Medical Phobia

[slimbridge]

Hello folks, posted some time ago diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, end of the world for me as I suffer from a very serious phobia regarding anything medical, particularly any intervention.

Time has moved on, saw my very helpful surgeon a couple of weeks ago, given me a timescale of 2-3 months, but all dependant on result of angiogram which is booked for 30th August, this will tell him what else apart from the valve needs replacing.

Dreading the angiogram, is it likely they may offer me a sedative beforehand if I ask? Sounds daft I know, but this phobia makes up for all the ones I haven’t got!

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hello

I am sorry you suffer with this phobia and it does not sound daft I get so anxious regarding illness and procedures and it is real when you feel that way

I have had an angiogram done which was a miracle that I managed it and yes I had sedation only way I could have done it

They should offer it you and if not ask or if you have a contact number or a letter nearer the time then phone them let them know how you feel and ask if they can make sure they know you would like a sedation to have this done

You will be alright honestly it is nothing like we imagine and let us know how you get on x

[slimbridge in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou all very much for your helpful comments and encouragement, appreciated

[Hidden in reply to slimbridge]

x

[080311]

Hi,

I had a sedative before my angiogram, don’t know what it was but they could have said we are now going to take your head off and I would have thought what a good idea!

So ask, your not unconscious I remember thinking it was like the deck of the Star Ship Enterprise with lots of TV screens. Angiogram is the gold standard so your cardiologist will be able to see what is going on in your heart.

I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done, while he was doing my angiogram he was giving me a running commentary on what he could see, having the sedative made me think wow that’s interesting!

Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Best wishes Pauline

[Heather1957]

I never even had to ask for any sedation, I told them I was very nervous and they said I can have sedation, no problem at all.

I was given fentanyl (and plenty of it) to insert my last stents they had to drill so was glad of the sedation!

To have a fear or phobia of medical things I am sure is a common thing and only natural, I am sure you'll be given a sedative especially if you ask for it.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

A TOE, Three Angiogram's over the years, two Colonoscopies in recent months all with sedation. You get no prizes for lying there in pain

[Rhinos67]

Hi Slimbridge

It doesn't sound daft at all. I suffer with the same thing and you've done so well to get as far as seeing surgeon without help.

Ask your GP if they can refer you for Clinical Psychology, mine did and without her support I wouldn't have been able to go through with the surgery.

Also, if you need more support and are on Facebook we have a group... UK Aortic and Heart defects Pre and Post surgery. I got so much reassurance from them and am able to help others now that I've had my surgery.

Take Care

Joanne

😁

[Oaks6]

Hi, I’ve had two angiograms and an Angioplasty. The first angiogram was without sedation, if I remember correctly. That was 5 years ago. It took about half an hour and seemed longer. When I had one recently it took about 15 mins. I’m not sure if that’s standard nowadays.

The difference the sedation made was very helpful. You’re fully conscious but relaxed. They say it’s equal to two gin and tonics ! The big bonus afterwards I got tea and toast ! I hope all goes well.