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heart cath
ceomom1 posted:
I have had a previous CABG and recently a stent. It appears there may be an occlusion in the original bypass (LAD). My doctor wants me to have another heart cath to see exactly what is going on and how to make it better. At the moment I am just taking Isosorbide MN ER to help with the angina. It is better but it is not gone. The problem I have is that I just have medicare and the 20% deductible and cannot afford this procedure. Are there alternatives and if I don't is there any way to know how long it will be until something happens? Also, what is the prognosis re: death? By that I mean will it be quick or long and painful?
ceomom1
ceomom1
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:heart cathI have had a previous CABG and recently a stent. It appears there may be an occlusion in the original bypass (LAD). My doctor wants me to have another heart cath to see exactly what is going on and how to make it better. At the moment I am just taking Isosorbide MN ER to help with the angina. It is better but it is not gone. The problem I have is that I just have medicare and the 20% deductible and cannot afford this procedure. Are there alternatives and if I don't is there any way to know how long it will be until something happens? Also, what is the prognosis re: death? By that I mean will it be quick or long and painful?<br /> <br />ceomom1
CardiostarUSA1 responded:
Hi:
"What is the prognosis"
Prognosis can not be properly addressed via the Internet.
"Cannot afford this procedure."
Excerpt from a reply post by WebMD's Laurie Anderson, Family Nurse Practitioner, to a message titled "Too broke to have this!" (Jun-12-05) -
At the Hospital
"See someone in social or patient financial services. Ask to fill out applications for financial assistance, which will obtain you reduced fees and set you up with a payment plan that you can afford."
"Are there alternatives"
As applicable, there's 64-slice Cardiac CT, which, as reported, allows doctors to view/examine the heart and the coronary arteries in never-before-seen detail.
Much better yet though, as reported, and if available in your area, the new 320-slice Cardiac CT scanners can measure subtle changes in blood flow, or minute blockages forming in blood vessels, no bigger than the average width of a toothpick (1.5 mm) in the heart, and the brain.
There is a clinical trial currently underway comparing the 320-slice Cardiac CT to the angiogram (the current "gold standard" for imaging blockages in the coronary arteries), to see if this CT technology can match or exceed that imaging modality.
Coronary stents are just a Band-aid or spot treatment, and CABG is just a clever way of temporarily circumventing the problem (atherosclerosis), as this does not address the underlying disease process and what drives the progression.
Most important, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a lifelong unpredictable (can exhibit periods of stabilization, acceleration, and even some regression) condition, requiring a continuum of top notch care, as well as good doctor-patient/patient-doctor communication and understanding at ALL times.
Best of luck down the road of life.
Take care,
CardioStar*
WebMD community member (since 8/99)
-
-
Be well-informed
Non-invasive Heart Scan
Hi-tech X-rays, 64-slice Cardiac CT info
WPIX
A 62-year old man was taken by surprise when he went to see his heart specialist. He had an abnormal stress test......
http://www.empowereddoctor.com/64-slice-ct-scanner
Heart Scan
http://www.heartscanofchicago.com/heart_scan.html
-
Radiology Info for Patients
Cardiac MRI
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cardiacmr
American Heart Association
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005170
_ . _
The symptoms of artery-narrowing atherosclerosis are highly variable. Those with mild atherosclerosis may present with clinically important symptoms and signs of disease and heart attack, or absolute worst case scenario, sudden cardiac death (SCD) may be the first and only symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many individuals with anatomically advanced disease may have no symptoms and experience no functional impairment.
_ . _
WebMD
Living with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A chronic disease with no cure. When you have coronary artery disease, it is important to....
This is especially true if you have had an interventional procedure or surgery to improve blood flow to the heart..../It is up to you to take steps....
Recognize the symptoms. Reduce your risk factors. Take your medications. See your doctor for regular check-ups....
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/living-with-heart-disease
Coronary artery anatomy
Starting with the left anterior descending (LAD), the most critical, next to the ultra-critical left main (LM)
http://www.heartsite.com/html/lad.html
-
Quote!
"Be a questioning patient. Talk to your doctor and ask questions. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"
- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society
.
It's your future....be there.
. .
WebMD/WebMD message boards does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
"What is the prognosis"
Prognosis can not be properly addressed via the Internet.
"Cannot afford this procedure."
Excerpt from a reply post by WebMD's Laurie Anderson, Family Nurse Practitioner, to a message titled "Too broke to have this!" (Jun-12-05) -
At the Hospital
"See someone in social or patient financial services. Ask to fill out applications for financial assistance, which will obtain you reduced fees and set you up with a payment plan that you can afford."
"Are there alternatives"
As applicable, there's 64-slice Cardiac CT, which, as reported, allows doctors to view/examine the heart and the coronary arteries in never-before-seen detail.
Much better yet though, as reported, and if available in your area, the new 320-slice Cardiac CT scanners can measure subtle changes in blood flow, or minute blockages forming in blood vessels, no bigger than the average width of a toothpick (1.5 mm) in the heart, and the brain.
There is a clinical trial currently underway comparing the 320-slice Cardiac CT to the angiogram (the current "gold standard" for imaging blockages in the coronary arteries), to see if this CT technology can match or exceed that imaging modality.
Coronary stents are just a Band-aid or spot treatment, and CABG is just a clever way of temporarily circumventing the problem (atherosclerosis), as this does not address the underlying disease process and what drives the progression.
Most important, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a lifelong unpredictable (can exhibit periods of stabilization, acceleration, and even some regression) condition, requiring a continuum of top notch care, as well as good doctor-patient/patient-doctor communication and understanding at ALL times.
Best of luck down the road of life.
Take care,
CardioStar*
WebMD community member (since 8/99)
-
-
Be well-informed
Non-invasive Heart Scan
Hi-tech X-rays, 64-slice Cardiac CT info
WPIX
A 62-year old man was taken by surprise when he went to see his heart specialist. He had an abnormal stress test......
http://www.empowereddoctor.com/64-slice-ct-scanner
Heart Scan
http://www.heartscanofchicago.com/heart_scan.html
-
Radiology Info for Patients
Cardiac MRI
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cardiacmr
American Heart Association
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005170
_ . _
The symptoms of artery-narrowing atherosclerosis are highly variable. Those with mild atherosclerosis may present with clinically important symptoms and signs of disease and heart attack, or absolute worst case scenario, sudden cardiac death (SCD) may be the first and only symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many individuals with anatomically advanced disease may have no symptoms and experience no functional impairment.
_ . _
WebMD
Living with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A chronic disease with no cure. When you have coronary artery disease, it is important to....
This is especially true if you have had an interventional procedure or surgery to improve blood flow to the heart..../It is up to you to take steps....
Recognize the symptoms. Reduce your risk factors. Take your medications. See your doctor for regular check-ups....
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/living-with-heart-disease
Coronary artery anatomy
Starting with the left anterior descending (LAD), the most critical, next to the ultra-critical left main (LM)
http://www.heartsite.com/html/lad.html
-
Quote!
"Be a questioning patient. Talk to your doctor and ask questions. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"
- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society
.
It's your future....be there.
. .
WebMD/WebMD message boards does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Report This| Share this:heart cathHi:<br /><br /><b>"What is the prognosis"</b><br /> <br />Prognosis can not be properly addressed via the Internet.<br /><br /><b>"Cannot afford this procedure." </b><br /><br />Excerpt from a reply post by WebMD's Laurie Anderson, Family Nurse Practitioner, to a message titled "Too broke to have this!" (Jun-12-05) -<br /><br /><i>At the Hospital</i><br /><br />"See someone in social or patient financial services. Ask to fill out applications for financial assistance, which will obtain you reduced fees and set you up with a payment plan that you can afford."<br /><br />"<b>Are there alternatives" </b><br /><br />As applicable, there's 64-slice Cardiac CT, which, as reported, allows doctors to view/examine the heart and the coronary arteries in never-before-seen detail.<br /><br />Much better yet though, as reported, and if available in your area, the new 320-slice Cardiac CT scanners can measure subtle changes in blood flow, or minute blockages forming in blood vessels, no bigger than the average width of a toothpick (1.5 mm) in the heart, and the brain.<br /><br />There is a clinical trial currently underway comparing the 320-slice Cardiac CT to the angiogram (the current "gold standard" for imaging blockages in the coronary arteries), to see if this CT technology can match or exceed that imaging modality.<br /><br />Coronary stents are just a Band-aid or spot treatment, and CABG is just a clever way of temporarily circumventing the problem (atherosclerosis), as this does not address the underlying disease process and what drives the progression.<br /><br />Most important, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a lifelong unpredictable (can exhibit periods of stabilization, acceleration, and even some regression) condition, requiring a continuum of top notch care, as well as good doctor-patient/patient-doctor communication and understanding at ALL times.<br /><br />Best of luck down the road of life.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />CardioStar*<br /><br />WebMD community member (since 8/99)<br /><br />-<br /><br />-<br /><br /><b>Be well-informed</b><br /><br /><i>Non-invasive Heart Scan</i><br /><br />Hi-tech X-rays, 64-slice Cardiac CT info<br /><br />WPIX<br /><br />A 62-year old man was taken by surprise when he went to see his heart specialist. He had an abnormal stress test......<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.empowereddoctor.com/64-slice-ct-scanner">http://www.empowereddoctor.com/64-slice-ct-scanner</a> <br /><br /><b>Heart Scan</b><br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heartscanofchicago.com/heart_scan.html">http://www.heartscanofchicago.com/heart_scan.html</a> <br /><br />-<br /><br />Radiology Info for Patients<br /><br /><b>Cardiac MRI</b><br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cardiacmr">http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cardiacmr</a> <br /><br />American Heart Association<br /><br /><b>Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging<br /></b><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005170">http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005170</a> <br /><br /><b>_ . _</b><br /><br />The symptoms of artery-narrowing atherosclerosis are highly variable. Those with mild atherosclerosis may present with clinically important symptoms and signs of disease and heart attack, or absolute worst case scenario, sudden cardiac death (SCD) may be the first and only symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many individuals with anatomically advanced disease may have no symptoms and experience no functional impairment.<br /><br /><b>_ . _</b><br /><br />WebMD<br /><br /><b>Living with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)</b><br /><br />A chronic disease with no cure. When you have coronary artery disease, it is important to....<br /><br />This is especially true if you have had an interventional procedure or surgery to improve blood flow to the heart..../It is up to you to take steps....<br /><br /><b>Recognize the symptoms. Reduce your risk factors. Take your medications. See your doctor for regular check-ups....</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/living-with-heart-disease">http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/living-with-heart-disease</a> <br /><br /><b>Coronary artery anatomy<br /></b><br />Starting with the left anterior descending (LAD), the most critical, next to the ultra-critical left main (LM)<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heartsite.com/html/lad.html">http://www.heartsite.com/html/lad.html</a> <br /><br />-<br /><br /><i>Quote!</i><br /><br />"Be a questioning patient. Talk to your doctor and ask questions. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"<br /><br />- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society<br /><br />.<br /><br />It's your future....be there. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />. .<br /><b><br />WebMD/WebMD message boards <u>does not</u> provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.<br /><br />WebMD <u>does not </u>endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.</b>
DeadManWalking56 responded:
CeoMom1:
What is your diet like ? Doing ALL the recommended risk factor reductions (low fat, low salt diet, lots of fresh fruit, veggies, lots of high anti-oxidant foods, niacin for HDL, lose weight, stop smoking, lower stress, good dental hygiene), plus add foods that boost paraoxonase, and heart disease progession can be halted and some slow regression is possible. That is essentially a Fuhrman/ Ornish / Esselstyn diet. Paraoxonase is boosted by pistachios, pomegranates, green tea, and olive oil (in small amounts, fresh not cooked).
DMW
What is your diet like ? Doing ALL the recommended risk factor reductions (low fat, low salt diet, lots of fresh fruit, veggies, lots of high anti-oxidant foods, niacin for HDL, lose weight, stop smoking, lower stress, good dental hygiene), plus add foods that boost paraoxonase, and heart disease progession can be halted and some slow regression is possible. That is essentially a Fuhrman/ Ornish / Esselstyn diet. Paraoxonase is boosted by pistachios, pomegranates, green tea, and olive oil (in small amounts, fresh not cooked).
DMW
Report This| Share this:heart cathCeoMom1:<br /> <br />What is your diet like ? Doing ALL the recommended risk factor reductions (low fat, low salt diet, lots of fresh fruit, veggies, lots of high anti-oxidant foods, niacin for HDL, lose weight, stop smoking, lower stress, good dental hygiene), plus add foods that boost paraoxonase, and heart disease progession can be halted and some slow regression is possible. That is essentially a Fuhrman/ Ornish / Esselstyn diet. Paraoxonase is boosted by pistachios, pomegranates, green tea, and olive oil (in small amounts, fresh not cooked).<br /> <br />DMW
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