left and right heart cath.

[pusher]

Hi all,

I have been a heart disease patient for 5 years now and have CHF, Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, only 40% of my heart is functioning and have had CABGx5 and have an ICD.  A couple of days ago I had a left and right heart cath. that didn't produce very good results.  Two of the original bypasses are 100% blocked and could not be stented because of location, length of blockage and down stream diameter compared to up stream diameter before the blockage.  It was also determined by the doctor that additional CABG would be too dangerous because of the condition of my heart.

I was told all of this just coming out of the twilight zone I was in during the procedure so I don't remember everything that was talked about.

I guess my question is if I can't have stents and I can't tolerate bypass, what are the options left.  I am already taking ten meds a day, have significant shortness of breath and chest tightness on minimal exertion, am dizzy all the time and generally feel like ****.

I am 54, own my own business and work full time out of desire and a refusal to sit around.  

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Pusher

[pusher]

I am currently seeing the head of cardiology at a medical college/large teaching hospital.  I have not talked to my cardiologist yet other than to get his initial reaction which wasn't real positive.  I have been through the preliminary tests for  transplant and it didn't appear to be a good option because of my blood type and other blood factors.

I will have to check into the transmyocardial revascularization as I am not familiar with that.  The doctor that did the caths mentioned why the laser angioplasty was not am option but I don't remember what his reasons were.

I see my cardio doc in a few days so maybe he can shed some light on things.

Thanks for the input though.

Pusher

[Jack54]

I am very sorry to hear of your situation/condition. I totally agree with fwilson's suggestions. I might add that a left ventricular assist device, LVAD, is placed in patients waiting for a transplant. I do not know about general use as in your situation.

Stem cell treatment (nothing to do with a fetus) would be a wonderful treatment if you could get into a trial or find someone that will do it. I don't think that it has been approved by the FDA, but other countries may offer this treatment.

As FWilson says, hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic take the most risky patients.

More later but I have to run for now. Hang tough! G-d bless...

Jack

[fwilson]

As I see it you have 4 options.

1.  Get another opinion.  Perhaps a larger center that works with high risk patients would have better options.

2.  Laser Angioplasty

3.  Transmyocardial revascularization

4.  Look for a better medical regime.