I will try to explain as best as I can what I learned at the Dr.Thursday.Needless to say I flunked my test royally.I will have a procedure done to the carotid artery as it is 80 percent blocked. This is how they fix it. Carotid Artery Stenting A specially designed guide wire with a filter, that acts similar to an umbrella, is placed beyond the area of narrowing in the carotid artery. Once in place, a small balloon is inflated for a few seconds to dilate the artery. Then, the stent is placed in the artery and opens to fit the size of the artery. A second balloon inflation is done to make sure the stent is completely expanded in your carotid artery. The stent stays in place permanently. After several weeks, your artery heals around the stent. I haven't explained until today as depression has sat in. Later after this is done I will have to have the blockages in my legs and I think it will be 3 more in my heart unblocked.He says Angioplasty can fix them hopefully. I think the worse part of it all will be stopping my bad habit that is my most enjoyable time is smoking.I will quit if it kills me this time. Wish me sucess please.
Glenda, you will be on the top of my good thoughts and prayers list. Angioplasty procedures have improved so much that coming thru them with flying colors is what you will be doing. As far as the smoking goes, it will be hard. I found the first 3-6 months the hardest...that's why I knitted, watched the LOTR DVD's several times and drank a lot of coffee (I kicked that addiction to but the next year instead of at the same time) Also, every 10 days, when I would have been buying another carton of cigs I used that money and treated myself to new yarn or plants instead.
Best of luck with quitting smoking! You can do it! My friend Elaine had that procedure done to, sh is also a smoker. You will be fine!
you can come through this. though I'm not a smoker my husband is and says its just makes it worse when people keep on you. So this is my only time. this is important to your health and I know you can do it. Do Toni's suggestion and buy yourself something nice, or flowers with the money instead. I will keep you in my thoughts. Good luck.
Glenda, you can do it, because if you don't, it will kill you! I 2001 I quit because of a quadruple heart bypass, an enlarged heart and a weak heart. I haven't smoked since. Found out that I had, had several heart attacks and never knew it. All to the back side if the heart. It is completely dead. So now I have a heart that only pumps at 35%. And that is with the help of a dual pupose difribrilator.
Don't give up Glenda, no matter how many times it takes to start over to quit. I know from experience. These procedures for blocked arteries are perfected. Have confidence in your surgeon. We will be praying for complete healing and I'm confident you will be back with us in no time. Gardengater
When we talked yesterday, my heart just sank for you. I know you will get through this procedure just fine. Leave it in the Lord's hands and let him take care of you and guide the doctor's hands. I have no idea what a carton of cigs cost, but Toni has a good idea! Save that money and buy something nice for yourself, your house or buy some more plants! Wish I could be there with you, but I will in thoughts and prayers. Make sure that Heather or Shanna gets on the stew as soon as they can after the procedure and let us know something. I love you, gal.
You can quit smoking Glenda I know you can. Ultimately the control is in your hands, all that is needed is the motivation. Sorry to hear you have to have these operations. We'll all be here for support so don't fret. Best wishes travelling your way, // frank
You can quit smoking and you will feel so much better. I mother used the commit losenges and they really work. Good luck with your surgeries. My neighbor has had 9 of those procedures done in the past 2 years. He is a bit sore after but not laid up too long. after each one his health improves. All my best thoughts and wishes are headed your way for quick recovery and better health.
My father had angioplasty about 8 weeks ago for 75% narrowed arteries and stents put in, He is doing well and was in hospital over night released early the next morning, he is now going to exercise classes with talk on the heart and its health ran by the cardiology department at the hospital, He also was extremely worried about the procedure, he had to go twice as the first time they couldnt get the stents in and he was agitated so he went back had the arteries drilled and the stents put in they sedated him the second time and he was much better they went in through his groin on both occasions, I am sorry you are having to go through this and that you get it done soon and get on your way to making a full recovery, good luck quitting smooking I am sure you can do it I have tried myself and found it very hard but is worth it when you quit my asthma was much much better so I will be trying again soon.
Please keep us updated on your progress, Glenda! You will be in our thoughts, and all our best wishes are sent your way!
Thank you all.I know its best to stop and am determand this time.Capt.I had a Quad bypass in 2003 and quit smoking for 6 weeks it the hardest thing I have ever tried to do.I have smoked for 53 years as I started at 12 years old.I started back really back at work and all the smoker drivers would offer me cigarettes .Needless to say I'm where I am today for it.
YOU CAN DO IT!!! Not easy, but you can do anything you set your mind to do. I know that the conditions you describe are commonplace today, and that the technology and expertise is readily available nowadays. Stay positive and get well.
Good luck on stopping the cigs. I too am a smoker and I know I should stop, its a filthy habit. I am sure your heart procedure will come along nicely. Shall be thinking of you.
