Questions about angiogram and 2nd opinion

[Praline]

As I said before, I am going in for an angiogram Tuesday, December 27. From what I have read, it does not seem to be too bad of a procedure. But reading on this site,a few people found it to be very painful. This surprised me since everything I read everywhere said it should not be too umcomfortable at all. I also read about several people who had trouble with the "plug" put in afterwards.
I have a few more questions that I plan to ask the cardiologist.I have a touch of asthma. Would this affect anything? Is there a risk of damaging the kidneys? Since I only have one kidney, ... Do they just check for blockage with this test? Or will it give more information about the mitral valve?
As for the 2nd opinion, I go to see that cardiologist January 4th. What kind of wuestion should I ask him, besides what will happen if I do not get this surgery?
I also want to thank everyone who has been trying to encourage me and calm me down. I am not sure the calming down is happening yet but it helps to talk to someone who understands what I am feeling.
Thank ya'll so much.

 

[tobagotwo]

The calming down may well happen just before the surgery, when you've determined that there's nothing more you can do to change things, and you let the professionals take up the burden.

When you have the angiogram, you can choose the level of awareness you want to maintain during it, any where from conversationally-capable to amnesia-producing. I took the light dose, and was fine through the procedure. I didn't enjoy the pressure applied when they closed, as I apparently invested heavily in nerve endings there, and it was similar to a massive "funny bone" feeling for me. I would have liked a little more "dumb juice" at that point. That seems to be a rather uncommon reaction to the closing, though.

The angiogram collects information about the size and condition of the valve opening, through the use of an echo transducer tip. Through releasing a dye later, it also allows a good xray observation of your coronary arteries, to determine if there are any blockages. It would be a shame to be in there and not bypass clogged arteries at the same time.

The catheter angiogram is done by an interventional cardiologist, not a technician. You have a fully-qualified professional right there with you throughout.

The cardiologist and the anesthesiologist should know about your asthma, but it isn't likely to be set off by this. Same thing regarding the kidney, but there is really no tie-in for this procedure to the kidneys that I am aware of at all.

You already know what will happen to you eventually, if you don't get the surgery at some point. You might ask when he feels would be the best time, and what criteria he likes to use. If you have any questions about surgeons, hospitals, other procedures that might accompany it (such as the MAZE procedure, if you are prone to atrial fibrillation), etc.

Good luck with your second opinion and your eventual surgery. And yes, we do understand. We also understand just how hard it is to calm down at this point.

Best wishes,

 

[RCB]

Nephrology consult

Nephrology consult

Pralin,
With your history, I would certain demand a nephrologist evaluate your
renal clearance levels. There is a pre-procedure drug that can be given to
"wash" your kidney, so it will not be overwhelmed by the radio-opaque dyes
used in the procedure. Also, they can give a smaller "loading" dose of dye
when they shoot the pictures, to make it easier on your kidney. They should have discussed this with you.

 

[Praline]

Angiogram with one kidney

Angiogram with one kidney

Thank you for your responses. I was more wondering about the kidney rather than worrying if you know what I mean. I had not even given it a thought until the nurse called me to tell me that when I had my blood drawn for coumadin check they would be taking a couple of extra vial of blood to check kidney functioning. She said she did not want me to be alarmed when they took the extra blood. So they are aware of the fact.
I have an appointment at 10:00 a.m. for the angiogram and I have to get there at 8:00 a.m. So I am sure that I will get to talk to the cardiologist doing the test. He comes highly recommended by both my cardiologist and my Primary Care Physisian.
There is nothing wrong with my kidney. The reason I only have one is that I donated one to my brother about 23 years ago. I have not had any problem ever. As soon I was back on my feet from the surgery, I was fine..could never tell any difference.
I think what I am doing is wondering about things that really do not worry me to keep from thinking / worrying about what really scares me..and that is the open heart surgey itself. I am not sure that makes any sense. lol
I am so happy I found this place. It is keeping me sane and keeping my friends sane too..they do not have to listen to me all day... I just come here to worry and bend your ears.. So thanks again.

 

[RCB]

Praline,
I don't mean to scare you, just inform you. When you donate a kidney
to someone, you lose half your capacity. Lucky, we don't normally use all of our kidneys. As we age, our kidneys become less and less efficient. Sometimes, due to diseases, drug abuse or injuries, we can lose even more.
It is only prudient to test kidney function before a procedure so steps can be taken to prevent problems from occuring. Many people are completely
unaware of a problem with one of their organ, till the body is stressed by a major truama like HVR. That is because the whole process involves a lot of chemicals entering into your system, that mostly will be removed by your kidney. It is important that you inform your doctor about your
medical history AND that you question your doctor about how he plans to deal
with it. Good Luck.