When you turn 57, you normally think that you know your body and the signals it sends you. But life sometimes surprises us in the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected moments. This is the beginning of the story of Gligor Dachevski, who at first glance had only "minor symptoms", but ended up having four aortic-coronary bypasses introduced.

"Me and my wife were spending the weekend in Borovets when I started feeling pain and discomfort in my chest. It wasn't the classic pain that paralyzes you, but more of a feeling of pressure and discomfort. We decided to stop at a hospital there. The doctors run some tests, but they said it was nothing serious," says Gligor. Although the news sounded encouraging, his anxiety did not go away. After returning to Skopje, the condition persisted, and he first, went to the Infectious Diseases Clinic, and then to Cardiology.

"The ECG was fine, nothing alarming. But the heart enzymes showed a slight increase. That was the first sign that something was going on. They kept me at intensive care and gave me medication. I didn't have any strong symptoms, except for that discomfort in my chest. But the enzymes continued to rise," says Gligor. That evening, I underwent coronary angiography. The result was clear: a recommendation to introduce four aortic-coronary bypasses. "When I heard that, I managed to remained calm. I didn't feel any danger to my life. I believed that everything would end up well," he adds.

Another alarm that Gligor's body sent was fatigue when performing the usual exercises, since he was regularly exercising, doing an ATG program for movement and strength.

“I started experiencing fatigue while lifting weight. Today I know that it was another signal. But it was the exercise that helped me recover much faster after the surgery. The body was ready,” says Gligor.

THE TRUST IN ACIBADEM SISTINA WAS KEY TO COME TO PROF. NIKOLIKJ

Gligor and his wife made a joint decision to have the intervention performed at the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Acibadem Sistina.

“We thought very carefully. For us, it was not only important that the surgery be performed, but also that the follow-up care be at the highest level possible. My wife is also a doctor, and her decision to come to this hospital was truly justified. We had previously had excellent experiences with Acibadem Sistina Hospital, which gave us confidence. Trust makes half of the treatment,” explains Gligor.

SUCCESSFUL SURGERY AND A NEW CHANCE TO RETURN TO EVERYDAY LIFE

Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Nikolikj, cardiac surgeon, performed the procedure.

“Aortic-coronary bypass is a surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. It is used in patients in whom the coronary arteries – the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients – are narrowed or completely blocked, most often due to atherosclerosis (deposits of fat and calcium on the walls of the arteries). During the operation, a healthy blood vessel taken from another area of ​​the body is used, in Gligor’s case it was the arm, and is attached so that the blood bypasses the narrowed or blocked part of the coronary artery. In this manner, normal blood flow to the heart muscle is established. The main goal of this operation is to reduce chest pain, improve quality of life and prevent heart attacks or other complications. The operation went successfully, four aortic-coronary bypasses were introduced. The patient’s condition stabilized immediately after the procedure, and the rehabilitation went according to all contemporary standards,” said Prof. Dr. Nikolikj.

“The first thing I felt was a huge relief. I was aware that everything was behind me and that I had a new chance at life. The team was wonderful – from the professor to the nurses and physiotherapists. They helped me every day to get back on my feet. I felt safe, supported and encouraged.”

“The rehabilitation really went great. Step by step I was getting back to normal. Today I can say that I am active again, I pay more attention to my health and the signals my body sends me. I have learned that small symptoms should not be ignored. They can be messengers of something big.”

“If I can leave a message, it is that everyone should trust medicine and not ignore their symptoms. I am grateful that my wife insisted on running additional tests and that we made the decision for Acibadem Sistina. I got a new life here, and there are not enough words to express my gratitude for that.”