Another Angio question

[Malgosia]

So if you have coiling done and you go in for follow-up, is it always done via angio (invasive and not fun sounding) or can they do an MRA instead (lot less scary)?

If i get coiled and go back for the 3 month, which form of follow-up will happen - Angio or MRA?

Also, do you have your checks once per your after the intial 3 month follow-up? My neuro said that it would be 3 months, then 6, then 1 year, then 2, then prob. less frequently if all is ok. Why is this so confusing or is it just me?

Thanks.

[goldie411]

My first check up was with an angio..they can see things a lot better that way..I've had an MRA also, so really it depends on your doctor and how well he can see the imaging results..I've had to go every 6 months or so, and I'm 3 years in..but, my coils moved 2 times so, I've had 3 surgeries all together..if they hadn't of moved, I think I would at least of been at the year check up mark..hope all goes well for you..take care Cindy

[ChrisC]

I had an angio at 6 months (keep in mind that every doctor is different). Alot of docs want an angio at 6 months, then 1 year, then at 2 or 3 years. After my 6 month checkup, I was cleared to wait 2.5 years before I had to have another angio - which was just done last September. The 6 month report was "wonderful" - no compaction of the coils or regrowth, so that is why he cleared me to wait longer than usual. The one in September was my last one. I don't have to have any more - I can have an MRA every 5 years to keep tabs on what's going on.

I stress that the angios are really NOT that bad - the anticipation is the worst - mostly, the worry over what they're going to find, if anything. Actually, that they're just checking their work - they don't really want to find anything at all! (Just like us!) That's the deal with coiling - they check up on you much more frequently, more than they do clipping patients. To tell you the truth, if they said I had to have an angio every year for the first 5 years, I would do it. Just to avoid any other problems and have the peace of mind that everything is ok, and if it ISN'T, then they can fix it at that time. Hope everything works out for you - I know this has to be a stressful time, and that's what we're here for!

[hstupno]

Hi there,

I can only speak for my circumstances, but I went in for a 1 month MRI, a 6 month angio and I'm not schedule for another test (MRI I think) until 2 years. It may be different for you with your specific annie and situation but the angio really IS the best way to see if anything is wrong, or if everything is okay. I'd rather know something was wrong before it got worse, so try to think of it as a preventative test. And when you hear those words that all looks good, it's like being given another lease on life.

The angiogram is far more scary sounding than it really is. They give you awfully good drugs! :-) It's tough having to wait the several hours afterwards and keeping still and you might have some discomfort in the groin area for a day or so afterwards, but it's minor. At least for those of us who have had ruptures....we've been through far worse.

Hope that helps.
Heidi

[tg_is_me]

Hi
I had coiling done in January and just had my 6 month check with MRA and all was fine. He will do another MRA at 12 months and all being well then every 5years. He told me they would only do an Angiogram if he really had to. That's fine by me.
Love Tina

[Junebug]

Mal,

The angio is not that bad. They sedate you enough so that you are sleeping really good, but when they call you name to hold your breath for the picture taking, you hear them, but feel nothing. Like everyone says, there is slight discomfort in the groin area, but just look at that as giving you time to kick back and get a good rest for a couple of days, if need be. I was fine the very next day.

I had a 6 month check, now I will have one in a year, then two years, and then maybe not again, depending on what they find after that one.

I know you are nervous, but as Chris says "I stress that the angios are really NOT that bad." He is completely telling you the truth.

Junebug

[Malgosia]

Thanks all. What i'm most nervous about is not the procedure itself but laying still and not being allowed to move for hours afterward. Oh well :)

[FireflyR7]

;) Hi hun! Many Dr's have their own approach. I had a rupture, so I had one angio. before surgery. (Rupture 7/05) I then had to get one after every 6 months after my surgeries which were in sept. & Oct. 05. (had stenting and coiling) When I went for my last one in May he said I shouldn't have to have one for 3 years unless something happens. :D I think a lot depends on rupture / non rupture, conditions and recoveries...
I don't think the angio's are that bad, I think they are more mental than physical myself. The laying there hurts my back also, because I had 3 back surgeries in the past. That is the most painful way for me to lay!!
I got an "angioseal" in my artery the last 2 times and only had to be there for 4 hours instead of the 8 with pressure and sandbagging!! I was sooo happy about that!! :D The angioseal desolves over 90 days or so and I didin't have any problems with them! I am going to ask for one every time if I have to get something done! That is just my choice. They also did both of my surgeries the same way, through my leg artery.
You should ask your Dr. what his game plan is though?? You might sound like you would be interested in getting an angioseal? Talk to your Dr. about them as an option? Take care!! Tricia