Angiogram

[cgcookie]

Is there an alternative to an angiogram?

[Lezzers]

I thought I saw an earlier post similar to this?

Perhaps you could ring the BHF nurses, they'd certainly be able to tell you of any other options

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Lezzers]

I agree with your advice Lezzers a call to the BHF helpline line

0300 330 3322

[Elvee2]

I think if an angiogram has been offered then you probably should have it done - it’s supposed to be the “gold standard” for diagnosis. It’s not a scary procedure - you won’t feel anything and the staff will be wonderful- and they’ll give you something if you’re feeling anxious. A rest and a cup of tea afterwards and you’ll be sent home with a diagnosis and plan for what next. Mine led to a bypass (just before Christmas) again staff made it stress free and I was home in five days felling better than I had for ages. Don’t waste your time stressing out - sort out your power of attorney and will and even your cupboards if you need to do something practical and look forward to a better life when your heart is fixed!

[cgcookie in reply to Elvee2]

It's not the procedure that concerns me, but the practicalities. As a full time carer I need cover to be able to go and have it done; it's been postponed 3 times because needs can't be met, so while I'm fighting to get that sorted ( 2 months already) I need to look at alternative solutions - having some sort of check is better than nothing at this point. I have read about MR angiograms, being a new alternative, articles were around 8 years old. I'm not sure how these now are viewed for effectiveness, or their availability. Was hopeful that others may know more

[Elvee2 in reply to cgcookie]

That must be so frustrating - especially as you might get put yo the end of the waiting list each time you have to cancel. Seems like you need more help from your doctor or social care to make sure you are looked after. Otherwise there’ll be two of you who need carers. I really hope some real help comes your way soon.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I fully sympathise with your position as I was the primary carer to my late mother for a period.

Both CT and MRI scans are used more frequently to look at arteries away from the heart (e. g. leg arteries where a Doppler suggests PAD - peripheral arterial disease) and the heart's structure. The nature of the equipment means that unlike a conventional angiogram there is no option of inserting a stent(s) on the fly so you would have to return for this. As they suspect a problem (or the angiogram would not have been suggested) I feel it would be best to have this done in the first place. Push your GP and social services for support. It may also be worth having a word with the CAB to see if they can advise. Good luck...

[cgcookie in reply to MichaelJH]

I know there would be no treatment done during the angiogram, this was explained at the pre op. If it's found that treatment is needed it would be arranged to be done in a different hospital. I'm still pushing GP and social worker, but the company that provides respite care will only do a maximum of 5 hours, not enough to cover the angiogram ( and that's if everything goes well, or no bleeding) I'm really not sure what else could be done under the circumstances