Angiograms are horrible

[GardenElf]

I was in Addenbrookes having an angiogram as a diagnostic test to help plan for aneurysm surgery. It was really horrible. It all went medically well, but I was scared and I was frustrated that I wasn't getting enough explanation about the process as it was happening. The nursing staff were very kind but I needed more reassurance from the surgical team... so glad to be at home!!!

[Alibongo60]

Hi GardenElf, yes I’ve had a few angiograms and they never really bothered me before, except the last one it felt like they were pulling on something in my head and it was very uncomfortable, I’m not sure why it was so painful after all the others were ok, but I am going to be very reluctant to go through it again, without sedation anyway. They give you anaesthetic for the main op so why you can’t have a mild one for the investigations I don’t know, I think it would take some of the fear away too. Glad your now back home and hopefully they won’t leave you too long, I go to Salford on the 20 th for my two year scan to see what my aneurysm is doing, they only gave me five years and I think I have passed this already, I’ve lost count now, so fingers crossed it’s behaving, pop back with any worries anytime, always find us on the headway site, and anyone there will help if they can take care love Alice xx

[GardenElf in reply to Alibongo60]

Good luck with your latest scan Alice. I agree with you about the anesthetic/sedation - something mild would've helped but nothing was offered... I'm sure they have their reasons...

[Lulu_Lollipop]

Was this your first angiogram? I am sorry yours was so unpleasant. I had one before surgery for a 22 x 14mm aneurysm and strangely I found it interesting as the radiographer talked me through it all and I found all the different sensations interesting. Certainly was uncomfortable after the event and had really dramatic bruising that spread even down to my knee as weeks went by. I had the big surgery a couple of months after that and then 5 months after craniotomy I had another angiogram to see how it was. Sadly that angiogram was just after my Darling Dad died and just before his funeral so my mind was on a lot of stuff. Angiogram was interesting again and apart from the discomfort and bruising afterwards I didn't feel any discomfort. What I do worry about is the lack of follow up since. I was told I'd have annual scans, but this hasn't happened. I had a stroke about 18 months after the surgery and follow up for that is rubbish too. I have ongoing issues from both things and I could really do with someone having another look at my brain just to set my mind at ease or sort out if anything needs fixing again.

Good luck!

[Alibongo60 in reply to Lulu_Lollipop]

Hi Lulu, if I was you I would phone your consultants secretary and explain you have not had your twelve month scan, and if you get no luck there you can contact PALS at the hospital they liase and sort problems out because after a stroke you really should have been seen even just for reassurance, give them a ring, some people do fall through the net let us know how you get on, sorry about your dad too love Alice xx

[Lulu_Lollipop in reply to Alibongo60]

Thanks. I'll give that a go. I haven't had regular brain scans, but I did have one last October, referred by Neurologist. Haven't been given any results even though I've chased them up xx

[Spru]

I’m sorry you had such a rough time!

Just reading your post and the responses…. I’m about to have my first angiogram next week so if there’s any advice you can give or details on what to expect I’d be really grateful.

[GardenElf in reply to Spru]

Deep breaths. For me, knowing what was happening would've been more reassuring (but maybe the opposite for some). Let them know what you're feeling so they can respond