Coronary angiogram

Has anyone ever had one?  If so, what was it like?  The place I'm having my surgery at had requested an echo and stress test.  So I had that done last week and apparently I flunked it.   The echo showed a thickened heart and a valve that was a little large and the cardiologist said that was probably due to my weight but not too much to worry about.  But the stress test showed I have some clogged arteries and he wants to do an angiogram with possible stents.  I was shocked.  I thought it would all come out normal.  I'm only 48.  My cholesterol has always been normal so I assumed my arteries were okay.  But he said it's genetics since so many people in my family have coronary artery disease.  So if anyone had this can you tell me what it was like? I'm going to be so nervous.  Thanks,  Linda

Hi Linda, In this procedure the dr threads a small wire/catheter up thru your groin to your heart.  They inject dye and take pictures, the dye fills your arteries, and they can see narrowing/blockages.  They can work on opening any narrowing/blockages right then, with the stents or angioplasty.  You are sedated, but awake.  Usually you have to lay flat for a number of hours afterward.  I have personally not had this done, my husband did.  He said the worst part was when they were almost done, and they put a "plug" in his groin... he said that hurt for just a few seconds.  I'm sure the nurses at the hospital will explain all this again, and you my have the chance to see a video about the procedure.  I hope everything goes well for you!!! Good Luck Caroline

Hi Caroline,  Thanks for the reply.  I read about it on the internet and the information they gave me and even found a video of it on You Tube,   Do you have to be catheterized for it?  I read that sometimes they do or else you have to use a bed pan after?  I think I'd rather be cath'd than use a bed pan (I'd probably miss it, lol).    I also read it takes about 1-2 hours for the procedure.  Was your husband's that long?  Thanks again,  Linda

As far as I know you don't usually have to be cathed, but usually you have to lay flat for 6-8 hrs after the procedure, so the bedpan it is.  The procedure itself can vary in time... depending on what they find, and what all they need to do.  Luckily my husbands was about 30 min, but he had to blockages.  Sometimes they can put a special "plug" in your groin that lets you get up sooner, not sure how the doc decides on that or not.   Hope this all helps, and hope everything goes well.

I also had the plug thing, its a big improvement apparently with reducing your risk of bleeding. 

I was not cathed, and did use a bed pan.  My procedure took about 30min, but recovery took about 8 hrs in my case.  Six before I was allowed to sit up and another two before I was allowed to leave because they didn't trust me not to faint.

Linda,  I don't know to much about the procedure but I just wanted to say ....im so glad you found this out before you had your surgery...thats why its so important that they do all the tests they do... Good Luck  Estelle

Hi Estelle,  That is true!    I told my family, the WLS probably saved my life even before I've had it.  Who knows, I could have had a heart attack.  Thanks,  Linda

Linda, what a beautiful dog!   Boy or girl...name? What a blessing that they found these issues before surgery.  You could have thrown a clot or something.  

Hi Kathy,  Wow, I didn't think of throwing a clot.  Yikes.  Yes, very glad they discovered it before I have the surgery.    My dog is a female, named Hayley.  She will be 5 next month (yellow lab) and she is spoiled rotten and I love her to death.    Great job on your weight loss by the way.    Linda