Tough time to be alone...: So tomorrow... - British Heart Fou...

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Tough time to be alone...

Fazzle54 profile image
15 Replies

So tomorrow morning I go in for a standby angiogram. Everything has happened so quickly, which I'm grateful for, but I'm a little nervous about being awake as I am a typical fight or flight girl. I understand they give you sedation and local anaesthetic and are usually able to go home the same day. Embarrassingly, I had to call the hospital today to tell them I had nobody to collect me and stay with me afterwards. I am a widow ( I lost my husband to brain cancer 6 years ago on 20th August) I have no family, I do have a best friend, however she is battling bowel cancer so I would not be so selfish to ask, even though I know she would happily do it for me. I have lots of acquaintances, but none I could ask this kind of favour of, so I have to stay in hospital overnight. I feel quite alone today, and missing the support of my beloved husband. To anyone else going through tough times alone, my heart is with you all, as broken as it may be. Take care all.

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Fazzle54 profile image
Fazzle54
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15 Replies

Hi there, You are so strong!! Stronger than you think!! Life can certainly throw us struggles sometimes but I guarantee you Will get through this. You will have all the answers you need after it and any treatmentbyou need will be done. I wish you all the luck.in the world and hope the news is good. Take good care and stay safe. X

Pussacat profile image
Pussacat

You can do this. Physically an overnight stay may be helpful as you will get more time to rest and ask questions. You are not alone, we are here and though not there to hold your hand in person, are wishing you the best and with you in our thoughts. I had my event in February and they went in through the artery in my right wrist and I can barely see the mark now. I am not afraid if I have to have another angiogram or stent in the future so please take some reassurance from that as I am a big softie. Let us know how it goes when it's gone. 😽

Barb6374 profile image
Barb6374

Hi, is there any groups in your community that offer help?.I hope everything goes well for you .

I will be thinking of you x

Isobel1 profile image
Isobel1

I'm sorry you're having to face the this alone, it's good you are staying in over night. They do give you sedation , then put some local anaesthetic into the skin in your wrist . When that has worked , they pass a little tube into an artery..If at any time you feel discomfort , tell them and they will give you some more sedation.

They 'll take lots of scans &

look after you very well .

It will all go fine, and once they've found the problem , they can make plans to get you better .

Flowerfanatic profile image
Flowerfanatic

So sorry you’re feeling worried about tomorrow and having to face it alone. We’re all here for you though and if it is any help please do read my post on having an angiogram. Honestly I was so nervous and I needn’t have been …. They will look after you. Just take it easy when you get home for 48 hours or so and let us know how you get on.

Best wishes to you.

Sarah

RufusScamp profile image
RufusScamp

I was very nervous, but the sedative helped, and a very supportive nurse. It is far better for you to stay in overnight if you have no-one at home, in case there are any problems.I am so sorry to hear about your loss, always hard, especially when it robs you of support. I am sure you will be fine. Love and best wishes, and don't forget to tell us how you got on.

FiftyNotOut profile image
FiftyNotOut

I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this physically alone. But we’re all here to support you. I had an emergency angiogram so didn’t have time to think about it and would have died without it, but even then I was apprehensive.

The lab will be cold (apparently due to the machinery). The people doing it do them all day every day and they’ll talk you through what they’re doing. I had both a radial (in the arm) and femoral (groin) angiogram. You’ll feel pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. If you really can’t go through it awake they may sedate you - but be aware that there may be a delay as that will need an anaesthetist. Everything passes x

Clerkenweller profile image
Clerkenweller

Well as you have gathered from the replies you are not alone. There is a whole community here thinking about you and wishing you well. As you have gathered the procedure is very straightforward and you will be fine. When you are in your hospital bed and bored why not tell us all how it went!

I am also a widow with heart problems. Had an angiogram no need to worry it is painless and no problem at all. I came home Spent the night alone against the rules ! Took my mobile to bed with me. Absolutely no side effects or problems. Good luck !

MissisF profile image
MissisF

Good Luck today. We’re all sending positive vibes. Just keep repeating’ I am a strong and capable woman and I can do this’. 👍🤩 We’re thinking of you. Don’t forget to tell us how you are.

Flibert profile image
Flibert

Good luck. Am a total wuss and the angiogram was fine. Was surprised when it was over so quickly. Had some sedative and was back to being myself an hour or so later (wouldn’t of driven though). Thinking about you

Hoppity1 profile image
Hoppity1

Hello Fazzle, I was saddened to read your post, but please don’t worry about the procedure, I had my first one 2011 I was petrified!!!! But believe me it was fine and I am a devout coward. No pain, you can have a sedative if you want it and I just laid there the nurse was next to me all the time. Afterwards you just stay in the recovery area with a nice cup of tea until it’s time to go home, it’s a shame you haven’t got a friend with you but the staff are good and chat with you take a good book the time soon goes, if you lived near me I would offer to go with you, please don’t worry

ETHEL103 profile image
ETHEL103

Oh so sorry to hear that. Hope everything goes well.

080311 profile image
080311

I was already in hospital when had my angiogram, the sedation is great, you know what’s going on but you really feel so relaxed you just go with the flow.It’s a great idea for them to keep you in over night, where they enter the artery needs to be monitored.

As for being alone, you are a member of the Hearties family and we are always here for you. I have a husband, he suffered a huge stroke 5 weeks after my surgery, and I became his carer, so feel I have us both to worry about, but he is still here so I am lucky.

Please don’t worry about the angiogram it’s ok and the gold standard to see what is going with our hearts.

Will be thinking of you.

Best wishes Pauline

isobelhannah18 profile image
isobelhannah18

I'm on my own and it can be very tough, but it also makes you stronger and able to cope with most things. Staying in overnight will help you relax after your procedure and give you people to talk to and staff to answer any questions. I was extremely anxious before my angiogram but the sedative and the skill and kindness of the staff really calmed me. Good luck and don't forget we're always here.

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