Angiogram

Hello Folks,

I’m sure many of you have heard me during the past year complaining about my problem of exercise induced (my description, not the doctor’s) shortness of breath and an irregular heart beat. Now the doctor wants to perform an angiogram and I go to Scott & White at 7:30 AM on Monday, 2-18-08. From information obtained from that procedure they will:

1 - Do nothing more, or
2 - Perform an angioplasty, or
3 - Perform an angioplasty and implant a stent, or
4 - Recommend bypass surgery.
5 - Last, but not least, there is a remote possibility that a biventricular pacemaker will be recommenced since my CHF is acting up pretty good.

If I were betting I would put my money on No. 3. If they want to do Nos.4 or 5, then there will be a lot more discussion and possibly a visit to another doctor.

I will let you know how things go. In the meantime if any of you have an occasion to talk to the big Boss upstairs and can throw in a good word for me, it will be appreciated.

Talk to you later,

Smitty

PS: For those that may wonder if I’ve been through this before, this will be angiogram No 16 or 17. They are not fun, but I’ve had worse experiences.

19 Comments

anglegram

by thomast - 2008-02-17 04:02:20

If your CHF is actng up I would bet on number 5, as that is the only thing that will help it.

smitty

by jessie - 2008-02-17 04:02:38

the thing is it depends how blocked you are. john my husband was blocked in two arteries 100% so when the angiogram was done he was told son you need bi-pass and a surgeon was right in. lol he was booked and was done in a week. bi-pass that is. a stent would not have helped because of the severe blockage. so will pray for you friend that a stent is adequate as that is what my husband thought and surprize. i understand tho you had bi-pass years ago.? jessie

Prayers!

by auntiesamm - 2008-02-17 06:02:09

Smitty, my friend, rest assured that prayers are being lifted up for you right now as I sit at my computer, as they will be tomorrow. My hope and prayer for you is that whatever procedure is done the Big Boss as you call Him will be there with you. Prayers, too, for your lovely bride, Dottie. Let us know as soon as you can how you are doing. God bless you.

Sharon

Prayers on the way

by cottontop - 2008-02-17 07:02:01

Smitty, I will be praying for you and Dottie. Let God's will be done. I pray he will be with you and the doctors that perform the procedure. Let us know what they decide to do as soon as you can. I will put you on the prayer chain at church.God bless you.

Amy

lots of good luck, Smitty

by aldeer - 2008-02-17 07:02:22

Haven't been into the comments lately, but I really do want to make this one. Your input in our club has always been so very helpful, so you can bet there will be lots & lots of us thinking of you and praying for you tomorrow!
God be with you. Have you had the av node ablation, smitty?... aldeer

Sorry to hear

by ElectricFrank - 2008-02-17 08:02:48

Smitty,
Keep us posted as soon as you can. Anyone else I would be giving a bunch of advice on keeping them honest, but you have been through it enough to know what you are doing. I think you have the order of things well predicted. I guess I could had 2 more, but hope not.
6. Heart transplant
7. Die

For me I would take 7 before 6!

Good luck and I'll hold down the fort here until you are back,

frank

You're in my thoughts...

by admin - 2008-02-17 09:02:03

Smitty,

I'm sorry to hear of your recent CHF problems. I will leave the medical diagnosis to your doctors, but want to let you know that you're in my thoughts. Please keep us posted.

Blake

The best of luck to you.

by Stepford_Wife - 2008-02-17 09:02:29

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.
I hope the outcome is a positive one, and that you are back with us very soon.
Take care, keep us posted.

~ Dominique ~

Sending a Prayer Upstairs...

by Carol - 2008-02-17 09:02:31

....asking that you have the best outcome possible. Smitty, you were so kind in helping me and many others on this site understand how our Pacers work. How could we not send prayers your way??? I am sending one "Upstairs" right this minute and again in the AM as you prepare to have your test. God Bless You and may you need the least invasive intervention to help you feel your best. As everyone has asked, please keep us posted.

Carol

Many Prayers headed your way!

by tcrabtree85 - 2008-02-17 09:02:35

Smitty,
My thoughts are with you. I know that the procedure is not fun but you have accomplished way more than others and have gotten through them. My prayers are with you Smitty as I know you have been around for me through all my surgeries. Please have your wife update us if you are not able to. Or give somebody a call so they can post a update. Many thoughts and love to you and your wife!
Tammy

I hope things go well!

by clichtenberg - 2008-02-17 11:02:13

I hope things go well. Let us know how things are going!

Dear Smitty,

by ela-girl - 2008-02-18 01:02:50

I pray that whatever the outcome, you will feel better than before. You will be missed greatly while you are away, but we'll all be here thinking about you. You have a great group pulling for you and more than a few nods going up to The Great Physician for you AND Dottie.

Keep us posted-
ela-girl

git er done

by dcrojas - 2008-02-18 02:02:17

I know it's a pain in the ass smitty, but git er done and get back soon, You're input is invaluable
God Speed
DC

Good Luck !!

by Rewiredaussiegirl - 2008-02-18 02:02:49

Hi Smitty.All your pacer family are waiting for you to come back and explain all the ins and out of what you had done.
That means you cannot take Electric Franks 7th option!!!
Lots of thoughts and prayers go out for you.
Take care and get back to us as soon as you can.

Kay

Get Well Smitty

by ted - 2008-02-18 02:02:57

Hurry up and get well, Smitty. This group needs and relies on you. Ted

Fingers crossed...

by Shelly - 2008-02-18 06:02:48

...that all goes well for you today Smitty. Sending positive vibes your way.

Take care,

Shelly (uk)

smitty

by jessie - 2008-02-18 07:02:12

good luck sir to-morrow and say hi to dottie. the test will soon be done and you will know what you are dealing with. i hope and pray all goes well jessie

Prayers

by Suze - 2008-02-18 09:02:14

Smitty,
I'm praying and sending good thoughts. I'm sure that in no time you will be posting a positive and informative update.

Best wishes to both you and your wife,
Suze

Hope you don't get tired reading...

by bambi - 2008-02-18 11:02:21

all these posts, because the ones way down at the bottom are as heartfelt as the others! I haven't been on the site for a few days, so I missed your post and realized today is the day of your procedure! You know I will pray for you and send good thoughts your way! You're a tough bird, and the Dr.'s will make the right decisions. Please let us know how you're doing, as you are such an important member of the pacemaker club!
bambi

You know you're wired when...

Your signature looks like an EKG.

Member Quotes

Today I explained everything to my doctor, he set my lower rate back to 80 and I felt an immediate improvement.