Right Heart Catheter?

[Silvasava]

Hi All

I'm having this procedure on Tuesday to check pressure. I'm quite apprehensive about it as its being done with a local anaesthetic . If anyone has had this and can share their experiences or advice I'd be most grateful

Thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

Just to re-assure you, everybody who ever had an ablation had a catheter in the right side of their heart. This is where you arrive when you go into a large vein as in your groin. There are no nerves in blood vessels so you will not feel the catheter travelling along although there will be some pushing and shoving in your groin . No big deal to be honest. Relax.

[Silvasava in reply to BobD]

Thanks for the reassurance Bob, although I'm not suitable for an ablation at least I know it's a procedure that is performed regularly! Thanks again.

[Usta]

I had a "right side" (my right) procedure on March 23rd using "conscious sedation " meaning I was awake and able to respond, but very relaxed and not aware of even the slightest discomfort. I recovered quickly and walked out of the EP facility a few hours later...no lingering side effects but with a square-shaped transparent bandage on my right side covering a small wad of gauze...no bleeding, pain or discoloration. Took 2 days for the adhesive to loosen so I could remove the transparent bandage! I did have a few"surprises" or "aha" moments...after perusing this forum, I purchased electric clippers and recruited my wife for some preliminary trimming. Even so, the prep nurses did some additional trimming! I had 2 IVs for different meds...1 for the actual anesthesia, the other -I think (but I may be mistaken)- for a Foley catheter ...which I had never used before.The biggest "ahas" though were the apparent ages of the EP team members. I'm 73...they were all youngsters! I have shoes older than most of them( very professional though).

Hope this was helpful ... all the best . I know this nearly impossible, but try not to worry.

[Silvasava in reply to Usta]

Bless you Usta, very reassuring! Must remember to trim my 'spiders' just in case Yes, whenever I've had an appointment at the hospital the staff seem to have just left school and I definitely have a pair of shoes older than most of them!