Five Years, Two Angioplasties & Four Stents Later
This is the name of the book that I am going to write after my unplanned, second coronary angioplasty procedure last week—the second in the past five years. Life, it seems, is full of unplanned bumps. Last Thursday was one of those. As we know, association management executives are used to facing unplanned and unforeseen circumstances. It proved to be good training.
“You’re looking great,” Dr. Feit said, as they wheeled me into the operating room. “Good to see you again”. Dr. Feit was my surgeon in September 2002, for my first angioplasty. “Well, I’m not glad to see you,” I growled, “but I’m glad you’re still here.” To prove my point, I quipped “You should be getting pretty good at this by now!” He smiled, and said “I’m staying in practice.”
Thus it was that I lay on my back staring at the ceiling for four hours, watching the four television monitors. For those of you have yet to be introduced to coronary angioplasty, it is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed blood vessels and is used to avoid bypass surgery. The procedure involves a small incision in the groin area to access the femoral artery, where an introducer needle provides access for a long, flexible catheter used to introduce radiopaque dyes. The dyes allow the state and location of the blockage(s) to be studied with real-time x-rays. If you like digital photography, as I do, this is an interesting part of the procedure.
With the blockage(s) identified, a guide wire is inserted through the introducer needle to each blockage, using real-time x-rays for guidance. The surgeon inserts the guide wire, gently pushing and rotating it to the point of blockage. Patients are usually awake during the procedure so that any discomfort or other issues can be reported. Thus, one can watch the entire procedure on one of the many televisions used by the surgeon to guide the progress of insertion and placement at each blockage.
Once the guide wire is in place, it becomes the pathway for the surgeon to gently push forward a hollow catheter with a balloon on the end and (in my case) a treated-wire mesh stent. At the proper point, the balloon is inflated, expanding the artery wall and implanting the stent, which supports the newly reopened artery.
After a night in the hospital, I've returned home. No strenuous exercise for 72 hours and no travel for four weeks. And maybe no steak and French fries forever!
Now regarded as common surgery, coronary angioplasty is an amazing procedure. Dr. Feit and his team are unbelievably skilled at what they do. I hope that none of you will have first-hand experience with this procedure, but some of you will. It’s not necessarily an age, exercise or diet thing. The good news: if you find yourself on your back, looking at the ceiling, you can be confident that there are some first-class cutters out there who know what they are doing. And the television is great! Dr. Feit and team: Salute!
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Comments
Virgil, On behalf of all of us, congratulations on a successful procedure and a quick recovery. We value your contributions too much for any other outcome! And contragulations on your television debut. I'll be watching the late night cable listings to see when you go into syndication.
Posted by: Wayne Carley | June 4, 2007 12:56 PM
Thanks, Wayne--appreciate your positive comments. Keep posting!
Posted by: Virgil Carter | June 4, 2007 2:22 PM
Virgil,
Thanks for a great post. It helps put all things into perspective and to remember that we all a finite amount of time here and that we need to make the best of it each day. Even with the amazing medical advances like your procedure, there is only so much time. I am just glad you get some more time to continue be leader in our community.
Cheers,
Greg
Posted by: Greg Fine | June 6, 2007 10:55 AM
Virgil,
So glad to hear that you're recovering well. All the best wishes heading your way.
Ann Feeney
YMCA of the USA
Posted by: Ann Feeney | June 6, 2007 11:25 AM
Virgil,
Glad you are recovering and thank you for the opportunity to "talk" to someone about stents. I had a procedure (two stents) almost four weeks ago. There was no warning except shortness of breath, chest pressure and a family history of heart disease. I took it upon myself to demand a heart scan as no doctor had ever mentioned such a test - I saw it on TV. The scan showed a 90% chance of blockage.
On my first appointment with a cardiologist after the procedure, I told him I didn't feel any better than I did before I had the procedure. His only comment was, "Well, we're going to have to keep an eye on you" and arranged appointments every two weeks for blood work. That was the end of my appointment.
As recommended, I went to cardiac rehab but was told that exercise, stress test and consultation with a psychologist would not happen for another four weeks. I was given The Meditteranean Diet and appointments were made for the following month to start the rehab.
During these four weeks, I feel abandoned and fearful. I don't know whether to exercise or walk or be quiet. My breathing is just as short as it was before the procedure and my chest feels the same amount of pressure. Not bad enough for the nitro pills nor bad enough for a call to 911.
I am a seventy-six year old woman complete with white hair who recently moved to this area. I have made no new friends. One of my sons lives nearby and the other son lives out of state - both are busy with their jobs and families. I have a business and employ a young man from West Africa - he shares my house but is away on business four days every week. He is helping me be an an old lady and I am helping with his education.
My new condition has reduced me to a lazy, fearful and confused old lady. I have talked about funeral arrangements with family members, have withdrawn my savings from the bank, have thought of ways to transfer my business to my helper. I have allowed myself to become a sloth.
My biggest problem is - there's no one to talk to....I feel so abandoned. I'm wondering if I will feel like this the rest of my life, will I die soon, is recovery possible? I am consumed with these thoughts and prefer to wallow in them rather than to get up and do something. Anything.
Maybe you would be kind enough to write a few words of assurance or even confirm my pessimism. I would appreciate your time and knowledge very much.
Thank You... and my very best to you,
Dare Van Vree
Charlotte, NC
Posted by: Dare Van Vree | July 15, 2007 2:02 PM
Hi Dare--thanks for your posting. Your comments reflect my symptoms and post-operation reactions as well. This is my second angioplasty. Each time, I continued to have intermittent tightness and some pain for some time after the procedure. I just had my stress test and did fine. Cardiac exercise class is next--I'm looking forward to it.
Two thoughts on your situation:
1. Immediately consult your doctor at any time of pain or other unusual symptoms. Ask all the questions you need/want to ask. Also check the web. There are good resources and information available.
2. You can survive this. When I returned to my work, one of my employees came to see me. He had had a coronary bypass, and subsequent angioplasty with a total of 10 stents emplaced! He was as fit and happy as anyone you could meet. When you do you exercise class, get involved with some of the participants. Find ways to get involved with activities you like in your new community. You'll meet good people with similar interests. You can do this.
Very best wishes. Let me know how to help. Cheers!
Posted by: Virgil Carter | July 16, 2007 7:48 AM
Hey Dare,
I googled you and find this posting.....email me, Gil and I want come see you!
Chris
Posted by: Chris | July 24, 2007 8:03 PM