Is this possible after doing everything possible?

[kayt98]

To make a long story short, I'm 63 yr. female with 2 previous MI 1996, 2002, with a full metal jacket in RCA, 3 stents in "96 and 2 more in'02. I'm also diabetic, on Lantus and Glipizide. My other meds include Toprol XL, benazepril, Furosimide, aspirin 325mg, Fenofibrate, and  Simvastatin. I also take a multivit. and Omega3/6 daily. My problem is that although I have lost 30 lbs, brought my chol. down to low normal range, walk everyday, worked hard to get glucose under control, I have now started to see the old angina symptoms coming back! Mostly when I lay down at night or do anything (walking, stairs,etc) right after a meal. Some shortness of breath also. I have started using the Nitrostat again but I am really depressed to think that the old symptoms can come again with all the work I've done to keep them away. I will use the NG until I get up to the "3 limit" before going back to Dr. I had 2 surgeries in 07 and that only makes this more depressing. Why should we do all the right things the MD's tell us will prvent this again if it is all for nothing. I do feel better generally with the improvements but so what if I'm going to have another MI, stents and all the time and money spent? Also can I take NG before going to bed to prevent the attacks at night?

[Mukesh Garg, MD]

Unfortunately even after doing everything right, the blockages can still come back. You should see your doctor as soon as possible and not wait.

[missyc357]

I hope the doc has a reply for you kay.  

I'm writing because I can relate!  I'm 51 and had 2 more stents placed two weeks ago totalling 4 in RCA and 1 new in left circumflex.  I had and am watching everything I ingest to the point of paranoia, compliant with meds, exercise to keep my weight down, etc.  I did okay after first two stent surgeries.  I'm rather depressed that this needed to be done again and have what sounds like pretty severe atherosclerosis now too.  All this is rampid in my family, so sometimes I feel like I'm fighting an uphill and losing battle.  

I guess we just keep on keeping on in order to maintain the most quality life we can, right?  You should be proud of all the lifestyle changes you've made.  You sure can't say you haven't tried and done your part to slow the progression.  

I notice you are taking Omega.  I have just recently gotten very interested in supplements and ordered some Omega with flaxseed, a cholesterol supplement, vitamin B12 with B complex added, Vitamin D-3, as well as a few others.  Do you feel the Omega has and is helping?  

I'm going to google "full metal jacket stent."  I know I've heard of that term before but don't know much about it really.  I have 5 Taxus stents.  

I'm interested to hear a doctor's reply to your question.  I was recently told to take 1-2 nitro before exercise as a preventative, which is something I had not heard of in the past.  Seems it's done and recommended though.  Are you taking your aspirin and cholesterol meds at night?  

Keep up the good work!  As frustrating as it is, we can't just give up.  

[kayt98]

I had stress test in July before last surgery and it said negative for possible ischemia. Can it develop that fast?