Late Thursday afternoon I was watching TV with my wife. We always watch NYPD blue. Then it hit me I was really hot. I pulled off my shirt and leaned back and realized my chest was feeling weird and I could tell my heart was racing. Got my Blood Pressure moniter and the BP wasn't too bad but my pulse was 145. I checked it every few minutes for an hour and it stayed between 145 and 147. I called a heart dr that I'd been to and talked to the receptionist and she was going to have someone call. After an hour they called and said it was way to high and go to the ER. I went there but by the time I got there things had settled down. Still they wanted me to stay all night and have tests the next day. I had two tests and considered them relatively uneventful but it took the dr till 6:00 to get back to me. I was sure everything was ok until he told me I didn't pass the test and that I needed a procedure this morning, a heart catherization. I was second in line, got me in at 11:00 and took till 2:00. Dr told me he had elected not to put in a stint but that he would talk to me after he got finished with the next person in line. So it was 6:30 this time and I was sure I was fine. He told me the test didn't read right and that I had heart disease instead of plaque blocking the arteries it was calcification and they didn't have the equipment to break through it at that hospital. They had gone in through my wrist which I was thrilled with, but he told me next time it would have to be through the crotch. He will call another dr and get me set up at a hospital that had all the equipment. So what I hoped was winding down is just getting started. Going to be interesting, I thought pretty highly of the dr today, and now I have to go through the same thing with a dr I don't know. I'm sure plenty have experienced this what's your take on it. Talked to my 88 year old mom and she's had heart issues since she was 44 and I didn't really realize it as I hadn't spent that much time in the lower 48 and so had my grand parents. I guess it's in the genes. Why couldn't they pass intelligence on to me instead of heart disease. They want me to take Plavix.
Had a REALLY lousy weekend UPDATE
- Thread starter Bear Paw Jack
- Start date
Justice B. Swift
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2014
- Messages
- 314
- City & State/Province
- N.W. Oregon, The Big Valley & Now S.W. Idaho also.
Marlin,
You're correct, your weekend doesn't sound like a fun time. We all hope you're doing well and on the way to good health. The fact that we're reading your post says that you're hanging in there pretty well. May you have a full recovery and soon. I'm headed your way in late June so we can chat then. Best wishes to you.
See you down the road,
Rick
You're correct, your weekend doesn't sound like a fun time. We all hope you're doing well and on the way to good health. The fact that we're reading your post says that you're hanging in there pretty well. May you have a full recovery and soon. I'm headed your way in late June so we can chat then. Best wishes to you.
See you down the road,
Rick
Colonialgirl
Hawkeye
I know how you feel; My spouse Ashley just had a heart Cathetrization (spelling)(through the groin) to check on the heart arteries; they had done one about 6 or so years ago and discovered that the front two arteries were completely blocked off and the main one in the back was partially blocked, They were ALSO surprised to find that the heart are put out branches around to the front of the heart to supply blood to that area. Shortly thereafter that put in a pace maker.
Friday in the Morning they went in through the wrist and were able to open one of the front arteries and said the back one was "doing fine". They could not put in a stint due to calcification. Ashley was PO'd as the Heart specialist was SUPPOSE to visit this morning (Saturday) and approve the release; HE NEVER SHOWED UP, Ashley got PO'D and checked out in the afternoon. This was a different Specialist from the one that did the surgery and one Ashley had problems with in the past (Never answered phone calls about meds).
Hope ALL goes well for you, you have my thoughts and prayers.
Friday in the Morning they went in through the wrist and were able to open one of the front arteries and said the back one was "doing fine". They could not put in a stint due to calcification. Ashley was PO'd as the Heart specialist was SUPPOSE to visit this morning (Saturday) and approve the release; HE NEVER SHOWED UP, Ashley got PO'D and checked out in the afternoon. This was a different Specialist from the one that did the surgery and one Ashley had problems with in the past (Never answered phone calls about meds).
Hope ALL goes well for you, you have my thoughts and prayers.
I hate to hear that, Marlin 
Seriously, it could be a lot worse. Last Oct. they put a stent in my LDA artery because of a 90% blockage. That's the one they call The Widow Maker. Hopefully you won't have to go on a platelet thinner because they really suck. You might have to do 3 months of cardiac rehab like I did. Hopefully they can get that calcification out and you'll be good for another 60+ years!
I hope you're better than I am about following the Dr's orders. I hope to hear some good news on how it all turns out and that you keep us informed.
Seriously, it could be a lot worse. Last Oct. they put a stent in my LDA artery because of a 90% blockage. That's the one they call The Widow Maker. Hopefully you won't have to go on a platelet thinner because they really suck. You might have to do 3 months of cardiac rehab like I did. Hopefully they can get that calcification out and you'll be good for another 60+ years!I hope you're better than I am about following the Dr's orders. I hope to hear some good news on how it all turns out and that you keep us informed.
OP
Cholo, what really buffaloed me is that I not onlyhave calcification in my veins and arteries but also on the outside of my heart. That concerns me. Nobody said anything about cardiac rehab, but I'm certainly willing to do it.
bogus bill
Hunter
I went through it Christmas of 2016. Two stents. I just turned 77. The operation was okay. Two veins closed up. Something like 99% and 95 % I think. Told me I was a hour or so from buying it. Did about 3 months of rehab. I haven't exercised since but know I should. I do get weak and out of breath with little activity and need to change my life style I know. Good luck.
Marlin,
Kathy retired after working as a cardiology nurse for 27 years and she tells me that compliance, prayers and a positive outlook makes a big difference. You have all three going for you. We will keep you in our prayers.
We will pray for Cholo and Ashley too.
Take care my friend,
Mike
Kathy retired after working as a cardiology nurse for 27 years and she tells me that compliance, prayers and a positive outlook makes a big difference. You have all three going for you. We will keep you in our prayers.
We will pray for Cholo and Ashley too.
Take care my friend,
Mike
akbluz
Blackhawk
Marlin,
I'll be praying that your medical procedures go smoothly and that you'll be back in the swing of things soon. Also a prayer for your "missus" as you both go through all this.
Steve
I'll be praying that your medical procedures go smoothly and that you'll be back in the swing of things soon. Also a prayer for your "missus" as you both go through all this.
Steve
smoke-eater
Blackhawk
Marlin, sounds like you've got a good team of professionals working to get your condition under control. That makes it a good weekend. Prayers sent from your south Jersey buddy. Please keep us informed. You've got a lot of fine folks here pullin' for you. We all love ya' like a brother!
Jeff
Jeff
With the age of this group there are a bunch of us who have had "procedures". It's not a walk in the park, but it is much more routine (for the medical staff, that is) these days. A number of places have specialists that do just this sort of thing, and they are usually darned good at it.
So hang in there and I'll be praying for you.
So hang in there and I'll be praying for you.
That is a lousy weekend, I’m Sorry to hear about all your trouble. I hope it works out for you.
Good Luck to you, cardiac rehab program made a huge difference for me.
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
From your post, sounds like no history of heart problems until now. Is the first problem you have have had? I would have guessed arrhythmia but sounds a lot more serious. Good luck, listen to the doctors, get your surgery, take your meds and get well soon.
I have aortic stenosis which is the hardening (calcification) of the aortic valve but the docs are watching it. Most of these heart problems don't happen over night but they can be fixed pretty quick.
I have aortic stenosis which is the hardening (calcification) of the aortic valve but the docs are watching it. Most of these heart problems don't happen over night but they can be fixed pretty quick.
contender
Ruger Guru
"Marlin,
You're correct, your weekend doesn't sound like a fun time. We all hope you're doing well and on the way to good health. The fact that we're reading your post says that you're hanging in there pretty well."
This was well put & my sentiments exactly!
You're correct, your weekend doesn't sound like a fun time. We all hope you're doing well and on the way to good health. The fact that we're reading your post says that you're hanging in there pretty well."
This was well put & my sentiments exactly!
wizofwas
Buckeye
Sorry to read about the weekend that you're having. Prayers are going out from Fla.
Ugly Hombre
Blackhawk
That is the definition of bad week end.
BPJ take care of yourself and get well soon!
BPJ take care of yourself and get well soon!
Marlin, I looked into this calcification of the heart and arteries as well as the Plavix you mentioned. I'm sure you've already been told about it, and hopefully you'll have time to read up on it yourself. Plavix is a blood thinner, like aspirin on steroids. I'm on a platelet thinner because my problem was a clogged artery caused by plaque. I'm also on an 81 mg aspirin taken at night.
Ask your Dr. about this: Everydamnthing becomes a bleeding cut. Scratch a tiny bump on your arm and the next thing you know you have a huge drop of blood. I do some light wrenching on my motorcycles and such. Used to be I'd bust my knuckles and just spit on it and wipe it with an oily rag. It takes a little more finesse now.
The good news is that your medical issue is at the very earliest sign of coronary artery disease. It sucks I know, but it's better than a hell of a lot of other things, right? My prayers are with you.
Thanks, Pistolero
Ask your Dr. about this: Everydamnthing becomes a bleeding cut. Scratch a tiny bump on your arm and the next thing you know you have a huge drop of blood. I do some light wrenching on my motorcycles and such. Used to be I'd bust my knuckles and just spit on it and wipe it with an oily rag. It takes a little more finesse now.
The good news is that your medical issue is at the very earliest sign of coronary artery disease. It sucks I know, but it's better than a hell of a lot of other things, right? My prayers are with you.
Thanks, Pistolero
graygun
Hunter
Hope things get better for you.
From reading your posts over the last few years, I'd say your family passed plenty of intelligence on to you. :mrgreen:
Wishing you well.
Wishing you well.
Colonel Daddy
Buckeye
Such an event can for sure ruin a weekend! Been there, done that with the heart caths and I much prefer through the groin. Last time with a new Dr was thru the wrist. What was supposed to be a 45 minute procedure took almost 3 hrs and I was heavily bruised on both arms and chest. I was heavily sedated and didn't know what was going on. The cath wouldn't work on my right wrist so they used the left. I NEVER was told what happened other than "there was a problem". Trying my best to change doctors. May even have to change hospitals. My previous Dr was very gentle and never put me completely out and we often conversed during the procedure. He and I joked "well, we just borrowed a little more time". Kinda morbid, but funny to us! I too now take generic Plavix.
Don Lovel
Hunter
getting sprayed in the mouth with aerosol nitroglycerin is NOT my idea of a good time. Man that is some of the nastiest stuff I have ever had done to me in an ER situation. These days. my BP is low, pulse steady and I am trying to be darn good about taking my meds and keeping this stuff under control
MYBABYISA44MAG
Single-Sixer
I'm really sorry you're going through heart problems....I"ve had a triple bypass, more heart cath's than I can count...8,9 maybe more...all but 2 have been through the wrist...had a couple of stents, had a pacemaker implanted, and then a different type of pacemaker with a defib...you do NOT want that thing to go off...I know the hard way...I would trade my bypass surgery for all the stents in the world....be patient, be assured that you will feel much better...getting old sucks, let me tell you...
Sad to hear the health news, prayers from Texas for you.
OP
I'm moving forward. I have an appointment with the new cardiologist next Tuesday 8:00 am
mistermills357
Blackhawk
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2012
- Messages
- 850
Sorry to hear about your problems with your heart. I just want to mention, that while you are taking Plavix, pay attention to any stomach pains.
The med can give you an ulcer, so be careful. MayoClinic.org, says that an ulcer is rare, but there is a pretty long list of side affects and dangers.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clopidogrel-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063146
The med can give you an ulcer, so be careful. MayoClinic.org, says that an ulcer is rare, but there is a pretty long list of side affects and dangers.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clopidogrel-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063146
OP
Thanks for that information
OP
I saw the cardiologist I was referred to this morning. He confirmed what the other dr. said, and added that I do have a blockage. The blockage is loaded with calcification. Surgery is scheduled for June 6, and I will spend one night in the hospital for observation. He indicated that it was a difficult surgery, but he did his residency at Mayo Clinic, and surgeries like this were referred, so he says he's done more difficult ones than the easy ones.
Frankly I'd never heard of this calcification, nor anyone I've talked to. He says that it's pretty common, ESPECIALLY WITH DIABETES. So just a heads up for those on here with diabetes, that really does increase the odds of heart disease. If you have been lackadaisical about being good and taking care of diabetes and A1C you need to start taking that very seriously. He even changed the statin drug I've been on for several years. Just saying.
Frankly I'd never heard of this calcification, nor anyone I've talked to. He says that it's pretty common, ESPECIALLY WITH DIABETES. So just a heads up for those on here with diabetes, that really does increase the odds of heart disease. If you have been lackadaisical about being good and taking care of diabetes and A1C you need to start taking that very seriously. He even changed the statin drug I've been on for several years. Just saying.
