Angiogram advice

[Jayhey]

Hi i have an angiogram apt tomorro. I have type 2 diabetes and take Metformin ...its just occured to me will i need to stop taking mwtformin before procedure? I have a very genetic letter...just telling me to take my usual meds in with me..no mention of stopping anything. I have had a cardiac ct scan in past and WAS told NOT to take it then..because of the contrast dye they used. As far as i am awarw contrast dye also used for angiogram??? Any help/advice guys?

I am currently just thinking ...dont take it just in case....

Thanks!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I am Type I diabetic on insulin and was advised to stop my metformin(!) despite that I do not take it being on insulin. Timing of insulin, to avoid a hypo or a hyper, was what I had to be concerned about. Too many letters are generic these days and can cause unnecessary worry!

Rant out of the way on to your question. Metformin needs to be stopped for any procedure involving an iodine type contrast dye (used for both scans) as it temporarily impairs kidney function which in the present of metformin could lead to lactic acidosis

[Jayhey in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you so much for your reply!

That makes a lot of sense!

I had lots of advice and a really useful info sheet given to me well in advance when i had the cardiac ct scan..

But i guess different depts have there own info...and the angiogram letter is VERY basic to say the least!

Thanks again!

[alheart]

I would stop taking it as it does affect the dyes. I was told not to take anything for 12 hours but could take my meds after they were finished.

The generic letters are an issue and one, thankfully, NHS has sorted out very well. (don't know about the rest of the country!)

Am finding out that practice is very different too. In that in Scotland they use the arm whilst down south it appears that the leg is preferred!

Anyway, I have had the procedure a few times now and the best advice is to relax and take comfort that you are being attended to.

All the best

[Jayhey in reply to alheart]

Thanks so much!

[gal4God]

No dye was used that I can remember

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I had dye with both my angiogram and CT scan. In addition it was used was I had an MRI scan on my leg (PAD). You never forget the hot flush, starting in the back of the throat, that it causes!

Hope it went/goes smoothly today.

[Jayhey in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you... it was a pre op apt today!.. not clear from the letter!

But opportunity to ask questions! Will have the procedure in couple of days..

Thanks for taking the time to reply!