Angiogram concerns

[Fifimyangel]

I'm set to have a wrist angiogram. Has anyone else had this. I'm a bit apprehensive. Any info would be appreciated.

[Petitlady]

I had an angiogram last year in preparation for surgery for aortic valve srenosis. You are given some sedation, but should be awake for the procedure. In my case it didn’t go exactly to plan. The artery in my wrist was too narrow, so after some messing about the actual angiogram was done from my groin. Both left a sore lump, but it disappeared after about 10 days with no problems. You have to lie still. I would rank discomfort at about the level of a dental procedure. All in all it’s not nice, but not frightening or painful, even when it goes a bit wrong! I managed to find the actual angiogram interesting, it looked so sci fi!

[Digger0]

I had one done to see if they could repair the hole in my heart. A bit uncomfortable but I just watched the x-ray screen to see what they were doing. I then had an inflated cuff on my wrist, that had the air removed a bit at a time every 1/2 hr just to make sure the hole was sealed.

[annpavitt250448]

I had one Wednesday. Do have sedation as it both relaxes you and your arteries and makes it easier to insert the wire up your arm. As the others say a bit uncomfortable I had a stent As they found one of my arteries had narrowed. Thank goodness the stent I had in my LAD two years ago was fine. You might feel a bit shaky afterwards but toast and tea when back to ward is well received. They will keep an eye on you for a few hours and gradually release the air from the band on your wrist. But of a bruise after.

[Fifimyangel in reply to annpavitt250448]

Thankyou

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I have had two angiograms performed through the wrist. Both went according to plan, no serious discomfort during and after and if my experience is anything to go by nothing to be concerned about, although I wasn't stented. Just ensure that the team are happy that the incision wound is good to go after the area is decompressed so it doesn't bleed but that is really their responsibility. The whole process takes about 30 minutes (without stenting) and you should be fit for discharge about two hours later. I was told I needed someone to be discharged to when I was an outpatient who had to collect me from the ward, and told not to drive for 24 hours. If you are stented that rises to 7 days for a car and that is a DVLA requirement, and if you choose to ignore that you are committing an offence and will also be invalidate your motor insurance.

[Fifimyangel in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thankyou

[Anginalady]

Hi, I had one in 2019 and I'm waiting for another in September. You're laying down so you won't see anything as they set everything up. The staff were lovely and talk you through everything as it happens. I didn't really feel a thing and once you can see everything happening on the screens you don't even think about what's happening to your arm.

I think it's just the unknown that's the most frightening thing. Try not to focus on the fact that they are in your heart because you won't feel anything there.

You'll be fine, but tell them you're worried when you go in, they are very reassuring.

My arm felt a little sore for about a week afterwards, but the worse thing for me was that something, not sure what it was, was pushing against the base of my thumb and the pressure against the thumb caused me problems afterwards for quite a while. I couldn't feel it during the process as it was numbed.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Fifimyangel in reply to Anginalady]

Thankyou

[PeterpPiper]

you just lie there on the bed and think of England wile they do their stuff. There’s nothing too it - if they decide to fit stents you may feel instant boost of well-being- I did. Just relax and enjoy the ride .

[Jafib]

I just had one on July 31st and had very high levels of anxiety beforehand. It didn’t help that they made me wait almost two hours past when it was scheduled to even start. Anyway, my fears were not realized and the whole thing wasn’t too bad at all. And that includes hearing that I had two completely blocked arteries. Luckily I am one of the rare cases in which my body grew an entirely separate artery to feed the part of my heart that wasn’t getting blood flow. They call it a collateral artery! Anyway, I had some soreness, a small lump where the tiny incision was and bruising under the skin for just over two weeks. Nothing too scary about it after all! Hope all goes well!

[Suzyh]

Hi I had 2 done on the wrist no problem a little something to help you relax

[Viking24]

Hi, I had a angiogram nearly 7 years ago. It was through my wrist. I got a mild sedative, there was a tiny bit of discomfort around my upper right shoulder/chest as the catheter went around there but it wasn’t anything too sore and less sore than you might experience if you had pulled a muscle in your arm.

It was well worth the mild discomfort as they could see that one artery was blocked and the other was nearly completely blocked. Next morning they did the bypass operation that saved my life. I wore a small cuff for a few days until the incision they made for the catheter healed up. I didn’t have any discomfort in my arm after it I would say it’s normal to be a bit apprehensive in this situation but it’s not something to worry about it’s one of the best ways for your medical team to see what’s going on with the blood flow in your heart and lets them make better informed decisions on your care.

[Plum53]

All I can add to your previous replies… is no need to worry only a sharp scratch at the beginning when they numb area of wrist where wire is inserted. You are given something to calm you and I found you just stay still and feel relaxed. All over in a short time. That is without stent so bit longer if with Stent. I have had three angiograms and all felt the same.

[Carbis]

Not to worry! I had mine in 2014 when I had a stent fitted following a HA. Your cardiac team are well practiced experts and will have performed the same procedure many times in the recent past.

You will have been ‘relaxed’ prior to the procedure and will be amazed at how quickly and smoothly it goes . Some very minor discomforts but really nothing to be concerned about.

Please let us know how it goes.. This will help others in the same position as yourself!

[OldaYoda]

I was very worried, but not excessively so. I can say it was very straightforward. I don’t think I had much in the way of sedation, it was a slightly odd feeling, but not awful. I had a nice rest, tea and biscuits and was home in 3 hours. All that was left was a very weird dressing on my wrist.

The only bad thing - I was confident they would bung a stent in, I would need a couple of days rest, then be better than before . They discovered I need CABG, which kind of rained on my parade! Now waiting, impatiently, for the op.

Good -easy procedure, nice biscuits.

Bad - outcome needed major op.

Overall - very very glad they did it, the op will make a big difference and help me live an active life

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to OldaYoda]

I would have thought that identifying the need for major corrective surgery was a good outcome, compared to not knowing and then finding out the hard way!!! Anyway when you do get your surgery I hope it goes well for you.

[OldaYoda in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

it was more the fact that from being happy I would be moving on quickly, I entered the world of waiting lists… and being told while lying on a bed surrounded by wires, tubes, screens and random staff was a bit of a shock.

I am very happy they found the problem before it caught me and caused worse issues.😁

[Mollydex]

hi. I had an angiogram via my wrist. I had sedation and it was absolutely fine.

[CatLady246]

I had one in March. They give you something to calm you down. The nurse said it was tramadol it was a bit stinging when they first started at the wrist but after that it was fine. I half watched on screen but was singing in my head. They out music on for me. (I was terrified.) No need to be. I didn't have a stent or anything added. They found a mild build up on one area and that was all. It's easy to say don't worry as everyone is different. I found the worst bit was afterwards waiting for the timed release of air for the bleeding to stop. It took 5 hours for mine to be removed. Xx

[MWIC]

I had one via wrist after my HA and they ballooned a vein whilst having it - you have a plastic contraption on the wrist which applies pressure afterwards and they slowly release the pressure over a few hours - had no problems at all and didn’t feel much whilst they were doing the procedure - try not to worry about this procedure

[greenba]

I had mine 7 years ago and it was a breeze , honestly lying there talking to the staff, feel not a thing. Good luck Dont worry

[Rustyoldperson]

hi I had this done 4 yrs ago and it’s nothing to worry about , you’ll be fine

[Jedi14]

Yes quite a common procedure, when I had it done, I tended to look away, not to think about it. Afterall you are in the hands of the experts. When it was offered, I opted for a mild sedative/anaesthetic. The whole process was painless, just a sore feeling.

[Qualipop]

I had two;the f irst after a heart attack when two stents were fitted, the second a month later to check on two other blockages they saw.. Both extremely easy, no discomfort whatsoever except for lying on a metal table. If you are not offered sedation do ask for it. You will still be awake but you won't care what they are doing. Some doctors let you watch the screens. Mine didn't but the nurses talked to me the whole time. I really wanted them to stop so I could go to sleep. A catheter is inserted into your wrist. You will probably be given a blood thinner before hand. When they finish you have a pressure bandage inflated on your writs until any bleeding stops and are given tea and toast. You won't be allowed to drive yourself home if you've had sedation. Mine started at 9am and I was home , 40 minutes away and having lunch at 1pm. I can't lie flat because of spinal problems so they put pillows under my knees until I was comfortable. I wasn't at all bothered the first time but oddly I was really anxious for the second one but the nurses were superb.. There are risks as with any procedure but they are doing this a dozen times every day . The only ill effect I had was the second ti me when a nurse released the pressure bandage too early and my arm from wrist to elbow was black with leaking blood. I didn't notice until the next day and it didn't hurt. My only annoyance was not being allowed to watch what they were doing.. I found it much easier than even having a dental check up.

[VaniaG]

I have had 4 angiograms…all went well and only the first required stents being placed. The first and the last were great - they gave me IV Benadryl for my allergy to Iodine…had a very good nap through the whole procedure. Healing of the wrist took me about a month…but I am one of those extra sensitive ones.

[Lwaxana]

I'll add to the comments to say that there was some discomfort but as long as you have the sedative, you will no doubt be fine. I had an unusual situation where towards the end, my arteries appeared to reject the wire and started to constrict but this was spotted immediately and the wire was extracted a little faster than they would normally do. I think this caused some soreness in my shoulder and wrist for a week or two.

Also, I'm not sure if this is just a coincidence, but an hour or so after the procedure, I developed an occular migrane in one eye, which I had never experienced before. I was told it wasn't caused by the procedure but may have been due to the anxiety.

[Suzikeepingpositive]

I had my first angiogram at the end of July, after waiting 3 months as my local Hospital in Dorset is “extremely busy”. Mine was diagnostic only as I am waiting for a replacement of my aortic valve and this particular procedure is part of the tests required to see and check the arteries and show up blood flow with dye. I was very nervous as prefer to be knocked out completely but I was surprised how calm and straightforward the procedure was. The nurses were lovely and I had one dose of mild sedation which I think is more to relax you and keep blood pressure down (I have white coat syndrome - blood pressure normal at home but scarily high in a hospital setting).

I was also surprised as had what looked like a very small puncture mark where they put the small catheter in, not a small cut I expected. Had plenty of local anaesthetic at the site of entry so didn’t feel what was going on at all. I was allowed to watch a small screen and was fascinated seeing stuff on it, even if it meant nothing to me. All in all not bad. The cuff they put on your wrist afterwards is like a see through plastic band similar to a watch strap which is fairly tight and afterwards the Nurse in the ward keeps checking and gradually releases the air and becomes more comfortable. Unfortunately I bruise very easily so afterwards had a bruise from wrist to almost elbow, which is fairly normal. It disappeared in two weeks but not pretty. Also you can’t use your hand, in my case my right hand for at least 24 hours after procedure and for day after that use it for eating and using computer and not much else. All fine after a week and if sore took a paracetamol.

Arrived at Hospital at 1 pm, had Angiogram around 2.30 pm. Back to ward and cup of tea and cheese sandwich etc. Was allowed to leave around 6 pm after all checks and given Discharge Sheet with precis of results. Most arteries normal, although one might require work which can be done during my forthcoming valve replacement operation.

[polenta]

Yes, I had a wrist one years ago and it was a very easy procedure with light sedation. My Dr. said going through the wrist is better than going through the groin.

[jgd15]

Thanks for posting this as I have one coming up on Sept 5 and now have good idea what realistically to expect. Suspect stents will be required as 3 'extremly calcified ' arteries ex CT calcium check. Sedation seems a good idea.. as do the tea and biscuits!

[CarolingTeacher]

Yes, I had one last year. I went to the ER (US) with concerning heart symptoms. They couldn’t figure it out, and since their tests produces even more concerning results, they admitted me for more tests. Those were concerning too. They were more puzzled.

After that, a doctor from my cardiology group came to see me and said he wanted to try something (the angiogram) and that it had risk, but it might produce an answer…but it might not, and they wanted to do it early the next morning. I went into complete fear overnight after reading all about it in my phone. Fortunately, the night nurse sat with me for a bit and explained the test and said why it was a good one—and that I should be so grateful that they were going to do it.

Long story short, the angiogram found the problem. I ended up having a significant blockage in my “widow maker artery” or LAD, so while I was already “out” for the angiogram, they inserted a stent in my artery (“a big one”) through my wrist. I woke up from the surgery with bandaging on my wrist, but I don’t remember much pain at that wrist site, but I had to be careful with it for awhile. They kept me overnight for observation, and they changed a few meds. I did have some aches from the stent for a few months. I was told that I would have died from the blockage had I not gone through with the procedure. It saved my life and I certainly am very grateful!

[SudsSuds]

I had a wrist angiogram in May then a stent fitted in July - that was like the angiogram with the stent bit added on. My experience was like many others and really not too bad and better than I thought. So please try not to worry. I don't think anyone has mentioned having a canula. That was in the other arm and not too bad either.

[Goldfish7]

Ive had 3 - 2 wrist and 1 groin. They arent pleasant but aren't scary or painful - more a bit awkward as you need to keep still.

My advice would be to ask for sedation as it can keep you more comfortable and also stops your blood vessels from spasming (although Im not sure if the spasming is common with everyone). I was supposed to be sedated for one of mine, a wrist one, but either they hadnt done it or not done enough as the wire/camera got stuck. The main consultant came in and upped the sedation - spasming stopped, wire unstuck and all was over pretty quickly.

you have to lie down for an hour or so afterwards which is boring, but you do usually get tea and biscuits so its not too bad. The wrist ones were easiest visa vis recovery with no problems following. The groin ones require being careful for a few days I find as they are more prone to leaking or developing huge haematomas, but nothing really problematic. None are painful.

They are OK but you wouldn'wouldn't choose one for fun.

[befreed437]

I had an angiogram last month. They sedate you and your holding a bar in your hand whilst they inject you with sedation and do the procedure. My right wrist arteries were blocked so they had to go through the left wrist which was really painful, but I was given medication, as I had a spasm, but eventually done, no blockages but have some mind build up. So waiting for more tests. I wish you well with yours, as not everyone's angiogram is the same. Good luck.

[GreenBrick]

Just to agree with much of what has been said. I had one 2 weeks ago through the wrist. It was uncomfortable and not too painful. The staff were all very competent and friendly. Reassuring throughout. I was very anxious. I can only say a massive thank you .I followed their after treatment advice. The bruising has nearly gone and I have only a tiny lump which I m sure will go.

[GreenBrick]

Just to agree with much of what has been said. I had one 2 weeks ago through the wrist. It was uncomfortable and not too painful. The staff were all very competent and friendly. Reassuring throughout. I was very anxious. I can only say a massive thank you .I followed their after treatment advice. The bruising has nearly gone and I have only a tiny lump which I m sure will go.

[Cairnview]

ive had two wrist angiograms no problems sedated both times didnt feel a thing

[Shoefairy]

hi 2018 was when I had mine at the age of73. To be honest the only thing I was uncomfortable with was the freezing cold room A small prick in the wrist and the rest isn’t worth worrying about The doc talked to me through it and soon I was back on the ward I can assure you I’m a very stressful woman but sailed through this All the best