Dear Amy:
Another note. When my husband has experienced angina in the past, they told us it was angina, but different then for folks who had blockages in their coronary arteries. Therefor, nitro was NOT recommended, as nitro opens up those arteries, and that would be contra indicated for a person who was having angina from the heart not able to pump enough blood. I am not sure I explained it correctly, but the cath getting moved up is a very good thing. That way, if he has the angina again pre-surgery, they will know how to treat him. The cath will tell if he has any blocked artieres.
Over the past year, Amy, I have been exactly where you are, more times than I wish to count. I decided when my husband was first dx'd that he needed the new valves, that I would let him have full control over the process. What I have found though, is that there are times that I have needed to step in. I could give you a number of examples. For example, there have been times when he plain and simply wasn't feeling up to making the phone calls. And, then other times, when I actually think he might have been embarassed to be calling his Dr., about something that might be trivial.......I think that might be a testosterone thing. Over the past year, there have been moments when I've reminded him that he not only has an obligation to himself to stay as well as he can, but that he has an obligation to me as well. I remind him how we both signed up for the long run the day we got married, and that I want him with me for every day and every hour that God's will has in store. I remind him that in our entire lives together I have not been selfish...........but this time I am. This is what I want. He and I together, till the last....whenever that might be.....for either of us. There is no one in the world who loves him, and cares about him as much as I do.............and thats a fact. So, if he needs me to step in sometimes.......just say the word..........and I'll be there.
Best of luck tomorrow.....or Wednesday with the heart cath. Please let us know what happens.
It sounds like the Dr. is right on track with this one!
Marybeth