Well, I just got home from the cath lab, after a left heart cath in preparation for my upcoming pacemaker lead extraction and device/lead replacement. I went there this morning with the orders and prep worksheet for a cath via right radial artery (right wrist). I had verified several times verbally that this was the method now used almost exclusively and that it would be fine for me. It is a good thing I keep asking my questions until I get the answer I expect. . .
You see, I did quite a lot of reading regarding the radial artery cath method and found that in most cases where the patient has had a bypass graft that uses the left internal mammary artery, the radial artery entry route is compromised by the graft and cannot be used. I kept asking how they were planning to do mine until I found someone who had actually looked at my charts, case notes, and had listened to me. The first two docs I asked today said "No problem. The radial artery is fine and will be less invasive to you."
Then we got to the (more experienced) doc who was to actually do the procedure. When I asked her about my bypass graft, she said "I'm really glad you asked about that. I won't be able to use the radial artery as the bypass graft just makes the path to the heart too risky. We will have to use the femoral artery instead." I was upset - but only for a moment. I quickly realized that this doc and I had saved me having the entry wound made in my wrist and then having a second wound made in my groin.
I then had a frank chat with the doc (and any team members who would listen) describing the problems that occurred during my first cath, prior to valve surgery. I hit the jackpot with this doctor. She listened to my fears and addressed each of them in turn. She gave me her word that the issues of the first cath would not happen with her team. I said "I trust you, doctor. Do what needs to be done - I just don't want to watch it or feel it." Again, she promised.
Fast forward about 90 minutes, and I was being awakened in the cath lab. My doctor was telling me that they were all finished, and that everything looks as good now as it did 5 1/2 years ago. No issues, no blockages, good to go. This time, the cath was truly a non-issue. I didn't even feel them injecting the topical anesthetic around the entry site. They used the collagen ring closure, with a single dissolvable stitch to keep things tight, so I only had to stay in bed for about 2 hours afterward, with none of those old sandbag weights on the entry site like they did years ago. What a difference. A great result, quickly done, no pain, no complications, and I was eating a turkey sandwich before they sent me home. I have only minimal activity restrictions for the next few days, and the only discomfort I feel now is the pulling of the tape holding the surgical gauze over the entry site - and that comes off tomorrow.
So - I have one more blood draw on Monday, then I'm scheduled to arrive at Northwestern Memorial on Wednesday late morning, with a plan to get the work done and send me home Thursday, probably in the afternoon. I'm so ready to just do this. . .
You see, I did quite a lot of reading regarding the radial artery cath method and found that in most cases where the patient has had a bypass graft that uses the left internal mammary artery, the radial artery entry route is compromised by the graft and cannot be used. I kept asking how they were planning to do mine until I found someone who had actually looked at my charts, case notes, and had listened to me. The first two docs I asked today said "No problem. The radial artery is fine and will be less invasive to you."
Then we got to the (more experienced) doc who was to actually do the procedure. When I asked her about my bypass graft, she said "I'm really glad you asked about that. I won't be able to use the radial artery as the bypass graft just makes the path to the heart too risky. We will have to use the femoral artery instead." I was upset - but only for a moment. I quickly realized that this doc and I had saved me having the entry wound made in my wrist and then having a second wound made in my groin.
I then had a frank chat with the doc (and any team members who would listen) describing the problems that occurred during my first cath, prior to valve surgery. I hit the jackpot with this doctor. She listened to my fears and addressed each of them in turn. She gave me her word that the issues of the first cath would not happen with her team. I said "I trust you, doctor. Do what needs to be done - I just don't want to watch it or feel it." Again, she promised.
Fast forward about 90 minutes, and I was being awakened in the cath lab. My doctor was telling me that they were all finished, and that everything looks as good now as it did 5 1/2 years ago. No issues, no blockages, good to go. This time, the cath was truly a non-issue. I didn't even feel them injecting the topical anesthetic around the entry site. They used the collagen ring closure, with a single dissolvable stitch to keep things tight, so I only had to stay in bed for about 2 hours afterward, with none of those old sandbag weights on the entry site like they did years ago. What a difference. A great result, quickly done, no pain, no complications, and I was eating a turkey sandwich before they sent me home. I have only minimal activity restrictions for the next few days, and the only discomfort I feel now is the pulling of the tape holding the surgical gauze over the entry site - and that comes off tomorrow.
So - I have one more blood draw on Monday, then I'm scheduled to arrive at Northwestern Memorial on Wednesday late morning, with a plan to get the work done and send me home Thursday, probably in the afternoon. I'm so ready to just do this. . .
