The Smoking Heart !!

[Stewbum]

To fill in the crew.

I have a problem with my heart called CAS or "Coronary Artery Spasms". This is a very rare condition. This started in 2020, 4 stents later and the crazy roller coaster ride of medication adjustments was finally under control for about the last a year and a half. 

Jill followed me through the whole process and was instrumental on helping me find the right diagnosis.

 

I am letting the group know this because for the last month and a half the Angina is back in force which sets off the Spasms. The Spasms are like Charlie Horses in your arteries and shuts off flow of blood to the heart. The only way to stop the attacks is to immediately take quick acting Nitro. It still takes about 4-5 minutes of grueling screaming pain before they subside.

 

So, I am going to set up another stress test this morning which is the first test before being admitted to the CATH lab. The last time they added a stent there was another area that was close to the percentage of flow restriction the insurance requires for them to pay for the procedure. And they were in the same artery where they could have simply added that stent!!

 

I do believe that area is now suspect of causing severe flow restriction? The only final test is a Coronary Angiography where they go in with a little tube through your groin and route it to your heart then squirt dye into the different arteries to map the tight areas and decide on stenting. 

 

This procedure is fairly dangerous; I may choose to travel to a different hospital this time?

 

And with the above information how is it possible just because I felt it was under control I could start smoking again?

This addiction is so incredibly powerful even when life itself is on the line!!!

 

I don't know how the schedule will be, almost called the ambulance last night, they are getting way more powerful. 

 

If I am out of contact for a bit it has to do with this.

I will not smoke....

 

KTQ

Stewbum.

[Stewbum]

Probably should have posted this in discussions not introductions. Sorry

 

[QuittingGirl]

I hope all will be ok Stew!!  It's very good that you don't smoke now!  Keep us posted.

[Stewbum]

Stress test is scheduled for Thursday at 3:15 pm.  Will know more after that?

Hopefully the next few nights won't be as bad, or I will just have to check in.

[Christian99]

It's true that there are risks associated with an angiogram; however, bad outcomes are quite rare (I think it's around 1%), so take some solace in that.  

 

Keep the quit, friend--

 

Christian99

24 1/2 Years Quit

(17 1/2 Years Since Widowmaker MI and Cardiac Arrest)