[SweetSunshine]

As far as I know ..I will be having a heart catherization on July 11th. The doctors office couldnt schedule it with the hospital when I was there because it was after hours. So they are going to call on Monday. I will know for sure then when and what time. Veeeeeewy nervous about thi because of the reaction my mom had to the dye. But he said that her kidney function was more than likely bad at the time already due to her diabetes.I should be ok since I dont have that problem . Whew. I can only hope he is right.

Please continue your thoughts and prayers if you will.. I do appreciate them !!!!

Hugz
Bethy

It is scary... will say prayer that all will be ok with the dye... I've had dye, many times.. with different procedures so I know that it is a worry each time for me and I can relate... so sorry you have to go thru this..

[okiedokie]

Hi Beth,
I know it feels scary. I actually was cathed about 6 months ago. I was so doped up though, didn't give a rip! Ha! The worst part for me was being taken care of by my colleagues. Also, they do shave you *down there.* Most embarrassing....
Best wishes. I hope it's negative.
Okie

[GYPSYEYES]

{{{{{{{{sweetipie}}}}}}

im here for ya, ill make ya laugh till it hurts,

luv ya my dear friend. all will be ok

xoxoxo Vanny

[bebop]

beth most people never have an issue with it. will keep you in my prayers hon

[heyjoe]

are you allergic to shellfish?

[January]

(((((((((( Bethy )))))))))

Prayers and the best of wishes are coming your way. I've never had the test, but I do know that the waiting is the worst part of any type of surgery.

Hang in there. You can do this.

Hugs,

Jan

[InACorner]

i was wondering if someone could explain what a heart catherization is...i know what a foley catheter is....so would that mean a tube comes out of your chest and empties your heart of something? lol im so stupid....i really do want to know though...
good luck!!!!

[okiedokie]

Hi Inny,
First they inject a radioactive dye into a vein. Then they medicate you so you are relaxed. Then they clean the groin, shave the insertion point which is right into the femoral artery of the groin. Then they numb it up and insert a tube with guidewire all the way through that vein up to your heart. This whole process is visualized on a monitor so you can watch if you want to. My doc actually took the wire and "tickled" my heart and I could feel it fluttering. It never hurt.

Then you have to go back to your room and lay flat for 8 to 12 hours -- can't bend the leg to keep that vein healing closed. Yep, that means bedpan if you don't have a urine cath which I didn't. Can't get up or even bend your knee.

My groin did hurt for a few months. But no other repercussions.

I hope I didn't gross you out!
Best,
Okie

[snowflake_48888]

I had a heart cath a few years back....wasn't bad at all for me. When the doc was inserting the wire I could feel pressue but nothing that was painful. I remember being sore in that area for a few days but nothing bad. I don't remember being shaved in "that" area though...just where they cut.....but what do I know...i was drugged...LOL....

[SweetSunshine]

Ok .. I am calling Monday and canceling this thing.. its freaking me out....

[wanttoheal]

(((((((((((((((Beth))))))))))
I hope you don't cancel. It's best to get things ruled out so you aren't left wondering. You're a strong lady. You can do this.

Please don't cancel, I went thru one in Dec and really it wasn't bad. My doctor did drug me, and when I asked for more drugs in the middle, he gave me more drugs... so I didn't really feel anything.. He knew I was very nervous and was respectful of that so it worked out. I remember bits and pieces, but nothing that was unpleasant.

Also, afterwards I did sleep alot.. so the time passed pretty quickly. And they keep a close watch on you..

[InACorner]

dont you have to go into a rehabilitation area of the nursing home for a few days/a week when you get that? I think i have a few residents that had that....

Knowing my history.. since I go to same hospital... they even drugged me prior to shaving so that I woldn't be uncomfortable.

[okiedokie]

Nah, no rehab, no nursing home. Don't be afraid Beth. The procedure itself is really nothing to worry about! Like everyone else here's who had one, you get good drugs, so you really aren't bothered!
Okie

[Rose3]

hope it goes well for you

how do they check if you have any allergies to the dye?

[tranquility]

Don't cancel - the alternatives are worse right? I know it's scary but it's the waiting that is the worse and then when you get through it you look back and wonder why you were as hyped up as you were.

Tranquility

[mssumom]

I had one last October and it isn't bad at all. You are sedated and numbed up, the cath is inserted and you never know a thing. Compared to some of the procedures I've had done in the past year, this one is a breeze. It always sounds very scary anytime you talk about doing anything with the heart but it isn't.

Staying still and not bending your leg for 8-12 yrs is the worst part of it and at that you sleep most of the time or lay there and watch tv. I had a catheter so I didn't have to do the bed pan thing and from what I was told you can actually request a foley cath if you would prefer.

Really Beth, the benefits of knowing far, far outweigh any part of the procedure........Please continue as scheduled and get it taken care of........you have alot of people keeping you in their prayers and thoughts and waiting for your very quick return to PC when you are done.

take care,
Lori