Having an angiogram? Don't worry!

[Kimlouise]

Hi all, I just thought I'd write this post for anyone who, like me yesterday, is sh*tting bricks at the thought of having an angiogram. I was SO anxious, to the extent of hyperventilating with tingly hands & feet, going into the cath lab. I had really worked myself up so much. I was even really worried about the thought of having sedation.

I really needn't have worried at all! I did have a very small amount of valium for the procedure, but it wore off really quickly. I wasn't away with the fairies, just relaxed & totally aware. The whole procedure was over in about 20 minutes, and as others have said (though I didn't listen) I didn't feel a thing apart from the initial needle. The whole staff team were lovely, relaxed and joking (this was at Treliske, Cornwall). I got a chance to chat to several other people after in the 'recovery' rooms, & without exception they all said it was way less scary than they had imagined.

So the result for me is that I do have mild coronary artery disease, but not extensive enough to need stents or surgery at the moment, just medication, diet and exercise. Thanks to all on this forum who have replied to my anxious (my middle name) messages. Onwards & upwards now. I am still, & always will be, on the Dicky Ticker boat, just in calmer waters temporarily. Good luck to all anyway.

[Fredders]

Glad everything went well and a good outcome. I don’t think it matters how many people tell you it’ll be fine, unless you’ve already been through it it is perfectly normal to be scared/worried about the procedure. i’ve had two, so I’m an old hand at it 😃.

Wendy

[jimmyq in reply to Fredders]

Regarding diet & exercise, I would recommend that you watch the film "Forks Over Knives". It is on Netflix and YouTube. It is about global medical heart research and the findings. You might find it helpful, I did. If you do watch it let me know what you think.

[Kimlouise in reply to jimmyq]

Thanks jimmyq. I'll definitely watch it, I follow their facebook page & sometimes cook their meal suggestions. I'm also trying to follow a plant based diet from the 'How not to Die' book & once you've got over the faff of using so many ingredients, it's actually really enjoyable.

[jimmyq in reply to Kimlouise]

We are doing that too. After reading the book I invented "Superstew". It is the made up best of each of the food groups covered in the book. We make it one day, put 2 portions in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. We have it every other night so that we know we are getting wee fed. The other nights we do something out of the cookbook. Recipe:

2 onions

4 cloves garlic

1 bag frozen broccoli

1 bag frozen mixed veg - cauliflower, carrots, peas,

1 mugful lentils

400g kidney beans,

400g chickpeas

tbsps miso to taste

1 heaped tsp turmeric

1 heaped tsp oregano

1 heaped tsp basil,

3 tbsp savoury spice blend (from the book) you could use salt

2 tbsp ground linseeds

500ml vegetable broth(from the book)

1.7l water (or to required consistency)

Chuck it all in a very large pan and cook it for half an hour. Or use a slow cooker.

Makes 10 servings.

[Kimlouise in reply to jimmyq]

That sounds delicious! Makes the whole process a bit easier too. We'll definitely try that

[jimmyq in reply to Kimlouise]

How long have you been doing it? We have just finished out first month. We are both losing weight and my health has improved.

[Kimlouise in reply to jimmyq]

Since end of January. I've lost about half a stone, would be more if I didn't make quite so much of the date & walnut chocolate balls! My partner who is a postman & eats way more than me hasn't lost quite so much but feels good on the diet.

[jimmyq in reply to Kimlouise]

I am losing about 1lb a week. My general health is improving. My BP came down but seems to be creeping back up again, 148/77 this afternoon. That could be because my GP reduced my Bisoprolol dosage when my heart rate went too low. I have been following the guidance fairly rigorously for 5 weeks (I have snacked on cream crackers a few times - without cheese or butter).

[Kimlouise in reply to jimmyq]

Just cooked your HNTD soup! Lovely... I added chilli & a couple of tins of tomatoes too. Going to keep us going for weeks!

[jimmyq in reply to Kimlouise]

We thought about adding tomatoes. Will probably try it next time.

[Lynne1a in reply to jimmyq]

Hi I’ve been on YouTube loads of trailers & suggestions for fork over knives can you tell me name of doctor doing film or send a link please many thanks - Lynne

[jimmyq in reply to Lynne1a]

Sorry! Just found your reply in my Spam folder.

Link to the film: forksoverknives.com/the-fil...

[Lynne1a in reply to jimmyq]

Thanks Jimmy’s just downloaded the recipe app

[jimmyq in reply to Lynne1a]

I haven't looked at that. We are following "How Not To Die" and the associated cookbook.

[jimmyq in reply to jimmyq]

Just made the new batch this morning, with 2 tins of tomatoes and 1 chilli. My wife isn't too keen on chillies.

As for the app, our eldest daughter has downloaded it and will give us a review when she has had a play with it. We want to be able to add our own recipes to the weekly meal planner.

[Hidden]

I had my angioplasty plus stentsin Tresliske as an emergency, having multiple HAs that night (I was visiting family at the time). The whole team there were superb and i can never thank them enough. I hope you recover soon

[CarolW2121]

Thank you for your post; I’m waiting for my echo on 18th April and hs d pre op assessment for angiogram on 10th - feel wholly over whelmed and terrified by all of it.

You have helped allay some fears thank you

[Kimlouise in reply to CarolW2121]

Hi Carol, I was so fearful. I had been trying to practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, relaxation - all sorts to try & calm down but fear kept overwhelming me. I knew it was totally out of proportion to the situation but just couldn’t seem to control it. I was anxious about the procedure, and also what they were going to tell me after. I’m normally quite a logical, laid back person but not when it comes to my cardiac health! Even having my blood pressure taken sets off a huge adrenaline rush. I’m working on it! Really don’t worry, the risks really are tiny and you will be in and out again before you know it. Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

[CarolW2121 in reply to Kimlouise]

Thank you .... I’m the same completely ..... it’s the fear of the unknown isn’t it? And as soon as someone says “there’s a problem with your heart” it’s impossible to do anything other then go into a panic! I’m also trying to work on my fear with breathing, it helps sometimes x

[Joliv61]

So true, it was a real wtf moment when the doctor said ok I’m in your heart now and I hadn’t felt a thing. I was wondering how he had got round the corner from arm across chest with his set of DYNO drain rods without me knowing! Fear of the unknown is far worse than the actual procedure.