h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hiya Bri, I had my angiogram on Tuesday. It didn't go smoothly, the appt I'd turned up for the day before for ECG and bloodtests they had not taken enough blood for the stated request so they had to redo when I arrived via a cannula in my wrist (nobody else awaiting angiogram needed a cannula) and it wasn't removed until 12 hours later when I begged the ward nurse to remove it (should have been done before I left diagnostics). I was the only one staying in as well. Anyway the result was as they suspected, narrowed artery so I am now awaiting an appointment to Scunthorpe Hospital for a stent-fitting jobbie.

I hope you're OK, keep smiling

Hi Annie. I'm a bit surprised that others going for the angiogram procedure weren't fitted with a cannula tbh. They're fitted in case something goes wrong or extra medication is required during the procedure.
Its not uncommon for stents to be fitted as a seperate procedure either. Cardiologists aren't necessarily surgeons though surgeons are on stand-by if a procedure goes wrong, say an artery ruptures. Stent fitting is a surgical procedure where risk increases hence done by a surgeon. IF, and it doesn't happen often, a stent goes in wrong there is no way of removing them so they need to then go straight in with a by-pass operation.
Remember its a good 48 hrs of light work/exercise after both the procedures to allow the collagen plug to set properly. No bending, lifting, jogging etc.
At least they feel stenting is the option to go with rather than a by-pass so looking good from that aspect of things. Same after-procedure rules will apply as obviously they go in via the main artery again.
You'll certainly be on Aspirin and statins long term after as well, daily doses. If thats the case get your doctor to prescribe the EC coated Aspirin to prevent stomach issues that can occur with long term use. Not sure what other meds they'll keep you on at this stage. If there's no damage to the heart muscle then I doubt you'll be on the same stuff I'm on so thats good.
Take care.

Ah right! I was going to ask about the collagen plug (still covered with dressing at the moment. As soon as I can pluck up courage to go in the shower I need to know whether it's OK to remove the dressing (they gave me a fresh one) but I am paranoid I will do some harm to the plug. ATM I am just washing bits & bobs at the sink! It's over 48 hours now, there's a district nurse I could call on to remove dressing and replace with fresh one but if I can cope by myself I always do.

I've never been on Aspirin, my discharge notes said no Aspirin at all. Those Monosorbide are excellent, don't get any chest pain since I've been on them but am still tired, easily breathless, etc, and still feel the pressure on my chest, but no pain.