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I need some advice please

Nnanny profile image
14 Replies

I am having an angiogram on Wednesday,at my pre assessment the nurse has said I must stop Candestartan and Furosemide,24 hours before .Would this mean I don’t take them on Tuesday as I normally take them about 8am? ,or do I take them on Tuesday and just omit them on Wednesday?

I have requested sedation for the procedure as I am a bit nervous about it and also she said I would have to lie still for about an hour,I didn’t think it would take that long!

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Nnanny profile image
Nnanny
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14 Replies

Hello :-)

I would not take your dose Tuesday if you are having it done Wednesday

It will not harm you for a day or slightly more not to take them :-)

When it comes to the angiogram I was in such an anxious state , not sure if I was laid there an hour on not as I had sedation and the Nurses were talking away to me and before I knew it they said that's it , it felt it went very quickly :-)

The unknown is worse before than actually having it done , I did make a fuss and got myself in a right state and after felt a bit silly for doing so but when you are anxious it is easier said than done not to

You will be alright if I can have one done honestly anyone can :-)

Let us know how you get on :-) x

Nnanny profile image
Nnanny in reply to

Thank you for replying,she said the contrast was hard on the kidneys, it’s reassuring to hear that you had sedation and coped okay. I will keep you updated.

in reply to Nnanny

:-) x

RufusScamp profile image
RufusScamp

Can you contact the department responsible and ask them about the meds? I can't remember what I had to do.You are wise to go for the sedation if you are at all nervous. Makes it easy for everyone. When they say an hour, I think that is the maximum you can expect, it's usually a lot quicker.

Hope all goes well for you.

simplysal profile image
simplysal

It’s natural to feel anxious about this procedure, I mean even the word ‘Angiogram’ sounds scary doesn’t it!

I’m a 45yr old woman who is the biggest baby! I never thought my feet would carry me in on the day.

All of me didn’t want to go through with it. Just didn’t feel brave enough.

Yet realised I had to go, as the consequences of not going could have been so much worse.

They gave me a small dose of Midazolam (not sure how it’s spelt). Fully aware, fully conscious) but more relaxed.

The number of staff in the room is a little intimidating when you first go on. They are like busy working bees chatting and doing their thing whilst you lie there and get prepped.

I absolutely give you my word! As I’m not into lying or underestimating things…….the procedure is sooooooo much easier than your mind conjures up! The staff will put you at ease. The procedure is far more comfortable than you’d ever believe! And you are likely to be wheeled out of their thinking “I don’t know what the fuss was about lol”. You’ll feel elated you actually got yourself through it and no doubt comforted that whatever they needed to do has been done.

I personally found it painless minor three seconds of VERY mild discomfort when the balloon first opened my artery. Very mild and more than manageable. That was THE ONLY discomfort I felt!

I remember thinking to myself “if ever I need one of these again, I won’t need to get anxious about it at all”.

Good luck for Wednesday! Let us know how you got on! Sal.

Nnanny profile image
Nnanny in reply to simplysal

Thank you Sal,that is very reassuring,I had one about 30 years ago ,and I had a reaction to the contrast so it had to be stopped and I was kept in overnight,I then had a second one done locally which was done in my groin and it was fine,but that was a long time ago,so I am just a little bit wary now. I will let you know how it goes.

Mentdent profile image
Mentdent

The biggest problem I had with the angiogram was that it was boring.

Monty2022 profile image
Monty2022

I was anxious too but the staff were great and it was over and done before I knew it. Good luck and hope it all goes well.

Nnanny profile image
Nnanny in reply to Monty2022

Thank you 😊

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

I wouldn't take them on Tuesday. It's normal to be anxious but I've had two and neither bothered me at all. I have severe spinal problems but being sedated I didn't even feel any pain in my spine. They usually do give sedation. I really wanted to watchthe monitors but they wouldn't let me.. You have a pressure bandage on yoru wrist afterwards which gets gradually released until they are sure bleeding has stopped. A really good cup of tea and toast then home. I went in at 9am and was home by 1pm

Nnanny profile image
Nnanny in reply to Qualipop

That’s good to know,the nurse said I should be able to go home around one pm .

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to Nnanny

Yes it all depends on when they can take the pressure bandage off. First time they loosened mine too soon and my arm was one huge bruise from wrist to elbow. Second time I didn't even have a pin prick mark where they put the needle in. I didn't feel anything at all during either procedure. The first was immediately the morning after my heart attack so I didn't have time to worry yet the second time I was terribly anxious. The nurses understand and are really kind.

the-wuss profile image
the-wuss

as with all the replies here I had an angiogram last month with 24 hour notice. my stress levels went through the roof especially when they started to tell me what they were going to do. I had to stop them telling me about it as I was getting so worked up about it.

in the end the nurse said I could put on headphones and blindfold through the procedure. yes walking in the room with all the people was intimidating but once lying down, headphones and blindfold on. calming music and not being able to hear the chatter in the room or see anything. all I felt was like a quick "sharp scratch" and they were tapping me on the shoulder to say it was done. yes it seemed to be that quick.

I know we cannot stop you getting worked up about it. but it will be over before you know it.

Nnanny profile image
Nnanny in reply to the-wuss

Thank you, I will be glad to get it over with! I know it needs to be done and hopefully the result will be good.

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