question bout cath

[Laurz]

Good evening to all, and again Happy Anniversary Hank and Michelle.I just got confirmation today that I am to have a cath on Friday. Was a bit of a hold up cause the insurance co. wanted a stress first then realized , after looking at my echo, that that wasn't going to happen. Sooooo----my question is do they put you under? I won't be able to talk to the scheduling nurse until next week (she was out sick), and I am just a wee bit curious. I have 'heard' yes and no. Then I meet with the surgeon on Thurs. the 14th and was told if all blood work is good will be in surgery the following week. That would be the week of the 18th. And of course a whole slew of questions will come with that date. Thanks to all for the support and information that I have acquired thus far. Laurie

 

[Ross]

Usually no, but if your nervous about it, tell the technicians and the Doc may give you some Versed to chill you out. It's really not a big deal and if you can handle it, it's kind of cool to watch on the monitor. About the worst thing is the sting from the anesthesia numbing shot and the rest is a breeze.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The Cardiologists usually like you to be awake but calm so that you can 'hold your breath' or respond to other requests at various points in the procedure. IF you at too apprehensive, they can control your level of 'conscious sedation' anywhere from "awake and I don't care" to "I don't want to know or remember anything", just by adjusting the dose of VERSED they administer.

I've lost count of how many cath's I've had (over 12) and I've been awake for almost all. Once during an hour and a half long angioplasty they sedated me after I told them my BACK was killing me. Ever since, I've asked for a pillow under my knees and a folded towel under the small of my back. NO more back pain.

I agree with Ross. It's kinda cool to watch the monitor and see the wire being advanced through your coronary arteries. FWIW, I was scared out of my mind before the FIRST one. After that, it was one of those "is that all there is" kind of reactions.

Complications are rare (1 in a 1000) for skilled Cardiologists who do these on a regular basis.

'AL'

 

[geebee]

Caths are really not all that bad as procedures go. As Al said, they can be pretty cool if you can "handle" watching the catheter thread through your body. If it sounds fascinating to you, make sure you ask them to turn the monitor so you can see it.

There is no pain, just an occasion feeling of pressure. When they insert the dye, you will feel a warm flush through your body which can be pretty intense but it ends fairly quickly. I have always had the sensation of needing to urinate (or feeling like I did ) but that is only a sensation the dye causes.

The test is somewhat interactive as the cardio will usually ask you to cough occasionally during the test. However, that can be done with you slightly sedated so ask for something if you feel too anxious.

Good luck.

 

[gadgetman]

Had three Caths so far. Was never out completely but sure FELT GOOD!! The one thing I remember about all three is COLD, COLD, COLD. The room was freezing. When I went in for my second, I made the remark that you could hang Deer in here. They said it was because of the instruments and equipment. I watched my first (for a while) but didn't desire to see the others. And that Darn (almost typed the other D word) small table. Once inside the room, they put heated blankets over me and several other items to either protect me or the Doctor . Of course, the "necessary" areas were left exposed. I only felt the "sting" of the needle from the anesthesia numbing shot. Some "pressure" feelings in that area and the usual "hot flash" (which they prepare you for).

Just "go with the flow" (easy for me to say ) and it will be over with before you know it.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[hensylee]

I must have been out. I don't recall any of it. Maybe it was a twilight thing because I was alert when he came in ans told me the results. Then I was REALLY alert.

 

[Laurz]

Thanks all you have been super helpful. After reading everyones experiences am kinda looking forward to it now. Sounds like it could almost be fun. Interesting anyway. Will have many more questions as I get closer to surgery. Should have that date in a couple of weeks. Thanks again Laurie

 

[Barry]

I deal with pain well, but I'm very very squeamish. I had cateterization prior to open heart surgery, and found the open heart surgery easier to deal with. Should have insisted that the doc give me some tranqs - during the procedure when I was carrying on like this was the Spanish Inquisition and not a routine medical procedure, I reminded my doc that I'd told her that I was a wimp and to quit complaining about my carrying on - that I'd warned her.

Note the stipulation that I'm very very squeamish. If you're not, it probably won't bother you at all. There's no pain that I recall.

To set a standard: Vasectomy for most men is a pretty routine painless procedure. Again, for me pain is no problem - it's disgust and revulsion I have problems with. My vasectomy was a horrible experience.

 

[T-Money]

Cath

Cath

Hi. I just had one on Monday. I don't remember a thing to be honest. My biggest gripe is that I am still tender around the area they inserted the cath in. My best advice is to relax and if you're nervous be sure to tell them. I told the nurses that I was scared and they took care of me. Also, they will give you a shot of benadryl to protect against allergic reactions, which seemed to make me a bit tired. All in all, it wasn't so bad. You'll do fine.

 

[bvdr]

If you do get chest pain during a cath make sure you let the doc know and he can take care of it. I only have had one cath that I was awake for and during that procedure I developed coronary vasospasm. The cardiologist asked me if I was having chest pain. I said no but seconds later it started. He saw the EKG changes and ended up giving me nitroglycerin directly into my heart. It took a little while but the pain eased up. I told him it was the same type of pain I sometimes get breathing cold winter air. He said sometimes the catheter or the dye can produce vasospasms just like cold air can. Caths are not supposed to hurt so if you do let them know right away.

 

[Granbonny]

My Cath

My Cath

The ONLY thing I remember is being sooo cold in there. Like Danny said, another Georgia redneck, I told them..it's so cold in here you could dress a hawg. (Danny said Deer )....Also, remember the music playing....and all Males..I made a comment about No females around?..Then the next thing I remember is being back in my room. Bonnie