Updated! (Test results) Well he did it! My husband had another heart attack on March 26th!

[Will2014]

Barb I'm so sorry for the bad news, but glad he's ok now. My one piece of off the cuff advice, having no info really to go on, is to avoid stents when they offer to place them. Try to get a CABBAGE or coronary artery bypass. I am growing to believe that stents are the lapband surgery equivalent in the treatment of CAD. They almost always fail after 2-4 yrs, but doctors LOOOOVE to use them because they know....you'll be back! They get to have 2,3,5 surgeries where as bypass surgery is a permanent fix. Again, consult a good cardiologist but be prepared to ask VERY tough questions. They really push stents on the common man...but most doctors choose bypass surgery when it's THEIR lives on the line. Do your due diligence, and my prayers are with you and your husband.

 

[duh_Mom]

Hi Barb, I hope the man is doing well and would be glad to hear an update - I'm an old heart cath lab nurse so of course your post triggered lots of concerns for you both. Did they tell you what his ejection fraction is? that will help determine how good he feels. Does sound like 2 of his 6 bypasses are closed - but the other 4 are good correct? The main 90% REALLY got my attention, but I bet the bypasses are taking care of that. Give us an update and if needed, perhaps I can help answer questions.

Will2014 - CABG - coronory artery bypass graft is not a permanent fix by any means - the grafts will clog up too. Stents will keep you out of the OR and or stop a heart attach from happening. I have seen it over and over. There is nothing more rewarding that getting a person having an active MI and being able go in with a stent and prop open that artery and stop any muscle damage.

 

[Will2014]

Hi Barb, I hope the man is doing well and would be glad to hear an update - I'm an old heart cath lab nurse so of course your post triggered lots of concerns for you both. Did they tell you what his ejection fraction is? that will help determine how good he feels. Does sound like 2 of his 6 bypasses are closed - but the other 4 are good correct? The main 90% REALLY got my attention, but I bet the bypasses are taking care of that. Give us an update and if needed, perhaps I can help answer questions.

Will2014 - CABG - coronory artery bypass graft is not a permanent fix by any means - the grafts will clog up too. Stents will keep you out of the OR and or stop a heart attach from happening. I have seen it over and over. There is nothing more rewarding that getting a person having an active MI and being able go in with a stent and prop open that artery and stop any muscle damage.

I couldn't disagree more with both of your assessments. Stents almost always fail and should be viewed as palliative, emergent responses only to the immediate crisis at hand. Whether it will be 2 yrs, 4 yrs, or 5 yrs, they WILL LIKELY FAIL. But they've done autopsies on people who have had cabbages in the 1950's and 1960's that were clean as a whistle when they were checked. Of course grafts can fail, especially if dietary changes aren't made and meds not taken as directed. But their failure rate is faaar less than stents miserable failure rates. The grafted arteries are larger and less prone to clogging than the coronary arteries they replace. Stents are easy peasy money and cash cows for surgeons, and also provide almost instantaneous relief of symptoms. It's understandable that they are popular. But I have researched this and stand by my assertions. Again, I reiterate that this decision should be made by the parties involved and their physicians. But I was pointing out the fact that MOST Dr.'s choose bypass over stents for a reason. They want to live long, healthy lives. I also did point out that I was offering my advice with no knowledge of Pt.'s medical hx. or current presentation, just based on the research I did many years ago. Yes, stents will open that coronary artery immediately. But to leave them in place knowing full well their failure rate, in my view is medical malpractice and shows a callous disregard for the patients well being. If no other option exists for the patient, then I understand. But if a cabbage could more permanently resolve their condition, it just makes sense to pursue one. Insurances don't want to pay for the better option because it costs more. It's why after 23 yrs of nursing I've grown to hate them so much. Devils in suits who care nothing for the people they're directing care for.

 

[brooklyngirl]

Yeah, @Barb1 , how are your husband and sister doing?

 

[Spiky Bugger]

I couldn't disagree more with both of your assessments. Stents almost always fail and should be viewed as palliative, emergent responses only to the immediate crisis at hand. Whether it will be 2 yrs, 4 yrs, or 5 yrs, they WILL LIKELY FAIL. But they've done autopsies on people who have had cabbages in the 1950's and 1960's that were clean as a whistle when they were checked. Of course grafts can fail, especially if dietary changes aren't made and meds not taken as directed. But their failure rate is faaar less than stents miserable failure rates. The grafted arteries are larger and less prone to clogging than the coronary arteries they replace. Stents are easy peasy money and cash cows for surgeons, and also provide almost instantaneous relief of symptoms. It's understandable that they are popular. But I have researched this and stand by my assertions. Again, I reiterate that this decision should be made by the parties involved and their physicians. But I was pointing out the fact that MOST Dr.'s choose bypass over stents for a reason. They want to live long, healthy lives. I also did point out that I was offering my advice with no knowledge of Pt.'s medical hx. or current presentation, just based on the research I did many years ago. Yes, stents will open that coronary artery immediately. But to leave them in place knowing full well their failure rate, in my view is medical malpractice and shows a callous disregard for the patients well being. If no other option exists for the patient, then I understand. But if a cabbage could more permanently resolve their condition, it just makes sense to pursue one. Insurances don't want to pay for the better option because it costs more. It's why after 23 yrs of nursing I've grown to hate them so much. Devils in suits who care nothing for the people they're directing care for.

I'll be sure to share your "research" with my husband, whose stent was placed 15 years ago last month and whose cardiologist, upon seeing my husband's angio results last month announced that his current blockage is only 30-40%, 15 years post MI. And, a month earlier, she said that I, with 50-60% blockage, need no surgical intervention at this time.

Oh, yea, your "research," where is it published?

 

[bearmom]

First he is doing very well considering they couldn't stent or do anything for the clotted artery's/graphs that where done in 2003 (6 bypass). Two are blocked at 100% and the main at 90%. He was put on clopidogel 75mg and isosobide CR 30mg and he was released home on the evening of the 27th. Unbelievable to me how quick they get you the hell out of the hospital. They say he could live fine with the remaining artery's that are open but will need to take blood thinners the rest of his life. He is very tired and absolutely no energy. I am sure this is to be expected.

He did not want to wait for 911 and knew immediately what was happening. My son and I got him to the hospital in about 10 minutes at 1am. We took him to the nearest hospital which is a good one but not one where his PCP participates at so now I have call him and his previous surgeon to see if the are in agreement and what's next. I also have to find a good cardiologist.

If any of you very smart people have any suggestions or thoughts they would be truly appreciated.

Haven't been around to post or welcome newcomer's.

@Spiky Bugger I have read your posts and am so sorry for what you are going through. I hope all is better for you soon.

@more2adore I hope all is going good. just haven't had time to read everything or keep up.

I will be posting a new thread again because we take care of my 78 year old sister who is having some weird neurological problems. Just took her for a first appointment yesterday to a new neurologist. We had to wait 7 weeks for that appointment or I would have re-scheduled it. I have questions about her I need to ask also. I will leave that for another day.

I am just mentally and physically exhausted.

Barb

Oh no! I don't have any good advice about heart issues, but am sending healing thoughts and good vibes. You have a lot on your plate with both your husband and sister. Don't forget to take care of yourself.

 

[jillc]

@Barb1 ((hugs to you))

 

[aaa]

Hope he's doing better.

 

[hilary1617]

I'm so sorry to read this, just catching up. Hope he is recuperating and doing well now!

 

[Barb1]

Thanks to everyone fro their concerns and I am sorry I haven't answered. Again just feel exhausted! Mr.Barb is still exhausted and gets tired easily. We went to his PCP Friday and from what he says he will be needing open heart surgery. He disagreed with the cardiologist that read the results and said he could live with what he had left. His appointment with the cardiologist is on the 15th.

I will try to scan and post a copy of his procedure drawing of arteries and aorta. To me it looks horrible.

Being the fricken fool of a man though he still talks about sex! I mean seriously he can't walk steps but thinks I am going to have sex! Men can be stupid *****! Like that's the last memory of him I want to have. WTH is wrong with you guys?

I also took my sister for her MRI (brain stem) on Friday afternoon and so far we don't have her result. I am on a merry go round with her that won't stop. For some reason memory, confidence, and muscle weakness has went down hill on a fast track since about the end of November.
Barb

 

[brooklyngirl]

So sorry to hear his, @Barb1 . Keep us updated as you can, we're thinking about you!

 

[newanatomy]

Wishing you strength and patience (for the whole penis issue)! XO!

 

[Whit]

Sorry this is happening Barb. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Do not forget to take care of yourself too. Your family needs you.
Whit

 

[Will2014]

I'll be sure to share your "research" with my husband, whose stent was placed 15 years ago last month and whose cardiologist, upon seeing my husband's angio results last month announced that his current blockage is only 30-40%, 15 years post MI. And, a month earlier, she said that I, with 50-60% blockage, need no surgical intervention at this time.

Oh, yea, your "research," where is it published?

Arghhhhh ! The problem with posting opinions related to health care treatment options, is that folks who have had one procedure over another tend to get riled when "their" procedure is spoken about poorly. I view things differently, refusing to assign any emotional attachments to a surgical procedure, regardless of my history with it. It is what it is, and not a damn thing more. If a superior procedure to the DS is discovered tomorrow, I will be the 1st to sing it's praises and to recommend against the now inferior DS. While some here might be perfectly comfortable discussing the merits of the Gastric Sleeve or Duodenal Switch surgeries over the lap band, for instance, the same folks could get a wee bit ornery if the discussion hit closer to home with a procedure they've actually had. It's human nature to want to defend choices we've made, even if we are more than willing to criticize decisions others have made. It may not always be logical when it's personal, is I guess as good a way to say it as any. I meant no offense Spiky nor do I claim that in ALL cases a certain result will occur. I am thrilled at the stellar success you've experienced with your procedure, and wish you nothing but continued good health going forward.
Clearly you've made the proper decisions necessary to allow for this success, such as dietary changes, diligence with your anti cholesterol meds , etc. Good for you.

As for my "research" of several years ago, I have no idea. I could list for you 100 supporting articles, many I've just perused now, but I am going to choose to refrain as I see no purpose in doing so. Ask Mr. Google if you choose to, but I'd rather not try to argue the merits of one procedure over another when it's clearly so personal to you and your husband. And I also feel the need to reiterate that I agree 100% with using stents to treat emergent cases of severe coronary artery occlusion. If you show up in an ER with 85% or higher coronary artery blockage-you ARE GETTING A STENT. End of discussion, do not pass go, do not collect $200. The only question I have is should it be temporary or permanent? Is CABBAGE being offered to eligible candidates...or could financial considerations be limiting it's use-even if it's clearly considered the best long term choice? Sadly, this wouldn't be the first time that greed trumped best practices.

 

[Spiky Bugger]

Will,

My comments were on your blanket comdemnation of a procedure that, so clearly, works quite well for many people, for well beyond the 2 or 4 or 5 years you mention. (And Mr.Google supports that.).

And, your blanket condemnation of "devils in suits" doesn't sound any better-informed.

Your post was your statement of "facts" about a procedure you obviously don't like...but which might do for Barb's husband (add 15 years and counting) to his life.

Barb has to trust that her husband's cardiologist will, after examining him and reviewing his history, make the best decision s/he can make to improve his health and prolong his life. And I think that even though she did ask for advice, she needs to factor in that some advice, though well-intentioned, might be WAY off base.

Sue