ChristineS:
Definitely not when I had mine done. The only thing that was administered was local anesthesia at the puncture site.. and yes I did know they were doing it as my Cardiologist told me what he was doing. Same as having anesthesia at the dentist. Nothing else. Nothing Systemic as I specifically asked my Cardiologist who was doing the procedure. I did have an IV inserted on the top of my right hand in case they needed to "rescue" me during the procedure....an easy access site. But nothing was attached to it. It was just "dangling" there.
So, I would say it depends on where you live, your Cardiologist, or Pulmonologist in your case and what their preferred protocols are. That is why I said "may". Clinics all have their own protocols and practices as do the Cardiologists and Pulmonologists.

I appreciate that our experiences have been different but respect the fact that we can share our own. 😊

I’ve had 3 heart CATHYs so far. The first one was when we discovered I had PAH.
It was thru my wrist the arteries of the heart and lungs. Only the needle in the wrist hurt a little. That year my number was # 96. I was very severe. Last year my # was 70 and this year my # was 39, 35 is normal so I’m told. Over the 3 years I feel like a new person. My Angel Doctor Sobol took all the right steps.
The specialty drugs, Uptravi, Letaris and sidenefil have help tremendously. The heart cath in the 2nd and 3rd year was thru the arm bend. I never felt anything.
This test is a premier test for PAH.
Good luck to you! Don’t be afraid!
Carol D

ChristineS:
You "may" be given medication to keep you comfortable but not necessarily. I had all my Catheterizations done without any medication/sedation. Got along fine without it. 🤷‍♀️

Jeannette you are usually given a local medication such as lidocaine at the insertion site. This is usually done without you even knowing it. During my last two RHC my pulmonologist even administered several small doses of fentanyl. Each physician is different on their approach (groin, wrist, neck) and the medications they use.

A RHC is not bad at all. They went through my neck also. I was in and out in a couple hrs. Even did shopping afterwards. You will be fine. God bless.🙏❤️