Hubby failed his stress test

I am asking for prayers and support for my husband.  He has been exhausted when he comes home from work and when he exerts himself he becomes winded.  He failed his stress test.  Heart dr said he needs stents.  So on 7-24-13 he goes to cardio cath lab to get a catherization.  No driving for 3 or 4 days and off work if stents are done from 2 to 4 weeks.  He is scared and I am worried.

I know ppl who had heart attacks when stents were placed. 

I will update when I can.

Hi Betsey,

I know this is upsetting for both you and your DH. I will keep both of you in my prayers.

My DH has had the stents done, and we have been very lucky, so far. I pray our luck continues!

My DH is a T1 Diabetic and they are prone to 'Silent' Heart Attacks. That's what happened. His BP and BGL both dropped to the low '30's. I called ambulance, fearing he was having a HA. They rushed him to the hospital. The hospital couldn't 'find' signs of a HA. After a few days, he was sent home. We contacted my DMs cardio. He ordered a stress test and from the results, sent my DH to a hospital that specializes in heart & lung.

The Interventional Cardiologist at that hospital was wonderful! He explained what he would be doing and why, etc. My DH was given med to 'relax' him, but he watched the screen as the 'cath' procedure took place. They first do a cath to see what needs to be done. Then set up next appt. to do the actual procedure.

My DH has a total of 2 stents put in. If more than 1 artery is to be done, it will be separate procedures. At least, that is how our dr did it. He felt it was safer that way.

The 'No driving' & few wks off' are very normal. He should be able to get FMLA from his work. He should get in touch w/ his HR person asap to get things prepared. It should take a lot of stress off you, as your DH will need some TLC after the procedure.

My DH had the procedures done btw 12/09 and 3/10, and he's doing well now.

Try to calm yourself. I know it's hard, been there, done that. Hopefully, in the next few months, he will start to see a big improvement and you can 'relax' a bit.

God bless.  Alice.

I know several ppl that have had stents & are doing so much better than before.

Prayers for your husband & family

Betsy I know your worried but I have actually 2 stents. Your husband won't believe the difference afterwards. I denied how bad it was until I got to the point of getting short of breath walking from bedroom to bathroom. The Catholic labs do and average of 10 of these a day and they're really good at what they do.

I had soreness in my groin where the catheter passed thru but that was it. Didn't even need extra meds.

There is as I'm sure they explained he could have full blockage or a graft may be necessary and he would be taken straight to OR. Please rest assured this happens way less than you think. They generally know its that bad before they schedule the Catholic and just go straight to surgery.

I was a smoker for almost 30 years and I had mine 6 years ago and have had no problems since with the exception of some arrhythmia associated with my long-term methadone use.

Needless to say we will all be sending prayers and positive thoughts your and your husbands way. If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask. The waiting room can get scary and boring so I suggest you go to the cafeteria, they'll buzz your cell when they're done. If you have a laptop or phone capacity come in here and we will gladly wait with you.

Best of luck

Hi Betsey,

I'm sorry to hear this. I think the stents should help him feel better. I understand how you're both feeling since I've been going through this for the past two years...

My father was suppose to do stress test but was unable to complete it both times because of his condition. He could not last more than three minutes on the stress test treadmill.

It's true some people have heart attacked while doing stents but it all depends on their condition. Did they explain the condition of your husband's blockages?
My dad had a heart attack while they were doing his first Angiogram but he had blockages that was 100%. Nevertheless, he made through.

I know many other people (family and friends) who had stents done and they're doing well. They said the process was easy and they feel much better. Things they were unable to do previously, they can now do it.

It may sound scary, but your husband will feel much better once he gets it done.

I'll keep you and your husband in my prayers. Hope all goes well for your husband. Remember to stay positive. Everything will be okay... And remember, we are here for you.

UA

A big thank you and hugs to everyone for your support. I will take my laptop with me and take it to cafeteria and see if I can log on.

His procedure is on 7-24-13

The heart meds arent doing any good. Which is what was expected. But now the catherization and stents will be covered by his insurance.

I picked up at the pharmacy nitro tabs, prednisone and benadryl the last 2 meds he takes the night before and the day of the procedure.

4 more days to go thru. Im hoping that rain comes on saturday so the races will cancel. He needs to keep cool and rest in my opinion.
Betsey

I will sure keep the both of you in my prayers.

My hubby has AFib and so I know how helpless it feels to see him so sick and not be able to do anything about it.

Take care of him and yourself as well.

Your hubby is so lucky to have you by his side.

I just know everything will be fine and he will be healthy and feeling like his old self soon.

Please keep us updated on how you are both doing.

Take care.

Sending you prayers and positive thoughts Betsey.

UA

One more day to go.  I cant take much more of his screaming at me at 1:00 am woke me up and still in a bad mood.  I cant drive well enough this week not to be critisized.  He is a bear  and Im sick of being the brundt of his temper.    Enough is enough.  He is sweet as can be to other ppl but not to me. 

I know he is scared to get stents.

Betsey

Betsey,

I feel very bad for you, what a tough situation, and you sure don't need all that verbal abuse on top of it all. Sincerely hope things get better for you, and quickly too.

David

Hospital called me. We need to be there wed at 7:00 am. He shouldnt take his diabetic pill wed am. He is so scared.

I will call SE tomorrow see if he answers.

Thanks for your support and prayers.
Betsey

Hi Betsey How did your hubby's procedure go? Please let us know when you can.

love and hugs
Loretta