, I just want to let you know that with some hard work (including some biofeedback which is surprisingly helpful) I have reached a place of peace.  And having done so, I am so grateful for what I have got, even though it isn't what I thought I could be grateful for a few years ago.  I still have no idea how to "appropriately" deal with pain (which I get in a nasty way at times) or fear (which can be worse) -- those really challenge my determination to live my life as fully and as fear-free as possible.  A few thoughts to take or leave:  I got "rid" of people in my life that were painful or difficult.  On bad days, I try to find things I can enjoy despite whatever limitations I am having.  I am taking really good care of myself health-wise and I am taking medical advice but trying not to get too caught up in what the drs. say because sometimes I need distance from that:  I find that seeing a pretty view, or people-watching, or the beach -- restful changes of scenery -- really helps me put all the dr. talk in perspective.  And they truly can't really know your destiny (which can be scary or liberating -- I have decided to view it as a kind of freedom).  Your destiny is your own and it is unknowable to them (and even to you but why not "decide" it will be what you want then try and get through the doubting times the best way you can).

I don't know if any of this makes sense to you, but I really wanted to respond to your post and let you know that I am very much wishing you greater comfort and peace of mind.

[Chris-a]

Thank you for your helpful words. I shall think of what you have said to help me get throught the day.

[Addie]

I ditto Chris Mc comments.  I have a bad habit of putting more into a doctor's comments than necessary.  I have learned to not react to some of their negativeness and look for postive things to do with my life.

I too, have ridden myself of people that have a negative effect on my life.  

A person can go to different doctors and many times, you will have all different answers.  Five years ago, I thought I was doomed.  Doomed because a doctor said I was. (non heart related)

I was fed a bunch of huey. I finally found some wonderful doctors
and their kindness brought me 'together'.  

God Bless You.  You are in my prayers, Chris.

[CLM]

Chris -- just checking in on you. Yes, it really is about taking just one day at a time, even going one hour at a time, doing the best you can to get something special out of it.  Hang in there.  And if you think you might be getting seriously depressed (by this I mean you really, really can't get away from the sad, bad thoughts at all -- because, of course, some depression is totally NORMAL considering the situation you're in and it is okay) find someone or someway to get help.  If you think you are actually and seriously depressed it is a tremendous act of bravery to get help.  Mention it to your doctor if you think that may be the case for you. In other words, your body is giving you enough hassle -- don't let your mind give you trouble too!

I'm still sending all good wishes and strength to you.

[Chris-a]

Thank you for your wise words! I woke today feeling that the darkness had lifted. For five years I have been making the best of my situation, grateful for everyday just being alive and trying to make the best of things when all of a sudden a few weeks ago I could not do that any more and felt like packing it all in. Hoping I will be OK now!
Thanks for your support.Chris

[Addie]

Chris A.  I too have felt like packing it up and throwing in the towel. The more I thought about things..the worse I became..physically and mentally.

I was my worst enemy.  I did ask for meds to help me cope.

There are several on the market and it is trial and error.  We found one that alleviated my fears and slowly, I was able to cope better.  A healthy mind will help with physical ills.

I know all too well.

My Best to You.

[Chris-a]

Macy- I was offered medication the other week by my doctor, but I felt she was not really interested in my problems and that was the easy option. Anyway, I refused at the time because I am on so much medication already and also feel that my day is ruled by pills! Still I shall go back for some if it gets that bad again.
Thanks for your comments and hope you are OK.

[Emmaj]

Hi Chris,

I wonder if you have read Dean Ornish's books. They might give you a boost too. They probably can be found in most good bookstores or in a good library.

They really help, because they allow you to realize that you aren't really a pawn of doctors or statistics (like it sometimes seems), but that you can be "your own best doctor."

I take Prozac for anxiety. I think it really helps me with the cardiac situation. Also, I find it helpful to be busy (even in a sedentary way, such as dinner with friends), as I can find "rest" in being distracted.

Wishing you the very best!

[Chris-a]

emmaj, thank you for for the info. What medication are you on? I am taking aspirin, betablockers, nitrates, calcium- channel blockers, atorvastatin, nitro spray and diuretics for my heart(I think thats it ,10 a day)and recently 3 more for osteoporosis ,so am reluctant to add more unless I get really ,really desperate.I am sometimes tempted to give them all up, which could be fatal  --anyway, my husband was told 5 years ago that I could last for perhaps 3 months or 3 years,  so they must be doing some good. Recently, when I have been depressed, I have found it very difficult to stick to very low fat, low salt, diet and have been eating things I should not have. I shall look out for the book you mention ,many thanks