"Chest Pain and beyond"

I had been experiencing mild breathlessness and very mild chest pain, when walking in cold weather. This gradually worsened so I booked an appointment with my GP. When I then visited my GP to discuss my mild breathlessness I casually mentioned the chest pain whilst on holiday. My GP told me I was suffering from stable angina and that they would get me an emergency appointment with Bedford hospital. I was shocked! A day or so later I was contacted by BHT and an appointment made with the cardio team. When I described my symptoms with the consultant they immediately arranged for me to have an emergency angiogram the following morning, and also prescribed medication. The consultant and the cardio nurse were fantastic. I was now terrified, because I had read that there was a .05% chance of death from an angiogram. I arrived at Bedford Hospital promptly at 8.00 am, encouraged and supported by my wonderful wife. As soon as we were settled in the cardio suite all the nursing staff were so lovely. Putting us both at ease, taking time to explain everything thoroughly and making what was still a terrifying experience for me, much better. A little while later one doctor introduced them self, chatted, reassured me, explained the procedure and made me feel safe in the team's hands. It turned out that I had a 95% stenosis of the right artery and less serious issues with the left too. The immediate problem was corrected by a stent and I have an appointment for early July for stents to be inserted for the other two dodgy arteries. I am still a little apprehensive and have loads more questions reference the future prognosis but without any doubt at all the insistence of the doctors and the brilliant bedside manner plus skill of the staff has saved my life. I also cannot praise enough the friendliness and professionalism of the nursing team. The most painful thing about the whole event was when I tried to help a nurse take the tape of my hand, that was securing the canular. Lol. Sincere thanks from a very grateful 67 year old ex smoker.