Jeanie...most people are up and back to work, etc shortly after a Cath. I think the 'big man' I saw when I opened my eyes..was putting a little too much pressure. My sister is 86, just had one....said she was a little sore the next couple of days...All this depends on your doctor I think. My heart doctor does his own Catherization on Tuesday mornings. So they do tenm a lot...Seems to be routine I think. My minister has 7 stents. (is it stints?) Stella