Angioplasty

[JMF1]

Due to have Angioplasty this week after procedure is there much pain not sure whether they are going to use arm or groin- several people have told me to expect a lot of pain afterwards now worrying about coping at home. Thought it best to check with those who have had it done rather than relying on friends who tell you they know a friend of a friend who had it done and how bad it was‼️

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If its any help I've had two angiograms (not angioplasty) both through the wrist. Didn't feel much at all. Nor did I get any pain for the few days after the angiogram, which is a comment some people have made. Cant help on the groin access point. However you may have a pre-procedure interview a few days before, in preparation for the procedure itself, during which you may get the opportunity to ask for sedation should you decide it is necessary.

[Mirador19 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Hi, I’ve had five angiograms 2 in the groin and 2 in the right wrist and one in the left wrist. I can honestly say there was no pain or discomfort at the time of doing them or afterwards, I think I had sedation with the first one in Spain but can’t be sure.

[JMF1 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you I also have had angiograms following which they think one of my arteries is blocked so going to do an angioplasty where they gain access either through groin artery or wrist with wire at the end of which is a balloon which is inflated when blockage is found which they hope expands artery and blockage is dealt with. Thus reason for possibly asking for sedation as it takes a while.

[Art-99]

I have had two angiogram over the past five years, the second resulting in a stent being inserted, just over a year ago. The right wrist was used and I can honestly say I did not experience any pain during or after the procedure, maybe just a slight aching in the arm now and again for a short period afterwards.

[HenryTudor]

I had two angioplasties, 2 x 2 stents. I don’t recall any pain during or after. As has been suggested, you’ll have a nurse assigned to you and you can explain that you are anxious and they’ll give you a mild sedative. But … if you do have a sedative you can’t leave the hospital for six hours. If you don’t you’re discharged pretty well straight away.

[Hrty]

If this helps, I've had two angiograms, one through the wrist and one through the groin. Both were painless during the procedure although there was a slight sensation when they sent the contrast dye in. I was chatting with the Cardiologist throughout. With the wrist I had some discomfort when they took the pressure plug out later on, they loosen it over several hours and I think I yelped a bit when they took it out and much to the amusement of others on the ward. Other than that it was fine. The "worst" bit after the groin was having to lie flat on my back for several hours after and trying not to laugh when a mate came to visit me in hospital. I had sedation for the groin and pretty sure I had it for the wrist.

[Dubman1972]

I've had angioplasty in my right wrist only pain was the plastic band to seal the wound afterwards ... bit like a watch strap but very tight ... they loosen it little bit at a time over a few hours ... once that is off no problems really

Wristband after angioplasty

[Col650]

Had an angioplasty through wrist, 2 stents fitted. I took their offer of mild sedation. No pain during or after proceedure.

[Survivor1952]

I had two stents inserted in May 23 via my right wrist. Apart from a feeling of movement up my arm and across my chest (the latter is most unusual apparently) there was no pain or other sensation during or after the procedure. I did end up with the great grandaddy of all bruises, it didn’t hurt either. I christened it my tribal tattoo, it took some months to fully fade.

For various reasons my procedure took two hours. The worst bit was the powerful diuretic I was given and the resulting urge during the operation!

I instantly felt better and now, 21 months later, despite other issues I am leading a normal life.

[Murderfan58]

I had an angiography on the 11th January they wanted to use my right wrist but said no as I walk with a stick and hold it in my right hand. So they use my left . I asked for sedation as never had a local anaesthetic before. Unfortunately neither worked but that is just me. I have been in constant pain with my limbs my whole life so have a high pain tolerance. But I didn't tell them because it meant they would have had to stop and start again . So I just kept my eyes shut and cried silent tears. But it didn't hurt to long and they had a good look inside my heart slight furring in my right artery no stent needed.

They put on a dressing and a what I called a circular balloon over the dressing which they pumped air into to put pressure on the wound . It was a brilliant invention. They gave me the syringe to take back to the ward and wrapped me in a hot blanket and told me why I didn't need an stent also no sign I had a heart attack .

After a hour they let some air out as my fingers where turning blue. Then hours later the balloon dressing was taken off. I had bad bruising from my wrist to elbow but it didn't hurt took weeks to go and I have a tiny scar on my wrist the same colour as the rest of my skin .

Very glad I had it done as I know my heart is ok and the whole in the side of my heart hadn't gotten any bigger than it showed on the MRI in November 2021. I was born with it but didn't know it was there until 2020.

On Atorvastatin to stop any further furring no side effects from it .

If you do feel any pain tell them . I didn't because I knew I could tolerate it. I would have said no to going from my groin as I fall a lot and even with a tiny wound would hurt there .

But it's brilliant that they can have good look at your heart inside . When my brother had his he watched on the monitor but I could do that . He had 2 stents in his heart and changed his life. He said it took him 45 mins to walk into the hospital 2 hours after having them in he could have run home .

😊🌹

[Genteel1]

Hello there. I've had 2 angiograms. One access into in right wrist and one in right groin. I had slight sedation for both, but both times enough to see the procedure on screen and listen to the doctor. Slight pinch on the right wrist, on entering artery but didn't feel anything on the groin procedure. I don't recall any bruises either.

[Anniejen10]

Had emergency angioplasty via wrist 2 weeks ago - no sedation. It was a little uncomfortable in the wrist area when they inserted the tube/wire - so maybe for the first few minutes but honestly felt nothing after that - couldn’t tell you at what point they were inserting the balloon and stent except from what they were saying. Absolutely no probs afterwards either.

[Whiteghost]

Rubbish. Had it done twice. No pain during or after. 🤗

[Juice12]

I have had 7 Angio procedures 4 of which were angiograms. These were painless so you should be ok.

[Ladymalarkey]

I had one in October. Although the results were not what I hoped for, the procedure itself was painless. I would describe the sensation as a bit weird and strange feeling but certainly no pain.

[momander]

I've had 3 ct angiograms all in the wrist. Unluckily for me the sedation did t work so it was extremely uncomfortable and you jave to lie very still.my veins collapsed the 3rd time..Everyone else is different t bit for me it was really sore having g it done. No dis I.fort afterwards though

[Richie34]

I can concur with the comments here (angiogram/plasty) carried out through right wrist no pain at all. One thing that's not mentioned here though is the 'process' meaning the gowning up prior to the procedure, being portered down being in a room that's full of busy staff, multiple machines and screens and 'the table' can all be a bit anxiety inducing to those so inclined or unprepared,may not bother you but fore warned is fore armed as they say.

[AnyoneWhoHad]

Hello, I'm not sure I can add much to what others have already said, but I had an angiogram via my wrist almost a month ago, resulting in a stent and a ballooon angioplasty. There was some minor discomfort at the time which I reported to the team and was reassured about, but there was no subsequent pain in my case and no further angina has occured so far. I start cardiac rehab tomorrow and feel I have benefitted from having the procedure. I hope yours goes well and is as beneficial as my own experience has been, but from how it affected me and what others here have said, I hope your concerns are allayed and your worries have been reduced. Best wishes. Rob

[Richie34 in reply to AnyoneWhoHad]

Thanks Rob,maybe let me know if you get chance, regarding how you find the CR,any positive benefits and anything maybe where one's expectations need to be dialled down. I'm not due to start mine until the end of March,keen to start but waiting lists such as they are mean a long wait for the service.

[AnyoneWhoHad in reply to Richie34]

Hi Richie I started my rehab yesterday, it was knackering but very much worthwhile experience which has increased my self-confidence, I never thought I could have done it before I did it, I have never set foot in a gym nor used any of the machines they have available before. The trainer was very supportive and there are nurses on hand to do observations and offer advice. I have posted about it on here today. I think it has both physical and psychological benefits and I am looking forward to next week's session and trying to reach the goals they've set me. I can only say that my experience has been very positive, I hope you find the same at the end of March. Cheers, Rob.

[Richie34 in reply to AnyoneWhoHad]

That sounds fantastic Rob especially the more 'psychological' aspect and emphasis on the issue of confidence as mine has fallen off a cliff since my diagnosis and PCI so looking at that is a real positive so thanks for letting me know of your positive experience 👍

[AnyoneWhoHad in reply to Richie34]

Good luck Richie, I hope you get a lot out of it, all the best!

[Richie34 in reply to AnyoneWhoHad]

Cheers Rob ,you too-onwards and upwards 💪

[Qualipop]

If it's wrist, I had absolutely no pain at all. A massive bruise from wrist to elbow but nothing else at all. Oh fitting the canula hurt but it always does. I had sedation when they did it but was fully aware and able to talk. Afterwards you have a pressure bandage for a couple of hours, tea and toast then go home. You can't drive that day. I was told to take it very easy for 3 weeks to allow the stents to bed in. Some people report a bt of chest discomfort but I honestly had none. I had two stents fitted after a heart attack and another angiogram a few weeks later. I can't comment on groin insertion.

[JH6419]

I have had angioplasty both via the groin and the wrist. No pain at all for me

[Jaybbb]

NO PAIN. I had one stent. They prepared me for both writs and groins prior to the procedure. But it was done through my left writs. No Pain, no black & blue. Did not feel a thing. They gave my medication so I was out. My understanding is the going through the writ is simpler--and I was hoping that would be the case with me on the first try, and it was. No discomfort after the procedure.

[Davey77]

My second stent was more painful at the time but, like the first, I was up and walking to the cafe by the next day. I had a slightly bruised ache for a while. Not enough to be any bother.

[Mentdent]

no pain for me.

[Heartsofoak]

Hi, I've had 7 resulting in a total of 12 stents, earlier ones (late 90's ) were done through the groin and the later ones (mid 2000) through the wrist, although they prepare you for both. I must say I never had any pain or problems after any of the procedures.

[JMF1 in reply to Heartsofoak]

Thank you very reassuring.