How It Feels
You may feel a brief sting or pinch from
the numbing medicine. Most people do not have pain when the catheter is in the
blood vessel.
You may feel pressure in the blood vessel as the
catheter is moved. Let your doctor know if you are having pain.
You will probably feel some warmth when the dye is put in. This feeling
lasts only a few seconds. For some people, the feeling of heat is strong and
for others it is very mild.
You may feel a need to cough but try
to keep holding your breath until you are told to breathe.
You may
have a headache, flushing of the face, or a salty or metallic taste in your
mouth after the dye is used. These feelings do not last long. Some people may
feel sick to their stomach or may vomit, but this is not common.
After the test, you may have some tenderness and bruising at the site
where the catheter was inserted.
You can drink extra fluids to
pass the dye from your body unless your doctor has told you not to.