Living with Heart Disease since 2001

• By aussieheart
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 9:30 am
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Hi seayb94 Im new to this site. I dont have 'advice' really Im kind of a poor example myself as I smoke too and have pulmonary stenosis, diabetes type 2 and ever so slightly overweight, high col and so on.
I have to say tho that although Im not a heavy smoker I find I get stress relief from having my sneaky smoking sessions and lowering my stress level is important even in a 'naughty' way!
I quit drinking years ago and with the metformin I dont want to risk any reactions so even if I have a glass of wine I dilute it with lemonade.
My opinion is live your life as happily as possible enjoy every moment I dont believe in depriving myself of all the things I enjoy (after all we can live in fear every day and then get hit by a bus!) be happy !

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• By seayb94
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 9:44 am
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Thanks Aussieheart....I just get so frustrated over this...I will be 40 on Friday and the sad thing is Sept 11 2001 is when all this hit me...and everyone said I was stressed out due to the towers being hit...it goes on and on and on from there...I get so scared that when I have a chest pain or anything and then start to think I am over reacting b/c of all the stuff I've been through with the docs, family etc...when I found this website awhile ago I never thought that there was so many people out there that was going through what I have been through...I'm so glad that I found it...

I do however like to drink a couple of cold ones with my friends, family etc and my doc knows that I do drink and smoke I am very honest with her...this is a great place to vent, cry, scream, etc...and you know you are right...why should we always live in fear when yes we could get hit by a bus...I try to tell myself that all the time that when God wants to bring me home he will and there isn't nothing I can do about it...but I'm still tired of being scared all the time but on the other hand I'm still misbehaving like smoking, drinking, and sometimes I eat bad things...and I'm overweight...as soon as I started taking all these meds and had a hysterectomy (that was done saying that was causing my chest pain) I immediately gained 40 lbs now and can't seem to get the weight off and that is another issue I struggle with...thanks for sharing and listening to me complain...

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• By mrsmas
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 11:08 am
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Hello. I had my first heart attack when I was 42. I have also had angioplasty (both renal arteries and major coronary arteries). If that isn't enough, I have malignant hypertension and currently take 3 handfuls of heart pills a day, coronary spasms, microvascular disease, diastolic congestive heart failure and last but not least, cardiomyopathy. And that are only the illnesses plaguing my heart organ. I also have stage III cancer, diabetes II, chronic gout, liver problems and cataracts, so I relate to being sick and tired about being sick and tired! I am now 58 years of age.

I quite smoking nearly 6 years ago, but I chew nicotine gum like mad. I'm a type A++ personality so patches were way too passive! I found that the nicotine gum turns into concrete as you chew it, thus giving me an active way to avoid the cigarettes. Granted not the greatest solution, but 2 mg of nicotine is much safer than the cigs and I don't get as ostracized for it. Also, I can access it in places that are known to jangle nerves without issue.

I'm not supposed to drink at all, and I don't most of the time, but when I do, I try and limit myself to 3 bloody mary's. On rare occasions or special events I'm known to indulge the bubbly, but I'm much less controlled with it, so I keep that to a rarity whenever possible.

I don't know what all the answers are and once in awhile I just need to live "normally" for a few hours. Maybe not a good thing, but with all these doctors and meds, I just feel the need to step away from it and live like I'm not dying.

I'm overweight too (rubinesque), but actively trying to remedy much of that. I have lost so much eyesight to the diabetes that as a photographer, I have to get a grip on it. I will never learn to love some green things! The insulin does NOT help the weight loss at all and neither do the liver problems. I just keep plugging away at it.

Sorry I have no particularly sage words to offer you other than I feel your frustration, and the gum has worked for me. (not just any brand. I use CVS gum because it is "harder" to chew)

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• By seayb94
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 11:24 am
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Mrsmas,

OMG you just broke my heart...I dont know what half of the disease that you are talking about but I only feel your pain....I have had 2 angioplasties done with the first one finding the 2 blockages in my coronary artery...one 95 % and the other 98% ...I had another one in February this year and my doc said everything looked fine even the stints that they put in in 2005...I'm not really educated on all this stuff...all I know is they told me I have Heart Disease, I did have high chlorestrol but have that I think under control with meds...they say my bad isn't where they want it mine is at 108 but my good is bad too that is at 37...from what they say....I do not have high blood pressure but I'm on a fluid pill b/c my hands, feet, eyes swell all the time...I take an aspirin a day and then of course for all my stress and anxiety that I have due to all this they have me on some Ativan and Klonopin....I did at one time take plavix but they took me off of that...they changed me to Crestor a couple of weeks ago but then I started having chest pains and now my left side of my neck hurts with my shoulder etc...the doc told me to stop taking it and go back to my lipator but nothing has changed...I just feel like back and forth to the doc spending more money that you dont have and this and that...I just want to scream sometimes...and I do know however that their are so many people out here suffering right along with me if not worst...I wish I could find something to just cure us all....

thanks so much for your story....you all dont understand how much it helps me to read your stories....

I feel like some people look at me when I tell them I'm having chest pains that I'm crazy...but they are real I will have to say

thanks bunches

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• By martzj
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 2:43 pm
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I was precisely your age when I began having heart attacks that were misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia & CFS. Nor did I smoke and drink, eat junk food....didn't make a bit of difference. I headed straight into acute heart attack by 41. I was also treated dismissively by all physicians when I wouldn't stop returning before that big heart attack hit....because my symptoms were escalating and doctors kept shoving do-nothing diagnoses at me.

You are way ahead of the game in that your heart problems have been identified. Which means you are now in the drivers seat in regards to taking major actions to prevent full on heart attack.....Which you want to avoid at all costs. The fact that the smoking (which you've known increased risk of death from heart attack since 2001) hasn't already shoved you into heart attack indicates your heart is fighting quite well on your behalf to stay alive. It is absolutely your fiercest ally if you would turn towards it rather than away from it. I would give a lot to have a heart that has successfully fought off what you are putting it through with cigarettes, alcohol.

www.brainbalancetech.com
Brain Balance Technologies. They have facilities all over the country and are working with military PTSD and many other brain effects caused by any number of life experiences. What I find interesting about this tech is that they bypass 'talk therapy' believing it just reinforces dangerously negative PTSD brain neuron clusters every time a person 'relives' a stressful memory. This technology is the first to actually provide REAL TIME brain feedback as the patient looks at imagery and sounds his/her brain is producing. The patient is able to get straight into learning how to keep tuning brainwaves into safer, calmer ranges over time.....to help it grow a different set of neurons and strengthen them to the point they are stronger than the old fear model. THis technology operates on the premise that yes, your brain will continue to retain memories and replay them....but you can learn to reach deep into the primal brain waves and calm them down in time. You can learn to override the reactions via neurofeedback. The curative values offered are almost immediate sensations of deep relaxation, calm, anxiety static dissapates, depression is especially responsive to this brain training. Everything from cravings to suicidal thought patterns are reset repeatedly.

Addictions and compulsions seem to emanate from deep inside the pre-verbal, more primative part of the brain....which is what makes them so incredibly difficult to deal with. They don't reside in the reasoning part of the human brain....they live in the fear,anxiety,love, paranoia, run like hell part (limbic) that evolved millions of years before our cortex (reasoning/talking). I smoked to stay awake working my way through the college years, then I quit immediately...and it was awful to get through AND there was no way in heck I wasn't going to get it done. In my early 20s I had no access to the true harm cigarettes do or anything cardiac related. You don't get off that easily. There is limitless access to everything you need to know and do now. All kinds of options to help you with smoking cessation.....and learning to shift into other ways to soothe that instant gratification sqwalling thing that comes with all addictions.

It's good that you were honest about your life history here because there are plenty of women in similar situations who can help you through. Don't expect doctors to take you seriously though while you continue to smoke, etc.

take care,
Jaynie

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• By chill
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 4:05 pm
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Wow...you have been through soooo much! But, I have found a soulmate in terms of chewing the gum...I quit smoking 6 years ago with pneumonia, and the help of patches. But, about 3 years ago I started chewing the gum and there is no question that I am now addicted to it! I agree that it is far better for us than cigarettes but sometimes scares me about chewing it. So glad to know someone else does! I had a massive heart attack, two stents and a pacemaker about 15 months ago. Am doing well other than I still "chew".

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• By martzj
• Posted September 9, 2009 at 11:14 pm
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Chill,
" Am doing well other than I still "chew".

You are just too funny!!! LOL
Jaynie

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• By mrsmas
• Posted September 10, 2009 at 12:14 am
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I realized after the post that I had forgotten to list the heart murmur. I guess I don't have to worry about anyone fighting for my spare parts when I go! :^) They couldn't put a stint in my coronary artery because it was shaped like a shepherd's hook and wouldn't hold, so they roto-rootered it. (my paraphrased version) Then the docs put me on two heart medications that conflicted and nearly killed me with hyperkalemia! Instead of plavix, my cardio has me on Omega 3 fish oil. When I asked about plavix, he told me the fish oil does the same thing. So far, nothing has proven him wrong. (shrug)

My heartattack was a silent one, so even I didn't realize it except in hindsight. Then when they found evidence that I had had one they were in a big rush to do an angiogram. Afterwards they said they didn't find anything wrong so the evidence must be faulty. Six months later all the symptoms had gotten worse and more frequent, so i went back to them telling them to look again. This time a different cardiologist. And this time he found a 98% block in the coronary and 75% blocks in each of the renal. He covered for the other Dr. by saying that it was a "soft" plaque so easily missed.

Now they finally take me seriously.

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• By mrsmas
• Posted September 10, 2009 at 12:18 am
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I finally asked my dentist if there would be any problems from chewing the gum. (just in case) He said the only issue might be gum disease, and I had that WAY before chewing the gum. That said, I stop worrying about it. I must admit that I might spend almost as much on the gum as I did the cigarettes.

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• By jacksvern
• Posted September 10, 2009 at 8:04 am
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good morning. you must also be a gambler? smoking? drinking? i hope that you get the strength to stop. i am 52, was diagnosed with heart disease in 2005. six stents currently in my main arteries, and a five way bypass in left descending area. i have never smoked. don't drink, and i have been one of the chosen for this . what about your meds? what do you take? just wondering about the interaction with the alcohol. it is very brave of you to be so honest, i am sure there are alot who do the same but won't admit it. i too was very energetic, high stressed, like the energizer bunny. over the last few years i have learned ( try) to channel that into other areas. i gave up my career a year ago. i had a very good job, good income, however the memory loss( from meds? who knows) began lifting its ugly head.
i can't do as much anymore as the disease progresses. depression is a big issue with alot of people with heart disease. i am no different. i hope you find the strength to find other ways to cope, because i believe the smoking and alcohol will eventually play a role( if its not already) . when i was in the hospital for 30 days before my bypass , i did a lot of sole searching on life and the essentials we need. i found that doing that searching helped me change alot of things. when you find some quiet time perhaps you can do some searching. this forum is great for interacting with others. please continue!
love you sister!
dianne

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• By seayb94
• Posted September 10, 2009 at 8:21 am
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Good morning Jacksvern,

Thanks alot for the input...I take a aspirin a day 81mg, Lipator 80 mg, Zetia 10 mg, a fluid pill, Ativan, Klonopin, and I also take fish oil...I also have nitro to take when needed...I know I need to quit smoking and drinking but it is so hard...when I say I drink I dont want any of yall to think that I drink on a daily basis b/c that is not what I do but I do indulge on the weekends...a pack a cigarettes last me for 2 days which still is bad...some days I dont smoke at all...still no excuse...I have told my doc about my drinking and smoking...and of course she tells me I should stop smoking...they did an echo and she said everything looked great and when they did a angioplasty back in February she said everything looked good even my stints...I guess I'm playing roulette with my life huh???? I just wanted to know if there was anyone else out here that drinks and smokes with heart disease...he does worry and anxiety kicks in big time but I guess I'm just scared to realize that I need to change my life...and I haven't gotten to that point yet...I definitely dont want to have a heart attach to make me realize it...they did say that it didn't appear that I had any signs of a heart attack at all when they did find the blockages back in 2005 one 98% and one 95% in the same artery...

I just want to say thanks to everyone listening to me..as I feel sometimes I dont have anyone that understands what I feel sometimes....

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• By primetimelady
• Posted September 10, 2009 at 7:28 pm
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I quit smoking for the first two months after my two heart attacks, but I had help with the purchase of an electric cigarette starter kit. It worked great until I miss-placed one E-cig and the other one had a faulty battery. I sent the bad E-cig back to be replaced but in the mean time I started smoking again. When the replacement cigarette arrived I didn't want to go back to it. Eventually I found the miss-placed E-cig but by then my cigarette addiction didn't want to give up my real cigarettes. I am currently on Chantix. It is starting to work. I didn't have as quick of results with Chantix as a couple of my friends; however, I am happy to say at week four I am now down to 3 cigarettes per day (before my heart attacks I was smoking 30-40 cigarettes per day). I am very excited about my progress. It is already noticable at cardiac rehab. When I returned to smoking my oxygen percent fluctuated between 95-97. Now it is coming out at 97-99%. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't pay for the Chantix with the monthly prescription runs about $120 but that is a heck of a lot cheaper than a month of cigarettes. I don't have the side effect of bad dreams or nausea from the Chantix but I sure do have vivid dreams... I just go along with the dreams they are fun. I hope to be a non-smoker by the end of the month.

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• By Beckalino
• Posted September 11, 2009 at 2:10 am
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Hi Seayb94,
It sounds like you have so very much on your plate and, thankfully, lots of friends in this group with great ideas and great experience! I only have my own experience to offer you. When I found out about my aneurysm, I went sort of crazy. I totally acted out and went completely opposite of the real me. This went on for about a year, until I could sort it all out in my mind and even then, it took me a few years to stop feeling like I was going to die because I was (hiking, biking, running up stairs, having sex...you name it I was afraid I was going to die while doing it!). Then, I started working on my relationship with God again, eating right, exercising, taking vitamins, herbs and other supplements (Red Yeast Rice for cholesterol, garlic, soy, Neuro PS for memory, Fish Oil). I started one thing at a time and when I was comfortable with that, I would start another. I am so thankful that even after 12 years of living with this aneurysm, I only take one drug, Diovan, and it's only precautionary, because I don't have high blood pressure. I know how frightening it is for you and I hope being part of this group will help you realize you are not alone in your fear and your struggles. God bless you!

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• By Rose
• Posted September 11, 2009 at 11:10 am
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I am glad you are doing so well. I quit smoking after my heart attack 4 years ago. I was a heavy smoker, two packs a day, maybe more at a party or when out with friends. I still miss smoking. I dream about it. Quiting smoking is hard to do. I have always said that they need treatment centers like they have for drug and alcohol where you go away for 30 days. Addiction to cigerette is as bad as alcohol or drugs. Insurance companies won't pay for away treatment but when we have heart attacks or need transplants they pay for that. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

Keep up you good work and I will root for you that you are smoke free at the end of the month.

Warm Regards,

Rose

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• By primetimelady
• Posted September 11, 2009 at 3:47 pm
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Thank-you Rose!

I've heard that cigarettes are more addictive than herion to some people.

I agree... health insurance should be more willing to help support preventive medicine and life style for healthy living improvements.

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• By NewAllie
• Posted September 11, 2009 at 3:50 pm
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I just have to spout off a bit here. I was somehow, still not sure how, able to not pick up a cigarette again after bypass surgery in Feb. And I live with smokers. I used an electronic one for a few months, with nicotene at first, then without. I don't know how I quit. I am not that strong or brave and my will power is pitiful. Not a day goes by that I don't miss smoking still.
When I was in the hospital last month, one of the cardiac nurses was chatting with me, very friendly and she suddenly went into this speech about how she can't believe some people still smoke after a heart diagnosis or surgery...about how she doesn't understand why doctors even continue to treat them, much less why they should deserve a second surgery when they won't stop smoking.
Can people not see the inhumanity of such judgement? A heart nurse with no more compassion than that? She was friendly, but then I wasn't still one of those "horrible smokers" anymore.
Sorry ladies...my daughter had surgery two days ago and I'm edgy. And, I really want a cigarette. Bless your hearts whether you smoke or not.
Love, Allie

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• By Tersa
• Posted September 11, 2009 at 4:59 pm
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Hi all,

I too feel the need to join in on this discussion ( I usually just read and don't post much), but this whole thing about smoking gets me worked up. I am a nurse who has battled the ole' smoking demon for years, and someone who has never smoked really has no idea just how addicting it really is, I think worse than anything. I have quit( 5 yrs once) and started a million times, and even after being diagnosed with heart disease, having a major blockage, stents, and chronic angina- I continued to struggle with this horrific addiction. I am excited to share that I am currently NOT smoking and I too did it with the help of Chantix. It took 3 times of trying it before it finally kicked in and I have been smoke free totally for 6 months. Everyday is a challenge, and I still want to smoke. I agree, there needs to be more support for people who need to quit, not isolation and lack of understanding, as seems to be the norm in our society. My Cardio is eccstatic I am not smoking, and has been so supportive of my subsequent 20 pound weight gain since quitting (yikes!!). First things first he says...I am lucky to have his support.
Congratulations to those of you have posted for being able to share your struggles with smoking and alcohol ( I have a nip now and then too). Thank God we have this site to be able to share our feelings and not be judged. Keep trying to quit smoking- it will happen when you are ready- the important thing is to never quit trying!! Everyday I say to myself: "today, I did not have a cigarette." It seems to help to take just one day at a time. Take care.
Terri

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• By laurahc
• Posted September 12, 2009 at 10:11 am
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I've never been a smoker but I've seen friends struggle with the cycle of quitting, re-starting, and quitting again.

I do like a drink of alcohol every now and then, though, and that hasn't changed since my heart attack and stents, so I'm with you there. Unfortunately, the stuff that has the most potential health benefits--a glass of red wine--gives me instant headaches! What I like is a nice beer, a Harp lager or a Sam Adams or a Dogfish Head IPA, or a Hornsby's Crisp Apple Cider (hey, that counts as fruit, right)...

-Laura

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• By primetimelady
• Posted September 12, 2009 at 11:27 am
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You should report that nurse. She can think whatever she wants to think but she needs to learn to keep her mouth shut!!! We cardiac patients already know that we shouldn't smoke and we already feel guilty about it when we do smoke. We certainly don't need a medical professional rubbing our noses in it. That isn't any different than saying a diabetic doesn't deserve treatment because they don't always stick to their carbohydrate restricted diet. I ought to know since I am an insulin dependent diabetic with heart disease. I am so tired of people running their mouths telling me I can't eat something. I've been a diabetic for 25 years and I have had two diabetic eudcation classes. I know what I should and shouldn't eat. Almost 30 years ago I was an inpatient from complications of a twin pregnancy. One of nurses made a comment to me about smoking during my pregnancy... she asked me if I wanted to kill my babies. I was mad as hell and demanded to see the nursing supervisor. I may have been ashamed of myself for smoking during pregnancy (and 30 years ago smoking was just starting to be talked about), but I wasn't ashamed to report the comment made by that nurse. Most hospitals have comment forms that you can write comments without naming yourself.

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• By Gammacygnus
• Posted September 12, 2009 at 12:43 pm
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With all my heart issues, I quit SMOKING cold turkey 10 years ago and never looked back. I did myself a favor.

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