I have been given a day case admission for an angiogram. I just read the booklet which came with the appointment letter and it's made me really nervous.
I have severe emphesema and this exam is part of the application for a lung transplant. I have had CT scans, x- rays, LF tests, echocardiograms, arterial blood tests etc for years, but for some reason this test has me jittery. I guess it because I havn't experienced this procedure before, but I ask myself if this is how I feel now, how will I cope with a transplant operation?
So far I have tried not to think about it, as it's taken forever to get this far and it could be years or never happen, I feel silly getting anxious over this now. Sometimes it's hard to be brave. I guess I just have to take it one step at a time.
Has anyone got any experience of what I am to face with this and further tests for the lung transplant application?
Kelda X
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Kelda
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Hi Kelda, I had an angiogram a couple of months back as part of my lung transplant procedures. It really is nothing to worry about. They inserted a needle in an artery in my wrist and I felt a warm sensation as they pumped dye in, then I watched the screen and saw the dye making its way through my heart. It didn't take long and I didn't find it painful. Afterwards they put a device on my wrist to prevent the artery from bleeding. It was quite tight and the nurse had to undo this a little every 30 minutes until it could come off. I think I had to stay for a minimum of 3 hours after the procedure. There were no after effects and I was fine when I got home. With regard to the other tests for transplant, they were time consuming and I was in hospital for 3 days but nothing was painful. I had a number of scans for various things, did a walk test, ECG, had blood taken - lots of routine things that you have probably had done before but most importantly I had meetings to talk about transplant and ask any questions. They also gave me written info to take away. Good luck and try not to worry.
Thank you for your excellent detailed response. It really has helped me to know what this procedure entails and has reduced my anxiety. I was fine about it until I read the booklet that they sent, outlining all the risks etc and then I just started shaking, but I'm feeling a bit more relaxed now.
We take risks everyday. I look at all my medications and all the possible side effects and it's horrendous, but we just get on with it.
I really appreciate everyone's support- it choked me up! - I can't help being emotional sometimes!
I am now trying to be more stoical, to keep calm and carry on.
I wish you all the best. Good luck with the transplant process and good health.
I had an angiogram a few years ago but not related to a transplant and my experience was very similar to what Helen detailed. I think the hardest part was sitting around afterwards, not that it was hard, just boring sitting there waiting.
I hope all goes well for you and you are able to feel a little more at ease waiting for the test and hope you do qualify for the transplant list.
Hi Kelda, I have had all this done leading to and During my 4 day Assessment for Lung Transplant, Some things are painful, But as they say "No Pain No Gain" so I gritted my Teeth dug my nails into the Nurses hand and Hey Ho got through it to be put on The Transplant List, all worth it. Don't Worry Hun. I made Life long Friends when in my 4 day Assessment at QE Birmingham, I'm still waiting for my transplant 19 months on, in the mean time I exercise a lot to keep the Lungs open and keep fit for the op when it happens. Be positive and enjoy each day, Plan ahead. Sending Love n Hugs. >>Carolina XXXX
Thanks for your advice and support Hacienda. It means a lot. I believe that my 3 or 4 day assessment will be at Birmingham too, although I was told that about 3 years ago and nothing happened. Things seem to be slowly moving now and it is daunting. I'm trying to be pragmatic and calm, but I do find it hard sometimes.
I hope you get your transplant soon and 'always look on the bright side of life'
Everything Helen 6 has said I would like to echo. My wife went in for one last week in Exeter and it was as Helen described except in our case we were at the Hospital a total of 8 hours but that was better than having to stay in over night which was the alternative. Try not to worry, I know we all do! It is not worse than anything you have already been through. Best of luck.
I do not have any lung problems but care for my partner who does. I had a major back operation, L4/L5 Screws, bolts and brackets for fusion. Due to back problems and drinking too much diet coke gave a slight false reading regarding heart. Had the angiogram and inserted through the groin. I could watch the whole thing on screen with a great nurse checking me. I was still working at the time so had work private insurance. Had it done at the London Bridge Hospital - it was very good and showed my arteries etc., were nice and clear. So had my back operation which was a good.
Do not worry you will be ok and we on here will be all thinking of you.
I was slightly wary before my first one. After a bit the doctor said, Right I am in your heart now, I hadn't realised he had started. The puncture is around the same size as a ct scan one. It is, for me anyway, a doddle. If they take videos do ask to see them
Thank you all for your wisdom. It has eased my mind. I'm sure it will be fine. I've so many tests coming up so I'll just have to practice mindfulness and keep calm.
I was overwhelmed with all your support. Thank you guys
I had an angiogram a few years ago but not related to a transplant,it was at the Papworth hospital, I too felt somewhat scared, but they reassured me.they gave me a sedative.I was fine.Dont worry.
Don't even think of worrying. Look at it from the point of "what if I don't have a transplant". Me I was told nothing about age factors and found out last Feb that being over 65 I am to old to be considered , which leaves me nothing but continuing with getting older and my condition worsening until I have had it. Maybe because I am un upbeat kind of fella I don't let it bother me, just continue to take pills,tablets,anti-biopics etc etc you never know. So if you have an opportunity to get on a transplant list, grasp it with both hands. I am not saying it will be easy as you have been going the mill with the problem for years, but think of the life you will have if it happens.
I totally understand your concern. I have been through the evaluation for lung transplant twice and was successful on my second evaluation.
I think it depends a lot on who is doing the test for you. In my case, the first time was easy. It wasn't pleasant because in Japan (unlike many other countries) sedation is rarely used for any procedure like this. My second time round was less smooth, but I got through it and you will too. I found taking deep breaths was calming. Make sure you tell them if you feel uncomfortable. I found it helpful when they talked me through it. I learned quickly to say when I was uncomfortable rather than just trying to bear it. 😐
And yes, it's daunting. Thinking about the transplant. But the truth is we have no control over it. We just have to take the chance and seize it . Let's take it a day at a time and in the mean time keep our bodies as fit as possible to withstand the rigours of the operation.
If you would like to read about my evaluation process you can find it in my profile page. I am in Japan and the process is is much longer it seems. If you have any questions , I will do my best to answer. I think sibkev can tell you lots too, if he hasn't already left a comment here. 😊
my wife did all the test to get on the list like you and did the angiogram witch took all day and not pleasent but not so bad after all but now she is not on the list yet as her lung desease is stable so she doesnt want to rush for the surgery because its not an easy one but we may have to face it one day and sorry I couldnt get back to you sooner don't stress it to much we try to live one day at the time and hope for the best take care Gilles
Hi Kelda, I had an angiogram in 2014. Got a Xanax before I left the ward and a little IV sedation when it started. Like som of the others mentioned, I did no even feel anything going in and after that the cameras swoop in and out to take pictures. It was all so much easier then I'd anticipated.
sry ive been in hospital for 10 days missed all posts only answer is loads ecg mugga scans ct scans rt side of hart cath left cath of hart ultrasounds blood test 100s not same day its a long hard trip but so worth I had the transplant and got my life back id do all again in a hartbeat ive been in with infection and vuirus you have to be careful at this time of year avoid crowds dont let peaple visit you go to them that way the germs dont live in your house anything you need to know plz feel free to ask ill answer all
I just wanted to let you all know that I got through the angiogram ok. Unfortunately it was quite painful as my arteries went into spasm, but mercifully they did give me a seditive and it didn't last long. Also they said that my coronary blood vessels were in good shape.
I was a little disappointed not to see the dye going through but all I saw was the camera. Also although they were very professional they didn't talk to me throughout the procedure so it was a bit daunting.
I'm just glad that it's over and everything is fine. Once again thank you for all your advice. Chest CT scan is next....
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