Aortic Valve Replacement - the Cath Lab

[Cottagegardener]

Today I had an angiogram to see if there were any blockages in my arteries and the good news is that they’re ok !

My Consultant wanted me to have this procedure to confirm whether or not I would need a bypass when they replace my aortic valve.

For me, the angiogram wasn’t anything like as bad as I’d imagined. I sometimes think the anticipation is worse than the actual event.

The procedure lasted about 30 minutes - 15 minutes prep and 15 minutes actual angiogram. Everything was clearly explained. Yes, it felt a bit uncomfortable (who likes an anaesthetic injection ?) yes, I felt a bit warm and I experienced a strange sensation during the procedure and yes, I don’t mind admitting that I was very glad when it was over - I was starting to feel rather weary towards the end.

After the angiogram the ward staff rewarded me with sandwiches and a very welcome mug of tea, my husband rewarded me with a piece of lemon cake (my little weakness 🤭)

The doctor, who performed the angiogram, gave me the results the same afternoon and said he would write to my consultant. He also advised me to take it easy over the next few days - no lifting, no gardening, no housework.

This evening I have a little bit of ‘heart ache’ and the under side of the top of my arm feels a little tingly but nothing major to report. Hopefully this will go by the morning (I generally feel better at the beginning of the day). My wrist looks ok, no bleeding - I’m still wearing a pressure wrist band over a very thin dressing. The wrist band can come off tomorrow morning if there is no further bleeding. The dressing will stay on for a bit longer and I’ve been issued with a few spares but in all honesty I’m not really sure how long this needs to stay on.

So, I await my next instructions on this journey and hope it won’t be too long before I can once again briskly stride through The Fairy Glen in Parbold ⭐️

[Snowdrops_17]

I had a heart attack and emergency Angioplasty, 2 stents. Then another one for my other coronary artery 2 weeks later. I am 12 weeks now in recovery. I do wish you well for your operation and recovery. I am only 62 and yes, was shocked after my heart attack and glad that it didn't happen at work. Try not to worry too much but focus on your recovery afterwards. You are very blessed. Pray you have your operation soon, so you can get back to health over summer.

Great advice from Nic etc and Michael.

That made me understand more about breathing exercises after a by-pass.

I learn a lot here and glad we have such great opportunity to talk to each other.

Do like that beautiful picture you posted.

[Cottagegardener in reply to Snowdrops_17]

Nice to hear from you 447510 and glad you like the picture - that is the place I want to walk around without slowing down or stopping halfway up the steps.

Yes, I agree Nic and Michael are great supporters, reading their posts made me feel confident enough to post my thoughts.

Sending good wishes for your continued recovery 🌺

[Snowdrops_17 in reply to Cottagegardener]

Thank you ... been back to work for the last 4 weeks and it also helped to get to some kind of normality in my life. But still need to work on my energy for each day. Hope you have your operation soon x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Glad it all went smoothly and your arteries are clear. You do not mention driving but the DVLA guidelines are not to drive for three days after an angiogram.

[Cottagegardener in reply to MichaelJH]

That’s a good point Michael. Yes, I was advised against driving for 3 days.

I’m planning to gently stroll to our village this morning and sit in the garden in the afternoon- the hardest thing for me is not to do any gardening for a few days - the weather is so good. However I know it’s for the best so will have to be content watching Chelsea Flower Show on the telly 🌺

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Cottagegardener]

I had bleeding from a leg angiogram via the groin. Trust me you don't want to there! Arterial bleeds are scary. Relax and enjoy the next few days!