HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Heart Catherization

Support Forums
>
Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/14/2009 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
In 2005 I had surgery and at that time I had pretesting done in which they discovered I had an enlarged Aorta. So every year I have an Echo done to see if there is any change. My last Echo done last week is showing a narrowing of the aorta. First time i've heard this, so my cardiologist has recommended I have a heart catherization. I am a 60 yr old woman in fairly good health, but I am scared to death of this test, only because of the explanation of what they do for the procedure. Has anyone had this test done, please give me the details, how long it took, where the insertion was done, arm or groin, what was the after affect of you going home that day. Could you move, and how long before you could walk, do any activities outside or whatever..thank you
Posted 5/18/2009 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi , I havent posted anything here for a long time, but I read your post and had to respond. I am 50 yrs. old and I have had bypass surgery when I was 44 due to a heart attack. I have had 8 caths, so I hope this will ease your mind. I had my incisions in my groin area all 8 times. I was awake, but they can put you to sleep if you want to , i think. All you will feel is a hot sensation when they put the dye in, but it only lasts a few seconds. It doesnt take long at all for the test, I cant tell you how long exactly. After the surgery you will have to keep your leg still and not move it at all for 6 to 8 hrs. after that they will send you home, if all goes well. Mine did all 8 times, so don't worry. The only restrictions you have after is no lifting over 10 lbs. and no driving for a week. After that you just go by how you feel as to what you can do. It only took me about 2 weeks to do anything I wanted. You can walk immediately after the 6 to 8 hrs. is up. I hope this helps. I will say a prayer for you that all will go well. Don't worry , it is a fairly common procedure now. TC

 

Wanda

Posted 5/19/2009 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Wanda..I posted above that my heart cath. was done and i'm home and thankful to be here. It went well, just as you described except I had it done from the wrist area. I feel good. Just bruised from all the poking because they couldnt' find a good vein for iv. But all in all it went well. Thank you all and I hope you all do well in the future. Stay healthy
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply