Anybody had a angiogram?

mulch

mulch

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Having had a stress test on my heart, which showed I have angina, I’m now being sent for an angiogram. With the appointment came a leaflet stating what the procedure entails (surprised I didn’t have an attack reading that!!), but in the leaflet was the possible side effects section, which included “The risk of having a heart attack, stroke or dying is estimated at one in every 1000 people”.....yikes! I’m now very nervous.

Not having known anybody who has had this done, I was wondering if anybody on here has gone through this procedure who could give me some advice on questions to ask or can ease my concerns etc for when I go for the pre-op check.

This came as a bit of a shock as I consider myself reasonably fit (for someone heading rapidly towards 60) as I exercise and fell walk regularly.

Thanks in advance from a worried man.
 
I don't know what Gramps is sending you but I reckon it will be supportive. I had one a few years ago and was scared stiff at the thought. I was offered a tranquiliser beforehand but the nurse advised that the recovery was longer if I had one, so I opted out. There was no need to worry, it was total painless, and in fact, watching the screen to see what was going on was fascinating. It was over quite quickly and after a few hours rest (to let the point of entry to heal more than anything), I was allowed home with some recommended treatment. Others will no doubt add their experiences, but mine was as I described, and the follow up treatment worked. Its easy to say now, but don't worry, it was an easy procedure (well, for me, the technical side is far more involved, but you don't see all that, just let the experts do their job), and with no after effects. Good luck and I hope all goes well with good results for you.
 
Many thanks Trev and yes you were right...gramps sent some very supportive advice. Worrying comes very easy to me:( so if I'm offered any tranquilisers.....I may just accept:naughty:

I was generally not too worried until I got the leaflet and read the “The risk of having a heart attack, stroke or dying is estimated at one in every 1000 people” disclaimer......and thought wow those are bad odds!
 
I've had a couple of angiograms and like Trev I found it fascinating to follow progress on screen. Subsequently I had Laser Angioplasty which opened up a long-blocked artery for installation of a stent. Now that WAS a fascinating procedure and again, totally painless. It required two entry points and again like Trev, the main issue was plugging those off when it was all over. They zapped the blockage three times and on the third, the consultant said "wow, that's cool" so I knew at that point it was all worth it!

Laser angioplasty is quite unusual (AFAIK there are only four hospitals in UK where it is available), but if your angiogram indicates you have a restricted artery, you may well need a stent fitted using balloon angioplasty. Again I'm sure there's many here who will confirm it's a painless procedure which can give you a new lease on life.

Some people just don't want to know what's going on, so don't feel you're alone if you want to be doped up a bit. Yes, there is a slight risk, but surely the benefits of identifying your problem and dealing with it are worth it? I'm no expert but I suspect those more at risk are not as fit as you.
 
Thanks Steve. Laser angioplasty sounds interesting, I suspected the hospital I'm going to (Bradford BRI) won't have such new technology. I'm really glad I posted this, as I've gone from knowing nobody who's had a angiogram to now feeling a bit more calmer going for it.......thanks all.
Just watched the video link gramps(y)
 
Well Mulch I cannot speak for having an angiogram performed but, after the heart attack whilst night fishing on my own last year I can only suggest to get it done. Had stents fitted which I believe a few on here have had done, you will have nothing to worry about M8. Here is my own recorded memories :D

 
Blimy Rich, that proves a lot of us wrong, you have got one after all :)
Interesting to see, and this is what you watch as they are doing the procedure Mulch, but as said before, you don't feel a thing. Because of all the litigation these days, the medics have to cover themselves for any eventuality and that can sound scary, don't be put off, the results make it all worthwhile, go for it early rather than too late.
 
Rich...they supplied you with a video of the event? As a nervous coward re-hospitals etc, I doubt very much I will be watching the proceedings:nailbiting:

All your replies are having a more calming affect on what lies ahead......just:)
 
mulch said:
Rich...they supplied you with a video of the event? As a nervous coward re-hospitals etc, I doubt very much I will be watching the proceedings:nailbiting:

All your replies are having a more calming affect on what lies ahead......just:)
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Well it cost me £10 but it went to the cause.I can understand you feeling apprehensive but the reality is you will be in a better position than most. I can look back now and say I had a lot of times where I was putting up with little niggles etc. Probably weeks of feeling fatigue and dozing off much quicker than I had ever known myself do in the past, I am sure they were all signs of what was to come.
 
if i'd married a previous girlfriend then I could 'nearly' claimed to have 'had' one ;)
 
Having had 2 heart attacks (which makes me better than Rich). I've had all that stuff done, angiograms, stents, meds etc etc. The worst thing I found was (as you'll be awake) it was bloody freezing in the 'wet room' (op theater) where they carried it out. Apart from a wee bit of discomfort when they pumped the balloons to open the stents it's pain free. I think there's various options ie stents, disolving the blockage or drugs.

The first time I got it done they went through my groin and second time they went in my wrist but pulled my pants down 'just in case' that didn't work and they had to go back in my groin. Well, with the combination of the cold, nerves and embarrassment old JT shriveled up like a wee worm, I thought I had changed sex (yeh yeh I know wouldn't take much blah blah blah:rolleyes:).

You will be nervous of course but I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck anyhow.;)
 
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BRASH said:
Having had 2 heart attacks (which makes me better than Rich). I've had all that stuff done, angiograms, stents, meds etc etc. The worst thing I found was (as you'll be awake) it was bloody freezing in the 'wet room' (op theater) where they carried it out. Apart from a wee bit of discomfort when they pumped the balloons to open the stents it's pain free. I think there's various options ie stents, disolving the blockage or drugs.

The first time I got it done they went through my groin and second time they went in my wrist but pulled my pants down 'just in case' that didn't work and they had to go back in my groin. Well, with the combination of the cold, nerves and embarrassment old JT shriveled up like a wee worm, I thought I had changed sex (yeh yeh I know wouldn't take much blah blah blah:rolleyes:).

You will be nervous of course but I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck anyhow.;)
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Yeh so you keep saying, I managed to find one of your pre op photo`s.

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Thanks for the good luck message Brash.......it's now been delayed until middle March!....because I have a holiday booked for end of this month I apparently need a few days 'rest' before being allowed to fly, so it's gone to March. Oh well, it gives me more time to fret:(
 
Just to add to the above. Had a heart attack 13 years ago. The full works, lights out and three goes with the jump leads. After recovery had to go for an angiogram. Was fairly straight forward and I was fairly relaxed. The only time I got agitated was when one of the nurses stood between me and the screen as I wanted to see everything. Each to their own I suppose.

Anyway, as all have said it's a fairly standard procedure and I wouldn't worry.

Good luck,
Ken
 
Many thanks Ken for the support, the more I hear from other people who have had the procedure the more relaxed about it I feel.
 
In 2006 I had 4 Cardiac Arrests and am here as I had all 4 whilst in the A&E department of the RUH in Bath.

I was very ill and remained in the CCU for 30 days before I was assessed as being well enough to go for an angiogram and 'perhaps' angioplasty.

I had all the pros and cons explained and my only thought was let's get this thing done.

On the morning all the prep was done early and yes the Star Trek style Anglo room was fantastic.

All my fears disappeared when I was able to watch what was happening on 42" Plasma screens.

The skills and professionalism shown was amazing.

No angioplasty was possible as my problem wasn't blockage but the rupture of the muscle of my left ventricular muscle.

It meant a by-pass on the damaged muscle which meant another 2 months in hospital. Since then I have had a number of small heart attacks and 2 more angiograms. In a combined period of 5 months hospitalisations all the other patients came through their angioplasty procedures safe and sound. In most cases home within 36 hours.

The new cardiac centre at the Bristol Royal Infirmary is performing Angioplasty on a 24/7 basis in place of the old style use of 'clot busting' drugs (Thrombalisis). This has reduced the rate off death from heart attacks and reducing the need for by-pass surgery.

I have seen many people arrive in a sorry state at hospital, blue lips and poor breathing. 2 days later, stented, they walk out on their own 2 feet.

To the OP, however nervous you are, the procedure may just solve any heart issue (many have over 90% arterial blockage) and the stenting process gives time to avoid by-pass surgery, which is hugely more risky a procedure (and yes a number of fellow patients did not survive long after the by-pass or Cardinal By Pass Graft).

I cannot stress how fascinating it was to watch the process.

Good luck and best wishes. If you need stents then you will feel the improvement in your daily life.

Steve
 
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Blimey Steve, you've certainly been through the mill grinder by the sounds of it.....I'm pleased you came out at the other end in one piece.

I'm feeling much calmer about the procedure now having had so much positive feed back from all you guys out there, which I'm eternally grateful for.
 
mulch said:
Blimey Steve, you've certainly been through the mill grinder by the sounds of it.....I'm pleased you came out at the other end in one piece.

I'm feeling much calmer about the procedure now having had so much positive feed back from all you guys out there, which I'm eternally grateful for.
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Catch the problem early is the easiest way forward. Whatever you need doing is worth it. There is little redundancy in your heart and the combination of drugs and surgical procedures gives a great chance of a normal life than a future failure will.

Just know you will feel better and a more assured quality of life after you go in.

Good luck with all

Steve
 
u8myufo said:
Yeh so you keep saying, I managed to find one of your pre op photo`s.

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At least I fill my pants and not with the stuff you speak all the time.
 
It's a piece of cake, I've had several, once they have fitted the sheath there is little or no pain at all.
I'm a bit of a 'bleeder' so I prefer them to go in via my wrist (as opposed to the groin) as they can put a inflatable wrist band on and gradually deflate it, if you start bleeding again they can just re-inflate it.
The groin area is a bit more difficult to stop bleeding - I ended up staying overnight once.
The choice of entry will depend on your cardiologists preferred method.

The thing is, if you then need Angioplasty it could save your life.
Although Angioplasty is a lot more complicated as the recipient you wont feel much difference from an Angiogram.
 
Thanks John. When I go for my pre-op I will be asking if they can go in via the wrist, but as you say it will depend on the cardiologists preferred method.....I just don't fancy anybody fiddling in the groin area with a scalpel :eek:
 
mulch said:
Thanks John. When I go for my pre-op I will be asking if they can go in via the wrist, but as you say it will depend on the cardiologists preferred method.....I just don't fancy anybody fiddling in the groin area with a scalpel :eek:
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Everybody's experience is different as is their physiology.

The incision via the groin is into a larger artery with a more direct route whereas some are offered the wrist route using the radial artery. There are 2 radial arteries in each arm and it is one of the harvested arteries for use in bypass graft (along with the 'redundant' mammary artery in males. (Redundant as described to me by Cardiac team).

My 3 angios were via the groin and was painless. I was also a quick healer. My first was to lie holding a pressure pad to the tiny sound and was clear to move 2 hours post procedure. For the second and third Anglo they fitted a 'star' plastic 'plug' which was not painful and seemed to be designed to stop the artery from swelling. Had no problems at all.

Not having had the wrist used I am not certain that there are benefits/disbenefits to either route. I would suggest you speak to the person who is doing your procedure for a balanced view of both.

Steve
 
mulch said:
Thanks John. When I go for my pre-op I will be asking if they can go in via the wrist, but as you say it will depend on the cardiologists preferred method.....I just don't fancy anybody fiddling in the groin area with a scalpel :eek:
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You'll get a local anesthetic jab first, you don't feel the scalpel at all, just a wee prick (no pun intended or reference to Rich:D).
 
mulch said:
I just don't fancy anybody fiddling in the groin area with a scalpel :eek:
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The only time my groin's been fiddled about with by someone with a scalpel was during my "sizzle" (like the snip but a laser does the sectomy bit!). The only bit that was sore afterwards was where I'd managed to nick myself while shaving!

I would wish you good luck with it but luck shouldn't be part of the equation, so I'll just offer all my best wishes and enjoy the holiday without worrying about the procedure. Hopefully the advice from people who have undergone similar will have put your mind at rest.
 
I had an Angiogram on monday evening after suffering a heart attack that afternoon. Entered via my wrist but unable to stent as the two affected arteries were completely clogged.

Going back in soon for another go via the groin.
 
BRASH said:
You'll get a local anesthetic jab first, you don't feel the scalpel at all, just a wee prick (no pun intended or reference to Rich:D).
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I could sort you out with an anesthetic jab if you want, just give the word (y)
 
Mike....fingers crossed your next visit to hospital sorts the problem out and you feel much better soon.
 
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