Angiogram

[Skykitty1]

Hi,

I had an angiogram about 18 months ago after having a heart attack. The procedure was horrendous as I wasn’t sedated. The catheter didn’t work through my right wrist artery as my artery was too narrow and they put a clamp on my wrist to stop the bleeding. They put the catheter through an artery at the top of my right leg. I was in a state of shock, shivering and shaking during the whole procedure.

The nurses made me shift from the operating table to a hospital bed. I couldn’t use my right arm because of the wrist clamp and I was worried about my right leg because of the procedure. I lifted myself unaided partly with my left arm. I was in a lot of pain and my left shoulder never recovered.

I had lots of swelling and bruising and couldn’t move my right wrist for about 2 months.

My GP prescribes painkillers and a cream as my left shoulder sprain pain is now chronic and I can’t lift or hold anything heavy over my left shoulder as it gets worse.

Any advice as to whether I might need a orthopaedic shoulder support or an MRI scan of my left shoulder will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to hear about your experience with the angiogram. My angiogram wasn’t very pleasant either, and there were also issues with getting the wire through my right wrist as my pulse was feeble. However, I was partially sedated which helped with the nerves. It took somewhere around a month for mine to heal after.

I would suggest you go back to the GP and maybe ask for an x-ray for the left shoulder if you haven’t had one already in case you have caused some damage to it. They will also be able to explain any other investigations worthwhile having to determine what is still causing the pain.

I hope others come by with more suggestions.

All the best.

Tos

[boredom in reply to Tos92]

I had 2 stents put in 1 in my right wrist and 1 in my left the one in right side went fine the left hand artery he had to push really hard felt he was using a snooker cue. The following day had a lump appear in the right wrist put a cuff on it and kept tightening and releasing it for 3 days it was very painful seen as a grumpy patient as i jokingly said i thought medevial torture {spelling} went out years ago. Stuck in hospital height of the dreaded virus no visitors and totally cheesed off. Now developed gastritis due to meds having to see a therapist as anxiety is through the roof i was not sedated either. You could try acupunture for shoulder I found it to be extremely good hope you feel better soon take it easy and best of luck.

[Art-99]

I’m sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. I live in Cyprus and it took almost a year to organise an angiogram following diagnosis of a leaky mitral valve. I had no idea what to expect, certainly my cardiologist hadn’t explained anything and I didn’t do any research. However I was sedated, felt very relaxed, no pain, taken back to a hospital bed afterwards where I rested for 30 mins, then was ready to go. Some stenosis was detected but did not require a stent.

[LSCE]

hello,

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I'd suggest you speak to your GP again. A scan may help to determine if there's any damage that's source of the pain. Good luck

[Truffles2]

I think you should ask to be referred to an Orthopaedic shoulder specialist

[scentedgardener]

Check with your GP, ask about an xray, but I would also suggest trying physiotherapy. You may have strained muscles or used the muscles wrongly because of the pain and trauma. You need strong muscles to support joints, and you need help to be able to use the muscles properly. They can also write to your doctor about recommendations for further treatment/referrals. Whatever you do don't leave it, it won't get better on it's own.I am so sorry you had such a horrible experience.