Heart Catheterization

Go in next Thursday for one. Been having increasing issues since April, all the testing, Calcium CT Screen score of 386(Over 400 is real bad), then bombing a Stress Test this morning, points to some blockages.

Going in through the wrist. Says I should be able to go home later the same day, depending on what is found and if it can be "fixed" at that time or not.

Good luck on that Pup. Let us know how you make out. Don't worry about the procedure as they are very common.

Good luck Pup. I hope everything goes well.

Best wishes, good luck.

Yes, best wishes! It's one of those life changing crossroads but do-able. I noticed several Deadliest Catch captains are living it out on screen.

Good luck Pup

Good luck man! I'll say some prayers.

2 70 plus percent blockages they couldnt get to with stents. Gonna try to treat with medication first, if it doesnt work, it will be bypass surgery time. They went thru my wrist and groin both trying to get things done.

Hopefully the medication will work. Were you awake?

Yes. Getting both sides of your junk shaved down in an OR full of people while picking out what music you want to hear during the procedure is quite unique.

Were you waiting for them to ask about a happy ending?

I was waiting on them to fix the shit.

pup wrote:

Yes. Getting both sides of your junk shaved down in an OR full of people while picking out what music you want to hear during the procedure is quite unique.

I agree, having gone thru surgery several times where you are shaved and exposed to all the people in the OR. At the time I was worried about the procedure and thought about it afterwards.

Went in for the follow up this morning. The good news was the blockages are on the "good" side of the heart, and aren't likely to cause a big heart attack. But can. Just not likely too. If they were on the right side, they would have done the bypass last week. As it stands, if I have to go back to the ER, its bypass time. If the symptoms become worse or if I cannot deal with it any longer, its bypass time. The meds now are to reduce the symptoms to make them easier to deal with.

The surgeon he consulted with wanted to do the bypass already, and my Dr. would call and schedule it if I wanted to now. 70% blockage is the cutoff for surgery or not, and mine is actually closer to 80%. He wanted to consult with me with a clear head and not sedated to see how I wanted to proceed. He left it up to me on what I wanted to try. One blockage is kinda around the back side of the heart, one is in the front. So the bypass would be the old style open the chest up fully, 5 or 6 day hospital stay and weeks of recovery at home.

Gonna try the meds for a month and see how I’m managing. One new med is supposed to make it easier to exercise and work. He just upped the dosage on some others. Can’t really make the blockages go away, but maybe can stop them from getting worse.

He did say the bypasses would fix it 100%. And some people can manage fine without getting to the point of surgery. Pretty much on what I can handle or if the symptoms get worse.

I know this is not what you want to hear, but get the surgery over with. Next summer it will be a thing of the past and you can go to Colorado feeling good and not worrying if you will have a heart attack. I am like you, why get it done now if I'm getting around fine. The younger you are, the quicker you will recover. The only reason I would hold it off would be to get my body stronger and in better physical shape to withstand surgery. Surgery is not fun, but it will be past you before you know it. Good luck, prayers sent.

Im thinking thats what this month is really all about. Trying to get me in better shape for the inevitable.

I'll second the get in best shape as possible.

My dad is 80 and had colon cancer surgery recently. He is in decent shape, cuts fire wood, works out doors quite a bit etc. 3 days after surgery he was walking in the woods, sounding good etc. Then a suture, behind the colon, out of sight failed and caused an absess that ruptured. 2-3 weeks later he was finally released after multiple surgeries and very weak. 1 month later he is doing much better. If not for having been in good shape it would have been much harder on him or fatal.

It is major surgery BUT is a common procedure.

I agree, a bypass surgery is the way to go. They say prognosis is good but it's best to keep in touch with the cardiology office. My father in law didn't and it didn't work out for him but he wasn't good about taking medical advice, taking his blood pressure meds, etc.

I wish it worked out better jason, but bypass surgery is the way to go. My friend probably had it 10-15 years ago. He does have Emphysema which limits him now but he's been good otherwise.

Bypass now if its too painful or hold off a few months while you get in better shape so the recovery is easier. My dad had triple bypass right at 20 years ago and is still going strong with it. His circulation surgery for his leg a few months ago is a whole different story though; involves staples, going septic and 2 follow-up surgeries. The sooner the better is certainly the way to go!

I'd only echo what the others have said- go for the bypass. The meds will probably help but in the long term you'll probably be better off with the bypass... you've always struck me as a "doer" and not a sit around type of guy. Having your ticker working at 100% can only help. Getting split open is no picnic ... I've had it done twice (mitral valve failure, aortic aneurysm) and recovery takes a while. Cardiac rehab (mostly on a treadmill) isn't much fun either but after a year or so I'd be willing to wager a Washington or two you'll feel better than you have in a long while. All the best from here, pup

Heart Surgeon's office will be calling me about setting up an appmnt to discuss the surgery and setup the time and place for that.

Plan A didn't work. Plan B is being implemented.

Good luck.

Yes, all the best! Get'r done.

Good luck.

Double Bypass Derby is scheduled for the morning of Sept 6.

Praying for you !

Bambam wrote:

Good luck.

X2,

Made it thru the surgery on thursday. Been up and walking today. Sore as hell, but things went well. Should go home Monday or Tuesday

That is great to hear. Keep getting up and walking it's the best thing for a quick recovery as long as you don't overdo it.