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Stents/Pain/FEAR
Good Morning All,
On June 28th I had a stent placed in my LDA. Everything went well and I went home the next day feeling fine. That Thursday I had some mild chest pain/discomfort that made me a little uneasy, but it didn't last long. Over the next week I had a few more episodes that began to scare me. I have panic disorder and heart anxiety, so I know those are playing a major role in this, but I've had panic attacks for 40+ years, I know what to expect. I've only had a heart stent for two weeks, so I'm a bit scared. I saw my cardio for a check up and told him about the pains. He said I still had a blocked right artery, which will be stented this Friday, the 16th and that it was no doubt some angina. He didn't seem concerned at all. Three days ago I was home alone and had some chest pain. My panic kicked in and I was totally freaking out. I got out the bottle of Nitro, which I have NEVER taken before, and thought I'd try that and see if it helped. Nobody had ever told me what to expect when you take Nitro, so I stood there with that tiny pill in my hand, terrified to take it. Long story short, I finally did. Very quickly I felt a sort of head rush and got a slight headache, which also increased my anxiety. The pain had never been constant even before I took the Nitro, and I thought it was gone, but then I had another slight pain about 15-20 minutes later, so I took a second Nitro. That seemed to stop it, but about an hour or so later, I had another slight pain.
As you can all readily see, I am really paranoid and scared half to death. I've convinced myself I won't live until I have the second stent done Friday. I was awake most of the night thinking the "big one" would happen any second. I don't know if I'm having agina pain or a panic attack. I am being SO hyper-vigilant about having any jaw pain that I think I'm talking myself into it.
I could really use some advice and I hope reassurance................
Thank you all
Linda
On June 28th I had a stent placed in my LDA. Everything went well and I went home the next day feeling fine. That Thursday I had some mild chest pain/discomfort that made me a little uneasy, but it didn't last long. Over the next week I had a few more episodes that began to scare me. I have panic disorder and heart anxiety, so I know those are playing a major role in this, but I've had panic attacks for 40+ years, I know what to expect. I've only had a heart stent for two weeks, so I'm a bit scared. I saw my cardio for a check up and told him about the pains. He said I still had a blocked right artery, which will be stented this Friday, the 16th and that it was no doubt some angina. He didn't seem concerned at all. Three days ago I was home alone and had some chest pain. My panic kicked in and I was totally freaking out. I got out the bottle of Nitro, which I have NEVER taken before, and thought I'd try that and see if it helped. Nobody had ever told me what to expect when you take Nitro, so I stood there with that tiny pill in my hand, terrified to take it. Long story short, I finally did. Very quickly I felt a sort of head rush and got a slight headache, which also increased my anxiety. The pain had never been constant even before I took the Nitro, and I thought it was gone, but then I had another slight pain about 15-20 minutes later, so I took a second Nitro. That seemed to stop it, but about an hour or so later, I had another slight pain.
As you can all readily see, I am really paranoid and scared half to death. I've convinced myself I won't live until I have the second stent done Friday. I was awake most of the night thinking the "big one" would happen any second. I don't know if I'm having agina pain or a panic attack. I am being SO hyper-vigilant about having any jaw pain that I think I'm talking myself into it.
I could really use some advice and I hope reassurance................
Thank you all
Linda
Best Answer
I had some chest discomfort before I had my first stent in my heart (RCA) (I had 1 stent in an artery that supplied blood to my leg before this) and the pain I had after the stent was placed in my heart was more severe. I even had that same pain with 2 of my heart attacks. Now this is just my opinion, so don't take it to the bank, but now they tell me the chest pain I am having is coronary artery spasms. I think the stent brought on the spasms, but I could be wrong too. It just seems funny that the angina (variant I think) started after the first stent. Something to consider. And, the spasms are treated with the nitro. I have been put on a new med along with all the others I take and that has helped with these alot. It took some time to get to this point though. I had to continue going to the doctor and ER until they finally realized what my problem was. That first heart stent was 6 years ago and I am still here and healthy. There are many of us that suffer with angina and live busy lives with it. I am raising 3 grandchildren with it and have learned what triggers it. I stay away from those. Take a deep breath and calm down. Keep me posted as to how your second stent goes. Ally
Hey Linda, appologies, didnt think you would mind sorry. I just happened to go to your profile a few days ago to send you a quick note, then just noticed on the left side of your profile that you had the surgery of the heart stent, thats how I stumbled upon it, appologies again, but I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you. best of luck Sharon X
I really don't know how to thank all of you for offering me so much reassurance. Every single bit of it helped calm me down, but I have to admit that my panic ebbs and flows depending on what I'm feeling in my chest. I just want Friday to get here and have the right artery done. Don't think I'm going to be able to relax until then. Sorry to be such a big baby about this.........you guys are experienced, I'm a newbie and there is so much I don't know.
And Missy Sharon! You sneaky little Irish lass..........how in the world did you find me on the Heart Disease Forum? It's not listed on my forum, is it? That would make me not real pleased. I will write soon...........promise! Just been a bit preoccupied.
Chatter........thank you so much for your words. They were a real comfort and you were so right, I really DID need to calm down! Thanks for the kick in the rear, I needed it!
ed........see, what YOU told me I didn't know at all. The doctors were going to do both stents at the same time, but then changed their minds. I still don't know why. After what you told me, I'm so grateful they did the left one first. I still can't get over this stupid fear that I'm going to have the big one before Friday...........one of those "so close yet so far" parting shots.
I hope none of you mind if I keep popping in before Friday with no doubt some really moronic questions. I KNOW I'm not, but one can't feel rather all alone out here.
Peace
Linda
And Missy Sharon! You sneaky little Irish lass..........how in the world did you find me on the Heart Disease Forum? It's not listed on my forum, is it? That would make me not real pleased. I will write soon...........promise! Just been a bit preoccupied.
Chatter........thank you so much for your words. They were a real comfort and you were so right, I really DID need to calm down! Thanks for the kick in the rear, I needed it!
ed........see, what YOU told me I didn't know at all. The doctors were going to do both stents at the same time, but then changed their minds. I still don't know why. After what you told me, I'm so grateful they did the left one first. I still can't get over this stupid fear that I'm going to have the big one before Friday...........one of those "so close yet so far" parting shots.
I hope none of you mind if I keep popping in before Friday with no doubt some really moronic questions. I KNOW I'm not, but one can't feel rather all alone out here.
Peace
Linda
Hi. Believe me, you have had the important vessel done, it's why they term it "the widow maker". The left side of the heart does most of the work and so you will be fine.
Lina, sorry I dont have major experience in the heart stent and angina section, but if there is one thing I do know about you and that is that you are a fighter and always seem to be very strong and in control of your life, that is not going to change now or ever!
I believe you are obviously suffering the extra anxiety and panic because this is a big stage of your life, who wouldn't? it is only natural and normal that you experience this, but I do think and believe that you are going to be just fine, and underneath it all I know you feel this too.
Let me know how you get on please as I will be certainly thinking of you and will say a prayer for you too, not that you will even need it.
lots of love always,
Sharon X
I believe you are obviously suffering the extra anxiety and panic because this is a big stage of your life, who wouldn't? it is only natural and normal that you experience this, but I do think and believe that you are going to be just fine, and underneath it all I know you feel this too.
Let me know how you get on please as I will be certainly thinking of you and will say a prayer for you too, not that you will even need it.
lots of love always,
Sharon X
Forgot to add that I have a few small blockages and one artery that is slightly more than 50% blocked that will require bypass surgery if it causes any problems or gets worse. If I can avoid that surgery I will. Ally
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