posted
Due to my atrial fibrillation problems and a STRONG family history of early cardiac death and heart attacks, I'm having a heart cath on Wednesday.
I've read up on it and know about the risks, etc .. just wondering if anyone can share how easy/hard it was.
I just hope they dope me up better than what I've read about it! Sounds like some are pretty alert during it. I don't want to be alert!!!
I'm also on a 3 wk heart monitor. It's not nearly as obnoxious a machine as the Holter, thank goodness!!!
Nothing to eat or drink after midnite. The morning of they explain everything, and then start an IV and give you benadryl.
Then they give you a twilight drug so that you are still awake. They insert the catheter usually through groin, and take photos. They showed him the photos during the procedure.
Afterwards, pressure is applied to the site for a while and you have to lie flat for 4-6 hours after the test in finished. (depending on the width of the catheter used) There is absolutely NO PAIN.
The next day you are not allowed lift anything and not permitted to drive for 2 days. He has some bruising at the site, but it is not sore at all.
He had at an eccho ultrasound, chest xray, nuclear dye test, and then the angiogram. This test is the most conclusive there is. What you see is what you get.
His test came out fairly good, with 50% or less blockages in the arteries. All can be treated with statins, diet and exercise. They only treat with stents if you have more than 70% blockage in an artery.
Good luck and I wish you well. RELAX. Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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posted
My teenage daughter had one last year. She said the worst part was not being allowed up to use the restroom for 6 hours following the procedure.
Good luck!!!!
Posts: 260 | From Virginia | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I had one last year. Piece of cake. They have to throw in all of the disclaimers and such since it is surgery. While modern medicine is stumbling over diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, performing a heart cath is fairly routine simple stuff for good hospitals.
I guess if anything, just make sure you feel good about the hospital performing the test.
Posts: 194 | From Colorado | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
I had one done in New Orleans. I had unexplained sinus tachycardia. The point of the test is to go into the heart and find what is causing he high heart rate. Since I know now it was Lyme causing it, that would explain way they "couldn't find anything" to ablate.
Plus, they had to kind of wake me up and say "is this the discomfort you have been feeling". It was a strange sensation, to feel the catheter in my heart.
I had an hemotoma in my incision so I had to stay one night in the hospital.
So overall, it was a waste because it was the Lyme causing the tachycardia. After 14 month of antibiotics my heart rate is normal, in the 60s. As opposed to 120 resting.
posted
angiogram, i had this 4-5 yrs. ago too...NO BALLOON!
i enjoyed watching things go on; had them add extra WARM BLANKETS FOR ME!!
worst for me was their excessive force used to stop bleeding in groin area due to my FIBRO PAIN in that area too; bruised for 2 wks. plus.
it was hard to remain in bed for certain length of time; went well. a blockage shown here at hospital was NOT THERE when they did the angiogram with possible balloon to come that was NOT needed.
best wishes!! suggest you DISABLE YOUR PMS since your box is almost always full ....
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
(((((TuTu))))
I haven't had one, but my dad's had two. The first time was scary, but it was quite a few years ago and he had to lay in bed with a heavy sandbag to stop the bleeding.
The second time around, you would have thought he'd gotten his teeth cleaned. The now use a clamp & it stops the bleeding much faster.
It's become such a common procedure that I think they'll soon be doing it in Dr's offices. (OK maybe not, but you get the point. )
My father-in-law has also had them and both of them have felt a world of improvement afterward. They had much more energy & stamina.
I'm sorry that you have to go through this because I'm SURE it has to be scary no matter how many reassurances you get. You'll be in my thoughts & prayers, though I doubt you'll really need them for this.
I'll expect you to be back on here posting about how easy it was and how good you feel by Friday. THAT'S AN ORDER!!!!!
hugs & prayers, Ali
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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I WILL be having a clamp, so hope not to have to lie there for 6 hrs! I told them that I needed a Foley due to my Interstitial Cystitis. I can barely make one hour without a bathroom.
Ali .. what did you mean by getting his teeth cleaned?? Ironically, I'm getting mine cleaned tomorrow!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Is an angioplasty the same as an angiogram????
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
LOL- That did seem a little strange didn't it.
I just meant that it seemed like such an easy, uncomplicated procedure....like it was no big deal. Why I equated that to a dental cleaning? I have NO idea!
From what I can tell, the Angiogram is like an x-ray with contrast dye to look for blockages. The Angioplasty is the insertion of the catheter to clear blockages and place a stent if necessary.
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
i had an angiogram done....they ran something up there to make sure NO blockages; none found.
so it was NOT CONTRAST as the other name mentioned; boy, this gets so confusing!!
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TerryK
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Member # 8552
posted
I haven't had one yet but my doctor said I need one. ugh!
Sorry you have to have it done but hopefully it will keep you safe in the future. I'll be thinking of you on Wed.. Hope it is quick and easy.
Hugs, Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
Yes TUTU, I had one done ages ago!
The only thing was I am such a barrel chested individual that they had a hard time getting to the left side of my heart !
Duhhh....that's where I believe my problems were at the time. The "Mitral valve regurgitation", I believe is on the left side of the heart!
Which a lot of we lymies suffer from.
Mine, pretty much dissappeared after my third or fourth month on KETEK!
However, now that I'm self injecting with penicillin G I can perceive and even feel something happening up my spine and around my heart and even in a tooth that the cap fell off of awhile ago this year....
I know it sounds weird...but hey!
Are'nt we lymies all a bit weird?
The cardiologist gave me a clean bill of health but wanted me to return to his office for some reason. This was the same group of ducks that threw my medical records around when my initial PPO of an HMO fired me as a patient!
You could actually see the fax machine data on my medical records to and from my ppo!
Disgusting crap!
anyway....
The procedure was almost the same as a colonoscopy, maybe not, a tooth cleaning. It may be better these days, as mine was done in 1997.
I came thru it fine and I'm sure you will also.
That teeth cleaning may be a good idea, because, we all know the teeth can harbor bacteria and such that can(supposedly) cause cardiac problems.
Good luck and God speed! gotta get you up to that 40,000 mark somehow!
Unless you already got there...have'nt been here for awhile...
zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
angioplasty is when the have to widen your arteries due to buildup. they use a baloon like device which goes thru the catheter to perform the procedure. (cholesterol)
its routinely done during an angiogram, if your arteries are more than 70% blocked.
it will be over before you know it. Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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My Mom had one about 2 years ago and she is on chronic Coumadin. It was a piece of cake for her. I think the worst was lying there all that time afterwards and not being allowed to go to the bathroom.
Did your cardio mention the new CT scan of the heart to you? My cardio said it is as good as a heart cath and it is noninvasive.
-------------------- Lyme, Babesia Microti, possible Bart. Posts: 173 | From A little south of sanity - PA | Registered: Jan 2009
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
Hi Tutu,
I had a heart catherization back when they were first trying to figure out what my illness was. (Before the Lyme diagnosis).
For me, they give you a med that makes you only half aware...meaning it will be a fuzzy memory for you.
I remember them saying I was kept half awake since you have to be aware enough to take verbal commands like "take a deep breath" or "turn your head to the right".
But you are so spacy that it's really done in a fog.
What I DO remember most is that when they put this warm liquid to flush through it all to see if there is blockage and I DO remember the warmth SWISH!!!!!
It doesn't hurt. Just a VERY strange sensation.
Good luck on Wednesday and keep us posted as to how it goes.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
Yep,
You better get the pee protection device...cuz I think that warm flush made me want to pee!
I had no blockages...this was also prior to my lyme diagnosis!
...had what they called Angina episode!
Which they diagnosed at the time as too much stress!
Well, partly true anyway! Nice go'in ducks!
You may very well have the same thing I believe I had. The cysts collect on the flap of the
mitral valve preventing it from closing all the way and causeing mitral valve regurgitation.
However it's so small(and in my case they never quite got over to my left side as I said above)
that it never shows up on echo, or MRI's or Halter monitors...etc...
just another of the wonderful things we get with TBD's!
I would also get a numby kind of a buzzing or neuropathy type sensation in my back around the left shoulder blade.
I know the KETEK got rid of it...the mitral valve regurge...
but I'm feeling the same kind of constriction type, annoying pain, tightness, again now.
Just like I did with the KETEK. But then after abx cessation it took a long time to come back.
As I'm typeing, because I started another abx regimen, to kill the little creeps!
Open ended abx therapy does'nt work...my BUTT!
zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
Just saw this Tu...I have never had one, but you will be fine...Sending good thoughts
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
- I had a cath done in 2005. Like everyone else said, no real pain, just discomfort.
Laying still for so long was the hardest part. I'm an ADHD and very restless.
The meds they give you relax you. You need to be a little aware so you can cooperate with them.
They had the screen turned so I could watch what they were doing. Was weird watching the cath in my heart.
The flushing when they injected the dye felt very strange, like a warm bath on the inside.
I have a tendency to bleed so had pressure on my groin for quite a while, did get a bruise almost to my knee.
The Dr said my arteries were "pristine". That was the good news.
Turned out the pain was my stomach, I have gastroparesis, took another 18 mos to Dx.
NOW, I have A-fib from the Lyme.
I've had a heart murmur since childhood, due to Scarlet Fever (advanced Strep, forerunner of Rheumatic Fever). 2 valves involved.
Cardiologist keeps a close eye on me.
Good Luck tomorrow, my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Geri
Posts: 151 | From Kingston NY | Registered: Nov 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
tutu,
best wishes this morning with your procedure! prayers headed your way that skillful hands will do what is necessary for your body.
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jt345
Unregistered
posted
Hey Kid
Don't sweat it . I had one about 3 years ago . Mine was very well organized. They even had a operation room on standby,fully staffed just in case they were needed.
I think You will find heart care is a far cry ahead of lyme terarment. Know You are being held up in prayer.
AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
((((((TuTu))))))
I don't know whether you're done yet, but I just wanted to let you know that I've been holding your hand in spirit this morning.
You KNOW that I've been praying it's not any worse than your dental cleaning. I don't want you to have cause to yell at me when you come back to post.
hugs & prayers, Ali
PS - I hope you hurry back soon to let us know that you're fine, the test was uneventful and that you are now feeling MAH-velous!!!
[ 05-27-2009, 07:42 PM: Message edited by: AliG ]
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046
posted
Tutu, You are in my prayers.
Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8880 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
I'm still at it!
I'm hoping that you're already healing nicely now.
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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How are you? Did it go okay? Held you in my thoughts & prayers yesterday (still am).
Please let us know how you're doing.
Geri -
Posts: 151 | From Kingston NY | Registered: Nov 2008
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
still praying.....
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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Yesterday in the cath lab, one of the male nurses was joking about his expertise and then he said, "WEll, Eric over here DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!!"
I told him that was one of MY lines!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Good to hear that all is well Tutu!! I thought about you yesterday.
That is too funny about the nurses, funny how God does things like that when we are nervous about something...I've had my share of things like that.
AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
Glad to have you back!!!
quote:"WEll, Eric over here DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!!"
That's too funny!!
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
That's when I knew God was with me. He has a good sense of humor!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
Hi TuTu,
Great News!!!I am so glad you came through the cath okay. Now just rest and relax.
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
good reminder that God is ALWAYS with you, us...great timing about the joke!!
follow the post-op directions and restrictions...NO CHEATING!!!
best wishes
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
gayle,
thanks for checking in with us!! glad you got a clean bill of health ... yippee for you.
cute about the holiday inn too, but i bet THEY didn't drop their drawers for YOU lol or did they?
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posted
- So glad to hear you're okay. Just a litte plaque is one less problem I hope.
Take it easy and feel better soon.
Geri -
Posts: 151 | From Kingston NY | Registered: Nov 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
tutu, i tried copying your dancing girls w/tutus, but it wouldn't let me .... shucks!!
along with graphics, was this cute ending and just had to put this for tutu ... lol [Smile]
LIFE IS SHORT,
DANCE NAKED
and WIGGLE YOUR BUTT ------------------------------------
boy, do they have your number; they've seen your signature line somewhere ..... lol [Wink]
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
sounds as if you had a better time of it than I did.
It was 2001 I think cause it was just when I discovered the word lyme.
Had severe heart issues,went to doc ,he said NO nothing till I got cathed.
they stuck that rusty screwdriver in my groin before the numbing stuff was working. They were in a hurry cause I was last case of the day,,,and they were going home early.
ALL they could talk about is what they were going to do with the new found free time.
I was 'expecting' them to say I needed a stent or ballon and get all fixed up
They looked and found an artery that supplies heart muscle with blood "100" percent blocked. They said they could NOT do anything.
Also said part of my heart was dead and damaged( THats why people accuse me of having NO heart!@!)
Heart doc said go home ad get my affairs in order. This was spring time and he SAID when the weather gets hotter outside,,I would crumple in a pile and probably die from it.
I told him I thought I had lyme and did that cause any of it? HE said HE was the doctor and lyme didnt cause these things,,he was the professional and not to bring THAT up again!!
About that time I started abx for lyme. Did cardio rehab. felt better in a few months. a year later a further check up with a different heart doc,,he said NO sign of it EVER happening,,,all was back to normal.
Go figure,,,but GLAD yours was a better outcome!!
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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posted
- Just Don, Glad the first Duck was wrong and that you're still here.
Geri -
Posts: 151 | From Kingston NY | Registered: Nov 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
don, YOU'VE got the biggest, generous, supportive, and humorous heart i've come to know on this board! hugs/kisses to just don who just happens to be 159 years old!
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quote:Originally posted by bettyg: [QB] don, YOU'VE got the biggest, generous, supportive, and humorous heart i've come to know on this board! hugs/kisses to just don who just happens to be 159 years old!
DITTO!
God was with you for sure! The cardiac rehab (or any good exercise program) can work wonders.
Not sure it can unblock stuff, but it can help your heart rebuild around the blocked area with more capillaries and such. That's what I was taught in rehab.
Maybe that's what happened.
Betty... good proposed signature!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
tutu, i thought that would tickle your funny bone and your tutu area!! lol
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