Have an Angiogram Booked Yikes!

[simplysal]

So I'm a 44yr old female in Wales who had been referred to the Cardiology Dept in Cardiff due to non-specific chest pain and multiple palpitations regularly.

My father needed a triple heart bypass surgery age 52 and sadly died of a heart attack age 60.

He smoked for decades until he stopped age 52 and his diet fairly poor.

I assumed his problems may have stemmed from his lifestyle.

I have been smoking over the last six years and smoke around ten cigarettes per day. I started smoking as a coping mechanism for stress (silly really) when my daughter who had been ill for many many years finally had four organs removed in a ten hour surgery. I regret starting smoking but accept it's simply what I did.

Regarding my diet, it hasn't been great. I am around two stone over what is considered to be a healthy weight. I eat many meals that are healthy and to be fair, a fair few which are not so healthy but I love all food to include fruit and vegetables and I cook from scratch daily.

When I saw the Cardiologist, he wanted me to wear a seven day ECG monitor which was fine. He also sent me for a CT angiogram which I had on 8th September, 2021.

I was expecting to be told all was fine...........until the call came from my GP to say the Cardiologist had been in touch and narrowing of the arteries has been detected.

He wanted my GP to start me on daily aspirin 75mg and to start taking statins (I'm on Atorvastatin starting dose). He also has arranged for me to have an angiogram.

In my naivety, I assumed this wouldn't have been needed........but it is.

I know I have to have the angiogram for all the right reasons but it almost seems surreal that two weeks on Friday, I'll be having one.

I'm worried about whether it will be painful. Whether I will pluck up enough dutch courage on the day to go. Whether I will be able to actually lie there and feeling out of control knowing a catheter is being inserted through my arteries to my heart.

Worrying about the 'what-if's' re. possible complications of the procedure itself and the 'what-if's' in terms of what they may find.

I have to say, for any of you who have had this procedure, is this similar to how you felt? How did you find the courage to physically go on the day and be able to lie there whilst this was done?

I really appreciate your responses as it may help to calm this active mind of mine

Huge thanks, Sal.

[babssugar]

HiI had this done in august

There is nothing to worry about ,it’s pain free and you can also watch them doing it on the screens

They talk to you while they do it and make you feel so comfortable

Let us know how you get on

Hugs barb

[simplysal in reply to babssugar]

Huge thanks for your response. I’m a little squeamish so might take a rain check from looking at the screen. That’s so brave! I’ll update in time babs. Sal 😊

[Cruise1 in reply to simplysal]

You do get some sedation too. Lucky you to get an angiogram so quick. I had to go private to get mine done due to Covid and waiting lists and just as well as there was 90% blockage in right artery so had 2 stents fitted. The consultant said in view of what he found I should have been classed as urgent for an angiogram under NHS.

[080311]

Hello Sal

Welcome to the forum, I know it’s not a place you ever thought you would be joining.

Well firstly please try not to worry about your angiogram, there is no pain and you will have a lovely nurse holding your hand. I had a sedative but was aware of what was going on. The cath lab is like the deck of the Star Ship Enterprise lots of TV screens.😂 because I was so ill I was in hospital when I had mine done, so saw my cardiologist daily he was busy telling me what was happening and what he could see but because of the sedative if he had said he was now going to take my head off I would have thought that was a great idea😂 They always say that an angiogram is the gold standard so once you have had it they will know what is going on and how best to move forward. After you will have a pressure band on, they went through my left wrist and the band went on there.

I can understand that you are nervous it is an invasive procedure but one that will give you lots answers.

I ended up having Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 5 years ago by open heart surgery there isn’t a day that goes by that I am not grateful to the medical team that gave me my life back.

You are so young to be having to face this but you will be so well looked after and eventually have a mended heart.

Best wishes Pauline

[simplysal in reply to 080311]

Awww huge thanks Pauline! Such a lovely message that made me giggle a few times. Yes I guess I need to focus on what will go right rather than what could go wrong. It sounded like you managed just fine. Yes I think I will ask for sedation too.. I agree, it’s surely best to know what’s going on isn’t it. I thought I was brave going in for the CT angiogram. Assumed it would have come back normal so just a little gutted it didn’t.

Will try to stay positive. Massive thanks Pauline, Sal 😊

[Hidden]

Make sure you go and get it done, you'll be in and out within the day. I had two stents fitted in June, one of which was very awkward and I was only in the Cath Lab 45 minutes. Its a little bit uncomfortable lying on the "bench" but no more uncomfortable than a Ryanair seat. There are people chatting to you all the time making sure that you are OK and the time flies by.

[simplysal in reply to Hidden]

Cheers John! Yes have been uncomfortable in many a Ryanair seat 😂

I can imagine the staff being lovely. I’m sure I’ll be so well looked after. Can I not go in, lie on a bed, staff can hold my hand and talk to me, enjoy a cup of tea without the angiogram? Ha, that sounds nice 😂

I’ll go John, don’t worry. Just need to get a bit stronger for it 😊

[MONIREN]

Unfortunately I've had a few angiograms, I find them fascinating, chatting to cardiologist while I can see them having a good look, I don't always understand what they can see, but weird watching it. Pain is minimal, their aim is to keep you pain free, so ask for help if during, it becomes painful, they are quick to oblige. I've always found them very reassuring and helpful. I don't think any of us expected to be in this forum. But I'm sure others here will give you confidence to cope. All the best! Take care. Moni

[simplysal in reply to MONIREN]

Huge thanks Moni, yes you’re right I’m sure we’d all rather not need to join a bhf forum but here we all are. I have to say you’ve all been so lovely and warm with all of your responses.

Sorry you’ve had to have a few angiograms. I’m having kittens over the thought of having one 🙈.

You too mention great care from the nurses. I think you’re right. I guess they’re expecting me to feel anxious about it and are used to making us feel as comfortable as possible.

That in itself makes me feel like I might manage this. Huge thanks, Sal 😊

[RufusScamp]

An angiogram is nothing like as bad as it sounds. I found the team were quite prepared to tell me as much as I wanted to hear. (I chose not to look at the screen) but was surprised when they said it was all over. I had the more complex version through the groin, because of the configuration of arteries in my arm, but was still home that same night.

[simplysal in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks Rufus, so did they try to go through your wrist before finding they couldn’t? We’d all rather one puncture wound than two 🙈.

Yes I’ll be like you. Have little to no desire to look at the screen. I’m not sure I fancy a running commentary either. I’d sooner rather they do whatever it is they feel they need to do (without sharing there and then) and inform me afterwards.

I know though that they’ll need to tell me whilst they’re doing it so I’m aware and understand what’s happening.

I’ll probably faint though 🙈

Huge thanks Rufus, Sal 😊

[Hidden]

You will be in the best hands.I had mine in the heath in Cardiff in and out in 22 minutes.Trouble was I had to have a quintiple bypass and now I'm fit as a fidle.Don't be afraid and good luck x

[simplysal in reply to Hidden]

Massive thanks for reaching out to me. Yes, I’ll be having mine at the Heath too. The one member of staff I spoke with on the phone this week was lovely! I know my legs will feel like jelly on the day. As you would know, it isn’t a day I’m looking forward to but appreciate it has to be done. Wanting the 5th November to hurry up and get here to get it out of the way. At the same time, wanting the clock to stop rolling forward so don’t have to face it lol!

Huge thanks for your reassuring words. Hugely appreciated 🥰

[kingsnorth]

good luck with your angiogram and please keep us posted I'm on same journey at the moment waiting for CT angiogram I didnt know you have another one as well if they find narrowing. l would be really scared if I'm told l need a stent. best wishes

[simplysal in reply to kingsnorth]

They usually send you for a CT Angiogram first (or so I was told) as it’s non-invasive. It’s a scan where they inject iodine dye IV to rule out or confirm narrowing.

In my case, they found narrowing sadly so the next step is the invasive angiogram as they can then stent if necessary. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it but who does. Lots of reassurance given here from so many 🥰

Good luck for yours.

[kingsnorth in reply to simplysal]

Thanks for reply. I’m on Bisoprolol to help with ectopics, I’m 70 years old. I have had the blood test to see if my kidneys are ok so now waiting for my appointment to come through. Good luck to you xx

[CoconutBay]

Hi. I had an angiogram a few years ago. Like you, I was very concerned and a little nervous. The Doctors and nurses were great. They numbed the area on my inner thigh, and told me the sensation may feel like I was wetting myself, but I wasn’t ! I never felt the little tube go in, and they turned the monitor towards me, so I could see what was going on. Obviously, I understand this is a matter of choice, and you can close your eyes and just relax if you want. Personally I found it fascinating, but I do tend to look on everything as an adventure ! It wasn’t painful at all, and I had good results. I hope it all goes well for you. 😘

[simplysal in reply to CoconutBay]

Huge thanks for your kind words of reassurance. I think if this was happening to other organs I might then see it as more of an adventure but as it’s the heart, the very organ to maintain life, it’s scaring me a little.

I have to admire your positive outlook 🥰

[Flowerfanatic]

Hello to you Simplysal - now, I know it is easy for us all to say don’t worry but really- it will be fine. I was so scared at the thought of one and afterwards I wondered why. Like you I kept thinking of the catheter/ camera etc going towards my heart. Hopefully if you read my explanation of my angiogram it will help you and put your mind at rest. I think you just click on the round icon next to my name and you’ll see my posts. Scroll down to find the one I wrote on having an angiogram. Good luck to you. All best wishes,

Sarah

[Dralex]

Hi Simplysal, I'm just adding my experience to what others have already posted. I've had 5 angiograms now, the most recent just a month ago, and along the way I've managed to collect a total of 7 stents!

It is a very routine, non-painful procedure, and if you tell them beforehand they will give you something to make you totally relaxed and at ease. My best wishes

[Rslejc]

Hi. Just had one and it was easy. They explain everything along the way and it does not hurt. Just trust them and relax is the key. If you need a stent it will take a little bit longer. I was just a bit furred up and did not need one.No after effects either. Friend stayed the night to look after me but was not needed. I enjoyed her company so a bonus. Best wishes.

[ET1964]

Do not worry. I had the procedure 3 years ago, and it was totally painless. Even better, it will give the medics vital information. Chin up.

[Qualipop]

Absolutely nothing to worry about. I had two angios; one right after my heart attack and one a few weeks later. STents fitted at the first one. YOu will be offered a sedative. A cannula is fitted and you are wheeled into the room which has dozens of huge TV screens. I didn't feel a thing. I asked to watch he screens but they were at he wrong angle. Afterwards a pressure bandage is placed where the needle went in; you are taken to a little ward and the bandage is slowly released which can take about an hour, while you have a cup of tea and toast then it's off home once the bandage is off. Remember they do these procedures day in day out. At he first one the pressure bandage was release a bit early and my arm was black with bruising from wrist to elbow. After the second I didn't even have a pin prick. If you are not already on a blood thinner you will be given an injection before they start. Apart from fitting the cannula which I always hate, I didn't feel a thing. Oddly I was more nervous at the second one but they do under stand.

[Keeponwalking]

It might sound odd, but I quite enjoyed mine, even though it took nearly two hours, as they ended up giving me three stents. There was one point, as one of the stents went in, when it felt sore, but they just whipped in some pain killer. I found it fascinating with the robotic arms moving around. Amazing technology. Hope it goes well for you also!