Cardiac Catheterisation. Terrified.

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

Letter about Cardiac Catheterisation now. What's that? 😞. Appt on 30th December.

[Cliff_G]

Could be a number of things. Can you say any more? Not usually something to be fearful of, I've had a few of these for different reasons

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to Cliff_G]

Ive got severe aortic valve stenosis. Had CT Angiogram last week and now this.

[Cliff_G in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

Thanks. I *think* it's for further investigation - see for example cathlabdigest.com/article/A... though that page is quite technical. I think if they were going to do a valve replacement by catheter (TAVR) they would have told you this.

You can find out more by googling "cardiac catheterisation aortic stenosis"

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to Cliff_G]

This is only in my local hospital.

[Cliff_G in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

Yes, that makes sense

[Tessie28 in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

Try not to worry, probably getting nearer time for your op. x

[linnielizzie]

Oh - no more information in the letter ??

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to linnielizzie]

No nothing x

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

I have reread letter, it says pre assessment bloods and swabs. Sorry I'm so stupid 😞

[Cliff_G in reply to linnielizzie]

Poor!

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to Cliff_G]

Cliff, I am an utter twit. I have reread letter, it says pre assessment bloods and swabs. Sorry I'm so stupid 😞

[Cliff_G in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

No problem, we all do the same when something scary catches our eye! But it still sounds to me like a check up on a few things prior to a procedure. Try ringing the hospital ir Consultant's secretary to find out more

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to Cliff_G]

Cliff, I think you've nailed it. Is it normal tho to have CT Angiogram AND cardiac Catheter. Do you know half of me is beginning to wonder about whether they are thinking Tavi. Although they class me as very fit.

[080311]

Afternoon Jane,

Please don’t be frightened, it’s just another test, they want to check the pressure your valves are pushing out. Plus the arteries make sure they are clear.

Look at it as they want to make sure they know what they will find before your surgery. Gives you the best out come, you are being well looked after.

Best wishes Pauline

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

I am an utter twit. I have reread letter, it says pre assessment bloods and swabs. Sorry I'm so stupid 😞

[080311 in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

Sounds like things are moving 👌

[onthescrapheap]

I too had a CT angiogram abs the images were blurred a catheter angiogram is where they insert a catheter in either your wrist or groin and feed it into your heart. They then used tracking dye to give clearer images. It’s painless abs takes about 30 minutes - Hope it all goes well

[Sunnie2day in reply to onthescrapheap]

Erm, I wouldn't call it painless - but I would call it 'doable'. Especially if the point is made for the highest amount of 'anxiety relief medication' they'll administer. I was pretty much out for three days after mine (simultaneous angio and right-heart study so I got the cannula in wrist and 'upper thigh' - ouchie and the bruises lasted weeks), I mostly felt nothing until the meds wore off. 😜

[Carealot]

It really is nothing to worry about and once sedated, it can feel quite good - even interesting. I asked lots of questions but just didn’t remember the answers 🤦‍♀️

[Smileyian]

Oh don't be terrified. I have had numerous - these are routine for Cardiac Depts and you will be well prepped and looked after.

[Maisywhippet]

Hi, know how you’re feeling...I have mine tomorrow with possibly a stent! First treatment other than echo😨Trying to keep calm. As I understand it’s dye through a catheter and then camera in to have a good look round. The nurse said it’s all painless apart from a little discomfort in the chest if they do stent and enough sedation will be given to make you relax. Apparently there may well be bruising and slight swelling in the arm for a few days, but it’s in and out same day. I personally have found the waiting the worst as your mind naturally goes through all the” what ifs” ..but after going for pre assessment yesterday I immediately felt much more confident.

[Manhattan1 in reply to Maisywhippet]

i had a CT angio in April and an Invasive angio 11 days ago.. i can remember going onto the table.. the Cardiologist saying i’d feel a slight sting.. which i did from the anaesthetic needle lol.. then a female voice saying.. this will help settle you down.. i take it that was a sedative.. because i believe my BP was high.. then can’t remember anything until someone was helping me to sit up! lolol., small bruise on my wrist and arm which was virtually painless.. don’t worry..you’ll be fine😊

[Maisywhippet in reply to Manhattan1]

Ah thank you,, will be soooooglad when it’s done!

[Astronomyrules]

When it's all over you' ll wonder what you got worked up about. Trust me, I've had so many I've lost.count, (though I still get anxious every time). Don't be shy, as for plenty of sedative to calm your nerves.