What can be done?

[Dar853]

Husband had quadruple bypass surgery in 92 at 42 years of age.  He had an angioplasty in 95, stents in 2005 and has suffered from angina off and on for years.  Quit smoking 20+ years ago and rarely drinks alcohol.  He had bleeding ulcers and his gallbladder removed but still has had a fairly normal quality of life.  He has been on medication since 92 for high cholesterol (the problem runs in the family with 5 out of 9 siblings having heart surgeries).  He's been on cholesterol and blood pressure medicine (11 pills per day).  To look at him you wouldn't know he had a problem.  He mows the lawn, works in the yard, plants a small garden, helps around the house and walks faster than I do.  He hasn't complained about being short of breath in the past.  He only sleeps a couple of hours per night but takes a power nap when he comes home from work.  The latest problem occurred late Friday night early Saturday.  He complained of left side/back pain.  We went to the hospital ER where they initially diagnosed kidney stones.  They took x-rays, CT scan and blood work.  About 3 hours later they said he suffered a slight heart attack.  Since then he's been in the hospital on heperin, oxygen, a nitroglycern patch and they take periodic blood work and vitals every few hours.  The doctor said he has a good heart muscle.  A scan of his Cartoid artery showed an 80+ percent blockage on the right and at least 50 percent blockage on the left.  They did a doppler test on his legs and since his previous surgery there's only a small vein in the upper right thigh that can be used.  They took a test of his left arm and said that one looked promising.  He needs a double bypass but I get the impression that the doctors are not in favor of doing it as they stated he could be treated with medication.  The previous surgery was very painful and recovery took almost a year.  They had to cut the vein lengthwise, scrape it then use it for the bypass.  If the doctors don't do the bypass, I feel they're giving him a death sentence.  He will just give up.  They aren't even addressing his Cartoid artery blockages.  How long can a person live with blocked veins/arteries?  He's young and I'm not ready to let him go!  What can be done?  What are the options?  

[Bev170]

I would ask your husband's doctor WHY he does not want to remove the blockage. Because they don't address the cartoid artery does not mean you can't do it.  Ask WHY they don't address the cartoid artery. Ask what the prognosis will be with surgery.  Ask what your husband's prognosis will be withOUT surgery.  

You may have already posed these questions by now.  I'm not fussing at you, as I am the world's worst at asking questions, because I always think of them after the fact.

I agree with above post. I would ask for another opinion.

My cousin is at Duke Hospital in cardiology right now and doing well.  A similar situation to your husband's.  His doctor in New Bern did not address certain issues like the 80 percent blockage.  The Duke surgeon not only addressed them, he corrected them.

I hope this helps.  Keep in mind that every case is different.  Just because this happened with my cousin does not mean it will transpire with your husband.  I would like to follow-up and know what happens in your situation.  Take care of YOU.  I'm sure you are worried.  But even on the Internet, you have folks thinking of you.

[jim62]

So, they did an angiogram and identified coronary artery blockages?  How about the carotids?  80%+ sounds like it would be time to do something there, too.  My gf had 60% blockage by doppler, and when they did the angiogram, it was more like 80%.

If possible, I think I'd try to get a second opinion.