"My cardiac experience"

I had cardiac event in February 2024. Diagnosed with unstable Angina and admitted to CCU.  

Was approached by consultant who informed me I needed repair to previous stenting and additional repair to further narrowing of arteries on right hand side of heart.

The consultant offered me option of bypass or further stenting saying I was entitled to either. I asked what choice they thought I should make only to be told choice had to be mine and they gave me an overnight to think about it. I found this very strange but stressful trying to make such a decision. 

I decided after talking to many folk including nurses in the ward and they said bypass was best option do I opted for that. Only for the same consultant to approach me again next morning asking why I had chose bypass option.  I found this bizarre as they then told me they thought my condition could be treated by stents and would be as successful as a bypass and I wouldn't have to spend a further waiting time in CCU for the bypass as they could get it done a week later in Altnagelvin hospital. They also said I would need less recovery time. 

I asked the consultant why they had not told me this the previous day and they again said it had to be my choice. 

I then opted for the stenting procedure rather than a longer spell in hospital waiting for the bypass procedure.  My question was why I was not just told stenting was my best option for treatment in the first place or was this just to assist freeing up a bed in a busy unit quicker?

On a positive note to my story the stenting procedure has gone well and I have just completed a 6 week Cardio Rehab Class.

I can not thank enough firstly the nurses and doctors who cared for me in the fortnight I spent in Causeway Hospital or the staff who performed my procedure in Altnagelvin Hospital.

But the aftercare by Cheryl, Julie, Ruth and LJ in the Causeway Cardio Rehab team for the past 6 weeks was second to none.  They are brilliant people doing a really good job for both the mental health and physical recovery of their patients and I want to close my story by thanking them sincerely 🙏 😀