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Complications from Femoral (Leg) Catheterization, Angiogram or Angioplasty 
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Current Postings (117) • My husband had an angiogram 12/09 & suffered a hematoma which was diagnosed as a fistula. After surgery he had severe pain in his right groin at site of cath & after numerous trips to vascular surgeons & hospitals a neurosurgeon did a nerve exploration on 3/10. After that surgery he was left w a staph infection & has more pain than before. The pain shifted 1 inch from incision of cath in his right groin area & down his right leg. He now has a Medtronic device in his abdomen w/wires going down his right leg, numerous pain killers & still he is left w severe pain. He is 47 on disability & w/2 boys 14 & 9 this has devastated our life. No one seems to know what to do or how to help. Maybe someone out there has some answers. He had 6 angioplasties prior to the angiogram & we know this is not normal. We are desperate for any experimental procedures or anyone with information on this type of nerve pain. Sincerely Desperate for help in SI, NY
• My Mum was in hospital with SOB, she had an angiogram on the Wednesday pm, late Friday pm we were called in and she died at 3.45 the following morning of internal bleeding, as she was on warfarin. Is this normal? Still a bit shocked.
• Hi,I had a right side femoral cath done 6 days ago. Findings were severe heart disease with approx. 9 blockages. i am 44 years old. Surgery tomorrow 5-2-12, expect at least 4 bypasses. The reason I am writing is every day since the cath, a large lump has been growing under the skin at the point of cath entrance. I has no stents put in, just the cath, w/surg. scheduled. This lump has continued to grow, and is locally very painful, but no nerve pain yet radiating down leg. The lump is larger than a golf ball. I called Cath Lab at hospital, and they just said point it out at Pre Adm. testing, which was today, and they just said show surgeon tomorrow. No one even looked at it. Is this a a common minor prob. so much so that no one thinks it is important enough to look at it. I am concerned it will interfere with my surgery in the A.M., which based on my condition, and the amount of chest pain I am having, and nitro tabs taken, does not seem like it can or should be postponed. Any advice please let me know. • Hello. I had a femoral angiogram and three stents placed in my right coronary artery in March of 2011. I had a great outcome. My question involves the edema in my right ankle. Could it be related to the angiogram? I did not have ankle swelling before the surgery, but it is pronounced now. It is in my right ankle, the side of the femoral angiogram. Is it reasonable to assume it was a result of the surgery? Is it a common occurrence? Elevation of my ankle reduces the swelling and prolonged sitting increases it.
• Hi! My dear mother had a heart attack 6 weeks ago and died. She had an emergency angioplasty through her groin and seemed ok but about 2 hours after she became very unwell. Doctors discovered she had a massive bleed in her abdomen and were unable to save her. Her autopsy says she died from intra abdominal haemorrhage and cardio angioplasty (to be investigated).She lost 6 pints of blood into her stomach muscles and the doctors cant say why this happened. One thing being looked at is the use of ReoPro and not stopping it once bleed had started. Is a bleed into the stomach a common occurrence after these procedures....and would the use of ReoPro have contributed to the bleed?
• Thank you for your response and sympathies. I appreciate and understand that you cannot comment on medical care given. If you could advise me of where to look or who I would need to talk to to just find out what medical protocol is for acute, severe pain following a stent procedure that occurs within 24 hours while still in the hospital. If it was acute stent thrombosis, could or would have earlier intervention have made a difference I'm not asking for opinion, just medical facts of protocol and treatment. Thank you again for your time.
• My dad had 2 stents put in on Feb 14 2012. Dr. gave us excellent report. Said prior stents were good and gave great prognosis. Moved to room late afternoon. Next morning approximately 7:30 am severe chest pain, shortness of breath, said to his doctor who was in the room, worse pain in 22 years of heart issues, thought he was leaving this world. Dr ordered pain meds, made to feel like no need for alarm. Dr. discounted his pain and concern. throughout day pain off and on, blood pressure continually dropping. advised nurse of pain even in ears. no blood work ordered, only EKGs finally after a long day of frustration, rapid response called in about 9 PM. transferred to SICU, we were advised he had a massive MI by a nurse in SICU. later, Dr came out said clot around stent, removed and still gave a good report just longer recovery. My concern is, should more attention have been paid that morning of episode, and was proper medical protocol followed? He died Feb 17, 2012
• Had angioplasty 13 March 2012. Had been sent by ambulance to ER due to A-Fib. Hospitalized and sent to Angiogram, which indicated no stent would be of help. Released to Skilled Nursing on 15th despite constant complaints about leg thigh pain. Doctor there found lab work indicated extreme blood loss. Back to ER for 2 blood transfusions. I am still in extreme pain and football-sized hematoma. Does anyone have any recommendations?
• On 27 June '11 I had a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) via my femoral artery. I was home in 2 days feeling great. But a hard lump started to form in the groin area. This was diagnosed as a rather large pseudo-aneurysm requiring surgery. On 3 October '11 I had this removed, and needed 3 pints of blood transfused after the operation. A large haematoma (but NO bruising) formed over the area where incisions were made. Today (16 March '12) I still have this large lump, i.e. 5 months later. Ultrasound by cardiologist can find no problems. A CT scan on 17 Feb '12 showed there was no "mischief" anywhere. Am told it will eventually disappear. Will it?? • Hi i had an Angiogram done following pain in my chest area a stress test and a CT scan and the findings were slight plaque build up in my descending artery they proceeded with the Angiogram which i had on 10/2/2012.On entering the angiogram theatre i had to get myself on the table the radiologists and nurses were lovely didn't see or speak to consultant or whatever he was. Angiogram carried out through left groin area, felt slight pain on the area being numbed and some sort of weird feeling when she inserted the catheter,then nothing while the camera was inside except slight palpitation, i was told NO heart disease and no blocked arteries except the one they knew about, needed no treatment except vastastatin and aspirin. Went home even though had low BP..The next morning i was rushed into hospital with golf ball size lump on incision site followed by extreme pain and BP very low,stayed in hospital sent home 5 hrs later with Ultra scan to attend,developed a large Hematoma from hip to groin,pubic bone and inside thigh,back of knee and front of thigh black and blue, went for scan it showed NO clot,i still have pain and bruising 4weeks later i should have been told about ALL complications
• Goedenavond, Kom niet in aanmerking voor een dotterbehandeling en bypass-operatie. Nu met medicijnen naar huis gestuurd. Wat zijn de vooruitzichten? Kan iemand iets hier over zeggen? Kan ik nog jaren voort? Grtz. [Good evening, Can you comment about a Dotter treatment (?) or bypass operation. Now am sent home with medicines. What is to be expected? Can you say something concerning this? How many years can this last? Thanks.]
• My brother just had five cardiac stents today. He seems to be doing OK. He C/O his chest hurting. The Dr. said this was from so much 'manipulation'. My concern is that he passed a large blood clot in his urine. He has not had any previous bladder problems. Could this be a post cardiac cath. issue. Can there be a bladder complication? Or is it from any dye used during the cath or from the medically induced stress test? Thank you.
• Cerebral angiogram done on 2/17/12 into the right groin area. Today is 3/1/12 still experience pain and a small lump (hematoma) at incision site. My concern is the pain burning sensation with tightness and some swelling in right upper thigh wrap to inner and back of right knee area. Stiffness with walking. Some discoloration mottled appearance in the right upper inner thigh. Should I be worry with blood clot? Taking 81mg baby ASA. How long will it take for full recovery? • My name is Tiwana. I had a cath done on March 16,2012 They had to sedate me because I was panicking. I was asleep an awoke to the most horrible pain. I reached my right hand down to the upper part of my leg. The doctor pushed my hand away. When I brought my hand up it was covered in blood. She started pressing so hard on the site. It felt like she was grinding my bone with her hands. I said," you're hurting me". She said, "if I don't apply pressure you will bleed to death. I passed out. When I awoke in recovery my entire right side of my body hurt from my shoulder to my toes. I informed them of the pain they blew me off and sent me home. It took us about an hour an half to get home, because of traffic. I was hurting so bad i could barely walk. I started passing out. I felt like I was having an appendix attack. MY HUSBAND CALLED 911 BY THE TIME I REACHED THE HOSPITAL I LOST 7 PINTS OF BLOOD. I WAS BLEEDING OUT. I HAD A HEMATOMA THAT WAS SO LARGE IT WAS CRUSHING MY ORGANS. WITH LITTLE LIFE LEFT IN ME THEY RUSHED ME TO SURGERY. THE ARTERY IN MY GROWING WAS CUT DURING THE CATH. STILL TO THIS 25TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2012 I CAN ONLY WALK A FEW FEET WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP,BECAUSE OF THE PAIN IN MY LEG
• I had a heart cath on Tuesday 2/21/12. The test showed no blockages, but now I have pain on my left side and I get pain across my chest when I eat. I have also had an allergic reaction to the dye. Should I be concerned about the chest pain? • Partner had a stent 2 weeks ago now has pain in the right leg and a slight swelling on his right side of the stomach anyone know what this is and should he see his doctor?
• My brother died after a dissection of his femoral and iliac arteries following injury from a cardiac cath. Could his death be the result of a PE or is it possible that the artery or arteries ruptured. His death occurred a day and a half after his second cath.
• I had a catheterization after a heart attack in 2003. I was 28 at the time. My leg has been in pain ever since, but lately, the last few weeks have been worse than ever. I've developed a bad limp too. I went back to the doctor a week after the procedure when he told me it was normal and would go away. Then I changed jobs and had no insurance for a couple years. Got a job with insurance but heard insurance wouldn't cover an existing condition. I found out it does after a couple years so I might go to the doctor now, but I'm trying to see even one instance of a doctor doing anything that helped. I don't see any evidence that a doctor has helped anyone so I don't see the point. Is there ANYONE out there who gained anything from going to the doctor for this nerve pain? • I had a right leg femoral artery cath done on February 11, 2012 by the on call doctor who was on duty, but not my regular doctor. After the procedure, the nurse pressed on the site with as much force as she could for several minutes, and then had me hold pressure against the site. I felt a golf ball size lump, which was diagnosed as a hematoma. The staff said that it was common and put a heavy sand bag on the sight for about four hours. The lump seem to disappear, and they got me up to walk. This was my fifth cath so I know how I should have felt. There should have been little pain. Instead, pain shot down the inside of my thigh, and pain at the cath site was intense with every step. It didn't go away. The doctor wanted me to go home, but I refused and insisted on staying the night. The pain was still there the next morning when my doctor listened to the site with a stethoscope. He heard a swish, swish noise. Ultrasound found a pseudo aneurism in my femoral artery which is a hole in the artery. They injected a clotting factor which closed the hole. However, pain is still shooting down my leg with no let up. Nerve damage from too much compression??
• On April 2010, had a femoral angiogram. No stents installed. Some bruising & some discomfort after. Nurses were pressing both thighs, concerned about some stiffness near the needle site but dismissed it as muscle. Groin pain developed in the following weeks with burning sensation on both thighs when exerted. Right groin pain including right thigh, across the right hip when sitting, lying down & driving. Sleeping is a problem. Initial diagnosis; bad reaction to cholesterol meds. Then treated for restless leg syndrome. Meds didn't help. Now it's blamed on my bad back, degenerative spinal disc, which hadn't been a problem. My arteries are clear (vascular ultrasound); CT scan shows a small shadow at the groin. Dr's don't seem to be familiar with groin pain associated with femoral angiogram. I referred them to these articles comparing my symptoms to others. The Dr's here have almost given up on me since neurology tests & arteries show normal. Dr's advise that any nerve damage would have healed long ago. Is there a scan or test that can clearly define if there's scar tissue or any mass that may be pushing on the nerve when I'm sitting or lying down. Any test, options overlooked? Thanks.
• I had angioplasty in LAD and RCA arteries. Both ended up with dissections and I went could these dissections be caused by Dr's error? • I had a angiogram via the femoral artery on December 9, followed by the expected huge purple hematoma. It was difficult to walk more than a few steps without pain for the first three weeks; I also had some difficulty sleeping, possibly due to nighttime leg pain (I usually was reasonably OK during the day). I was discouraged, though my cardiologist and physician's assistant who examined me both said it would probably be 4-6 weeks before I felt well and the hematoma disappeared. It's now been 6 weeks and the difference is fantastic--two days ago I went on a pain-free two-mile walk. Though there's still some tenderness around the knee, the purple skin is pretty much all gone, basically I'm OK, and plan to resume playing tennis in a couple of weeks with my new ICD. The main reason I am writing is to say, hang on if you've had a recent angiogram--because the chances are that you WILL get better. Not every day, and not in a straight line (you may have setbacks). Just be patient, and good luck! • I had my sonogram as well as CT scan and both revealed a pseudoaneurysm. My PCP called and stated that intervention was not necessary, however everything I have read stated if this bursts, it could be life threatening very quickly. She's a family medicine doctor and I'm not comfortable doing nothing except taking pain medication, using heat and resting. Any one have any suggestions?
• Jan 10, 2012 I underwent a femoral cardio cath. While I was already being hospitalized. 2 days later, I experienced "bladder pain", tests were run, negative. From the point on insertion to approx 7 in" in a straight light, I have the most excruciating pain. When palpated, I cry. I have to roll on my side and use elbow to get up. I have NO discoloration or bruising or swelling. Just severe pain in the path. No leg pain or tingling. When my bladder fills up, the pain is even worse until I empty. Once the urine reaches the end, the pain increases then goes back to the "normal" excruciating pain. Tomorrow, I am having a sonogram to see if there is a perforation or anything abnormal. I am NOT looking forward to the sonogram as any touch to that region makes me want to scream. Any ideas my super genius friends, and has anyone else had this issue? Thank you in advance for any help, I'm scared and desperate. • Had 3 femoral artery procedures from August through November 2011. Two resulted in the placement of stents and the third performed on November 8 involved a pressure test that revealed that no stenting was required in the final artery. After a lengthy bed rest (about 8 hours, i was allowed to go home that day. In the past week or so, I've experienced some minor shooting pain in the cath area, generally when I have to use the bathroom (generally a movement). Once nature takes its course, any discomfort is gone. I've got a call into the surgeon that performed the procedure, but am wondering if anyone else ever experienced this and if this sounds like nerve damage. I should mention that i use an exercise bike almost daily for 30 minutes and am wondering if perhaps that may be putting strain on the area. • I had a angiogram a month ago and i have been in so much pain in my thigh and groin area. In this month i have lost 20lbs and cant urinate very good and felt very sick. I also ended up with bleeding in my leg i keep heat on it and take pain meds for the pain. I am so sick of being sick plus my urine stinks so bad. And this doc cant figure out what's wrong with me.. If any advice i need it cause its made me very crabby and my husband gets angry cause i cant eat..
• I had a Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure in August of 2011. The past month or two, the area around the incision site (out to a few inches in onto my thigh) is achy and sore. I don't feel any bump but it is uncomfortable and has caused me concern. What could be wrong?
• desperate for your help. 12/3 my hubby emergency diagnosed with heart attack, double pneumonia, and blockage in leg..12/6 went in for angiogram it was botched bled internally needed 2 transfusions BP 40/0a week later did angio thru the wrist...he was released 3 wks ago still in very much pain hasn't been able to sleep nerve pain in arms legs back everywhere. His groin is still hard as a rock tow we got a sonogram and check for results possibly a pseudo aneurysm....when will this pain stop for my darling desperate for an answer
• My dad had 3 blocks and had a angioplasty in 2010. Now 2 days before he had breathlessness and pain. For that the doctor had done another angioplasty, as there was 1 block. This was done day before. Today morning, his condition deteriorated with falling blood pressure. A medical procedure was done and is under ventilator. What are his chances?
• My dad had the stent surgery on his right leg one week ago, his right foot is extremely swollen, and has been the same, no change. What can we do to get his foot back to normal, besides keeping his leg up high.
• i have a similar situation that Chris, Reading PA writes. I had chest pains and went to the ER. all checked out and i was given muscle relaxants. i followed up on my own with the heart Dr and he recommended a nuclear stress test. that lead to a heart cath. well - this was done in 2001 - and to this day, its getting worse. constant pain in the groin area radiating down to my foot. its unbearable sometimes, and i can't walk or be as physical as i would like to. come to find out - it was just stress i had. the nuclear test was false-positive. The heart Dr Burke was diagnosed with throat cancer two weeks prior him giving me surgery. he left practice two months after my surgery. I wonder if there is a surgery to correct / remove scar tissue. i also had the Angio seal.
• My brother just had angioplasty after having a heart attack. He had bypass surgery 13 yrs ago. They stented 2 arteries. He has a balloon and they are trying to ween him off of that but his blood pressure is too low. Why is his blood pressure so low? Is his heart too weak to pump blood? Will it recover at all? He is only 56.
• My dad had an angiogram with catheterization through the femoral artery in July of 2011 and began experiencing severe groin pain extending down his leg shortly afterwards. It has now been more than four months with no improvement. I have read several posts on this site describing similar experiences. Can anyone tell me how common this is? More importantly, how long does the condition typically take to resolve itself and is there anything that can be done in the meantime to alleviate the pain?
• It has been two weeks since I had an angioplasty and 2 stents placed in my coronary artery. I had a very large "bruise" area caused by the hematoma. Now some of it is clearing up, but there is still a large reddish-purple area that extends behind my knee, and it doesn't seem to be fading, or only slightly. I have no swelling or pain, though if I press the area it feels somewhat painful and sensitive. Should I feel concerned? I have an appointment with a cardiologist in a week and a half, but I still wonder about the hematoma. Any advice, anyone?
• I had last catheterization and stent put in 7 years ago. Everything was fine except I had scar tissue developed at the femoral site. I had that tendency so did not worry. But now that area is sore and painful to touch. What could be wrong? can scar tissue get infected after such a long time?
• I had a heart cath done 6 months ago and I kept hurting in my groin ... at times it was so painful to even walk ...I then had a CT scan and ultra sound done this week to find out I have a hematoma 7cc big from where my heart cath was done I'm wondering now what my next step will be to get out of pain...
• Over 1 yr. ago I had a heart cath. I have no problems w/my heart. However, I ended up in ICU w/internal bleeding. From that day to now, I have had pain in my groin & hip. I never had pain in my hip prior to this & and MRI showed that I have tendonitis. Is it possible that my hip got injured during a heart cath? This has been going on for more than a year and I ended up quitting my job over it. My job required standing for 7-10 hours per day and I ended up limping every day. Any help would be appreciated.
• I had cardiogram on a Thursday morning and Friday morning left on a 3 day road trip. After about 3 hours I had an excruciating pain at the incision site so we pulled over and I got out and I was very faint/light headed and then my vision went blurred. I chewed two low dose aspirin and lay down in the car and it passed in 5 minutes and we took a hotel for the night and I was fine. Does anyone know what it was that happened to me? Should I be concerned? • I had an angiogram a week ago and there's swelling and very sharp pain at the cath site which is the femoral area my right leg is feeling pain as well and it increases as each day goes by I'm not sure is this a cause for alarm or is there anything i can take or a cream i can use. I'm a 56 yr. old man. • the angioplasty and stent in my coronary artery saved my life on Sept. 1, but my leg still tingles and the hematoma lingers. The bruising is almost gone but I have sharp pain down my leg on occasion and 'charley-horse" pains in a couple of places in my upper leg. I had hip replacement surgery in this leg several years ago and wonder if this is a factor. My PCP assures me that this will clear up but it has been about six weeks and nothing is different. Any ideas to lessen the pain, the burning sensation or the sensitive-to-the-touch problems? Does it ever "go away"? • Had my angiogram 10/5/11, everything went fine and no blockages. The next day, in the afternoon, I became extremely nauseated and vomited, went to bed and stayed. No appetite and have been nauseated every day since, everything I eat or drink brings on the nausea and I have to appetite. My incision looks fine, but I am so sick and I have been sleeping a lot. Should I be concerned? • on 9/19 I had an angioplasty done to replace a stent that was inserted in Jan. 2011 in my left leg. Was told it had "fractured". Procedure was uneventful until that evening I experienced tremendous pain in the foot, the next day they went back in to "clear up blood clots". Pain subsided but they then put me on heparin & Coumadin & kept me for observation. Suddenly, the pain returned in my left foot, it hurt worse than when I went in! On 9/23 I was finally discharged, still in pain & can hardly walk, my foot is numb even though it hurts & feels like it's throbbing. Now I need frequent blood work to control the meds I am now on. Was this an surgical error or a "could happen & did" instance? I've read through the posts & can't find a situation similar to mine. • Naeem in Canada -- hematoma is a known complication
of femoral (groin) catheter-based procedures. Depending on the size of the
hematoma, it my be painful. If you look through the other reader comments,
you'll find several men who have posted about scrotal hematomas. It is not
common. The normal published figures of ALL complications from femoral caths
are around 6%. While many cardiologists we have spoken to think that 6% is
probably low, 25% is a figure we have never seen quoted in any of the literature.
Make sure that the hematoma does not get larger, or that you are not experiencing
any other symptoms of weakness, low blood pressure, etc. If you do, get medical
care ASAP because you want to make sure the bleeding has been stopped. • just underwent the angiogram procedure in a Emergency situation. My belly
is blue black. Internal bleeding under the surface of the skin took place and
now my genitals are the size of a tennis ball. It is very very painful. I was
released from the Trillium Hospital with an explanation that the body will absorb
back the blood. In the meantime it is excruciating painful and I am taking tylenol
for it. I was also told 25 % 0f the patient suffer this. I am not sure.How long
before I feel normal? Unable to walk,drive or do anything.Does anyone know if
this is correct or I just had a lousy cardiologist who performed this procedure? Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 25, 2011 • hi on sept had aniogram at waikato hospt
new zealand imiogram, no medical problem found.after 7 days leg black
round to bum, down to knee, pain real bad , cant walk far...on discharge
complained enterd on my form average bruising. I asked why not use
arm for entry was told depends on surgeon my doctor managing
at moment
maniai • My husband had angioplasty thru the groin
for a blockage in his right leg. About 2 days following surgery it
swelled but does not hurt. Today he has
a rash on his left leg below the knee and it doesn't hurt either. Should any
of this be a cause for concern. His wound at the groin seems to be progressing
very well. Blockage was cleared and very good pulse achieved. Very high strung
person who sees every problem as a major catastrophe. Need some reassurance
on this matter. Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 20, 2011 • My mother had a heart catheterization done
on 7-5-11. Her dr stated everything looked fine, except some narrowing
of her artery in her right LAD. Two days later I had to take her to
the ER, there was a large knot in the incision spot, and lots of bruising.
Four days later she seen her primary care dr, and she said all was
good.
The following day the incision spot began to bleed. The dr called in
antibiotics for treatment. A week and a half later she seen her cardio
dr, she had severe pain in her leg and couldn't walk long distances.
The dr scheduled an MRA, an angiogram was performed a week later. The
radiologist had to put 2 stents in her femoral artery due to the damage
from the heart cath. Is this common? I have researched and am not finding
much information on this so any information
is greatly appreciated. • Just had an angiogram through the groin.
The procedure was uneventful but post op was just awful. Apart from a
big black hematoma, my bladder was just
bursting and radiating pains back through my kidneys. I don't understand why
I couldn't have had a catheter to relieve the pressure before I needed adrenalin
to bring me back from a fade out. When the duty fours of lying flat eventually
passed I could get up and relieve myself and suddenly felt so much better.
Surely there is a better way. Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 17, 2011 • I'm itches and little tiny places are getting
swollen and red and its on my arms legs and different places,what causes
this after my heart cath was done Sept 13th at Hospital,hopefully its
just allergies I called my PG doctor and nurse was sending out a drug
for the
allergic reactions but I never got it,they forgot me,or they thought
about it,and maybe should call the doctor that did it,that is what I'm
going
to do in the morning,I may even go up to his office and show him these
places
on my body,and let him tell what it is. I do not know,unless I picked
up bed bugs at that darn hospital. I will keep you posted,oh nothing
hurts
it was a successful heart cath so far,its been two days now. I was
up in three
hours going home,yes a Angio-seal was inserted. No problem with any legs
or pain or swelling just this places like mosquito bites coming up. started
after I took the dressing off and out a bandage there,started itching
right there,and then I took bandage off Band-Aid has rubber in it, so
figured
it was causing itching.but not,still is, even i use oxygen where the
nasal part
goes over my top lip caused it to itch and swell. Do not know what you
call all this weird. • Had an angiogram on 9/8/2011. Have had angiograms, angioplasties, and stents previously, no problem. While in recovery and eating a sandwich I had severe stomach cramping on right side for about 3 minutes. It really took my breath away and couldn't even inform the nurse. Later when the nurse did a routine check i told her about it and she summoned the doctor. My lower right abdomen is extremely sore to the touch. He surmised a serotoma? [hematoma?] but although it has been 2 days it is still extremely sore and no sign of bruising. Is there something else it could be? • I had three stents put in my left leg 3 months ago via angioplasty. However I am still experiencing some pain in the leg and groin. I was wondering if this was normal after such a procedure? • I had two coronary stents and one angioplasty via femoral approach in 2007. When the doc pulled the suture to close the vascular sealing device I experienced a severe acute pain at the seal site and down my leg. I didn't associate the pain with femoral nerve damage at the time. Ever since, I have had a chronic low level pain down my right leg and into my foot. My 2nd and 3rd toes are splayed apart. I am quite confident that my femoral nerve was traumatised when the doc pulled the suture to close the device. The pain is manageable, but I think it is also permanent since it has not diminished in 4 years. • my husband just had a heart cath yesterday,and when they stood him up he almost passed out. Thinking this is normal we continued to get him dressed. As he was loaded into our car he complained of pain in the groin area. As he got home the pain continued. Nothing brought comfort. Called his doctor,basically he told me what it was and that he would have to do ultra-sound in the morning. They said it was a pseudoaneurysm. then they told me this is very normal. I disagreed,i have had 3 done and know of hundreds who have never had a problem. I think it should be mandatory to let every patient know that this is a possibility. Not just to cover it in there could be bleeding. The nerve can be affected and great pain. Some still in pain months later. Several trips back to the cardiologist and more procedures all at your expense. my husband's heart cath was done at 8;30 he was home by 1pm.They sat him up at 11;20 to eat his lunch. what happened to laying flat for several hours? • I had an angiogram done 2 days ago. Afterward I find that I cannot walk more than 75ft. with my leg turning in2 a total charley horse from my groin down including all my calf. Once I stop walking it takes about 10 minutes 2 disappear after resting but comes back immediately when I walk. Can u help me with an explanation??? • Had cath May 5th and it is Aug. 3rd today. I developed what was called a hematoma. This was after a week or so of bruising from groin to below knee. It is a large lump (size of an egg) and I have had some pain coming from this site. There is now no discoloration but some burning pain. The doctor told me it could take weeks to go away but it is now approx three months and it isn't going down or getting better as far as I can tell. Can anyone advise my next step since the doctor keeps saying it will take time to heal. • in Sept. 09 i had a knee replacement with a nerve block. cath in the groin, the med ball started to leak that night. the nurse on duty removed the cath with a pull from the left and then a pull from the right then finally got ti out with one more tug. need i tell you how much pain i have been in ever since? almost 2 years later i still have weakness and pain and not from the replacement all from the nerve block. question, will i ever get back to normal and why can no one be held responsible? stuck in a new way of life • I had a radial cardiac-cath performed about 2 weeks ago. There were no blockages found, and I didn't have any bruising or pain on my wrist after it was performed, but ever since I have had the procedure, I can only sleep on my back. If I sleep on my side or stomach, my arm goes numb from the shoulder all the way down to my fingertips. Sometimes the numbness is also in my chest right above my breast, leading all the way over to near my heart. Two days after the procedure I woke up at night and my body was hard jerking on the side I had the procedure done on, starting at the top of my arm all the way down my right side along the major vein line, then moving across to my left side. My stomach squeezed really tight. It was like I was having a seizure, but I was fully conscious and could speak fine. It went away on its own after about 20 minutes, but I never had anything like that happen in my life; it was very scary. My arm is also not as strong as it was; it feels weak off and on. I was told there weren't any complications to be expected after doing a radial procedure, especially if nothing was found and no stints were placed, but I have had these problems since. • My father is 73 and underwent an Angiogram on May 2,2011. Before the Angiogram, he used to walk at least 5 - 6 kms a day. A couple of weeks before he started having difficulty in moving about. He says he feels very weak in the hips and if he takes rests there is no problem. He underwent a Doppler test a week back which stated that everything is good. He is now wondering what might be the problem and there has not been much advise from the doctors. He is longing to get back to his habits of early walk and now feels pathetic of not being able to. Is this normal? I want to ease his fears. Can anyone please respond. • I recently had an angiogram which was done by going through my left arm artery next to my elbow. As soon as I came out of recovery my arm was swollen and I had numbness and tingling in my left hand along with severe pain in hand and arm. Doctor did nothing for 10 days. I finally went to ER where I was admitted and had surgery that same day. They opened my arm and said artery was fine and just made room for the swelling around my nerves. After being in hospital for two more days, I still have sever pain and swelling in arm and hand with no feeling in part of hand and thumb and first two fingers. He says he doesn't know what it is and could take several months for it to get better and that I might not get 100% better. I am trying to get a second opinion and have notified the hospital about what has taken place along with how unprofessional he was. I was basically accused of just wanting a buzz. I am in pain because of him and all I want is for the pain to go away. I am thinking about getting an attorney. Has anyone else experienced this problem with their arm and hand after this kind of surgery? Please help, Thanks! (by the way, this was done at a learning hospital) • Just had a heart cath yesterday-no blockages found. But have now developed severe burning pain to the right side of the puncture where Angio-Seal was used. The thigh and part of the buttocks are extremely sore despite no discoloration visible. MD office says to watch for a hematoma,but nothing visible,just searing pain. Had a heart cath also in 2003 with the sandbag routine after-no such pains. What is different?Sure would like some answers-this is very disturbing in addition to the pain. • My fiance had his 6th angiogram 12/09.Rt after procedure he was in horrific pain,since it was his 6th he knew what was normal&what wasn't. RN said he would be fine n sent us home.4days later went to ER,ER Dr admitted him said he had a hematoma & needed surgery. Next AM vascular surgeon arrived told us he had a fistula&was releasing him w 5mg of Percocet. We were furious!After numerous calls to the cardiologist,vascular surgeon &2 other ER's we found a neurosurgeon who did exploratory nerve surgery to look at femoral nerve. The nerve was fine but surgery left him w a staph infection. This resulted in massive scar tissue & more pain than ever. We've contacted many Institutions &none will help,say there is nothing that can be done. In Sept2010 another neurosurgeon implanted a Medtronics device in his abdomen w 4 leads down his right leg,this helps a bit but he still feels like a knife is stabbing him constantly. He's now on 30mgRoxicode,75mgFentanyl,600mgLyrica+all his heart meds & the stimulator. Pain Management says a nerve block is not an option because Plavix cant be stopped. He is ready to shoot his leg off!We R desperate4help.Has anyone ever heard of this or has any suggestions. We will Travel ANYWHR 4help! • Elaine -- If you read through this topic, you'll
find a number of reports of "tingling". Sometimes the femoral nerve experiences
some trauma, either from catheter movement or even from the manual compression.
If the nerve had been "cut", you'd have no feeling. Hopefully this will ease
and disappear with time. The purple color, if it was a relatively large area,
signifies a hematoma, considered
a "minor complication" of a femoral catheter procedure. It
means there was bleeding under the skin at the access site, hence the
black-and-blue
bruising. If
there was bleeding, the nurse may have needed to use somewhat longer
manual compression which, in turn, may have had something to do with
the after-pain
you are feeling. If you are still experiencing swelling, etc. three weeks
after the cath, you should
question the doctor again. Also read our response to Jersey Girl from
April 22 below. Again, stories like yours are why we at Angioplasty.Org
have
been promoting wider use of the
radial (wrist) site for angiograms and angioplasty. • I had a heart cath done 3 weeks ago there
were no blockages but the day of the cath when I was still on the table
and the were applying pressure I told them my leg hurt they pulled back
the cover and my leg was purple the nurse seemed the be concerned. Could
this be why My leg and foot is still swollen and tingles all the time
could they have cut my nerve? This has been a horrible procedure and
I will never have this done again. I am depressed to the point I hate
to look at my own leg and foot. The dr. didn't even get me numb I felt
him cut my skin. He said he really doesn't have an answer for the swelling,
can you please
help? • Jersey Girl -- if you read down through the
posts, you'll find a number of others who have experienced hematomas as
well. It's called a "minor complication" but, as you are
aware, it's not minor if it's yours! The usual prognosis is that a
hematoma
resolves in a
week or more, depending on location, size, etc. However, if you are
having severe pain or if the hematoma is growing in size, you should
see the
cardiologist who did the angiogram. Also to make him/her aware of the
complication,
We believe, and this opinion has been supported by a number of cardiologists
we speak to, that these types of complications are significantly more
common than reported -- primarily because they never get reported.
You may talk
to your G.P., or even to the ER in the hospital, but the feedback never
gets
to the interventional cardiologist who performed the angio. By the
way, cases like yours are why Angioplasty.Org has been in the forefront
of
promoting Radial Access in the U.S. • I had a my Cath done April 11, 2011- found out that I have cardiovascular
spasms and am being treated with medicine. That's the good news, bad news is
that I have a hematoma on my site, that hurts but the leg pain that I have has
now gone all the way to my calf! I work in an office and sitting makes it worse
by the end of the day I can barely walk! I am off work and told to rest for a
couple of days, when will this get better?? • I had Angioplasty on March 14, 2011 by
Dr Mustafa Muhammad M at Saint Francis Medial Center, Hamilton, NJ.
After angioplasty
I have severe leg pain and back pain. Due to leg and back pain I had
one more test of Vascular test
today on April 12, 2011. • Doris in Pennsylvania
-- the hematoma is caused by bleeding under the skin, usually it's not great,
but it's a big bruise.
It should go away in a few weeks, which it has been. Do you still have
the black and blue? Also, you didn;t say whether there was any intervention,
such as angioplasty or stent placed in your leg. As for the pain and
edema, what does your Vascular Surgeon say? If you're not
satisfied
with
the answers,
you
might
want to
get a second
opinion. • I had a cardiac cath and stent placement on March 1st 2011 for PAD. It
was an emergency c-cath b/c my leg was numb, blue and cold to touch b/c of a
blockage. I got a hematoma. The nurse kneaded the hematoma to ''break it up''.
I begged her to stop. It was SO painful. It caused me to black and blue from
my abdomen, down entire leg. I'm now left w/ foot edema and severe pain in the
ankle foot. I can hardly walk and am not getting any decent answers from the
Vascular Surgeon. I don't know what to do and am afraid. • Had a cath over a year ago. From the day
it was completed had pain in my leg and groin area. Been to several
doctors and had all follow up tests, told everything from hernia to infection,
to epidimitis all the way to maybe just needing massage therapy. 18
months
later still having pain in my groin that comes and goes. Can exercise
for an hour no pain or can lay face down in bed and nearly jump out
of my skin from pain. Still trying to figure it out. • I did end up going back to my cardiologist,
who sent me into the hospital for the ultrasound. It was VERY painful
for then to do, and she said there were
a couple "branches" and it was a hematoma. They told me to watch it, and take
it easy. Also, as you said, the told me to watch for it it were to pulsate,
swell, become more painful, or get larger. They did give me some pain meds
after the
ultrasound, observed me for a little while, then sent me home. Thank you all
for
such great advice, and I'm so glad nothing serious has happened. • Hey Chelsea, I had the heart stents put
in through my right (groin) femoral artery and both times ended up
with hematomas. All they are is an accumulation of blood under the skin
which
(If it is a hematoma) will reabsorb into the skin after looking horribly
'bruised' (Deep Purple, red, or even blackish), but it does reabsorb
into your body in several weeks and as it gets smaller, the less sore
it will remain. WHEN TO WORRY: If it is constantly (or quickly) getting
bigger, or if it has a pulse of its own. NOT the pulse on the femoral
artery- That is NORMAL! But on the blood clot/hematoma itself, if it
has a PULSE (the blood clot/hematoma itself)then that could indicate
that (the clot) has NOT Closed/ Sealed off from the artery itself,
(which means it will get bigger and bigger and continue to bleed under
the skin),
and THAT is when you need to GO TO THE NEAREST ER for an ULTRASOUND
EXAM, which will SHOW FOR CERTAIN that it is a hematoma (harmless Bruising/
Collection of blood), OR that it is a blood clot or other problem that
needs to be repaired. THE KEY IS DOES THE COLLECTION OF BLOOD UNDER
THE
SKIN HAVE A PULSE OF ITS OWN! Never use your thumb to check for ANY
pulse, It has one! • To read about the underreporting of adverse
events (including a death) at one university medical center involved
in vascular closure device trials,go
to: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm212552.htm.
Or request more details through the Freedom of Information Act: http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/FOI/default.htm • Hm.. a hematoma, that doesn't sound very
nice. Well, as of right now, it is about 8 inches long, and 2 inches
wide at the
widest point. Deep purple, with red lines going through it in various
places. It first showed up the day after, and continued to spread to
where it is
now. The actual thing does hurt, but rather, I'm getting the worst pain
where there is hardly any discoloration. It's a bit difficult to explain,
and I
could be over-worried, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. • Chelsea
-- It's actually the opposite of a clot. Read through the posts on this
topic and you'll see many references
to similar observations.
You
probably
have
a hematoma, caused by blood under the skin -- it's the same process that
causes a bruise,only it's larger. It's not uncommon after a femoral (groin)
cath, but if it grows or spreads much (meaning the bleeding is ongoing),
or gets more painful, call the cardiologist (you can also ask him/her
about the meaning
of the
prolapsed
valve -- but
that also is most likely not something to be concerned about).
The hematoma should go away, but it may take days or even weeks to completely
disappear. Glad your cath was negative. • I'm 19, and have been going through many tests due to the assumption that
I had lupus, which I recently found out that I don't. I did an echo, which was
abnormal, a stress/resting test, also abnormal, and just last Monday I did my
coronary angiogram, which the results were normal, they said something about
a prolapsed valve, but I can hardly remember what about it. This morning I've
started to feel a different pain, in addition to the constant one I figured was
normal. The pain is sharp, and sudden, but goes away. The groin site also looks
a little gruesome, at least to me. I have the small dark bruise that you would
expect from where they went in, but I also have a long, dark, and yet painless
bruise on my right thigh, as well as some very, very painful yellow bruising
at the crease between my groin and leg, I've tried applying pressure to see if
there was a clot, but it feels ok, aside from the intense pain. I still can't
squat down, and can't stay walking for long, can't stay sitting for long, or
in the same position for long due to the nagging pain. Is this normal? • I made an appointment with vascular surgeon
again. There's no bruising and with all the fluid I think this might be more
a seroma than hematoma. cardiologist that was supposed to perform the procedure
is considered to be one of the best. When I present concerns that's all they
tell me. He apparently is the head of cardiology or something in toledo.
NEVER GO TO A MEDICAL COLLEGEHE wasn't even the one to do the procedure,
it was a resident who did it while he watched. they ask you to sign a release
and on the back(you aren't even shown that there is a back page)there is
small print that you give the students the right to operate. its bs and they
messed me up. used pressure to seal the other artery after cath removal later
that night. I asked not to let a student do it and was told" it will be ok" and
was left with a 1st year med student holding pressure on my artery while
the dr left to get coffee at 3am. the pressure bag on the iv bag was uneven
caused the bag to burst(4th time that night). scary to get sprayed while
a student is holding my artery. he almost let go. I had to hold his hand
down on my artery
because he kept letting up. when dr came in he said again"you'll be ok" I'm
mad • Ryan in Toledo --
a hematoma (dark black-and-blue bruising and swelling) can take several weeks
to disappear, especially if
it's a large one. Have you been in touch recently with the cardiologist
who did the angiogram? He/she might be able to give you more specific information
and it would be useful for the person who did the procedure to know exactly
your outcome. Arterial access site complications are a complication of
catheterization
at the femoral site and yours
was significant,
requiring
surgical repair. (We are cross-posting this to our Forum Topic
on "Vascular
Closure Devices", of which Angio-seal is one.) • I had angiogram 3 weeks ago to test for
RAS. Had the lining of my artery torn and pressed together while applying
angioseal. realized i had no pulse in
my feet in recovery. went back in and had angiogram on other leg. Dr. realized
he couldn't repair it that way so he called vascular surgeons. had the damaged
lining removed and then they put a "sheath" over the artery so it would not herniate.now
i have a 6" incision in my groin and spent a week in the hospital when there
was nothing wrong with me to begin with. 2 weeks after i was still in bad pain.
mostly on bed rest still. saw the surgeon because i was worried it may be infected.
he poked around a bit and opened the wound in one spot. told me it was not infected
but gave me antibiotics as precautionary. wound was still leaking fluid and blood
next day as well as my penis was swollen. went to er and they said it was a hematoma
after they did an ultrasound. said penis swelling would be normal in this situation.
now its two days after the er visit and my penis and scrotum are both swollen.
still have to change dressings frequently due to leakage. all done at medical
college. is
this right to still be leaking and swelling weeks after? • i just experienced the worst pain of my
life during a cardio cath in my right groin. Despite SCREAMING for the
doctor
to stop I had heart and blood pressure issues. Ten days later and I can
still hardly walk. The cardiologist blamed it
on me having a "panic attack" on the table I spent the next 3 days in the
hospital on morphine to control the pain - then was sent home with no pain
meds. Have
refused to speak to the cardiologist. Have an appointment with a new doctor
tomorrow.
I thought I was alone. The doctors seemed to be trying to make me believe
it was my fault. • Texas
-- You are welcome -- Not every hospital does radial access, by the way,
and certainly not every hospital is listed
on our
locator, although many are.
You might want to check out our
interview with Dr. Sanjay Patel who practices
in Houston and who has run training courses for other cardiologists in the
Houston
area.
He or his office might be able to give you a referral. • Thank you for your reply. I checked out
the Radial Hospital Locator site but I did not find on the list the Houston
Methodist
hospital or either of my two Neuro Surgeons who do the follow-up on my
cerebral aneurysm. However, this procedure is certainly something I will
discuss with
them. Logical thinking tells me there is no connection between the femoral
entry and the multi problems that incurred just after but that doesn't
allay the panic I feel when I even think about it. The pain that I felt
during
that angio. was right there with the pain
of the brain bleed. • Dear Texas --
What you are describing (black discoloration around stomache, pain, etc.)
was most likely a hematoma, blood
leaking under the skin -- same thing that happens when you get bruised,
although in your case, it seems it was a large hematoma. This is a known
complication from heart caths done from the femoral (groin/thigh) approach,
although
it's
not a high percentage. The pain you felt may or may not be related. There
is another approach, where angiograms can be done from the wrist -- called
the radial approach.
Bleeding complications are virtually eliminated, although not every patient
is a candidate
-- also you need to find a physician who is experienced with this approach
because, while it's used in Europe at least half the time (80-90% in France)
it's only done around 5% of the time in the U.S. Check out Angioplasty.Org's Radial
Hospital Locator. And read D from Maryland's comment just below
yours. • I had a heart cath...during the procedure
I was screaming in pain...The Dr. finished the procedure and left the
room...the nurse said that she had seen
grown men in such pain and you could hear them screaming across the hall. I went
home and two nights later I awoke seeing silver lights flashing in the room.
The next morning I could not walk....I went to the Dr. office and was told that
further testing had to be done...later he said all tests were normal.. The next
day my whole stomach area was black...this discoloring slowly wrapped around
my hip..After another trip to the heart Doctor I was told this was just bruising
and to be expected. About a week later I had to have my eyes checked...The Ophthalmologist
insisted that I see an Neurologist that day...It was then confirmed that I had
suffered a light stroke. Due to a cerebral aneurysm bleed I have since had two
angiograms with no problem but I am still so scared that I am hesitant to have
the follow-up angiogram the Neurologist insists upon. My question is....Is there
a procedure that serves the same purpose as the angiogram? • My 87y/o mom is in rehab now - had a femoral
angio procedure WITHOUT a closure device and developed a pseudoaneurysm
eight hours later and required emergency surgery followed by ICU. She
later developed MRSA infection in the wound and required another surgery.
She now has two or more months of therapy and wound care in front of
her - The bill for the first surgery alone was over 16K - - A previous
radial cath was done WITH the Angioseal - and no complications! Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 23, 2011 • I had a catheterization done
in Dec 2003. hours after procedure when 1st allowed to get up, experienced
severe
pain,
worse than my broken back & labor without pain medication @ site where
catheter was put in. an angio seal was used. nurse unwilling to do anything
because "she never had any patients experience severe pain after procedure
before." Tests were done for blood clots & other problems. negative.
My GP diagnosed nerves in area being aggravated. For past 7 years I have
lived with pain that prevents me from riding my exercise bike, running,
or any other movement that flakes the nerves. Rehab doctors surmise it
is caused by scar tissue. In past year pain has become more frequent.
I live with constant
back, hip, & shoulder pain, the last thing I needed was a procedure that causes
me more pain. Speculation is that if an angio seal was not used I would not have
the scarring and pain. I am not keen on having someone digging around my femoral
artery. Has there been any successful procedures to correct/remove the scar tissue
that is causing pain?
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