Older people who had stent surgery

@vic83 , concerning having stents at 82. I had one at 79, my artery was 80% blocked, I had a chest pain while the Dr was putting in the stent, felt like a heart attack. Then my wrist where the incision was, kept bleeding. I stayed in the hospital for 6 hrs. and it kept bleeding.
that was in 2022, its now Nov 2025, and I still have chest pains, was given some meds that just make me so dizzy I can't walk without holding onto things. I stopped taking that one.
I suffer also from degenerative disk disease and stay in pain, often debilitating. I have read that at 82 it's dangerous to have a 2nd stent put in, I can't do a stress test due to my body racked with pain. What is there left, give up?

Hi @bethbh, I am glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect. Being racked with pain, and for as long as you have is difficult. You have found a great place to connect with others doing what they can to live their best lives.

You mention still having chest pains after a difficult time getting a stent three years ago. You have pain throughout your body, including your chest at the time you were getting your stent. Meds you’ve tried for a time made things worse. If I understand, a stent did not fix your pain and you have other problems causing pain, or making it worse.

I know from experience that just because my chest hurts does not mean my heart is causing the problem. I also know my mom just had a super helpful colonoscopy at age 87, an age past what we have read is appropriate. Learning more about our individual situations has helped each of us understand options and make decisions that we are comfortable with.

Are you working with a doctor to help you know your options, or maybe scared you do not have options? What is the number one thing that will help you right now?

@bethbh
You are in a difficult place that is very stressful, not seeing any options and fearful of dying.

Have you told your cardiologist how you are feeling? Do you have someone else walking through this with you, a primary care doctor or friend/family?

Yes, unfortunately, for a lot of us it’s not fun to get old.
I’m 79 and had a heart attack December 2024 I was in the hospital for Christmas.. When I was discharged, I had to wear one of those life vest if that’s what they call it because my heart rate was so low I ended up wearing it for five months, Have been taking Eliquis ever since and I thought at one point my cardiologist told me I could probably get off at the end of December now she tells me I need to continue it, which is not cheap, Also on cholesterol and a low-dose blood pressure pill with another medication, which is a strong aspirin, which I think I’ll be able to get off of January and also on Lasix, which a lot of people who are on it will know what that’s like. 👎
My husband had a stroke four years ago and just recently he was in the hospital and needed a pacemaker, which is not a joy having that because for at least 4 to 6 weeks he has to be very careful with his left arm, can’t raise it above his head or lift more than 10 pounds and it seems like he’s weaker now than before he had it put in. When I came home from the hospital, they wanted to put in some other device that wasn’t actually a pacemaker but on same idea and I decided against it. I think everything is planned out for us and I didn’t need something put inside my body that I would worry that it would malfunction, so I think when God wants us that’s it I think our lives are mapped out for us as soon as we were born, but that’s my belief so now my husband‘s home and I’m taking care of him the best I can. I run with low blood pressure, which makes me get lightheaded, my balance is off. I found out I have arthritis in my knees, but I also believe it’s a side effect from taking Eliquis. I have arthritis in my shoulders. I can’t raise my arms very high to lift anything. I have a torn rotary cuff, which should’ve been operated on three years ago, but I’ve put that off because I have too much responsibility at home, also had carpal tunnel operations on both hands. My right hand was the worst and now my fingertips are numb. I can’t hold onto anything. Can’t pick up anything because of the numbness, I should’ve had the second operation but again I put that off.
So here I am, don’t even have the energy to go out Anywhere, it’s a painful job just to go grocery shopping.
At least I can look back on the past and know that when we were both able, we went on some very nice vacations so I have nice memories of that.
Not looking forward to the winter ahead, my husband is a lot older than I am and no longer drives so I’m the one who brings us to doctor appointments..
Alot of of us are in the same boat, some are worse than others so I guess we just have to take it day by day. and know we’re not alone.😢 prayers to all🙏🏻🙏🏻
But I should add that there are a lot of younger people and kids who are suffering with all kinds of diseases and will never, or never had the opportunity to live their life to the fullness.

@ruth36 , you are right about God has a time for us. I stay in so much pain that I can't enjoy life. Oh. But I fear death. I see my husband ( if he can be called a husband). He is 2 yrs younger, might as well be 20 years younger. He has no health problems. And can't emphasize with me. I don't drive, he has a large truck, and a sports car . I can't drive either one. So, I order my groceries online. Shop online for things I need.
My body feels like all my bones have cancer. As I have debilitating pain all over. And, CAD is the number 1 cause of death. May God bless you and keep you able without pain

@jlharsh, as far as having anyone to support me, no.
My husband, goes to our other home in another state for months. He isn't any help. I saw my cardiologist this past week, he ordered an ekg. Echocardiogram, and a nuclear stress test. I had the ekg, and Echocardiogram. I refused the nuclear stress test. Due to my chronic debilitating pain. I have degenerative disk disease, and arthritis. So, I am not able to go thru a 4 hr nuclear stress test. At 82, what really would help ? Afraid to have another stent at my age. I have chest pains daily that worry me. Yes, I am afraid to die.