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I’m having a Catharization and possibly a stent? Will I be okay?

Posted by tropicgal711 @tropicgal711, May 25 6:05am

I am a 68 year old female with diabetes and high triglycerides (genetic) I work out 3-4 times a week and have always exercised! I could stand to lose 20 lbs. my last A1C was 6.8. I love my endocrinologist and she wanted me to go for a stress test to see if I had any blockage. They did an echocardiogram which was fine. But my stress test was Abnormal showing a small area that might be blocked. So next week, I go for a Catharization and possibly a stent. I’m a little concerned, thoughts?

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kittycope2 | @kittycope2 | Jun 8 10:04am
In reply to @minnesota10 "I had 2 stents a year ago. I am back to work and doing my normal..." + (show)
@minnesota10

I had 2 stents a year ago. I am back to work and doing my normal things. The only thing that is different is I now have a number of meds to take and watch my salt. I am in my 70.

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Facing this myself but am ambivalent about the cost of the long term ant-platelet meds afterward. In my research they are very high dollar.

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alfredann | @alfredann | Jun 8 2:24pm
In reply to @jc76 "@tropicgal711 The catherizations are very common these days and highly successful. You will be in good..." + (show)
@jc76

@tropicgal711
The catherizations are very common these days and highly successful. You will be in good hands and other than dealing with limiting activities after it you should be fine. I have had 3.

I was not given any stents but put on statin to prevent plaque from getting any worse. The surgeon can see how much your blood flow is restricted to see if a stent is needed.

Those stents are life saving. I have many many friends who have had them and make great changes in ther physical abilities and pain and discomfort. They too have become common place and a common procedure if cardiologist deems best and if needed.

The catherization will be one of the most precise test you can have to accurately diagnose the degree of cardiovascular disease you have or don't have the the appropriate treatment for it.

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I had my first cauterization in 2008, was not put to sleep and watched procedure on the monitor. Since then I have had 8 stents implanted and several that developed blockages that had to be cleared and these required having a cauterization each time. I have probably had 12 to 15 of these procedures and have made it to age 84 next month. Has been a lifesaver for me. I also am diabetic and dealing with low blood pressure.

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gloaming | @gloaming | Jun 8 2:34pm
In reply to @kittycope2 "Facing this myself but am ambivalent about the cost of the long term ant-platelet meds afterward...." + (show)
@kittycope2

Facing this myself but am ambivalent about the cost of the long term ant-platelet meds afterward. In my research they are very high dollar.

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Sometimes the company making the drugs will give people in hardship a break with the price. If you don't qualify, there is a pharmacy in Canada that ships to American patients at a much better price.

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jc76 | @jc76 | Jun 8 5:32pm

Catherization is the gold standard for seeing what your blockage is. Can't be anymore specific than that procedure provides a cardiologist what they need to see to recommend treatments.

I have had the catherization done 4 times and other than the long weight after procedure is pain free. Having a stent put in during a catherization is routine. I would not fear it.

I have had many friends have a catherization and receive a stent. Their symptoms improved immediately. It is a life saver for many and for others a return to exercise and quality of life. With any procedure it may not work for you or need to be done again. I am not a cardiologist but there are many new types of stents that reduce past build up on them and many new drugs to keep plaque down.

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mikekennedy759 | @mikekennedy759 | Jun 9 7:18am

@tropicgal711 Like many of the respondents, I have had this procedure done as well. It can be scary because it is the unknown. Have faith that you will be fine. With the stent, medication, and exercise I am physically better than I was 20 years ago.

Sounds like you are doing the right things to take care yourself. These things happen in life. I found the mental questioning of my health more worrisome than the physical care of my body. Expressing yourself in this area is important for overall wellness.

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