Father having Angioplasty - Any experiences?

[snowaddict]

My father is booked in for Angioplasty. Is there anyone who has had it done, or knows of someone who has had procedure? Any problems/advice etc. Thanks

my dad went through this a year ago. Felt as if he had been kicked in the balls. he was allowed home 48 hours later. He had already spent 6 weeks in hospital undergoing tests and waiting for a surgical spot.

He hasn't looked back, he has been in excellen health ever since.

my uncle died during the procedure from a ruptured coronary artery and they couldn't fix it in time.

i'm sure most are perfectly safe however

My father seems to think that he will back to his usual routine within a few days, after speaking to the doctor. He is retired, but is usually really active. We are aware that there is a small percentage risk during this procedure - sorry to hear about your uncle Deputydog.

Yes my dad did recover quite fast - fil was MONTHS

Is it a coronary angiogram? If so,he won't be able to drive for a week after, needs to avoid heavy lifting, and keep an eye on the puncture site, to make sure it doesn't develop a haematoma. If it all goes smoothly, he can expect to be home the following day.

My Dad had it last year aged 70. He was not too bad in himself but very tired for a good couple of weeks after, then they have the rehab sessions which go on for while.
My dad also found the procedure itself excruciatingly painful and was clinging onto the nurses hand for dear life, although FIL who also had it done last year (aged 63) had hardly any pain at all during the op.

Hope it all goes well. My dad suffers with angina and I know it has made quite a difference to him since he's gotten over it.

my mum had angioplasty about 18 mths ago. she had some problems with bleeding in the groin (where they put the needle in) and had to stay in hospital a bit longer than expected. But she's not looked back, is fitter and healthier than ever

Angioplasty can really turn someone's life around. I think complications are rare- it helps if the 'patient' IS sensible and doesn't go out hefting coalsacks around 2 days later! - it DOES involve making a hole in an artery, after all!

The 'excruciatingly painful' is extremely unusual. My experience is 6-9 years old (I did the imaging!) but the vast majority of the patients I saw coped really well and came through much happier, and pain free.

Good luck!