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Real members of myPHteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Sterling, CO

Hello, I am scheduled for a right heart catheterization (RHC) tomorrow morning, as well as an Echo, and a cardio bicycle test… busy morning. All of this is required in order to determine my eligibility for Winrevair. The hospital is about 90 miles away, so we will have to get an early start. Interestingly, the thing I struggle with the most during these procedures is staying calm, and remaining still. I tend to get a bit claustrophobic when my face is covered. The medical team is always quite… read more

November 5, 2025 (edited)
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A myPHteam Member

Best of luck with your procedure tomorrow. I know its nerve racking but it will only be to better qualify you. I will keep you in my prayers.

November 5, 2025
myPHteam

What can help with staying calm during your RHC tomorrow?

It's completely understandable to feel anxious, especially with the claustrophobia concern. The good news is that many myPHteam members report RHC being much easier than expected.

During the procedure, you'll typically receive a mild sedative to help you relax Show Full Answer

What can help with staying calm during your RHC tomorrow?

It's completely understandable to feel anxious, especially with the claustrophobia concern. The good news is that many myPHteam members report RHC being much easier than expected.

During the procedure, you'll typically receive a mild sedative to help you relax while staying awake enough to follow instructions like pedaling. The medical team will ask how you're feeling throughout and can address any discomfort.

Here are some helpful points:

* Let your medical team know upfront about your claustrophobia and anxiety - they can work with you on minimizing face coverings when possible
* The sedative should help you stay relaxed while remaining alert enough for the exercise portion
* Many members describe feeling pressure or mild sensations but little to no pain
* The procedure typically takes about an hour

One myPHteam member shared, "I was scared, too, but it wasn't bad or painful at all." Another noted, "there was nothing to it."

After the procedure, you'll rest for a couple hours while being monitored, and your doctor may discuss preliminary results. Since you'll have sedation, having someone drive you home (which you've already arranged for the 90-mile trip) is essential.

November 5, 2025
A myPHteam Member

You will be fine!

November 5, 2025
A myPHteam Member

Good luck tomorrow!

November 5, 2025
A myPHteam Member

Thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow. May God give you peace. 🙏 And praying 🙏 also that you will be able to get in Winrevair! It definitely is a PAH life changing drug!! I was on it for about 8 months and it was wonderful, I felt good, my pressure went way down my BNP went way down. But I have scleroderma and that causes me to have these veins in my stomach to bleed so my Dr took me off of winrevair. And now my lung pressure is back up, BNP went up and now moderate grade 2 dialostic dysfunction heart failure. Good luck tomorrow and really hope you can get on Winrevair! God bless!

November 5, 2025

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