Hello...I am 35yo female with no risk factors. Last pregnancy was 3 years ago. On 4-4-09 I suffered acute MI, and after catherization discovered Right Coronary Artery dissection. Like many of you, MD's had never seen before in my age group this far out from pregnacy. They all decided open heart to remove dissected aneursym and by-pass to resume normal flow. Still recovering from open heart and start cardiac rehab next week. I have been reading the posts and so happy I found this site as I too, have been having such a hard time finding answers. This is life changing physically and emotionally as you all know. Several stories I have read match my "event" too. Please reach out with any info. Has anyone had open heart to resolve?? Any advice appreciated.
Still searching for a cause, Holly
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SCAD with Open heart surgery CABG performed (no risk factors)
- By HollySS
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 9:08 am · 8 replies
- In My heart disease - diagnosis and symptoms
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Anxiety Artery dissection Surgery Heart attack Stent Ativan Pregnancy
8 replies
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- By laurahc
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 9:53 am
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Hi Holly,
I don't have any answers either but can offer support. Like you, I had a SCAD of my right coronary artery. They treated mine with stents instead of bypass. I likewise didn't have any risk factors, and what's more, I've never been pregnant, period. I'm a little older than you; I turned 41 on May 10th.
It IS a lot to take in, and I can tell you that you'll have good days and bad days.
What meds did they put you on? Did they advise you about side effects?
In a way, we almost have to revert to being like two-year-olds: remember how once they learn the word "NO" they say it constantly? We have to be like that, too. We have to learn to be selfish, to say no, when our inclination and instinct is to say yes. From this point on, it's OK--no, it's more than OK, it's necessary--to put yourself first: yes, ahead of the spouse or partner, ahead of the kids, ahead of parents, ahead of friends.
You have to come first now. That's one of the biggest changes and adjustments, not only for you, but for everyone around you.
Just know that whatever you're feeling, it's OK to share it here; you'll find a welcoming environment and women who've been through similar experiences.
And welcome to the club that none of us wanted to join!
-Laura
- By kardia
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 10:43 am
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Hi Holly,
Yes, welcome...haven't had your problem specifically, but know your feelings. If that is possible to know a feeling...
I am also glad you found this site, and wish I could offer something specific. Just hang in there.
xoxo
kardia
- By sltudela
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 1:34 pm
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Hi, Holly
I hope you are feeling better. It took me about 3 months to regain my sense of self and to feel "normal" again. At my 2 month appt., my doctor asked, "Do you feel normal now?" My response was an immediate NO. The emotional trauma of it all is the saddest thing about the HA. On Wednesday, I went to my first daughter's kindergarten performance and I was so grateful to be there and almost in tears because in the back of my mind there was the thought that what if I didn't survive the HA. If your anxiety is getting to you, I had the lowest dosage of ativan (anti-anxiety pill) which helped me dearly the first month. I used it for the first 2 months only. On June 2, it will be 4 months post HA. yay! STAY POSITIVE! shana
- By Karen09
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 2:06 pm
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Hi Holly--
I had my heart attack at 41 -- an occluded right coronary artery with no risk factors either. My daughter at the time was 2 years old.
You've come to the right place for support! While I did not have open heart (I had a balloon and stent), it took me quite a while to feel like myself. Give yourself time to heal, physically as well as emotionally. It's a tough road, but listen to your body, listen to your doctors and work together.
keep us posted!
- By wendylee
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 5:53 pm
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Hi Holly,
I too had SCAD of my RCA and had an MI. 4 stents were placed. It was blocked off by clots almost immediately so I had CABG to correct it. Actually, that too failed due to continued dissection below the bypass, but it was re-opened with 2 more stents. I was 49 with no risk factors, like you. Yes, it is definitely life changing. This site has been so important to me during my recovery. I'm glad you found us.
- Wendy
- By KAKLeon
- Posted May 30, 2009 at 9:34 am
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Hi Holly,
I had open heart surgery after dissection six years ago at age 38. I was no risk factors but pregnancy related (so they say ... I'm starting to not believe that with all the other non-preg cases on the site). My baby was 2 months old and the dissection was above the LAD, with a blockage lower -- so 2 bypass grafts.
It's wonderful that you're starting cardiac rehab. Really gives you peace of mind to exercise with supervision. It also is a good place to monitor your sternum. This may sound nuts, but pay close attention to it. I ended up having reconstructive surgery because no one would believe me that it hadn't healed a year out from surgery.
This is a complicated road you're starting. My best advice is to be a pitbull and persevere. You've probably seen all the stories on here of doctors dismissing serious issues with a wave of the hand and "drink some Gatorade" (that's my favorite -- heard it in response to my concern about a bp of 76/47!).
For now, take it super easy and cash in your favor chips with EVERYONE! One fashion tip if you're "underendowed" like me: switch to cheap cotton camisoles with the elastic inner bra thing. Real bras hurt!
What medications do they have you on?
Katherine
- By CJM3
- Posted May 31, 2009 at 9:51 am
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Hi Holly, I too had SCAD at the age of 38 with no known risk factors. My youngest was 1 1/2. I ended up with a triple bypass which was better then the transplant they first thought I needed. By chance did you have your period when it happened? I did and it is thought that the cyclical changes with estrogen may have played a role. I have been told that we will probably never know the cause. This is hard for me to accept for I need to know everything. Overtime I have become more accepting of it all. I suppose time does help to heal. I would love to chat more if you would like. Each individualls road to recovery is unique. Along with their circumstances. I am now 3 years post CABG. Hang in there and perservere.
Sharon
- By HollySS
- Posted June 16, 2009 at 10:41 am
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Sorry took me so long to get back online...No, I was not on period at time of HA. What other conditions did they test you for? I am tying to cover all bases as I start my follow-up visits and still searching for a cause.
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