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Worried about having an angiogram

(17 Posts)
Quokka Tue 03-Jan-23 12:31:00

midgey

My husband used to have a reaction to contrast dye too. I am glad things have settled down and ‘mission accomplished’ as it were. Happy new year!

Thank you

midgey Sat 31-Dec-22 20:57:12

My husband used to have a reaction to contrast dye too. I am glad things have settled down and ‘mission accomplished’ as it were. Happy new year!

Quokka Sat 31-Dec-22 15:01:10

Calendargirl

Thanks for update.

Good to know outcome of queries, but so often never hear any more.

Was sort of torn between feedback to all those who helped by reassuring me and who wants to know anyway!

Calendargirl Sat 31-Dec-22 14:57:02

Thanks for update.

Good to know outcome of queries, but so often never hear any more.

Quokka Sat 31-Dec-22 14:55:46

Thought I’d just follow this with an update.

Couldn’t fault the staff; wonderfully kind, efficient and reassuring. All went well until later that night….when I came out in an itchy rash. Even my ears and eyelids were red and I felt I wanted to gnaw my arm off.

Googled this and discovered it’s a reaction to the contrast dye and would die down in 2-7 days. I self prescribed antihistamine which helped a little but not much and I they made be drowsy so I kept nodding off.

After a week of scratching I gave in and rang GP who has prescribed steroids. hmm

Happy New Year to all.

Quokka Thu 15-Dec-22 14:33:36

Thank you all for the reassurances and advice. smile

Ashcombe Thu 15-Dec-22 06:24:34

I would agree with others who've written of their experiences. The staff will be very reassuring and will enable you to relax during the procedure.

I was advised that it’s important to rest and not be too active for a couple of days. Generally, I turn to the BHF website for advice on heart procedures. If you’re interested in the detail of an angiogram, here’s the link:-

www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/publications/tests-for-heart-conditions/angiogram---your-quick-guide

Good luck! ❤️

BlueBalou Thu 15-Dec-22 06:13:19

I had one 4 years ago, I found it fascinating as you can watch the screen! Apart from the very initial needle, which wasn’t painful, it’s very straight forward.

Catterygirl Thu 15-Dec-22 00:13:56

So many of us wear a Fitbit these days. I check my ECG on it about once a week. I find it useful when having a phone consultation with a doctor as well as giving them details of my resting heart rate. I have suffered panic attacks in the past and was sent an ambulance. I was so upset when the doctors found it was a panic attack. But they were very sympathetic and told me I wasn’t a nuisance and always best to check. The reassurance meant I never called them again but wouldn’t hesitate if worried.

Redhead56 Wed 14-Dec-22 23:59:00

I had one after having chest pains and shortage of breath. I was very worried but I was looked after very well.
It was a waste of time though it turned out I was having panic attacks. This was caused by water tablets I was taking for my blood pressure.
You will be fine with the procedure and will be looked after very well.

Harris27 Wed 14-Dec-22 23:32:11

My son had one earlier in the summer. Suspected heart attack. He said the same initial feeling if the needle going in after that ok. He had unstable angina doing great now.

nadateturbe Wed 14-Dec-22 23:10:18

My sister has had angiogram and said it was fine.
I have echocardiograms eavh year and it's just an ultrasound scan.
Nothing to worry about at all.

Quokka Wed 14-Dec-22 23:07:02

Thanks Cressy. That’s quite reassuring. I’m a bit surprised it’s happened so quickly as I never imagined it would be before Christmas.

Cressy Wed 14-Dec-22 22:57:51

I’ve had a couple. Slight discomfort when the needle is inserted ( as you would expect ) but after that nothing. I was able to watch the process on the screen. This probably won’t stop you being anxious but it’s really nothing to fear. 💐

Quokka Wed 14-Dec-22 22:38:23

Have you have one of these midgey?

midgey Wed 14-Dec-22 21:52:00

Nothing to worry about! It will be over before you realise.

Quokka Wed 14-Dec-22 21:42:31

GP referred me to Cardiology at local hospital for an ECG. Today (just a week later) phone call and they’ve booked me in for a pre-op assessment and echocardiogram this Friday and an angiogram next week.

All will be explained on Friday I’m told but I’m guessing several others on here have had one and can offer words of reassurance?