1st angiogram comfortable and exciting - Heart Disorders Message Board

happybunny · 03-22-2005, 04:39 AM

Had my first angiogram yesterday, 8 months after starting with angina. (UK)The blockages were so clear that I could easily spot them for myself as it went along!

I didn't need any sedation - felt very relaxed. NO discomfort through it all, done via groin. Was even allowed to leave my protective sleeve on my bad arm and we found a way I could keep my arms out of the way comfortably. The doc was very experienced and all the staff were wonderful. I was able to see my heart beating on screen and the arteries as they filled with dye. It was really exciting and one of the most awesome things I have seen! I'm sure the novelty wears off if you have a few though! Then I had to lie still, propped up at 40' for just over 2 hours - that was hard due to my usual neck problems but then walked about the ward for an hour - and home to rest.

The doc showed me again in slow motion pictures afterwards and explained further. RCA 95%, Circumflex 90%, LAD several lesser blockages. Not good.

Glad I didn't have to wait any longer on that waiting list.

Next stage - now I wait while the doc informs my own cardiologist and they decide whether it is worth trying angioplasty and a few stents to see if we can avoid a bypass in the first instance. That seems to be what he would advise. Then I will get called in fairly soon from the sound of it. My appointment with my own cardiologist is originally scheduled for middle May but this doc commented that I should be in for the treatment before then.

So Lenin: You predicted 90% blockage in RCA - what a genius! XXXXXXXXXXXX
Ninelives: You predicted blockage ((((((hugs))))))
I always find it helpful to be mentally prepared for unpleasant results. Thank you both of you, and thanks also for your best wishes.

Now I'm on best behaviour until I get "done", no rushing about.
Annie

NineLives · 03-22-2005, 05:50 AM

I'm glad you got some answers and very happy and a bit surprised that it was that pleasant of an experience. If you had been in the states and the doctor decided to stent you it probably would have been done while you still had the plug in your groin. It sounds like they will be getting you fixed up soon and I hope they are able to avoid the bypass surgery. I've had both stent and bypass and whichever is chosen you will get through it. It just takes a lot longer to recover from the bypass.

goldenwings · 03-22-2005, 05:52 AM

Hi Annie,

So pleased you were ok with it all. Hope your cardiology visit works out well. I have had a triple bypass so if I can be of help let me know. I too am in the UK, so I know what you mean by waiting and so on.

Keep well.

goldenwings

Lenin · 03-22-2005, 03:45 PM

happybunny,

I agree with you, the test is TOTALLY FASCINATING to watch. I am SO sorry that they didn't open and stent the RCA and the Circumflex while they were already snaked into your chest. I was SO glad to have EVERYTHING done in under an hour. I guess there is an advantage to having a top notch (perhaps best in NYC) cardiologist doing the angiogram, probably with a pocketful of stents at the ready.

DO NOT forget your daily aspirin and forget the kiddie dosage, take one or two 325 mg. size.

PUSH for the stenting if the choice is ANYWHERE near 50-50. When they roll one in with a heart attack, he really has very little choice, but YOU STILL DO!

Good Luck and keep us posted.

MacyMaid · 03-23-2005, 08:19 PM

Hi Annie, I sure wish I had my Heart Cath/Stents in the UK. I wanted to be awake and see things and be able to make decisions but I had mine done at a Teaching Hospital in Texas and I could write a novel at what I went through and also having a student in training learning to put a stent in your heart.

I did not like that one bit. I asked to see my films and I was told they do not allow this but I could have a piece of paper with a drawing on it showing the arteries where the stents went. I so dislike Teaching Hospitals
as they use patients as guinia pigs while you are out like a light so they can train these guys.

and I asked them not to use anyone but the doctor I chose. No such luck.

Good Luck to you, Annie.

Can I ask you what your Angina pains feel like? Do they come with exercise and are they severe and do they respond to Nitro right away? Mine have never left even with 3 stents. Not sure if mine are Microvascular
as they are severe and not exercised induced. Doctors are scratching their bald lil heads with me.