Mom having stress test me FREAKING out.

I found out last week that my Mom had been having chest pain for like a month. So she finally decided to do something about it & today she's having a stress test. She feels that they will probably end up taking her straight to the OR to do an angioplasti (sp?). I thought I'd be OK today, but I'm freaking out.

Hope all goes well
Anne

Originally Posted by Rang_27

I found out last week that my Mom had been having chest pain for like a month. So she finally decided to do something about it & today she's having a stress test. She feels that they will probably end up taking her straight to the OR to do an angioplasti (sp?). I thought I'd be OK today, but I'm freaking out.

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Unless the doctor has said anything about taking her to the OR after the stress test, I doubt it'll happen. My father had an angioplasty several years ago, but only after several tests were done, like bloodwork. They determinded he had moderate blockage and scheduled him for the procedure. it sounds major, but it's not. Now, sometimes it doesn't work like it should and they go in for actual bypass surgery. But if your mother is young enough and reasonably healthy otherwise, she should be fine. Even if she ins't perfectly healthy otherwise, she'll be okay.

BTW, how old is she? If you don't mind me asking.

I'm kind of an 'old pro' at this... I was 15 when my dad had his surgery. and he's still kicking (I'm now 33). If you want any more assurances, let me know... PM me if you wish.

I know it's tough, seeing a parent go through this. But things will be okay.

Amanda

Thanks so much. I just talked to my Dad & apparently she got through the stress test just fine but that they are going to do a follow up test tomorrow some sort of dye test. Apparetly she had some sort of scan a while back that showed a small amount of blockage & her chelestorol has been elevated, not sure how high. When I was a senior in high school she had some heart problems, but nothing to do with blockage. She had rapid heart beat. She's 61. Thanks again. I'll keep you posted on what happens tomorrow.

I hope everything is ok. We have to start worrying about my parents sooner or later-it is kinda hard to do!!

Let me tell you the story of two brothers:

Brother #1: overweight, even after three bypass surgeries, little was done to change his diet and exercise. He remained very heavy. Never smoked, but just heavy. Was heavy as a child as well. For the last 4 years, doctor never did blood tests to check on cholesterol levels or drug levels in bloodstream. Brother #1 becomes lethargic, ashy-skinned, and pretty close to dying. One day, out of the blue (presumably during Bro. #1's last weeks), doc decides to do a full blood workup. results come back: lethal, not just toxic, but LETHAL levels of meds in bloodstream. Doc immediately cuts meds back to reasonable levels. Bro. #1's color returns, energy improves... you get the idea. Unfortunately, heart couldn't take sudden cut in meds and Bro. #1 passes away after a few months. (some of us believe that at least his last few months were decent... he got to work in the garden again). All of this within ten years of his first surgery.

Now...
Brother #2: Roughly same age as brother #1, a year or so younger. Not an exercise nut, but definitely more active around the house. Also does not smoke. Goes in for angioplasty, it fails, so he's rushed in for a double bypass. Docs believed he wouldn't make it through first night, but he does (those gutsy Swiss genes, i tell ya). Goes on with life, but with some changes: diet, walking daily, and regular doctor visits. His general physician makes him come in every three months. The cardiologist is once a year. During each and every visit, blood is taken for a full workup. Every three months. No if's, and's or but's. He eats red meat roughly once a month, chicken and fish the rest of the time. He cooks his own soup for lunches. Barley and all sorts of stuff. He still walks a little, but with a bum achilles tendon (injured it) and bad knees, he's slower than he used to be. it's been 18 years since that surgery. Typically, heart patients need at least a second surgery within the first ten years. He's never had to. He's now 79 years old. He'll be 80 in November. Trust me, he'll make it.

Brother #1 was one of my uncles. He was a wonderful man and he passed away far too soon. He had the chance to make a lot of changes, but never did. Maybe his doctor wasn't informed enough. if so, shame on that doctor. A lot of factors went into his situation. but they don't have to happen to your mother, or anyone else. She needs to start making changes now, before it gets to bypass surgery. She can reduce her risk factors before she gets any worse. medication [heavily monitored], a change in diet, and moderate exercise. If your father is willing to make the dietary changes and exercise with her, it'll make it a lot easier on her.

My mom formed the opinion: if it's good for your father ,it's good for you. well, when you feed a 15 year old a low cholesterol diet, it may not always be the best (I was tested at 22 for cholesterol... total was 88... my dad's doctor had him relay this message to me: eat more cheeseburgers! Which I did, happily), but if at least the two adults stick to the dietary changes, things will be okay.

Okay... I think I said enough... I really need to do something else... argh!

Amanda

Oh I really hope everything is ok.

It's nice to see the others offering their experience, please listen to them. It will be alright. Please don't freak out too much!

Hope everything goes ok for your Mum!

Just remember there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion!

Amanda,
I know a few years back my parents made big changes in thier diets. My Mom lost 80 lbs & now exercises 4 - 5 times a week. She quit smoking over 10 years ago. She has to exercise in the pool due to a very bad back, but she's active. The unfortunate thing is that our family seems to have these problems because her sister who is younger than her is already on chelestrol meds because she couldn't get hers down with diet & exercise. Thanks for the concern. I haven't heard from her today, but they are doing the radio active dye test sometime today. I found out talking to her that her stress test was done with medication because she can't walk on the tread mill because of her back.

I'm glad she made the lifestyle changes long ago. Bravo for her and your father. not everyone does, even in the face of surgery and other health issues.

And i know it's difficult. Difficult on you and everyone around you and your family. Don't worry. It sounds like she's in very good hands and they're doing a thorough job of diagnosis. It's been caught before it gets severe. She'll be okay.

Amanda

well Friday she got the results of the radioactive dye test. She has some areas that are not oxginating properly so now she has to go for a cath. She is hoping to have it done tomorrow.

Hope the tests go well for her.

Originally Posted by Rang_27

well Friday she got the results of the radioactive dye test. She has some areas that are not oxginating properly so now she has to go for a cath. She is hoping to have it done tomorrow.

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Wow, Best wishes to her! It is scary when your parents get older. I know it dawned on me a while back that my parents are 68! You think they'll live for ever and then you start to hear of all their ailments and such.
Good for your mom though for not ignoring the situation and preventing anything worse!

Well update. My Mom is going to have the cath on Monday & the are expecting that they will be putting in a stint, but that there is at this point no need for open heart. So I'm relieved, but a little concerned. Just hoping that the stinting goes well & does what it's supposed to.

We will all be praying for her!

I have a SIL who is only 53??? and had a stent put in a few yrs ago. She has other health concerns but no problems with that stent. In fact I think we found out after the surgery was done!!