Angiogram

Ok, I haven't even seen a cardiologist yet.  Actually, I've had chronic mouth and throat problems no doctor is able to diagnose.  In the mean time, I've been complaining of a *hard* heart beat for a while. My doc, as usual, attributes it to nerves.  I mentioned it yet again so he finally sent me for a halter monitor and an ECHO treadmill stress test. I knew I didn't do to well on the stress test. So, for some unknown reason, my doctor decides to call me at home on Saturday to say my stress test showed some problems, he didn't specify what, but wants to refer me to a  cardiologist.  Now, I can't say we have the best doctors where I live.  Anyway, I am afraid an angiogram will be ordered and I really do NOT want one of those done.  No way could I get through that and understand they keep you awake?  Wondering if there is an alternative and if anyone has had the angiogram done and what your experiences were.

[jrbon]

For many years, even before I suspected I have a heart problem, my only symptom that I did not relate, was a blood taste in my mouth when I did some effort. Later I learn that it is a known symptom of angina.

As per the angiogram, unless that you suffer a great, great phobia to the needles (as I did) you will not have any problem, you just feel some pressure when they enter your groin and nothing else ....

If you have a sever phobia, with vasovagal shocks and faints when you see or think in a needle, my advise is to speak seriously in advance with the dr that is going to make it.

If he believes you, he will prepare you in a way that you will not have any anxiety. If he does not believe you ... you will faint and he will not be able to perform the procedure. So next time he will prepare you.

If this is a real problem to you, I will tell you how I got it solved.

Jesus.

[ed34]

I've had 8 procedures now, but I still remember the first one and how nervous I was. I had no choice in the matter because I was rushed in, in an emergency. I was shaking like a leaf. After the local anaesthetic needle, which is just like a needle in your arm pain wise, I have always laid there waiting to feel them cut into me. However, every single time I have opened my eyes to see how far they've got, to find them already inside me. You never feel a thing.
Two procedures out of 8 have been easier because they gave me some strong meds to relax me. You can request these. They say you have to be awake, but those meds knocked me out. They can still shout commands at you, like if they want you to hold your breath for a few seconds and you react, because it isn't a deep sleep like general anaesthetic. I remember nothing at all from those two procedures.
I promise you, you won't feel a thing if you have an angiogram, and as I said, just ask for some strong meds because you are very nervous. They want you as relaxed as possible anyway.
If you have any other questions about the procedure, please don't hesitate to ask.

[Margot49]

Thank you for the info. I see my doc today and see why he wants me to see a cardiologist.  I'm a nervous wreck, waiting to have a heart attack and didn't sleep at all last night. Add to this, had to call an ambulance for my husband last week because he passed out and now we are trying to get his BP under control.
Yes, I am scared. Thanks so much