A week with ups and downs. Although my recent angiogram showed that the disease doesn't appear to have progressed, the angina symptoms had.
The hospital had put me on nitrates, then took me off them when they didn't work for me. Ranalozine was to be tried instead.
A stress test was planned. It took a long time to be organised and had to be chased up.
When I called I found that a test had been booked for Tuesday - I'd had no letter. But the hospital had called to advise me, albeit a bit late in the day.
Prior to the test I had the usual preflight checks, blood pressure and weight.
The procedure was professionally carried out by caring people but when my angina kicked in and I couldn't use my GTN spray to alleviate it, I really felt like ripping the electrodes off me and taking back control. I didn't though!
News came through that there was an appointment scheduled for the next day which meant pulling out of an important work meeting. The hospital really must sort this out. No wonder patients are missing appointments!
Wednesday. Back at the hospital. Results of the stress tests reviewed. They confirm what we already knew. So my Ranolazine dosage was increased and I went back on Amlodipine. I learn that we are getting to the end of what can be done with drugs. There's to be a review in 3 months and the surgeons may be involved. Surgery has been repeatedly ruled out because of the diffuse nature of the disease in my case.
Wednesday night I felt unusually gloomy.
Thursday. An improvement! I walk a route at a time when I've usually had to the use the GTN spray and I didn't have to. Elation - but was it to be short lived?
Friday was a mixed day. Walked to the surgery and back via the pharmacy and had some discomfort but it wasn't bad enough for me to have to use GTN.
Hear from the practice mananger at my GP. She hadn't understood my email about wanting to discuss the Angina Plan with the partners so I clarified my proposition and will be meeting them soon. I am delighted. If we can offer the Angina Plan and implement it successfully locally I am sure that we can roll it out throughout the borough and beyond.
More good news, too. My Angina Plan CD arrives.
@anginaandme - my twitter feed - is beginning to beginning to get followers. That's good too. So, all in all, a positive week, but there's a lot more to do.