Sounds scary, but my experience on the whole went very smoothly.
I am writing about it in hopes that if someone has to go through it, or knows someone who does, they will feel better knowing what to expect.
I needed a heart catheterization because my yearly echocardiogram detected elevated pressure in my pulmonary artery. Pressure at 65 or above is considered high; I believe mine was at 45. Early detection and treatment are very important when it comes to pulmonary hypertension. Too many people are misdiagnosed which can lead to poorer outcomes. There are different types of pulmonary hypertension. The main symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, and a nagging cough. I wasn't having any symptoms. A heart catheterization is similar to an angioplasty. A small incision is made and a wire is guided to the heart. The procedure itself usually takes 30 minutes or less.
I arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 am; I was supposed to be there by 7:45. Even though I was early, I only had to sit in the waiting room for a few minutes. I was weighed and then shown to a small room that had a shared bathroom with an adjoining room.
After I changed into a gown, a nurse took my vitals. My blood pressure was a little high, but my pulse and oxygen levels were normal. Of course it was very cold in the room. I was given a pair of warm socks and I asked for warm blankets twice.
Another nurse went over my medication list and asked a series of questions. He then drew labs and inserted an IV. I told him he had bragging rights for the rest of the day - He got in on the first try, which is rare for me, especially since I couldn't eat or drink after midnight.
My wonderful friend Kathleen arrived around 9 am, and we chatted until it was time for me to go to the procedure room. I was visited by the intern who works with the cardiologist. He explained the procedure and answered my questions, which mainly pertained to how I would feel after the procedure and any restrictions for the rest of the day and the day after. I didn't tell him that I likely had clothes older than him. :)
One unknown about the procedure was whether or not I would need to use my bipap. My cardiologist, who is not the same the doctor who performed the procedure, said I would not need it. But versed is the sedation medication, and it can affect the respiratory system. I was then visited by the cardiologist. We decided I should use my bipap. She had me put it on to make sure the strap would not interfere. A heart catheterization can be done through the neck, the wrist, or the groin. Recovery is faster going in through the neck.
They were running late, which was to be expected. I didn't stress about it, but I was getting very hungry and thirsty. My procedure was supposed to be at 10:15. They took me downstairs around 11:30.
All of the staff was so nice and helpful. I was joking with the nurse as he wheeled my bed down the corridors and on the elevator. Because of my muscular dystrophy, I needed a lot of assistance in the procedure room. I had to be transferred to the table because I could not move myself. I could not lift my head to put on the surgical cap. And I could not put the bipap on for myself. All of the nurses were happy to help, and they told me everything they were doing as they did it: attached the blood pressure cuff, applied electrodes, draped my neck. I had to turn my head all the way to the left. I was a little concerned that would make my bipap mask leak, but it didn't. The procedure room was even colder; they layered me in warm blankets without me needing to ask. :)
Two important points when it comes to any surgery or procedure: Number one: Advocate for yourself. And number two: If you have allergies to medications or things like latex, make sure everyone is aware. I told the nurse upstairs when he asked about allergies, and I was wearing an armband that listed my drug allergies. But when I was outside the treatment room, I said to the nurse, "You know that I'm allergic to fentanyl, right?" I specifically mentioned that because I had read that fentanyl is often used for pain management during this procedure. She looked at me and said, "No." I said, "I bet you were going to give me fentanyl." She said, "Yup, we were." So after a quick discussion, it was decided they would just give me the versed.
Its never easy lying on an operating table. But I stayed calm, knowing that the sedation was coming, and feeling secure in the belief that I was in good hands. I heard the nurse say "two of versed in". After that I remember a tiny sting, barely noticeable, when they made the incision in my neck. I don't really remember anything else until I felt pressure being applied to my neck after the procedure. I felt very relaxed, like I was just resting at home.
The nurse asked me if I was awake enough to have the bipap removed, and I nodded. I found out later that my blood pressure had dropped to 80/50 during the procedure, but it rebounded after I got in a room. I also remember someone telling me that the pulmonary pressure was normal! I was so happy. What that means exactly I still don't know. I will see my cardiologist next week, and determine where we go from here. But it's definitely great news for now.
I remember being transferred back to the bed, but don't remember the trip back upstairs. Once I was in the post-procedure room, I felt mostly alert. My friend Kathleen joined me. I only had to stay for a little over an hour. They monitored me and I had a choice of food and drink. I drank some apple juice and ate a few graham crackers. I was able to dress myself. One piece of advice: don't wear a shirt with a tight neck like a turtleneck. :)
For the remainder of the day I was advised to limit my movement because I was a fall risk from the medication. I was told to move from the bathroom to the bed and not much else. Kathleen drove me home and warmed some soup for me. I also had prepared food in the fridge that I could grab and eat. I took a nap, but I was not as tired or weak as I expected.
So in my experience, a heart catheterization was a surprisingly easy procedure. I barely felt anything during the procedure and the recovery has been very easy as well. If you or someone you know needs one, I hope reading my story will allay any fears. I also hope that anyone who needs one will receive the great care and assistance that I did.
librarianintx
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