fistula part 2

[Marley]

The drama continues.............
Hubby was to have his left arm set up for dialysis and had chest pain so his surgery was cancelled.  (he's been on hemo 2 1/2 hears using his right arm)
(see "fistula)
He went in and saw his cardiologist on Thursday for his "cardiac clearance"---he saw the doc's PA---later that afternoon the nurse called and said his doctor wants him to do another stress test.  I knew my husband would NOT be happy to hear that when he woke up and I was not looking forward to telling him!!  The nurse also said that the doc wants to put in a stint in an artery so he would not have so much chest pain.  Right now the artery that is behind his heart is 100% blocked and so is another one........I'm not sure if it is the same artery or a different one.  He's had a stress test before and I know they hurt.  He's got perifial (sp?) neuropathy in his legs and hands so they don't make him walk that treadmill thing, but give him nuclear medicine instead to work out his heart.  I'm so scared he might have a heart attack while they do this test!!! 
It just seems like the only places we go to are doctors and hospitals, we could use a break!!  I wasn't sure where to post this and decided this was the right spot since he still needs a fistula.  That's another worry I have.  Almost 3 years ago they did 3 vascular surgeries before they had success with a bovine implant, the two previous surgeries threw out clots and couldn't be used.  With my man, anything that could go wrong usually does. 

I should be used to all this but it never gets easy!!  He's been sick off and on for so many years now and I wasn't in the best of shape eiether, although I'm better now.  He's such a good man and so very good to me, I get treated like a queen and he still tells me how pretty I am after all these years!! Life can seem so unfair!!

Marley

[okarol]

Hi Marley,
That sounds frustrating and frightening - I hope they figure out what to do without stressing him out with the stress test!
Sending you some HUGS! 

[monrein]

Your husband sounds like a lovely person and he's lucky to have you in his corner.  It is overwhelming how relentless all the time spent dealing with medical issues can be.  I hope the test goes OK. 

[kitkatz]

I hope things go much better for your husband.

[devon]

For what it's worth... the stress test is almost worthless in the face of CT scan technology.  If you can, get another cardiologist with the latest equipment!  I'm shocked that anyone is even doing a stress test anymore!  That doc needs to pick up on his/her skills.

-Devon

[devon]

In follow up to my previous posting, I did some research. The CT scan method I was refering to is CT Angiography.  It is a virtual angiogram that is non-invasive and takes only about 10 minutes.  It can be combined with a treadmill "stress test" but doesn't require it.  It is especially valuable for patients that are already in fragile health.  Here's a blub about CT Angiography.

"CT Angiography
What is CT Angiography and what is it used for?
The CT Angiography procedure is a medical test your cardiologist can perform to help determine if your heart and surrounding blood vessels are at risk of becoming blocked by plaque (cholesterol) build up.

CT Angiography uses advanced imaging technologies that can create a three-dimensional, photo-realistic image of your heart and arteries. This 3D image of your heart can assist your cardiologist in assessing your risk for specific complications, such a heart attack or stroke. Not only is the CT Angiography test extremely accurate, it is also safe and is by far one of the most advanced methods of detection available today."

Here's a link to more about it...  http://www.sothcardiology.com/services_coronary-ct-angiography.html

The inmages that come out of this are unbelievable.  The doc can even separate out specific arteries and veins around the heart and measure their thickness.  It's a close as you can get to opening up the patient and looking inside!  The image on the webpage (above) is from the CT Angiography and shows an overview of the heart and surrounding area.  This machine generates images that can even show the inside of the heart and the valves functioning!  Just unbelieveable! If there is a doc in your area that has access to this, please find him/her!

-Devon

[Marley]

Thanks for all your support, I can't tell you how good it feels to get things off my chest and in coming here, I know you all understand.
Devon!!  What a great article!!  I'm going to call his cardiologist in the morning and ask about this CT angiography instead of the stress test.  I live in Idaho and in certain issues, we are about 20 years behind the rest of the country..........don't get me started!!  LOL  I'm hoping that isn't the case with medical technology!!  He's got a good cardiologist and hubby likes and trusts him. 

Thanks a million!!!
Marley    

[devon]

"He's such a good man and so very good to me, I get treated like a queen and he still tells me how pretty I am after all these years!! Life can seem so unfair!!"

Marley,  that statement's been scratching at me since I read it.  I am so pleased to know that you have someone who loves you and who you love.  When it all gets boiled down to essence, that's the meaning of life in my book.  To love and be loved.  In spite of all the trouble and pain you are both suffering, you have each other and that means so very much.  You're both very fortunate.

I just had to say that.

-Devon

[Marley]

Good news,     the stress test went very well with no problems!!  I did call hubby's heart doc but they don't do the CT angiography here, maybe sometime in the near future---like next time he needs one!!  Thank you Devon for doing the research!!  Still waiting to hear form cardiologist, we were told he would call on Friday or Monday morning. 
I am very well aware how lucky I am to have such a good man to be my husband. We've been through so many medical stuff and surgeries, I've had 12 and now he's out numbered me!!  Most marriages would have crumbled years ago but ours just keeps getting stronger.  The frase; "he's my best friend" was invented by me, haha.

Anyway, I guess we will find out tomorrow what his cardiologist wants him to do first, he does know how big the annurism is--I know that isn't the right spelling.  

Today is a great day and we are both enjoying the nice weather!!

Peace
Marley   

[Marley]

I'm happy to say hubby's  cardiologist called Monday morning and told me his stress test came back good and he will NOT have a stint put in his artery.  We're both doing the happy dance!!     Surgeon's office called yesterday afternoon and said they have him scheduled for the graft surgery for this morning!  We got there around 7:30 this morning and got home about 1:00.  All went well and he's sleeping right now.  I'm so glad this is over!!  Now, once the graft is mature ( left arm ) and he is using it for dialysis, the surgeon will (finally) go in his RIGHT arm and do something about that *$#% annurism he's had almost 2 years now!!  That thing scares the krap out of me, so only a few more weeks of worrying and he will have it fixed.

My dad found a good car for 500.00 and bought it for me Saturday.  We've been without transportation for over 6 months now and I bet you guys can imagine how hard THAT was!!  WOOHOO!!!!  Nothing but good news here folks!!

Thank you all for your support and well wishes.  I love this site!!

Marley   

[monrein]

It's always nice to hear good news and I know that you and your husband both could use some right about now.  Enjoy the peaceful feeling that good news brings and enjoy a good night's sleep tonight.

[twirl]

Hey Marley, glad you are here.
love your name and love your little doggie icon