Martha,
As Karlynn said, it depends on how the hole in your groin is plugged. My first cath 6 years ago had no plug, and I had to lay with that leg perfectly still for 8-10 hours with a sandbag over the hole. It was quite miserable. With my last one, a week before surgery, they used a plug. I don't remember the name of it, but it went down inside your skin and actually plugged the hole in the artery, leaving a 'bump' in my leg for awhile. I only had to lay still for a short while, like Bharati. It was no problem. What I don't know is how widespread the use of these plugs is. You should be able to ask if you'll be receiving one.
Having had 2 caths now, I know they are not hard to go through, so try not to worry. It wouldn't bother me to have one on the same day as surgery. It'd be kinda convenient. Save an extra trip to the hospital. The thing that surprised me, though, was the cost of it. The hospital billed be over $10,000 for everything. Insurance should do it's thing, so I'm not worried, but it still shocked me.
As for knowing the results before surgery, you'll probably be alert enough for the Doctor to tell you right after the cath, so you'll know going into surgery, for whatever it matters. BTW, it is extremely common to check for coronary artery blockages before valve surgery. Just because they're doing it doesn't necessarily mean they suspect it. Unless you have some reason to suspect that you do have a blockage, I wouldn't worry about it.
The bottom line: Don't worry about the cath. Focus more on being prepared for surgery.
Best of Luck. I'm sure you'll do fine!
David
