I want to thank all that have so kindly and warmly responded to my story. I cannot express adequately how much this means to my heart particularly as I live alone and do not have much outside communication to share thoughts. I have had so much surgery in my life I bring in my own page printed out for Dr.'s. So, I am not a total wienie. But this isn't just replacing a hip or a hysterectomy this is my skull and brain and future. I already have balance and pain issues being disabled, Arthritic, Fibro, etc. I am still absorbing all of this. Everyone has their own areas they are squeamish about and mine is my eyes, neck and head. I am panicked even at the idea I am going to have the Angiogram. Reading on the internet I am finding a variance from agony when they are injecting dye followed by epic migraines to those having the test with minor discomfort. Right now my anxiety level is sky high about even the test (yes test) and efforts to accepting the Crainiotomy and my mortality. Has anyone had a relatively mild, non-agonizing Angiogram? And, yes as I am in Portland my hospital is OHSU. I hope I can get a second opinion.
My Angiograms with contrast were NOT horrible! Truly!
In fact....(this may sound strange but), the thought of Cinnamon is what entered my mind when I had the last angiogram...as the dye hit the arteries in the skull, it was like a warm feeling--honestly it was kind of neat I thought! I closed my eyes and as the dye came thru the arteries nearest my eyes, I not only felt the warmth but I saw a reddish coloring (sometimes I wonder if I saw that or not, it sounds so odd but that's what I recall) . the test was not bad, what is way worse is the' waiting for' of the test!! Maybe ask you doc to give you something for the anxiety of it all, that way making the test not so anxiety-ridden....(mine gave me Xanax, it worked well) the waiting game is the toughest part of all of it I think.
Take Care, Janet
Ezmirellda,
I have had 6 angiograms over the last 2.5 years and will have another next May for my new resident aneurysm. I do have migraines for a couple of days after the angiogram, but, other than that, they are pretty pain free for me. The worst part is laying flat for 4-5 hours after the procedure is complete for the artery to seal. The procedure is relatively pain free. I spent some time at OHSU a few years ago. A great facility with awesome staff.
Hugs,
Karen
I’ve only had one angiogram, Aug. 2013. Honestly, it wasn’t really a big deal to me once it happened. I was nervous beforehand, but once the conscious sedation started I was good. I felt no pain or discomfort of any kind during or after the procedure. I had an angioseal put in which means you don’t have to lay flat for so long. I ate a full meal a couple of hours after but probably ate too much because I threw up on the drive home. The next day I felt hungover but recovered from that within a day. The worst problem I had was with the angioseal. Pressed down too hard on that area 2 days after angiogram and sent pain shooting through my groin and leg. ( if you get an angioseal put in your femoral artery, be sure and don’t lift much for several days and wear loose fitting pants!). Happy to report however that 2 months later I no longer feel the angioseal in my leg. The stress beforehand was worse than the actual thing. And having the angiogram provides your doctor with some pretty amazing images to work with. Be sure and ask to see them! So yes, I have had a relatively mild, non-agonizing angiogram! 
Karen
I have and three angios in the three years since my clipping and have not had a problem with any. The most recent was May of this year. The worst part for me is laying flat after, I opted not to get the angioseal. This last time I download a book and listened to it on my iPhone while I waited for the site to clot. No pain or discomfort during or after the test and was able to see the angio up on the big computer screen in the procedure room after the test was complete. Very cool.
Good luck, we will all be with you in spirt!
Oh My Goodness...no ... the angiogram anticipation is worse then the procedure...you will and/or should be in a relaxed state (something in IV)...and then they numb the groin and that is a pinch...hurt for one second...
I found the worse is my groin is sore for a few days after the procedure...proper rest, elevating the leg and putting ice on has helped...Honestly...it is rare to have any problems...if you have every had a breast biopsy...I am here to tell you...I would choose an angiogram 10 times over...~ Colleen
I have had 4 angiograms now. Like anything else you just get used to it. My first one was all anxiety and the last one I was telling the techs jokes as they prepped me. Now I schedule them on Friday and I am back to work on Monday. You will do great!
I've had two angiograms. The worst part for me is lying flat for 6 hours afterwards.
hi ez! the first two letters of your name say it best-ez is also how I would describe angiogram. on a scale I give it a 2 or 3. Agony??? not for me, please stay off the scary stuff on the internet-it serves no purpose but to increase fear. I had no problem lying still for a few hours afterwards- its what I do!! -lol i'm also disabled, I totally understand the fear and I wish I could calm those thoughts and feelings, try to keep your mind occupied and also pray lots~~~the angioseal I had was a seal like clear tape that I ripped off in the shower which was scary cause im on blood thinner-but all that worrying for nothing!. let us know how it went please
Hi Ezmirellda
I'm in the UK and have had lots of intracranial angiograms. At the 2 hospitals I use they use my arms not my groin, maybe ask if that is an option. Doesn't hurt at all and there is no laying down afterwards, I went shopping afterwards
Chris
Thank you for taking the time to read my story/question and to send a response. I really appreciate hearing your story and experience. I wish you health, wealth and happiness.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and respond with your story and well wishes. It has been a real help to read these experiences and have support.
I have had a breast biopsy and two breast surgeries. So thank you for the comparison. Thank for for taking the time to write a response. Your kindness is appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story/question and to send a response. I really appreciate hearing your story and experience. I wish you health, wealth and happiness.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story/question and to send a response. I really appreciate hearing your story and experience. I wish you health, wealth and happiness.
Shopping! Really that is something. I haven't heard anything quite that astounding. Good for you. I will think of this when I get mine. Thank you for your comments
Thank you for your kind encouragement and advice. I am going to remember these stories as I approach my Angiogram. This gives me a bit of strength. All the best to you and your health.
Thank you for responding. Laying still I can do. Your words are appreciated.