I'm lucky. They've had a cancellation at the hospital foe tomorrow so I can get my Angiogram done 4 weeks earlier than expected . Just sitting waiting at the hospital pharmacist for Clopidogrel. I guess I'm on here looking for words of calm. I've been told I have severe calcification in 3 vessels. What if I need bypass? What will it feel like.what if I feel too much pain or feel faint. what if I need to cough? I have loads of worries. I know many of you guys have been through much worse. Am I a wuss? Xx
Angiogram tomorrow and scared - British Heart Fou...
Angiogram tomorrow and scared
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Sljp0000
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Hi Sljp0000,
I am sure that everyone is different and from my own experience the nursing staff who look after you in the cardio area are fantastic at calming you and providing reassurance about the procedure itself.
The other what if’s I suggest you write them down so that you can ask the doctors beforehand as i know i never remember what to ask at the time.
Don’t be afraid to discuss your worries with the staff at the hospital, they are there to help you.
Hope this helps
I'm here and I've asked away. Just waiting now, 2nd on the list! Eek!
• in reply toSljp0000
First I’ve seen this post today ! Best of luck , I know the nerves are kicking in but it won’t be long and by lunch time it will all be done . I’ll be thinking of you xxx
Try not to worry. ....you will be ok xx
Many on here have gone thru what you are facing. It the first step on your diagnosis and we all had fears but I can’t speak for everyone but it is relatively pain Free and you will learn so much about your condition. The cardio team will put you at ease and answer all your concerns. Don’t expect answers immediately most hospitals take time to assess your results. Good luck and be positive all will be fine. And will be better than you probably feel at present
Angiograms are not supposed to be painful. The entry point has a small local anaesthetic injection so you don't feel it. I did have a sensation in my chest as they worked, but it was almost like a gentle brushing sensation, certainly not painful or alarming. I did experience some momentary pain at the end when they removed the catheter, but apparently this is rare and due to me having narrow radial arteries. This may sound strange, but I don't ever recall being quite as relaxed as I was during the procedure, I suspect I may have been given something in the IV to cause that. I spent most of the procedure chatting with the surgeon who was happy to discuss what he was doing.
Good luck. It is something you need and you'll be well on the path to the treatment required.
Hi , I am so pleased that everything went so well. Just curious to know when the the canula was punctured , was it the right or left radial artery? How long did the actual procedure last? Was it a day procedure and for how long your normal day to day activities were restricted?
Mine was my right arm. The procedure lasted around 45 minutes. I had a 95-99% blockage in my circumflex artery on a bifurcation requiring a single stent. I think the surgeon encountered some difficulty placing the stent based on the conversations taking place. It was a day procedure but I was kept in hospital for a couple of days afterwards because for reasons that went unexplained I had an unusually large amount of bruising and swelling of my arm. This photo was several days later.
Bruised arm
Oh that looks bad 😱
Please don't worry too much! The heart team will look after you and explain the procedure and what you might need stents or operations to clear the calcification in your arteries! Hope you get your treatment soon !👍
Waiting to go down now, eek!
Hello 
First you are not a wuss you are perfectly normal
Some it does not bother them others and I am one of them it terrifies them
They had to abort the first one they were going to do on me I got in such a state
But second time yes I was afraid but knew it needed to be done and do you know I feel stupid getting into such a state the first time as when I did have it done the second attempt I won't say I liked it but it certainly was not like anything my imagination had blown it up to be
Let the Nurses know how anxious you are and they will take really good care of you , accept the sedation if you feel it will help I had it and it did and before you know it you will be back home
What if you need Bypasses now one thing at a time as all the what if's will just make that anxiety worse , I know because I do it myself !
But tell yourself whatever the result may or not be that we are so lucky that they can find what is wrong and do something about it if needed
Get through this first and we can deal with whatever if we need to after
The truth is if I can go and have an angiogram done then honestly anyone can
You can do this and post when you have had it done and let us know how you got on x
Sljp0000• in reply to
Well I'm at the hospital all catheter up so that's a start! Thank you for taking the time to reply!
• in reply toSljp0000
Hello
Lovely to see your reply and well done you are there like you say all catheter up
I knew and know you can do this
Some like to watch it on the screen personally I am a wuss and decided not to and talked to the Nurses all the way through instead
You have got this I know you have and be proud you were afraid but you are there despite that fear !
Hope you will let us know how you get on and know we are all willing you on to get this done x
Please try to calm down I am sure anyone of us would feel the same in your position.
I can only say when l got to the Hospital and meet the staff . I felt safe and calm it was over in no time. A nurse is by your side all the time .
Dear Sljp0000
Yes you are a wuss that belongs to the same wuss club that I and many others belong to, believe me there is nothing wrong with that, you or us.
Its a big unknown and all I can do is tell you of my experience of the three that I have had.
It is a fascinating process that gives them so much information to help them and you plan the way forward to getting you well again, that now it is classed as a gold standard procedure.
I felt no pain and only a slight pushing, I had a premed {tablet} then something into the vein to make me relax { which one time I did to well that I fell asleep } the only pain I had was at the entrance site { two done via the wrist and once in the groin} where they put a sort of pressure thing on.
It ached for a few days after, nothing that a simple pain killers didn’t take the edge off.
All in all they are very professional at their job, please tell them that you are nervous, its something that they are trained to deal with and above all remember that you are not alone, we have already began to cheer you and many others on.
Take care and please keep us informed.
As I said to someone else when I replied to them this morning.....the fear of the unknown is so often much worse than the procedure . Having had this done along with so many others on the forum I can only say I did not feel a thing....even though I felt so anxious before. The staff gave me such confidence I even watched it. They are fantastic and don't want you to be fearful of it. Please make sure you direct your concerns and worries to them and I am sure they will make you feel as calm and comfortable as possible. I think because it's the heart an automatic fear kicks in but the staff are the experts and I really hope you come out feeling much more brave than when you go in. These are all the steps towards making your heart better ....all the best xx
You are right of course, fear is always worse than the actually truth. Thank you for replying! I'm here and trying hard to stay calm x
Let us know how you get on xx
Hi,
As the other replies have said, the team who will be doing your angiography will be very supportive and are more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.
In my case I was told I needed a bypass immediately and the cardiologist came and had a long conversation with me and stated many times that it was not the end of the world (which he was right as I'm now 2 and half years post bypass). The whole proceedure wasn't painful, in fact the most pain I had was a headache afterwards from the drug they used and they were more than happy to give me some painkillers!
All the best and it will be over before you know it.
Sljp0000• in reply to
I've just been told often diabetics need bypass as the best option. Not sure I wanted to hear that but what will be will be. Hope you're doing well xx
We're all wusses here!! Well, mostly all. As others have said, its natural to feel anxious - you've never had this procedure before and anxiety generates a shed load of 'what ifs.....'.I've had three of these procedures - twice with sedation and once without. I can honestly say none was a problem - but that is with the benefit of hindsight. Even the last one without sedation. Yes, I was anxious before the first, apprehensive before the second and a tad worried about the third - but that was largely to do with the fact I was in a hospital in the middle of lockdown, the place was full of people covered in PPE and also what they might find. It is a fascinating procedure - or would be really fascinating if I could see what was happening!! I'm simply not big enough to be able to see round the X ray machine....so I had to wait until afterwards to look at what they had done. Funny looking at your own heart in monochrome. I was then, and still am, in awe of the minds of the medics who devise new procedures. So many lives saved because of them.
So, my message is: wuss away .....you're in good company!! Please come back and let us know what the outcome is.
OMG you are not alone!!I had my first angiogram in 2017, I have had 3 now. I had worked myself up into a state but it was no worse (far from it) in my opinion than a visit to the dentist.
No point in telling you not to worry but just think that probably by this time tomorrow it'll be over.
In my first case, there were 6 of us to go for the angiogram and once they are all done the Cardiologist came and saw us all and told us what was needed. I was the only one who needed surgery (bypass) I could hear what was being said as there were only curtains between us.
My hospital could only do angiograms but if stents were needed you had to be referred to another hospital where they could do the procedure, maybe your hospital can do the stents at the same time? I had stents fitted in October last year and was sent straight to the main hospital for for the angiogram and like you I had badly calcified arteries (2 of them) so they had to drill through the arteries to fit the stents (Rotablation). I won't lie to you it was uncomfortable but I was pumped with Fentanyl which is a powerful drug which definitely helped and after 24 hours I was home again, feeling a bit battered and bruised but doing okay!
Of course you are going to be nervous but anything to do with the heart is worrying and I certainly wouldn't call you (or anyone else) a wuss!!
Don't bottle it up, I think I told anyone and everyone who listens I was scared, better out that in was my motto!! LOL
If you find time let us know how it goes, your feeling exactly as you are supposed to feel.
Oh bless you. I am lucky in that they will do stents there and then if I need them. Although the consultant just said we often do bypass for diabetics cos it's often more successful which has worried me a bit. Waiting to go down, eek!
You have nothing to worry about I've had several over the years and until last May they were only partial blockages needing no treatment. This time they found 2 blocked arteries and inserted stents .
There was no pain and it was done through my wrist.
The staff are wonderful fussing round making sure I wasn't cold infact I was lying on a heated mattress that was s 1st for me.
The anaesthetist kept whispering in my ear just tell me if you need any more midazolam.
I recovered quickly went home next day and back to normal life in no time.
So good luck I'm sure you'll be fine
Thank you for putting my mind at rest! Waiting now! X
Had it 3 times and no issues. Easy to say relax but try to as you will be awake through it and find it quite revealing. If you need to cough then so be it.
The results from the procedure are worth it, saved my life. No worse than going to the dentist in my experience ☺️ just try and relax in the build up as that can ramp your stress up a little bit
Doing my breathing exercises as wee speak! X
When I was in they had music playing relatively loudly. I just closed my eyes, deep slow breaths and chilled to the music and before you know it it's all done
Honestly, you will be well looked after.l found it quite interesting and it was much quicker than I had expected. The only after effect for me was some bruising on my right arm which appeared a few days later. I took the week off after as it suggested and remembered chuckling to myself thinking I could easily have been at work. The best tip I can give you is think that you need the test doing, lay back and relax. Don’t forget they are doing many of these procedures daily and are skilled at what they do. My Dad had one done when he was in his 70’s but his was via the groin when mine was via my wrist. The worst but funniest part was having to wear that ridiculous hospital gown. Best of British and you will be fine!
I only just saw your message so you will be having a good today - wish you lots of luckI’ve had a good before and I was given sedation so all a blur but do explain your fears to to the staff and try not to worry about the next step until they have the results of today (easier said than done I know) - let us know how you get on x
Aww, thank you. Just waiting to go down now. I've asked for sedation!
No you have the right one nervous, I'm three months post bipass . It's all alot of worries, I'm not going to sugar coat it, it's all really hard. Be prepared is what I'll tell you, ask many questions. Hugs
Thank you and hope you continue to progress well x
Let us know how it went.
healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...angiogram-tomorrow-and-scared?responses=148314250
Good luck I am sure everything will be ok. My husband has had to have 3 angiograms. On the last one he had the angiogram and the consultant said he needed to be re stented so he had them there and then. If you do need a bypass they will sort it out quickly I am sure. My husband is having to have another angiogram ASAP as he is still having problems
Good luck to your husband. I'm praying I don't need a bypass. 🙏
Thank you let us know how things go
Hi.it is absolutly normal to be worried.you are not a wuss.ýou are a brave strong person who can get through this.i cant add anything to everyone's excellent advice.just wanted to add my support.my only advice would be to keep talking to whomever and however is best for you.sending you lots of hugs.x
Thank you so much for your care, love S xx
No your not a wuss this is normal to worry. I didn't have time to worry as i was an emergency but please be assured the procedure is not painful a little uncomfortable but the best way to find out what is going on inside. The staff that looked after me couldn't have been better and if you have to have a bypass while that's not nice it is obviously needed and you will feel so much better after a while. The staff will come talk to you and answer any queries or worries you may have. Good luck with it all you will be well looked after,
Don’t be scared, i have had 3 and it is a painless and routine experience. I had had way more uncomfortable experiences at the Dentist. It will hopefully lead to you feeling better in the long term. If you are anxious, they can offer a mild sedative to help you.
I HATE the dentist! Lol! I'm feeling ok atm but I don't know how ill feel in an hour or so when I'm having it done. I'll try to stay calm. Thank you for replying! X
Hello , you were waiting 20 hours ago so probably further along now 💕 my good wishes, hopes and prayers go out to you x I’m sure all the staff realise how scared you are so don’t be afraid to ask for support x x all the best x
I am guessing today is the day!
Good luck! A lot of us on here has been where you've been so will know what is coming.
Deep breaths it doesn't take long and I hope you are quickly done so you don't have to wait.
Just waiting now. 2nd on the list if no emergencies come in. Eek!
Nothing to worry about…I had angioplasty in January, didn’t feel a thing and feel so much better now.
Good luck..👍👍
Brilliant! So glad you're feeling much better! X
Hi Sljp0000. Ask to be sedated. They give you an injection that calms you and may even put you to sleep. The angiogram itself doesn’t hurt. You may feel something when the needle goes into your arm (leg?) but the staff are there, monitoring you. Afterwards you have bed rest for a couple of hours. Hope it all goes well!
Thank you! Already asked for the sedation! X
I have this procedure on Monday and am therefore more than aware that waiting for it is very stressful. I am not medically trained, but I know they sometimes *ask* you to cough during the procedure, so , presumably, this is not dangerous.
From what I have read and from discussions with cardiac nurses and a cardiologist, the procedure “shouldn’t” be painful and generally isn’t; I’ve done a lot of research on the internet, so I now have a fairly good idea of what there isn’t to like about the procedure, but I would not advise you to go down this route as it is counterproductive in terms of addressing anxiety (or at least it has been for me). Two points: you could speak to one of the BHF nurses who in most cases have been involved in the procedure and can probably address most of your questions and, second, you likely have the option of doing a profusion test/CT angiogram which is less invasive, but less sensitive/specific. Please let us know how you got on. Good luck!
Sljp0000• in reply to
I have already asked the consultant re coughing. He said give me warning if you can! I've done some research but not too much. I always concentrate on the negative stuff which isn't great! So not done any over the last few days!
Already had a ct scan which showed severe calcification unfortunately. So an aangiogram it is. I'm here waiting to go down now. No turning back! Hopefully it won't be as severe as I'm thinking! X
• in reply toSljp0000
Good luck! Hopefully it’ll be a short procedure and the news will be positive. As I said, I would value any feedback as I have the procedure next Monday!
ChoochSiesta• in reply to
In my case a "short procedure" meant too far gone for stents, you need a bypass 🙄.
Hi Sljp0000 don't work yourself up over this procedure. I have had 3, the first immediately after arriving in A&E and being told I had had a heart attack. The staff are amazing as is the technology they use. I found it fascinating and could watch the live video and discuss it with the surgeon. they could identify the problems and fit stents at the same time. Much better that the restricted arteries are dealt with before you have a heart attack.
Hope all the posts help you through this and look forward to hearing how you got on.
Thank you for replying. I'm waiting now, hopefully all will be much clearer in a few hours xx
Thinking of you today - wonderful encouragement on here , not much to add - I think we all were / are overwhelmed with what’s happening to us and have many fears - looking back the angiogram was one I didn’t need to allow myself to have as it was painless for me , following that one step at a time depending on what information that Angio gram brings to light - for me it did mean a bypass was needed , I’m through that now and honestly feel in better health than I have done for a very long time and am told there’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue , so one step at a time to face the short rather than long term and think of it being another step to better health .
Thank you so much for replying. I think I've almost resigned myself to having a bypass so anything less serious will be a bonus! Glad to hear you're doing so well! God bless you x
Having a bypass doesn't need to feel so scary- my surgeon said to me they do 4 bypasses daily and for them it's one of the simplest operations they do, but he doesn't underestimate the impact it has on each individual- this answer really helped me.
Thank you for making me chuckle! I'm here all cathetered up waiting to go down, eek!
Hi, so i was the same i had calcification also, when they did the angiogram they could see a little blood coming through so they did it there and then.I understand it sounds really bad but its not, they are absolute professionals, tell them you are anxious and they may give you something. A nurse will be next to you for you to speak to all the way through. Look at the benefits you will soon feel, i feel a million times better and can walk much easier. Im sure it will go perfectly well, please let us know when its done.
Good luck (no that you need it)
Darren
I didn't find it bad at all. I've had a couple and they were OK. The worst thing is the needle in the groin or wrist.
They have problems putting the canula in so I'm anticipating problems with the needle! Thank you for your kind words xx
I hope they managed it well for you. I understand though. My veins give heaps of trouble because they can't find a decent vein. Thinking of you xx
Now that would be funny! 🤣🤣
I take each step as it comes and we all react differently to difficult situations. We can't change who we are and what will happen. I had a stent 11 months ago and all appears well. Try to have positive thoughts and I wish you good fortune with the outcome.
Wishing you all the best and sending calming, healing vibes!I temember being part terrified & part fascinated! I found the staff to be outstanding and hugely comforting. Make a few notes of your 'concerns' as they are genuine, useful questions and do ask everything you want to. Understanding whats going to happen is really important and should help calm & reassure you.
Do let you know how it goes when you can. Couple days complete rest coming up 👍🏽and then diagnosis and treatment 👌🏼You are on your journey to better health ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words. Trying to be calm waiting! Yes I'll post how it went! Love x
😂 great reply.
Hello. The main thing is try to keep calm and put your trust into the heart doctors and nurses they know what they are doing! No you are not a wuss! I was absolutely petrified about having my angiogram but in the end I can honestly say if I needed another one I wouldn't be as scared. Ask for sedation it helps a bit. You will still be aware of what's going on but not so paniced and don't look at the big screen!You may of already had it done by now but good luck and please don't be scared X
I asked for something to relax me and to be honest I can’t remember very much of the actual procedure. Hope your experience is the same. Good luck.🤞
I’ve had three now last one sedation was lot better
You’ll be fine. Deep breaths and all will be well. I’m a major wuss and I got through two of these and four stents later doing well. Time to recover takes as long as it needs to take. 👍
Don't forget to go the loo before you go in to the cath lab. Good luck. When I had one I very carefully showered with the stuff they give you to make sure you are clean. When I got into the cath lab I was told no need to remove my trainers which were far from squeaky clean!
Just think - a few months down the line there will be someone else come here with similar thoughts to yourself at present and no doubt you will feel capable of putting their mind at rest because of your own experience. That is how a lot of us have been in the past and all take it in our stride now.
I can tell you I had my seventh angiogram earlier this month, this follows a quad CABG and some stents since. Best thing being is a new lease of life. It will be over before you know it and you may wonder what all the fuss was about. If by some chance you need further treatment then there are many here that can also help you with that.
Good Luck & hope to hear how you got on.
Hi Sljp,My name is Barry, now 58.
Following a HA at work 4 years ago 16/7/18, I found myself having an angiogram followed by triple bypass 9 days later 27/7/18 x exactly 4 years today.
During the angiogram I recall no pain and remained calm and relaxed throughout. I was given feedback immediately - multiple bypass needed.
You may think this would be alarming but not so, it is an opportunity for renewed life.
On the day of the CABG again all was calm, the staff were so caring and supportive. I awoke next morning to be greeted by a super nurse offering tea and breakfast which I gladly accepted. By 11am I was up and out of bed and apart from the constipation caused by the anaesthetic had no concerns.
I cannot speak highly enough of the care and treatment I received at Glenfield and am eternally grateful. My wife and I are so proud of the scars which have given me renewed life, I say renewed because I feel much better than I had for a long time before the event - we don’t always recognise our decline in health.
Anyway please be reassured, don’t worry and engage with the journey as positively as possible. The system and people looking after you are absolutely first class.
I wish you well and hope to hear from you on your journey
👍😃😘
Hi Barry, thank you so much for your reply. Well, Angiogram done amd unfortunately I'm in the same boat as you. I need to have a triple/quadruple bypass in 2/3 months at Glenfield. I can't quite believe I'm typing this. I'm in shock but I don't think it's truly sunk I'm yet. I've been told it's much safer these days but I'm not much good with anaesthetics.
I'm so grateful you've replied and told me about your positive experience. To be honest I don't feel ill, maybe a bit weary, and hardly get any angina. I so grateful they've found it so it can be mended but I'm struggling to comprehend the enormity of what lies ahead. God bless you x
I can understand how you are feeling but now you know! I was told that my blockage was in a difficult place and the cardiologist felt a bypass was needed, he was going to discuss my case at the team meeting and would ring me on the Friday (this was the Wednesday) I had already come to terms I would need to have a bypass and the Friday morning call confirmed it.
I had to be referred to another hospital and a cardiac surgeon as my hospital didn't do any procedures apart from the angiogram and I waited over 4 months but it was eventually done.
It is hard to accept but thank goodness they found the issue now and it can be dealt with.
If you need any questions answered ask away there is lots of help, support and info if you need it.
• in reply toSljp0000
Hello :-)I have been looking and looking to see how you have got on and if you had an update
Ithink so many have been supporting you which is so lovely to see your replies are hard to find and maybe when you feel up to it a new post might get you the support you need now you have got the results
Until you had the results I was not going to say to much what happened to me because I did not want to frighten you
But I had 3 heart attacks I was 58 at the time like you I believe
Then the angiogram showed a needed a triple Bypass
I think I knew deep down as we do have a history in our family with this and Bypasses but of course I was living in hope so in a way I was prepared but goodness when they told me I was dazed , I went through every single thought and emotion you could imagine
I am an anxious person by nature so this was my worst nightmare
They even went one better and told me if I did not have it done I would only maybe have 2 years left , mind you that did push me into thinking I am going to somehow have to do this
I used this site and at the time the Members that supported me and they did helped me so much I will always be grateful
Someone always used to say to me not long and you are going to have a brand new heart how great is that !
And it was a good thought a better thought than if they had not found it what could have happened
When it came to the ope well took them 30 mins when I got to the Hospital to talk me into going through the doors but eventually I did
The staff they are just fantastic they do this every day and you can tell and they look after you so well
The op to be honest when I eventually came round I don't think was as bad as I had thought recovery I have found harder but think that is to do with me been a worrier
This is going to give you a new lease of life
I did not lie when I said you would get through the angiogram as here you are yu have done it and well done and I won't lie when I say I know you will get through this op to
Let the emotions come , let and give yourself time for it to all sink in , don't go on Google looking anything up and know just like with your angiogram you have us with you every step of the way and I cannot wait till that post when this is all done and how well your recovery is going is on here for us all to read x
Sljp0000• in reply to
Dear BeKind28
You are amazing. You know just what to say and I want you to know how much I appreciate you. 🙏
The emotions have started, one minute I'm crying and scared stiff, the next I'm feeling totally on top of my diagnosis and what's to come. I don't think it's truly hit me yet.
Just the start of my journey.......I hope I will cope.
Love
Susie
• in reply toSljp0000
Hello
I know what you are going through and how you are feeling because a year ago I was in exactly the same place and sometimes when we sit and think why me I often wonder is it because there will be someone else come along who will need support so we go through things so we can help the next person
Don't try to hard to work this all out but let the fear and the tears come and go knowing this is more than a normal reaction and when you get the moments of feeling on top of your diagnosis then embrace them
I hope you have family and friends who will be there for you and again please use us and the Community because we will help you get through this and you will get through it
I like I say was 58 and I remember when the Consultant told me he said you will be fine you will be dancing on the tables !
Have to be honest that has not quite happened yet ( I doubt I would manage climbing on a table let alone dancing on it ) but I could see what he meant you are going to feel so much better x
I was like you terrified, last September when I had mine. Don’t worry it’s nothing local anisthetic feels like a bee sting and you are sedated so just relax. I had one stent fitted unfortunately 2 other blockages what they cant do anything about. During recovery a lady I met had calcification like you and they managed to put 2 stents in. We are very nieve about all this cardio stuff but I have learnt to trust in their excellent capabilities only wish I could have had this procedure years ago. Take care.
Unfortunately I need surgery because everything is narrowed. 😪
Don't worry everything will be fine, had two angiograms and three stents fitted and hardly any pain. Trust me you will feel instantly better. More alert, a new lease of life.
I'm afraid I've got to have surgery. Something else to worry about but I'm looking forward to the results! X
Don’t be scared had mine done just over a year ago. So worth having it done to find out exactly what’s going on and in my case got a stent fitted then and there. They give you some diazepam to help keep you calm so it’s all a bit dream like and the staff are all very kind.
Hi it’s natural to feel worried about any procedure. Just keep reminding yourself you are lucky you’re having it done early, nearer to results and possible treatment to ease your symptoms. Many many people have the sane procedure every day no problems. Tell staff how you feel they’re used to nervous patients, it’s a short time to be calm. Stop thinking ahead what if things happen etc it’ll be over before you know it. Xx
You will be sedated so you will hardly be aware of what's happening. You won't need to cough. JUst tell the nurses you a re anxious and they will understand. I've had two and two s tents and honestly felt nothing except the cannula being fitted. If necessary and possible they will fit stents at the time." What if"doesn't help. They certainly won't do a by pass there and then. IT doesn't take long and you will soon be back in recovery with a cup of tea and toast.
If you are waiting, it means you are not in hospital due to an attack? Look at it as an opportunity to be healed. You, me and the rest of the guys here are lucky to tell our tales. Some are not so lucky. Make the moat of it and be thankful for this blessing. Nothing to worry, the medical team attending to you are specialists, meaning you are getting the best of care. Get well soon! Cheers!
Thank you so much. Xx
Hi Sljp0000You kindly replied to my questions about calcification of the arteries a few days ago
We are in the same boat a ct scan revealing this
I am so glad you’ve got through the angiogram
I am like you terrified of the unknown
I am still waiting to see a cardiologist but my symptoms are progressively getting worse so I’m going back to the GP, need to move things along at a faster pace
I fear bypass surgery also as I’m beginning to think that’s what’s I’m in need of
GTN spray only works for a short period
I wish you well on your journey
Take care and keep us all updated
I love your analogy, very true. The doctor said if I had stents (and would have needed far too many) I would be having them redone in a few years time. Apparently they don't work well for diabetics.
Although my arteries are narrow, all the way down, they are not blocked. I have to be grateful its been found.
Thank you for replying, I really appreciate your care.
Love susie x
Hi Susie. It's all good. I had a day similar to the one you've had today. I'd previously had a HA and stent to the RCA which caused the blockage over a year before. They were aware that the other 3 main coronary arteries were heavily diseased too from then on, but the arteries were too tortuous to be stented. They tried to control the condition with drugs but a year on, the symptoms I experienced just prior to the HA were returning. Long story short, they did angiogram to confirm the previous diagnosis and told me it would be a triple bypass which was exactly what I wanted to hear. I was tired of waiting around for the big HA that was going to wipe me out.
From that moment on I just went with the flow, totally relaxed because the die was cast. Something positive was going to happen, and I knew I would be in a better position afterwards. All was good. The skills available are impressive. The recovery isn't a walk in the park and you will have good days and bad days, but it is a positive progression. Just grab it and think of the revitalised years it will give you in the future. Be sure to take the rehab afterwards too. It will really get you moving and feeling good. I'm a year on now and back to my 2 hour sessions of badminton and I did a 10 mile walk including a 1100ft ascent a few weeks ago. Not bad after a heart attack, 4 cloggy arteries, a stent and triple bypass. (Then I got covid but that's another story.)
Above all, don't worry. CABG is a very common and safe procedure nowadays. It's not like an angiogram. You go to sleep before it and wake up after it, so nothing to stress about!! As has already been said, all of the staff that I have ever met in coronary care and surgery are so caring and determined to do their best for you that it's quite humbling. You're going to be good, so all you have to do is believe it!
Good luck! 😇
Sending love I'm sure you will get through the bypass fine. My husband had an angiogram last November and stents fitted or re stented. He is still getting problems so is having another angiogram in September he is down as urgent. I know how frightened he gets especially when he gets chest pain that won't go away with the gtn spray. He is diabetic as well type 2. Take care.
Thank you. I hope your husband improves and the forthcoming Angiogram provides valuable answers. Lots of love xx
I love that analogy too ! Thank you for that -someone asked me why I'd "let" them do a bypass when stents might have worked...!! Unbelievable, I think how these wonderful people have saved my life with their expertise ..I'm quite sure it's not case of pick and mix ! which would you like bypass or stents ha ha !!
People are so naive aren't they! Ridiculous! Xx
I had this done and to be honest its over with pretty quickly I had sedation so no pain at all I hope this goes quickly for you.
How did it all go?. Xx
I've done a new post if you can find it? Not good I'm afraid, the actual procedure was ok but the results were I need bypass surgery. Gutted. Thank you for caring xx
Apologies.....just found it. I know you will be anxious but try and stay positive. Cause has been found and from reading so many other accounts, the operation has such a high success rate so try and look forward to getting recovered and having some normality back in your life. Those thoughts keep me going every day whilst waiting for my op. Take care and I hope you don't have to wait long for surgery. Xx
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