I’m booked in for an angiogram soon, I have had one before but through the wrist. I’m not expecting it to be through the groin but just in case was hoping people could advise re their own experience.
Having already had one I won’t say I’m not nervous but at least it’s fairly familiar through the wrist at least.
For those who have had the angiogram through the groin, what was it like?
afterwards How did it affect mobility and how long did it take to recover?
Was there pain?
also were you able to walk out unaided and carry your bag - this is just a practical question as I may have to walk out myself to meet my designated driver. I won’t be left alone thereafter though.
How much harder than having through wrist?
Noting this is just day procedure, any tips most welcome.
My first angiogram in 2017 was through the groin, it was fine, I had no pain at all either before or after. I was 'plugged' afterwards which is exactly as it sounds, I had to lie flat for a short while to allow it to take. It was exactly as it sounds it was plugged. I was given a card which I had to show to any medical people if there was a problem - there was not.
I did read up on this and there is another option which is probably the most difficult (not painful) Apparently a cover is put over the entrance of the wound and pressure is put on the cover for about 2 hrs until it has started to clot on its own.
I had my first angiogram via the wrist last October (2021) I personally found it neither worse or better than the one via the groin, in fact they started to loosen the bind on the wrist too soon and I had blood everywhere, but still not painful.
My sister came and got me but I walked out myself, I didn't have much to carry as it is done on the day ward. I was told not to stay on my own for 24hrs in case there was a problem but there were no issues.
As long as I could have the plug at the end of the process to the groin I would have no preference to either way.
I wasn't given the details but found this on the NHS site.
Sometimes the doctor carrying out the procedure inserts a small surgical plug, a special stitch or another closure device to seal the wound. In these cases, it is not necessary to apply pressure to the wound.
thank you for this, a plug sounds preferable than pressure applied for two hours, it’s reassuring there is little difference whichever site they use. I’m assuming it will be wrist. The letter says to bring a nightgown and slippers for comfort. I must admit last time I just didn’t trust the hospital gown when I kept getting up for a wee. We’re about 3 hour drive away from hospital so I’ll be packing a few extras just in case as my appointment is midday. Thanks
I had both my angiograms via my groin in 2012 and 2014.
Cardiologists are now expected to use the wrist unless there is a good reason not too.
Cardiologists have the procedures they perform audited. You can in some instances access this information by going to a Cardiologist's entry on the website of the NHS who employs them.
I had one attempted on 22nd Dec on my right wrist and they could not find a pulse on wrist as previous angiograms have destroyed it. They then continued on left wrist sucessfully.
Now 31st and still a painful bruise on right wrist and a 8 inch l;ong bruise and tender on left arm. Causing the whole arm to ache.
Bit hard to photo it.. 9 days after. So I find angiograms a pain. He pulled wire out too fast as well and could feel it all the way along being pulled through. Delightful..
I am not that bothered just one of those things. I have used pals on more serious issues and they tend just to have a scripted sorry and nothing changes. I also want to keep on a friendly basis not complaining about little things. I am more concerned about symptoms of chest pain continuing. They diagnose angina but just altered a few meds. Stopped blood thinner which I find odd and increased nitrites. Still get angina pain/ache several times a day for differing durations, having to use gtn a lot. So what I went in for has not been solved or relieved. I guess just have to live with it. They basically said its damaged after HA and to cover face when going out to stop coldair and to not do exercise after food and so on.
Unfortunately those of us living with refractory angina are a conundrum for Cardiologists.
They really don't know what to do with us😪
Some Cardiologists tinker with our medications. My Cardiologist is pinging me back to a tertiary specialist as he doesn't want to change any of my medication in fear of destabilising my angina.
Which is stably unstable!
I found going to a Pain Management Programme helpful. Though not all pain management services are equal 😕
Well a few months ago they were saying I do not have angina but doctor disagreed and put me on ranalozine that helped. Now consultants say I have so its all a bit frustrating.
thank you, I hadn’t realised how much I needed the reassurance, I’ve been quite anxious largely about getting answers but also the whole logistics of this appointment and procedure.
You are just playing at the bruise !!! When I had mine done (about 12yrs ago) though the wrist and the groin. Whenthey nremoved the wire fron the wrist they tore the radial artery and I had a Black arm from wrist to shoulder and it took 6 weeks to clear up I had to miss my holiday. I do have a photo but don't know how to send it
Yes they tore mine last year on the first time. (had 4 so far), Had two of those bands on after , but only bruised that time from hand to elbow. That is why the pulse on right wrist is no more. Best not scare people :)😀
thank you, it’s “slightly” nerve racking at the moment more because i am so hoping for answers rather than nervous about the procedure itself. Sounds promising regards mobility afterwards but noting protocol is wrist. I’m very much hoping wrist with less time staying afterwards, fingers crossed as travelling a bit of a distance and I’ll want to get back to the kids asap after. But packing an overnight bag just in case. 👍
When I had it, I had to lie flat for a few hours, but could eventually walk to the car when I was picked up. I did have some bruising for a couple of weeks, but no real problems.
Whatever happens, best wishes for a smooth trouble-free experience.
thank you for your kind wishes, I didn’t have much trouble on my first too like yourself so hopefully the same this time although I think they are having a bit more of a dig around than last time and using a couple of meds to see what my heart / LAD does. Thanks
Absolutely, what I can say is everyone who had the angiogram with me in 2017 were in a day ward and out of 6 of us I was the only one who required further treatment - lucky me !!!
My last one, which was done as part of the orbita trial I agreed to take part in, I had both wrist and groin, because if I did have a stent they needed to attack the blockage from below and above. I had to lay flat for a couple of hours and did have a seepage from the groin so ended up having an injection to stop it bleeding. Wasn't painful but did end up with a horrendous bruise after.
I shouldn’t have but I googled and saw a picture of a horrendous bruise in the groin area. Ouch. I’m keeping an open mind but hoping just wrist. The letter does mention about “shaving” and whether I want to take care of this myself beforehand 🥴. They’re probably covering all bases / cases in the generic / standard information that came with the letter. That’s brave of you to go through it for research, brings benefit to so many others. ❤️
I had a angiogram through my groin and It was a much better experience than having it through my wrist. You have to lay flat in bed for several hours after the procedure. They took me down to my friends car afterwards, I took it easy for a day or two but didn’t have any motility problems. You can’t drive afterwards for a few days ( I think it’s 3/4) it was a little sore, but barely had a bruise. Hope that helps. 👍
yes definitely helps and interesting you found it better through groin. Noting we’re all different it’s still reassuring regards afterwards.
Hi thereNo pain at all. Make sure you have big pee before going into cath lab.
When done you will go to the recovery bay and a nurse will be pressing hard where the catheter is removed and you have to lay flat and still think was 15/20 minutes, hence have pee first, I really need to go but couldn't. After the initial bit they'll sit you up and you might hold the press bit, then you get cuppa tea and sandwich. If all well you'll be discharged.
Hope that helps, good luck. X
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thanks, yes helps, and especially with the single most important piece of advise about the Big Pee. Last time I thought I did not need one and then kept them waiting as suddenly needed that essential “nerves” pee when they were about to take me down to Cath lab. 😊
I have had a angiogram both ways and it did not seen to make much difference. I just had to rest in bed longer before being allowed to the loo with the groin entry.
After my first heart attack I had an angiogram through the groin and there was no pain, though it was straight after being taken to hospital and shot full of morphine, so it was a bit of blur (and 10 years ago). After the procedure, they put a plug over the incision, so you have to be careful how you move, so you're pretty much flat on your back for a few days. But you shouldn't worry about it, you'll be fine.
thank you, the one I had last Feb was ok, so fingers crossed. I’m pinning my hopes on some answers from this angiogram so the nervousness is more from that but it helps as always to ask these questions as reduces the worry. Thanks
hi fishface101. I had one through the groin. It didn’t hurt — I was sedated. Ask for sedation! I had an amazing bruise afterwards. The nurses said this was normal. They didn’t let me walk that day, and the following day they took me to the car in a wheelchair— standard hospital practice— but I was able to walk. Good luck!
I haven't had one personally but my wife had many angiogram through the groin it is the shortest route to check the heart. She was lucky it was pre COVID so I was able to get her they will wheel you to whoever is collecting. They advise to take it easy for a day or so. My wife had so many angiogram's in fact because she had had so many they had to use her wrist,but honestly there is nothing to worry about you will be fine.
Exactly as Heather 1957 Several years ago they did try my wrist for my first angio but could not get through so had to then go to the groin, only painful bit was when they put the local in ! matter of seconds, They tried again a last January via the wrist and BINGO straight up so no problems . carry the card they will give you in you purse,thats all you have to do, lovely bruise in the groin one and I was walking like an old woman ( which I was not at that time LOL ) ,and just a bit sore but nothing debilitating . I should have said I was a day case, walked in and walked out ! All very best wishes
thank you , very reassuring, I think as I’ve read all the kind helpful posts I needed the reassurance I’ve been a bit low in myself as pinning a lot of hopes on getting answers from this angiogram. I’m intrigued though about the card - what does it say?
HI Fishface101 the card just states you have had an angio via the groin, you only have to carry it for a short while, Im afraid I cannot remember now the exact length but it is only until your groin has healed and the plug is not required now , ( No idea what happened to mine as it was not physically removed ! must have finally dissolved ) you will soon be able to practice gymnastics before you know it . Happy New Year ,
Hello, I had my angiogram via the groin, I was prescribed 3 pills to take one each day for the 3 days leading to the procedure they helped me to be calm, I had more medication via the needle in my arm on the day .
I cant remember any pain during the procedure and felt a bit groggy afterwards. I had the plug as some one else has said , i had no bruising afterwards. I had to lay flat for 4 hours then was assisted to the bathroom. They then give me a cuppa and a sandwich while i waited for my lift home I walk out to the car unaided.
I had sadly a lot of groin pain for several weeks like a feeling of a trapped nerve , i was sent for a scan to check the plug hadn’t moved but it was just bad luck.
thank you, sorry to hear you had a more difficult time but thanks for sharing always good to be aware / to look out for things. I have a pre appointment via phone week before so I guess if need any pre meds will come up there. I will ask about point of entry but I guess that will be up tot the cardiologist. Good to know about mobility, I’ve been referred to a hospital 3 hour drive away to see a specialist so bit new / unknown. That’s probably causing a bit of nerves too.
thank you, yes helps, yes the wetting oneself worried me the time I had a Ct scan and first angiogram. And yes I did not wet myself. Thanks for the words of caution, baggy pants and rest - they go through groin!
I had one through my wrist to check on my ASD, and found it more of a bother than the one in my groin - no carrying, dressing that got in the way etc! Not had an angio through the groin, but have had the hole in my heart repaired that way. I had to lie flat for 2-3 hours afterwards, and was home the next day (mainly due to needing echos, X-rays etc post op). I was fine. Good luck.
I had one about 8.5 years ago. Was going to be through the wrist but something about having a 90 degree bend in the blood vessel in the elbow only sort of pain when Dr was twisting my arm round to get the camera through. By the time they had another go in the groin they had given me what they called relaxing medicine so shortly after wheeled back to ward I fell asleep for a few hours.
sounds thankfully they gave up on you being a contortionist and went for a more straightforward way instead. It’s been really helpful to get everyone’s experiences and I won’t be phased whatever way they go through, there can be discomfort either way but largely different with a few exceptions, think that’s what I’ve learnt. Thanks
I had an angiogram and they went in both my wrist and groin at the same time. It wasnt anything to worry about. Usually you go home the same day but have to be picked up and not drive. However in my case I had to stay in overnight as my groin entry did not stop bleeding but that is not the usual.
wow, both ends, I’m hoping I go home same day want to get back to the kids. But best place to stay if having difficulty so I will prepare for an overnight just in case. Best to be prepared less stress for my family.
As a group I can feel your anxiety it seems a lonely road at times for us all but science is an amazing thing and we have so many AMAZING medical procedures open to us all
I hope it goes well just ask to be plugged if that gives you reassurance I certainly would as I take hours for my to blood clot
thanks, yes I have family and kids and yet can feel lonely so having people like yourself who understand first hand is really helpful. I’m nervous and also looking forward to it at the same time, this angiogram will do the key / gold standard tests for my condition. And will remember the plugging. Happy new year!
I have had 3 angiograms via the groin because they could not use the veins in my wrist as they were too small. I found it perfectly OK and that was preferable to having them try and find a good vein in my wrist.
There was no pain and and the Cath Lab team look after you very well. I was told the consultant blocks the entry site with collagen to prevent bleeding and throughout the whole procedure I felt no pain, just a little flutter of the heart for a second or two.
I prefer groin to wrist because it was 'easy'. You will have a period of rest, lying flat for a prescribed period. They will monitor you for bleeding which can be stopped by heavy pressure IF , I stress IF it happens to you. Best wishes.
thanks for explaining, I did find on my first angiogram the team / nurses were caring albeit the cardiologist could improve his communication skills. I spoken to the new one he seems very nice and very clear. Thanks for sharing experiences I won’t be phased now by them using groin if they have to, I’m glad I asked! Happy new year
I am so tiny all of my angiograms have been through my groin. I have not found the process painful a little sore afterwards but I assume this also with your wrist? I was able to go home straight afterwards- I would advise for someone to be there to meet you.
Sometimes I have a little discomfort in the area if I walk for a while but nothing major.
I wish you the best and how this provides assurance
I had 2 trainees present but a fully trained cardiologist did the procedure. I knew I was for something when I heard him say something like 'that's interesting'. He showed me the pictures of the angiogram which I couldn't understand but 'that's interesting' said an awful lot! 😜
not sure what I’d think of lots watching but if helps then I’d be game, I don’t think the hospital I’m going to is a teaching one. I do remember on my first angiogram they couldn’t get the blue large paper sheet round the right way for the right wrist and had to start again. But otherwise uneventful.
Hi, I had an angiogram through the groin at the Hammersmith Hospital 20 years ago when I was in my early 60’s
I went in by myself and travelled on the underground there and back on my own.
The procedure was not painful but there was a small amount of blood. At the time I was not any medication as I had not been diagnosed with heart failure and I was only under annual observation for a hereditary condition where 2of my heart valves were fused together.
I had a small cap/plug to cover the entry point. Consultation with the doctor after the procedure said that everything was clear and after a cup of tea and a sandwich I was allowed to leave with a caution to keep an eye on the plug but carry on as normal.
As background I was diagnosed with heart failure at the age of 80 and am now 83 on regular meds and going along as well as can be expected
thank you, looks like plugs have been a go to approach for many years. Always good to know procedures are well tested and used. I wish you well with your continued health challenges.
Hi , have thought all day about whether to reply to your question as most people seem to have very positive comments.
Unfortunately I had a bad experience of a groin angiogram December 2021. I ended up with a tear in the femoral artery and a double headed pseudoaneursym. This was extremely painful & caused horrendous bruising. I eventually ( after 3 weeks of bleeding) had to have a repair operation on my femoral artery. All has gone well but advised by the Vascular Team it will take 18 months to fully recover.
My advice to you would be to ask the people doing the procedure to stop if you think the procedure is too painful. Don't be 'fobbed' off. It is your body after all & only you know how it feels. I wish I had done this. Also persist with questions & re present yourself to the Unit as soon as possible, if you feel things aren't right, despite following procedures and aftercare instructions. I was told I had experienced an 'idiosyncratic response ' to the procedure.
I’m very glad you decided to post, and thank you for sharing your very difficult experience and hope full recovery comes very soon. I appreciate advice from all angles. that’s really helpful and I will speak up (whether wrist or groin is used) and listen to my body. I can become a bit passive in those situations. Have a happy new year!
Hi, I am Vinod 75 years old now. I had angiogram & angioplasty through Groin in 2006, when I was 58 yrs old. Things were alright, but after removing tube, doctor had pressed the inversion point so much before sealing, that point, It was painful for some days. Though movement wasn't a problem. In 2006, Angiogram was through wrist,it was comfortable.
Hiya I have experienced both procedures and found the groin to be a lot less uncomfortable. Although half hour continual pressure on the groin it was really fine. I wouldn't carry any bags afterwards though!
Hello FishFAce, I had an angiogram before surgery and it was fine. I was under anastheatic and had no complications or pain. More information fr you here: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
thanks for the link and wishes, it was nearly a year ago I read this for my first angiogram so time to read again, it’s amazing this “saga” has been going on for a year now! 2022 was a bit of a blur. Hopefully 2023 is clearer with answers!
It's more inconvenient in the groin, you have to take a lot longer lying down. I had mine (3) in the radial artery, wrist, dead easy, no drama.I wouldn't have it in the groin unless there was a big medical reason....
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