Stress MRI and another Angiogram

[Tab1966]

I was scheduled for a Stress MRI today, following central chest pain upon exertion. My history is that I had 5 stents last October following unstable angina symptoms and I was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease.

My consultant arranged the MRI because of my reluctance to undergo a third angiogram. I didn't cope very well with either of mine.

However, today a nurse, a plebotomist and a doctor were all unable to insert a cannula in my veins. The reason? My veins are too small, too deep and too tough. Apparently the needle "kept bouncing off the vein"! And so the MRI was cancelled.

Should I be worried about this? Could it mean more of my blood vessels are affected, not just my coronary ones? Im thinking I should be asking questions - even though I'm worried about what the answer might be!

It also means that I will be having another angiogram. I did have some sedation last time but still found the whole process very upsetting and extremely uncomfortable. Im wondering now if my "tough veins" made it so? Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could cope better this time?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I would not worry overmuch about it. The first blood vessels affected by disease tend to be the major pulsating arteries such as the femoral and cardiac arteries. On the evening of my admission one of the nurses was tasked to put in a cannula. She deemed she could not find a suitable vein in my right arm and put one in my left. This became uncomfortable and slightly leaky, and was remoythe next day. With the minimum of fuss one was inserted in the right arm. Unfortunately not all people are equally skilled. I have had regular blood tests for many years. One phlebotomist is fuss free and painless, the other always results in a bruise appearing!

As regards the angiogram it might be useful to try some relaxation/meditation techniques beforehand.

[controlcause]

CCTA is invasive angiogram and should give you fair indications