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Way too much information

I made the mistake of soliciting another opinion from a cycling buddy of mine, who also happens to be a [pediatric] cardiologist, concerning my angiogram. I say mistake, not because of any fallout that occurred, because none did, but because he provided some additional information I think I might have been better off not knowing.

It just so happened he talked to one of the cardiologist Fellows at the VA, who was familiar with my case, and was able to gain greater insight into my condition than he was able to ascertain from the information I sent him.

Simply put, what I got from his explanation this morning (which I readily admit may not be a correct take on his explanation), is there's an artery (maybe the circumflex, I don't really remember) that branches off into two other arteries, and there is blockage in all three. Apparently it's something very unusual, which further explains the [older] attending cardiologists question, during my angiogram, if I ever had radiation treatment for my lymphoma, because he hadn't seen it before in the absence of such treatments.

Certainly doesn't sound promising, and does this make it a triple bypass, as opposed to the double bypass surgery I was expecting? I don't really know, and I'm not so sure I want to know, or if it even makes any difference. The thought of that has resulted in my back hurting again, identical to pain which occurred when I was informed I was having my angiogram the next day.

At lease he was able put my mind at ease about the quality of cardiologists at the Long Beach VA, as well those who would be performing the bypass surgery in LA (assuming that is it is approved of course). They all come highly regarded in the cardiology community.

He also reiterated the point I shouldn't be riding, and added I might consider becoming a vegetarian. Two more things I didn't want to hear.
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Comments

Alan said…
Well I'm not a cardiologist but from what I understand of the cath report you have just two obstructions. The left main (which branches off into 2 arteries- that might be the confusion) and the circumflex.

They would only have to bypass the LAD and the circumflex. That's a double bypass. I don't remember seeing anything about obstruction of the right coronary.

What's the latest of whether they're going to let you have the procedure?
11:05 AM
Marc said…
Well I did admit to a lack of comprehension. We were riding at the time. No word yet from the VA. I need to get a flu shot, so I'll go the VA in Monday to see if I can get any more info. Monday is Cardiology clinic day.
12:00 PM
Becky said…
When mom had her heart attack, she had a blockage at the base of an arterery that then branched off in two directions. So, a stent wouldn't work. They did a quadruple bypass which was unsuccessful as her veins are very fine (I think most womens are, but medical studies are traditionally performed on men first,but I'll save that rant for another day) and they "sluffed off" which is quite the technical term, but her heart eventually made it's own bypass. I think it's called collateral circulation.

Bill Clinton is a vegetarian now. All the cool guys are doing it! And what the heck are you doing riding a bike?
6:56 AM
Marc said…
So if Bill Clinton is doing it, and I want to be cool........... Besides how bad can it be? I hear you can still drink wine as a vegetarian.

I have two riding buddies who are vegetarians as well, and my nephew is also sending me a DVD about being a vegetarian, that his mother--in-law (who is a vegan) thinks everyone should watch.

So if I decide to change my life style, at least I'll have plenty of support.

And the bike is the only thing that seems to alleviate the discomfort of my spleen
7:59 AM
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