I am waiting for an appointment for an angiogram and I understand that this is done through the groin ? and will I be given a sedative for this,?
I have just had a transoesophageal echocardiogram and was very apprehensive and worried about it, but I was fine. I was given anaesthetic and I didn't feel a thing, the worse for me was the throat spray, it was vile and made me gag.
Morning bowler, my 1st angiogram was done through the groin but my more recent ones have been through the wrist, I had a double one a couple of years ago where the cardiologist went in through the wrist and inside the elbow. I didn't have a sedative and enjoyed watching the screens to see inside my heart, maybe you could ask for a sedative if you are nervous.
If done at the wrist they fit a pressure band which they let the air out of over time so that you don't bleed.
Personally I found my last TOE much worse than the angiogram as I only had a bit of sedation as they wanted my heart beating as it normally does and sedation would have slowed it down.
Best wishes
I'm sorry you had a bad time with the TOE they must have given me a good shot of sedation as I was away with the fairies and slept another half hour after, I also had a good sleep that night which is unusual for me.
Thank you for the info on the angiogram, I will see on the day how I feel re the sedation, although it would be good to see the procedure.
I do have adrenal insufficiency and I'm steroid dependent, so the stress isn't good for my adrenals, but it has to be done.
They did find with the TOE that I had a moderate to sever mitral heart valve leak, I also have angina, so after the angiogram they will talk about what they will do next.
You're welcome that's what great about this forum someone else will have been in the same situation and be able to offer information.
I have severe mitre regurgitation and I am now on 5 month waiting list to have a mechanical valve, I had a mitral valve repair 10 yrs ago but that has now failed.
Hope you get your appt soon.
Both my angiograms were through my wrist. I was given a sedative both times. It is not the most comfortable of procedures'. I would say my recent MRI was worse.
So you'll be absolutely fine lovey, it is over before you know it 😉
I was concerned before my first one. I had a local anaesthetic, I knew the bloke was rooting around, then he said Right we are in your heart now. I said I didn't even know you had started. I felt a slight fluttering in my neck when the probe was in my heart, but that was it. Easiest of all the procedures I have had. I had to ask which bit I shaved. If you feel along where your leg joins your body you should feel a lump. That is the vessel they use, just need a two inch circle round that.
I think it is the waiting and thinking about it that makes it worse. It seems you did OK with the procedure so that's encouraging. I suppose it's like having a tooth out, you have a local injection to numb it but you can still feel the dentist rooting around.
Hi there.
I had my angiogram through the wrist and felt fine.
I was left with a very minutes scar on my wrist which does feel slightly uncomfortable at times 4 years on.
It really depends on you on the day to be honest but a sedation is offered at the time.
I thought I was going home after (more fool me)
I hope things wasn't too bad for you especially as you wasn't allowed home. I have to travel a 45mile round trip to the hospital, [ West Suffolk Hospital ] maybe I should take an overnight bag with me.! Addenbrook's in Cambridge is nearer to me but as I was fast tracked I had to take what I was given, saying that I am quite happy with my treatment, but the parking fee's are so expensive, with Addenbrooks I can get on the park and ride with my bus pass.
The health care staff are amazing.
I lived in dover back then and was transferred from Ashford to St Thomas's in London.
I felt brilliant after the op and wanted to go home but due to the fact that I needed six stents It was considered urgent.
That to be honest was the worst part and pretty painful.
But then I have a low pain threshold
Hi there,
I was the same as you with the TOE fast asleep.was an amazing sedative.
My angiogram was in the wrist but they may need the groin also,but sedation is on offer if you want it,its not as strong as the TOE one but i had it.
I found the angiogram a bit uncomfortable but not painful.
Hope your mitral valve isn't too bad, i had a mechanical mitral valve replacement 10 weeks ago.
Good luck
Keep us posted please
Jenny x
Thank you for your reply, I think I will ask for a sedative as I don't know how my failing adrenals will cope with the stress, [ I have adrenal insufficiency ]
I do hope you are feeling well after your valve replacement. I'm hoping mine isn't too bad, some days I feel fine, another day I feel wiped out yet cannot sleep, so a vicious cycle.
Take care
Pat x
i had mine threw the groin and was fine no pain at all it did go on a while thow as they used 7 different sizes as i have a abornormal they said lol the bruise after wearnt much fun as it went past my knee.watching it on a screen is strange its like a oak tree blowing in the dark lol.goodluck
I had one through the groin and one through the wrist. I was not sedated for either but they give you local anaesthetic to numb the area. I had to stay overnight after the stenting. You'll be fine! Staff do understand that you are nervous.
I had one angiogram in the groin and one in the wrist, I can't remember being offered a sedative but I'm glad I didn't as I found the whole thing very interesting.
Hi bowler I had an angiogram last November . In through the wrist no sedative and it was fine I watched on screen it looked a bit like someone fly fishing to me. No need to worry .. Best wishes
Nothing much to add but after three angiograms via the groin, my strongest memory is being cold and if you can scrounge a pair of woolly socks- go for it. It's not a painful procedure.
Hello
Had Angiograms through Wrist, Shoulder and Groin. Personal choice is Groin first time I felt anything was when the catheter was in my Heart. The staff in the Catheter Lab have always been first class, they are very attentive watching very carefully your reactions etc. I was just told if you feel anything unusual tell us, and one I remember is " keep your hands inside the cover " if your nose itches just tell me " I am the best nose scratcher you will ever meet " Just reassuring staff.
I think the reason I prefer groin is because you just get the 10 minute pressure applied to the entry point to stop any bleeding rather than the band !!!
Best regards
Frank W
They are ok. I’ve had a lot tho. I just get thru them.
Thanks gal4God for your reply
I suppose, at the end of the day like you if it needs to be done I will just have to get on with it, but It's nice to hear all your experiences, I just hate the waiting for these tests.
Keep well
I had one in June and it was via the wrist. Personally I did not have a sedative as having had one when they plated my femur (I had an epidural) after a big accident I found the sedative the worse part. I didn't find it uncomfortable at all.
The CT scan was worse as in addition to the dye they gave me a nitrate inhaler, with the two combining to give me a nauseous headache. The nausea passed after about 30 minutes but the headache lasted all day!
Hi Bowler I had an angiogram prior to having an aortic valve replacement. They went in through my wrist. They looked after me really well from start to finish and I thought they were brilliant with another patient who was shaking with anxiety. I didn’t have a sedative but they chatted to me throughout and I actually found it interesting listening to them and seeing what was going on.
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