THE ‘ANGIOGRAM’(*)
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This
test decided my fate. It was performed in order that it be
understood the condition of the
arteries. Before it, I ate nothing
for a few hours and the top of my leg and a small pubic area was shaved. A gown and paper underwear were given to me to put on. When I
arrived at the designated room, a nurse explained procedure. It is pointed
out that the test is virtually pain free and this transpires to be true. The
first experience is nothing more than a ‘normal’ type injection in the groin.
This is mildly uncomfortable. The numbness is almost instant and the doctor
makes a little incision in your groin. This also caused only small discomfort.
A
tube was then inserted into the groin and throughout the next few minutes, a
commentary from the staff told me what was happening. The probe was being
moved up through an artery towards my heart.
I did not feel very much discomfort from this although it is a little
un-nerving knowing what is happening.
Various
photographs are being taken and on the surrounding machinery and screens,
could be seen by the doctor. At various stages, I needed to hold my breath as
and when requested by the doctor. |
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Another injection was given which put a dye
into me for further photographic purposes. This was preceded by the warning
that I would feel a hot sensation from the top to the bottom of my whole head
and body. I did indeed, but it can be
likened, in my case, to the feeling when downing a triple whiskey! Before returning to the ward, in an ante-room, a nurse pressed
the wound for ten minutes to ensure coagulation. At this stage, I recall feeling very emotional. This will I
understand, not happen to everyone, and will affect people differently. My
own recollection of this points me towards what I had felt during the
previous 20 minutes. This was the lack of feeling or maybe ‘empathy’ which
the surgeon seemed to show whilst carrying out a procedure (which to him, is
an everyday common-place thing). BUT this is
not an everyday commonplace thing to you!*
OK, everyone has their own problems, surgeons as much as the rest
of us, but, laying there, fearful, and having no control over what is
happening to you, is very nerve-wracking. When back in the ward, two hours flat and two hours on pillows
were needed prior to me getting out of bed. The whole experience was not
really too bad, but the famous ‘fear of the unknown’ factor made it a little
more-so. |