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Current Postings (95)
• It seems that there is a lot of mistrust in the
doctor patient relationship these days. A lot of these questions should
be directed to the person giving you the care. Perhaps it is a bad match?
I know that I know my body very well and when a doctor tells me one thing
and I feel another, whether I understand his/her reasoning, I always trust
my body. I do wonder if we do enough research in finding our doctors. I
know there are so many to choose from in my area. Initially, I did a scan
of all Indianapolis
Hospitals to
find out who was out there. Then, I narrowed down my search within the
doctors at Community Health Network because I felt
that they best listened to me- and my body. Good luck everyone!
Kim Jones, Indiana, USA, February 3, 2010
• Jackie -- we assume "minor surgery" refers
to a catheter insertion (the subject of this Forum). In such procedures,
hematomas
sometimes occur. What's important is to get bleeding under control. Then
the hematoma usually is resorbed into the body over a few weeks.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 30, 2010
• My husband has an haematoma in his groin following
minor surgery. We want to know how long it will remain. At the moment
it is leaking a small amount, but there is no infection and he was given
strong
antibiotics as a precaution. They have applied compression to his leg
to help reduce the haematoma, but we just want to know 1. how long this
will
cause him problems? 2. is it better to deal with it conservatively or
drain lit. Any help or advice most welcome. Thanks
Jackie J., United Kingdom,
January
29,
2010
• Rob from Iowa -- was a vascular closure device
used (like Angioseal)? It's possible that the seal popped -- but you should
discuss this with the cardiologist who performed the angiogram. He/she
would be aware of what was used, what may have occurred.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 29, 2010
• HI ALL-I am a 5'5", 115lbs, 51 year old female-excellent health-practically
a Vegan-excellent BP & lab work, very active, non smoker, hardly drink, no medical
history of anything-no Cardiac Disease in my family-but was experiencing chest
pain, shortness of breath, dizziness-woke up with a fluttering heartbeat,(I did
get thrown from my horse back in Sept, no paralysis etc.), so I went to a heart
Doc-failed my stress test-EKG good, but agreed to an angiogram-1/18/10-went well,
piece of cake-figured I'd go to work Wed 1/20-was standing in the kitchen-felt
a POP in my groin/incision area and pain-OMGAWD-burning, unbelievable pain-felt
an outpouching below the incision-SO off to the ER-ultra sound-no aneurysm etc
so sent me home-NOW I Have a hard painful area just below the incision site-restricted
leg motion-but moving about-it's been 5 days-I've got a Doc appt Monday-but the
pain/swelling is still deep and there...IS THIS NORMAL?? What is going on-No
blockage was found and the ER made me feel like a whiner-which I'M not but when
I mention Hematoma-they say OH no-I am losing faith in Doctors -why the chest
pain? Pericarditis from
the accident? Chest pain to leg and chest pain-Any Ideas?
Rob, Iowa, USA, January 24, 2010
• I had a heart catheterization on 12/3/2009 which
was negative for any blockages however the cardiologist went to the leg
arteries and shoved the cannula back and forth and it was very painful.
Afterwards he told my son and I that my leg artery contracted during
anxiety but all was well. The next day I had severe leg pain that got worse
for
the next 2 weeks. When I finally got in to the practice a bruit was heard
and a stat ultrasound showed a large mass, the next a.m. I was in the
cath lab again for exploratory surgery and ended up with a stent in the
femoral
artery. I never had any leg pain until this procedure. I would not recommend
this procedure unless it is absolutely necessary. I have not even had
an apology from the surgeon who is the head of cardiology at a local hospital.
I am really upset because females have smaller diameter arteries to begin
with and I made a point to ask the diameter that would be used during
the
heart cath but was blown off. Good luck as I am still having leg pain
but the hematoma at the incision is finally decreasing and the bruising
is
subsiding.
Donna, Denver, Colorado, USA, January 20, 2010
• Many have written here about pain after a groin-inserted
catheter procedure. The causes are multiple. We suggest discussing these
occurences always with the cardiologist who did the procedure. If nerve
pain is suspected, a neurologist may be able to provide symptomatic relief. Hopefully
these cases resolve over time (we've heard estimates of weeks to months).
The femoral nerve lies parallel to the femoral artery and can sometimes
suffer trauma from the catheter movements. These instances are not common,
but they are obviously VERY common to our readers on this Forum Topic.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 20, 2010
• I also had an angiogram one month ago and have
had continuous pain from the entry point into the right groin and down
my right scrotum. The pain varies
in intensity from an ache to a burn and increases with activity. I assume this
is some type of nerve or connective tissue irritation. The doctor is not admitting
that yet. My question is what can be done to help heal or treat this kind of
problem?
James, Mississippi, USA, January 20, 2010
• Thank you for this forum. It is very enlightening.
I am 8 weeks post-angioplasty with 2 stents and have been experiencing
pain in my groin as well, with no other symptoms (no swelling, bleeding,
lump or fever). Just pain. I have concluded that it's a result of nerve
damage as they left the sheath in overnight for a second stent the next
day AND the nurse who removed it was in training. I had no seal. My question
is should I just assume it's nerve damage and deal with the pain, or
should I insist on some kind of test to rule out other complications? How
long
can I expect this to last if it is nerve damage?
Leah, La Mirada, California, USA, January 15, 2010
• ablation for atrial fib 11/12/09 with bed rest for 6hrs post procedure.
afterwards very difficult to get out of bed to get to bathroom,etc due to extreme
pain in groin & leg which required percocet 4hr for 10 days - slightest touch
to leg painful. needed wheelchair or walker for 3 weeks. had extreme bruising
from thigh to knee which has moved down leg to foot. knee and ankle very stiff & painful.
ablation md never saw me after procedure, only rn prac. no info on how long this
will last or how often this complication occurs. all f/up was turned over to
my cardiologist, so i see no reason for appt with rn prac after 3month f/up mri.
comments - advise?
Margaret H., Georgia, USA, January 11, 2010
• One reason not to bend over, or exert oneself
too much right after a catheterization, is to give the femoral arterial
puncture site time to heal, and avoid bleeding problems. Depending on the
size of the catheter inserted, weight of the patient, etc. it may take
a day
or
more
to heal
properly. Not sure about your headaches, Kathleen. Possibly a reaction
to the contrast dye.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 10, 2010
• I just had the angiogram done 2 days ago. I have
had two really bad headaches and nauseated today. I have small pain in
groin and a nerve jumping and tingling sensation going down the inside
of my right leg. My back hurts some too. I wasn't suppose to bend over
but kept forgetting. Why are we not to bend over? Can my headaches be
from having this done? Just wanting to know cause i don't get headaches.
I've
been reading these comments and no one else has mentioned a couple of
things going on with me. Didn't get stent and no blockage. Kathleen 59
in California
Kathleen M., Cabazon, California, USA, January 6, 2010
• 8 months after cardio cath I have right side pain and swelling (with the
groin and leg the most intense) and feel the femoral nerve was hit. Like all
I have read, the test results showed "normal" I still have pockets of what feels
like fluid that keeps coming up in my right leg to the knee, the right hip and
pelvic area and even under my breast all with associated pain. My right arm will
also have occasional pains. The numbness/tingling also affects the right side
of my face. Like everyone else the surgeon "has never heard of this before".
The neurologist had no answer except don't do anything that I think makes it
worse. Does anyone have this numbness on all of right side or get the pockets
of fluid?
Linda, Texas, USA, December 29, 2009
• My Husband had angiogram done, few day later,
he developed swelling to left scrotum. His cardiologist is consulted,
he ordered Ultrasound of the left femoral incision area and the left scrotum
and referral to Urologist. He said the swelling will go down. My husband
still have the swelling, now complaining of pain. I am always skeptical
of invasive procedure and the possible complications. I hope this does
not develop into a problem for a young man with multiple medical issues.What
can i expect from the doctor and what question should i be concern with
at this time. I am a registered Nurse
Rosemary, Merced, California, USA, December 19, 2009
• I had a cardiac catheterization Oct. 23, 2009. They put a stent in my
LAD for a clogged artery. I am experiencing leg pain & cramping in my front right
thigh and my right calf and some numbing and tingling sensations in my right
foot. I had bad bruising on the inside of my right leg almost down to my knee
after the cath. I developed a blood clot at the sight of cath the day after but
it has been gone for a while now. I have been seen by a vascular surgeon and
a neurologist to try and determine why I am still having leg pain. I have good
blood flow in my leg determined by the vascular doctor. The only thing the neurologist
can come up with is the bruising I sustained in my leg is the culprit of my pain.
The bruising has been gone for a good 5 or 6 weeks. He doesn't want to do an
EMG until I am off my Coumadin. Is this answer possible? How long could I have
this leg pain?
Marcia, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, December 15, 2009
• I had an angiogram to rule out an aneurysm. Since
then my left thigh has been numb, along with leg pain, sometimes the
pain is intense. The right side is where puncture site is, it also hurts
,but
the pain on the left side is more intense and constant. I called the
neurosurgeon and his nurse said he said to
contact my primary care physician.
Clairol, Columbus, Ohio, USA, December 15, 2009
• David -- never heard of a "noroma". Anyone else??
But nerve trauma is not unknown in catheter-based procedures, especially
femoral, as you can see by the number of posts here.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 15, 2009
• Had a left leg catheterization [as needed for
heart pump] on Oct. 19, 2009 and as of now Dec. 14 I still have on a pain
scale of 1-10 a constant 8 for 24/7.
Surgeon says femoral nerve was damaged in the process. Have had several injections
to the nerve starting at L2 in my back. Surgeon says now that it is probably
a "Noroma?'' in the nerve and will have to find it and have it removed. Anyone
heard of this one before?
David S., Berwick, Maine, USA, December 14, 2009
• I had a femoral angioplasty done due to blockage
in my right thigh. Everything was great for 3-4 weeks.then it came back.
I went into surgery, they installed a sheath. A little while later as
i was in ICU my leg from the knee down swelled up,got rock hard,and hurt
so bad I told them to cut it off. THey took me back into surgery and
did
whatever needed to be done and everything seemed to be ok.That was 6
weeks ago and what they say is nerve damage in my foot is still hurting.
Is this
normal or should I get help?
David, Jefferson City, Missouri, USA, December 3, 2009
• Deborah -- A blockage or clot would most likely
cause pain. See the posting
below about nerve trauma
from catheterization. Perhaps this might explain something, but please
let the Forum know what you
find
out from
her appointments.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 3, 2009
• I am a nurse and am confused with a complication my mom experienced 1
day post angiogram. She acutely experienced bilateral leg weakness and numbness
causing her to fall. She went to the ER. A CT, echocardiogram and labs were done.
No change from the previous tests a week ago. Its 4 days post angio and she continues
with bilateral leg weakness and numbness and complains about sacral numbness.
Could this be plaque or a clot that lodged in her lower spine? She is seeing
her cardiologist and primary MD today. Thank you.
Deborah S., Michigan, USA, December 2, 2009
• Daniela -- some people are highly allergic to
contrast media. There are different types, formulations and brands. The
hospital or cath lab should be able to provide you and your mother with
the exact brand
and concentration used of contrast agent (it's part of the patient record/report)
so this type can be avoided if any future procedures are warranted.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 1, 2009
• My mother was submitted to an angiogram procedure.
She had a severe immunological reaction - anaphylactic shock - to the
radio-opaque contrast agent. Nobody was able to tell me what is the radio-opaque
contrast
agent. I really would like to know. Besides, is there any chance of finding
the same compound in any other circumstances? She really can't be in
contact with that compound.
Daniela, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, November 23, 2009
• For readers who are still having tingling, numbness
or similar pain -- if you read through this topic and the archive, you'll
find similar stories. This may be due to nerve trauma --
the femoral nerve runs parallel to the femoral artery and it is possible
that between the needle stick and catheter manipulations that nerve can
become irritated or inflamed -- or even damaged. Hopefully this is temporary
in most cases (and it's relatively uncommon to begin with). But this is
not an unknown complication of femoral access catheterization.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 20, 2009
• Beginning on 2nd day following angiogram (access
from right femoral artery) and worsening now on 4th day. Started as mild
cold, tingling, numbness both legs
and feet. Progressed to pain in left groin same spot as insertion of catheter
on right, left leg and foot are very hot, right leg and foot are cold, also
on right leg pinching pain in area of femoral artery below insertion point,
definitely
more pain and pressure on left side. Left area feels like its vibrating and
tingling in groin and down the left leg. Could there a be a blockage on
right forcing
more blood to go down the left side? Maybe it doesn't work that way. Please
advise.
Callie R., California, USA, November 13, 2009
• I HAD ANGIOPLASTY DONE LAST YEAR. THEY WENT THROUGH
THE RIGHT GROIN. AFTER THEY PULLED THE WIRE OUT, LIKE THE NEXT DAY, THERE
WAS AN EXTREMELY LARGE BUMP PLUS IT HURT A LOT. THEY SAID IT WAS A HEMATOMA.
WHY AFTER A YEAR DO I STILL
HAVE
IT? THE PAIN IS GONE.
Joyce L, Waterville, New York, USA, November
10,
2009
• Last Wednesday I had an angiogram via right femoral
artery. I went home three hours after it was done. It has a collagen plug.
Thursday I felt a pop
and had horrific pain and couldn't move, we called 911 and went to ER. They
did ultrasound and found a pseudoaneurysm and applied pressure using the
ultrasound
wand. It was very painful- worse than childbirth. The ultrasound showed they
stopped the leak and I was sent home with 3 days bed rest and off work for
a week. I still have pain on my right side however my cardiologist doesn't
think
it is another hematoma as the pain is deep inside and is soft tissue, and higher
up, near appendix. It doesn't make sense to me that the pain would be unrelated
to the procedure or the pressure applied at the ER. When I cough or sneeze
its very painful, if I rest and don't move I don't have any pain. I have
been bloated
the past few days too. Any thoughts on what this could be? Thanks.
Lisa, Marketing, Roseville, California, USA, November 9, 2009
• It’s Russian roulette I had a cerebral angiogram
done in 1990 It damaged my eye sight with Retinal bleeding and the whole
left side of my body has been in unbelievable pain every since. It feels
like the catheter is still lodged
in my leg and even to this day I’m discovering more vascular complication due
to this prouder. A word of advice please read every line of the fine print on
the consent form before having one
done.
David W., Arizona, USA, November 4, 2009
• Susan from Georgia -- we assume your angiogram
was done from the femoral artery (not the wrist). If so, what side was
used? Usually it's the right femoral (groin) artery in which case
it would seem that the swelling in your left foot is unrelated. Some
medicines, including BP meds, can cause swelling of the extremities. Did
you start
taking any new meds since the cath was done?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 26, 2009
• I had a cardiac cath 7 weeks ago and left ankle
and foot is swollen and sore and sometimes cannot feel. Never had any
swelling before. They found a blockage but trying to control with BP meds.
I never
has sxs and was just trying to get knee surgery. I am afraid now to get
open heart surgery as my cardiologist is unhelpful about my left leg
(couldn't walk for a couple weeks). Is it common
to have such problems?
Susan H., Georgia, USA, August 26, 2009
• Connie -- as you can see from the many postings
here, a bruise, a.k.a. hematoma, is not an uncommon complication from
angio procedures. Bleeding fro the arterial site can be serious, so you
certainly
did the right thing. We assume the bleeding complication was stabilized.
Bleeding complications occur in about 3 out of 100 procedures, although
we believe there are more because many minor ones never get reported.
The purple bruising is the blood that leaked and should reabsorb into
the body
in
a few weeks
at most.
If
the
pain continues,
let
your cardiologist
know. And let the Forum know.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 25, 2009
• I had an Angiogram recently and the result showed that one of my arteries
was very thin and that is what had lead to the procedure in the first place.
I had a stress test which indicated possibly a blockage. I was told this procedure
was very simple and should cause no problems at all. Two days after the procedure
I had a severe pain in my groin which sent me to the floor and the pain continued.
Actually I had pain from the minute I got home from the hospital. The next day
I was sent back to the ER and they found blood leaking from a tear in the artery.
An ultrasound was done and it is now one week later and I have bruising from
my groin to my knee and almost completely around the leg, pain continues in the
leg and in my back. I called the doctor and they said this is normal. What do
I do now?
Connie Burns, Gilbert, Arizona, USA, August 25, 2009
• Can abdominal distention be related to vagioseal
[angioseal?] complications. I had a body rash that resembled a heat rash
and now have abdominal distention.
Mark, South Dakota, USA, August 14, 2009
• Dear Wayne,I can understand how you feel. I have
been posting about my fathers scrotum hematoma. He finally was released
from the hospital and is doing
very well. This all started on July 21st. His hematoma was the size of a large
melon. I never saw someone in so much pain before. It has been 25 days now
and it is about half the size. We have him up and walking. He can even
walk up and
down stairs now. The pain is pretty much gone but he still has the large problem
between his legs. It is more of an inconvenience now as far as sitting down
and walking. He still keeps his ice packs on it and keeps it elevated as
much as
possible. That's pretty much all he can do until it goes away. I wish you luck
and patience!
Pamela Lopez, New Iberia, Louisiana, USA, August 15, 2009
• I recently had a RS Transfemoral Cath with negative
result. A couple of hours following discharge I experienced what almost
can be described as a "pop" followed by intense pain at the puncture site
and rapid swelling. I immediately went into the ER (could barely walk or
move. A vascular sonogram was done to rule out a pseudoaneurysm and was
negative. The doc said it was local internal bleeding which would stop
(it did but I wasn't too convinced) and my now huge hematoma would resolve
in a few weeks. The hematoma extended from above puncture site to anus
and filled the scrotum.
Wayne K., Virginia, USA, August 13, 2009
• Patricia -- read our related Forum Topic on Vascular
Closure Devices -- you'll find similar stories. And Judy -- we
currently have over 1,000 postings in these two topics alone, so your
experience is
certainly not unknown.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 10, 2009
• I had a diagnostic angiogram more than a year
ago, and I still am having a lot of pain from it! About 22 hours after
the angiogram was done, first thing in the morning, my nurse was in my
room dispensing my am meds. I was sitting, doing nothing, when all of a
sudden I felt like someone had sliced the entire inside of my right thigh
with a branding iron! Within a few seconds I had a golf ball lump where
the angiogram was done. That quickly grew even bigger. I was whisked down
to have an ultrasound and they found nothing! That was repeated a couple
of days later and they found a small aneurysm but didn't do anything with
it! From that time on, the pain was just intense! Pain killers was all
I was offered! Over the next week the bruising began to appear. At it's
peak it about encompassed most of my right thigh from the groin to with
in a few inches of my knee and about wrapped around my leg. This lasted
for about 4 months. They said this was normal!? After reading the stories
on here I am no longer wondering why I am still experiencing the pain I
am in. I can also see if this were so common, there would be many more
stories like mine! I can not stand for long
periods of time at all!
Judy, I am a patient, Texas, USA, August 4, 2009
• Had an angiogram in Nov. '07 the very next day
I had an appointment with the doctor who performed the surgery. When
I got out of bed to get ready I had excruciating pain in the right leg,
needed
assistance to get to the car, I explained the problem to the physician
and she just looked at the site where the angioseal was at and then
replied that this type of pain occurs in about one in every three hundred
patients.
Well this is August '09 and I'm still in pain whenever I have to walk
more than half a block,walk fast or any other kind of exertion to the
leg. So,
after seeing four other doctors about this dilemma,one sent me to a
vascular surgeon who explained that I need to have an aorto-iliac bypass
surgery,
which requires a four to five day stay at the hospital which will cost
me 20% of what my insurance co. doesn't pay,not to mention the pain
from the surgery site. I totally feel this is all due to incompetence on
the
doctors part. Do I have a valid law suit.
Patricia, Tennessee, USA, August 4, 2009
• Jan -- you write that you had an "angio".
Is that an angiogram (diagnostic) or an angioplasty (balloon or stent)
-- and where
were they looking: heart or legs (we understand that the catheter was introduced
through the femoral, or groin, artery)? What were the results?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 31, 2009
• i had an angio in 1997, about 6 months later the center of the ball of
my right foot started getting numb. over some time it spread about the foot and
then to the left foot. i have since had surgery on both feet, putting a stint
in the foot and scar tissue removed from the main nerve. not much luck so far.
i take 150mg. lyrica in the morning and 1 at night. Now 11 years later, diagnosed
with diabetes. mild case. can correct it. but taking lite dose of metformin.
does anyone think this sounds familiar? can anything be done.
Jan, Macomb, Michigan, USA, July 31, 2009
• Kerry -- a hematoma (bruising) is
a minor complication of catheterization from the groin approach. The concern
is if the hematoma is getting larger, indicating that bleeding is occurring.
If not, a hematoma can take up to several weeks to disappear. If you're
in pain, however, and cannot sit upright, that's something else again,
and should be
addressed. As for finding no disease, that's good(!!) that you have no
coronary artery disease -- FYI, more than a third of patients who undergo
catheterization
get the same diagnosis: no disease.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 31, 2009
• I posted this thread (see below), but still having
swelling and still
not able to get into a "sitting position" and wondered if this is usual?? Has
anybody else encountered this situation. Just hoping to find help, and if so,
how much longer until it gets better??? I had a heart cath done 7/19 and still
in pain. Swelling of both legs & feet (burning sensation there) with more prominence
in right leg where done. Had slight bruising around area, but now a week later
have more bruising (and yellowish bruising)on upper thigh and some down slightly
on inside of thigh. Ultrasound showed a hematoma, but have a cardiologist who
can't explain why I have swelling, nor give any info as to how long I have to
deal with this hematoma. The cath showed no blockage & absolutely no plaque anywhere.
So now I'm much worse than before I let them do this to me!! I've got a doctor
who is useless and doesn't even return my calls...just has a nurse call to say "it
takes time".
Somebody PLEASE help.....
Kerry, State of Pain (Orlando), Florida, USA, July 30, 2009
• I posted an entry on July 26th about my father
developing a scrotal hematoma. We had to bring him to emergency on July
28th because he started running a fever
of 101.2. He is now back in the hospital in severe pain and has a bladder infection
on top of all the other complications. His cardiologist doesn't care or hasn't
visited him or even called to check up on his condition since he was discharged
from the hospital. The emergency room doctor called in a Urologist. He agreed
with her that the hematoma can not be drained. He did schedule an ultrasound
because it is hard to tell if it is new or old blood. I read up on this on
this web-site and it has helped me a lot I think he should have been given
antibiotics
before leaving the hospital. They still can't do anything for him but give
him pain pills every four hour, antibiotics for the infection and when
the infection
is gone they will send him back home. It has been 1 week as of yesterday that
they placed the stent. We have a whole 2 months to go. I hope know one ever
has to go through this. If I learn anything else, I will place another
post.
Pam L., New Iberia, Louisiana, USA, July 29, 2009
• I had a heart cath done 7/19 and still in pain.
Swelling of both legs & feet (burning sensation there) with more prominence
in right leg where done. Had slight bruising around area, but now a week
later have more bruising (and yellowish bruising)on upper thigh and some
down slightly on inside of thigh. Ultrasound showed a hematoma, but have
a cardiologist who can't explain why I have swelling, nor give any info
as to how long I have to deal with this hematoma. The cath
showed no blockage & absolutely no plaque anywhere. So now I'm much worse than
before I let them do this to me!! I've got a doctor who is useless and doesn't
even return my calls...just has a nurse call to say "it takes time". Somebody
PLEASE help.....
Kerry, State of Pain (Orlando), Florida, USA, July 27, 2009
• My father went in for a simple stent to his right
leg and ended up with a scrotal hematoma the size if a large melon. The
cardiologist said that we would
just have to wait 2 months for it to disappear. Meanwhile, he is in very bad
pain and cannot walk. The urologist said the if the cardiologist would have
went in a little higher, this wouldn't have happened. Is there anything
else he can
do other than ice packs and pain pills? He can not even stand up on his own
and has to use both hands to hold up this area because it is so large and
heavy.
Pam L., New Iberia, Louisiana, USA, July 26, 2009
• I had a cerebral angiogram through the groin
on July 17th. A couple minutes after the puncture, I could feel a deep
pain in my leg. While in recovery, I told the nurse about this pain and
she said it was probably due to laying in that position for so long.
They put in a star clip closure device [StarClose] which I DID not even
know
about. I have had continued pain all the way from my buttocks down my
entire leg
since..along
with abdominal cramping every day since...No bruising, no complications??
They let me go home 3 hours after procedure. I just wondered if anyone
else has had this pain.
Ve, Arizona, USA, July 26, 2009
• Deb in Fla. I
have worked in surgery for 36yrs. You should report the staff to the nursing
administrator for your humiliation - that should "never" happen.
Patients must always be covered and you should have been ask if you wanted to
listen to music and what type. I have been on both ends. Just had my 4th cath
2 wks ago, (after stents and bypass), everything was good. But this time I am
having terrible groin and back pain. Dr.said it was probably from the angioseal
aggravating the nerve. Getting an epidural in my back next wk, hopefully will
relieve nerve pain.
Deb D., Georgia, USA, July 23, 2009
• Multiple replies -- Linda from Arizona, check
out our topic, "Alternative
to Angiogram?" -- some cardiologists believe
that a non-invasive Multislice CT Angiogram (CTA) may have benefit in specific
situations where tests have been inconclusive but the patient is having
symptoms. The CTA is highly accurate in ruling out coronary artery disease.
One-third of invasive angiograms (a.k.a. catheterizations) show no disease.
Also, please remember that when you read comments in this Forumtopic, you
are for the most part, looking at the Complaint Dept. -- people who have
had problems post here -- there are over a million angiograms done annually
in the U.S. and the complication rate is low in percentage. Obviously one
shouldn't do a test or procedure that is unwarranted, but catheterization
has been around a long time and is considered a safe procedure.
D. Hayes from Florida -- look at our related topic on
"Vascular Closure
Devices" -- you're not alone.
Finally, Ruth from Florida -- we hope the information
you've found on Angioplasty.Org has helped. Read our comments above --
although it sounds like you have already had your cath. Let us know how
things went.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 18, 2009
• I'm new here and hoping to gain some insight and relief. My new doctor
seems to be very precautionary. He suspects based on nuclear stress test results
that there might be something to be concerned about. He recommended I see a cardiologist.
The cardiologist seems to think that based on my health history, and my family
history (no heart problems) he thinks it might be a shadow or artifact rather
a sign of a real problem. HOWEVER the cardiologist suggests I have a cardiac
catheterization to "be sure".I am so nervous about doing this. I more afraid
of causing damage to the heart by having the procedure than I am of finding out
there is a problem.Can anyone shed some light on this procedure. Is it very painful?
Did you have any bad after effects (like did it cause a heart attack)? Will I
be able to carry on with my normal exercise routine (as long as there are no
problems found)? Any help will be greatly appreciated...I'm trying to calm myself
down before having the procedure tomorrow. Thanks!
Ruth, Florida, USA, July 13, 2009
• I had an cardiac catheterization on five days
ago, 7/8; I was told by my surgeon that since I had no heart blockage
and needed no stents that in two-three days I could return to my normal
activities.
I have noticed that when I stand too long, sit too long upright and/or
go up stairs I have excruciating pain in my groin and the leg that the
angioseal was put in. I am contemplating returning to the ER or my primary
doctor for advice if it continues, is this normal?
D. Hayes, Florida, July 13, 2009
• My Cardiologist wants me to get an Angiogram,
because he thinks he sees a blockage in my heart. He's not sure if
it's a blockage after seeing the results of my Stress Test and Echocardiogram.
After reading these letters from other people, I don't want to do it.
Does anyone know of and Alternative Medicine or Procedures. I don't like
pain
at all. I also have a very bad fear on dying doing this procedure.
or
even afterwards.
Linda, Payson, Arizona, USA, July 13, 2009
• Thank you for your reply Forum Editor. Actually
Dr. Hopkins works at the same facility as the doctor I am seeing, Dr.
Levy. Yes, I have asked about alternatives. I requested that the nurse
ask the
doctor (when he gets back from vacation this week) if an MRA would
be okay instead of the Angio. I have already had an MRI. She said there's
a good
chance that he won't let me do the MRA because it is not as clear of
an image and if they can't see what they need to, they may have to do
the
angio anyway. It would make it so much easier if they could just put
you
out for it! Being awake is the part that makes me too nervous to go
through with it.
Jenn, Buffalo, New York, USA, July 9, 2009
• As we wrote a few days ago, complications from
cardiac catheterization are small in percentage -- bleeding complications
have much to do with problems from the femoral "stick", but age,
diseased vessels, etc. increase the risk as well. A typical minor bleeding
complication is
a hematoma, essentially a large bruise. If the hematoma gets bigger, it
may indicate internal bleeding and should be looked after immediately.
Otherwise the purple area will be reabsorbed into the body over time, much
like a bruise disappears.
A note for Jenn -- have you discussed alternatives
to an invasive angiogram, such as a multislice CT or MRI? Since you're
in Buffalo, you might want to read our
exclusive interview with Dr. "Nick"
Hopkins of Millard Fillmore.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 8, 2009
• My doctors wants me to go for a cerebral angiogram to rule out an AVM.
After reading these postings, I am not sure I want to do it. I wish I knew the
ages of the patients listed in these postings. I am a relatively healthy 26 year
old so I would hope my risk of complication would be lower than that of more
elderly patients.
Jenn, Buffalo, New York, USA, July 6, 2009
• I had a heart catheterization on June 15, 2009.
No blockage was found. However, on follow up visit to Dr. on June 25,
a small hematoma was discovered. As I was leaving town for three months,
my Dr. said for me to watch the hematoma and see a Dr. if it should grow
or become painful. I don't think it has grown, and is not painful. What
are the chances of this hematoma dissolving on it's own and how long
will
it take. If it does not dissolve on it's own, what action
should I take?
Cliff, Colorado, USA, July 5, 2009
• To all -- most posts in this topic involve either
bleeding complications (which include hematomas -- black and blue bruises
near the groin insertion site) or what seem like nerve problems. In caths
and interventional procedures (PCI) the complication rates are
relatively low in the 3-5% range -- major complications are much lower.
However, no
complication is low if you happen to be the complication! You should definitely
report these problems to your interventional cardiologist -- the
physician who performed the procedure. He/she may be able to help,
but your interventionalist also needs to hear the feedback about any complications
that have occurred -- because complications often do not manifest until
AFTER the patient
leaves the hospital and the problems are dealt with by the patient's personal
doctor, or a clinical cardiologist. In other words, the interventional
cardiologist may never know about the complication. If this feedback is
gotten, procedures may be changed or refined to reduce future problems
for others. If you read our section on the Transradial
Approach (through
the wrist, not the groin) you'll hear from a number of cardiologists who
have switched to the wrist, in order to lower bleeding complications and
nerve injuries.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 5, 2009
• Had heart attack at age 36 which was 2 1/2 years
ago. Had cardiac cath done with stent placement. Had chest pain at the
end of May, Cardiologist repeated my cath and found that my stent was
occluded with scar tissue. Had another stent placed with an angioseal.
Since my
discharge on June 1, I have had extreme right leg pain. Cardiologist
said take some Aleve it was nothing we did. Called my family doctor did
not
want to get involved felt it was something the cardiologist did during
the cardiac cath. I finally got an appointment with Physical Therapy
which I go to 3 times a week. Saw a PMR doctor who said I have an obturator
nerve
injury. Currently taking 900mg of Neurontin daily have tens unit and
still can't
get rid of pain or return to work as a nurse. Anybody have any suggestions?
Cheri T., Reading, Pennsylvania, USA, July 4, 2009
• I had an angiogram done yesterday 6/30/09 on both
legs. I went in to have my right leg done but the vascular surgeon looked
at my left leg and stented
that one as well. All day today I have had terrible pain in my left thigh.
It feels like a throbbing toothache. I'm worried about this because my
left leg
did not hurt this bad, ever, before the surgery. Can anyone tell me what this
may be? He wants me to come in in the morning to make sure everything is ok.
But I am very scared.
Tracey N., Smithfield, North Carolina, USA, July 1, 2009
• I had an angiogram some two weeks ago and have
been in severe pain since, my scrotum swell like a football and my groin
area is black and blue,back hurts upon touch, scrotum hurts like hell
but the swelling has reduced.Got discharged with severe pain and told to
take
pain killers.
Vijay Shah, London, United Kingdom, June 28, 2009
• I had two angiogram's in 2007. One in the right
leg and one in the left leg. I have had a stent in the right groin since
1998 and a new stent put in
the left iliac in 2007. Ever since these two angiograms I have lived in severe
pain. The left leg has burning and tingling pain from the groin, across the
hip and down the thigh to the knee. The right leg is much worse. The pain
goes from
the groin and hip and all the way down the leg and into the foot. This pain
is constant. Sometimes it hurt to even walk because the pain in my right
foot is
so bad. I have been to many doctor's and tried many things. The only thing
that helped the pain at all was a drug called topamax, but it caused my
blood pressure
to drop to dangerous levels and other side effects that were unbearable. I
now have more blockage and am afraid of what to do next.
Pat, Austin, Texas, USA, June 26, 2009
• My Aunt had a femoral coronary cath on June 12th,
Friday. 2 hours after the cath, the nurse told that she was not bleeding
and that she could get up and go home. She went to the bathroom and started
bleeding profusely at insertion site. The 'nurse' then held the appropriate
pressure for 15-20 minutes for the bleeding to stop. She did not notify
the MD. Of course, my aunt still has recovering ecchymosis all the way
around her thigh and down almost to the knee. Now, she has a very hard
knot at the insertion site that is approx 4" in diameter. There is no softness
noted within knot and definite ridges at edge. She has been lying down
every couple of hours with an ice pack to allow swelling and pain to decrease.
Do not believe that this is normal, but may not be dangerous. Awaiting
anxiously
for your reply.
Joy R., New Mexico, USA, June 22, 2009
• My mother recently had an angiogram to look at
her heart. A week later she has a kidney infection and extreme pain in
the back and a shooting pain up
and down her leg. The angiogram was inserted in the right groin. No complications
were found in the angiogram. Her back is still hurting bad. Can this be from
the angiogram? Could they have hit a nerve or something?
Josh, Wisconsin, USA, June 20, 2009
• I'm currently being treated for a fungal infection
in my right lung. About a week ago, I had to have a pulmonary angiogram
through my right groin to stop some bleeding in my right lung. Afterwards,
I had to lay in bed for 6 hours. After the end of the six hour period,
I could barely walk. Both legs were weak that day and the following day
when I was discharged. For the past six days, I've been able to walk
but the left side of my body from under my left pectoral muscle down to
the
toes on my left foot have lost some sensation. The area is not completely
numb but it is less sensitive than the right side of my body. Even the
left side of my genitalia has lost some sensation while the right side
is fine. During intercourse, I am capable of achieving and maintaining
an erection but unable to ejaculate. I didn't have this problem before
the procedure. My left leg is still somewhat weak. I am going to see
a neurologist if the condition doesn't improve. Is this something that
will
resolve over time or is the damage
likely to be permanent?
John F., Kentucky, USA, June 20, 2009
• Victoria -- if the femoral (groin) puncture site
is not completely healed and heavy stress is placed on it, it might start
to leak. This is hard to say. What did your doctor say about your exercising.
Certainly, we'd suggest taking it a bit easier after your next one. Just
a thought -- have your doctors mentioned the possibility of going in through
the
wrist (radial)? And KK -- you are describing something that a number
of posters have reported -- a trauma to the femoral nerve (which lies along
side of the femoral artery). They have reported a number of attempts and
treatments -- some have worked and sometimes this can resolve itself over
time if there's been no irreversible damage to the nerve. Again, this complication
is relatively low in occurrence, but it can happen.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 19, 2009
• Hi I had two Angiograms performed and am expected
to return for a third on July 8th, however after reading everyone's posts
I'm starting to reconsider
returning. On May 13th I was was entered in Neurosurgery for a cerebrum hemorrhage
and the doctors could not find the cause---hence the two angiograms. I didn't
experience the hematoma pain until this past weekend (two weeks after the last
procedure) Kind of weird, huh? The delay stumped the doctors in the er also but
the ultrasound showed that the hematoma was the size of baseball (approx 4 in)
in my groin area. Its been four days and 6 ice packs later and I feel better--cannot
work out but can move around better. What I would like to know if working out
on the treadmill and elliptical could have caused the hematoma? One week after
release from being hospitalized in May, I began exercising 40 min a day for the
last two weeks then the pain occurred the 3rd week.what do you think?
Victoria, Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 17, 2009
• I had a stent inserted in April of 2006. They
hit my femoral nerve and since then I have had no feeling from the area
of insertion to just above my knee. Always feels like pins and needles.
In the past month I went through rotator Cuff surgery and while sleeping
in a chair it started waking me up with sharp pains in the numb area
like someone was stabbing me with a long needle. Over the past three weeks
the
pain has intensified to the point of intense and when I walk I feel the
needle. I am scheduled for an EMG next week but wondered if anyone else
has had this experience and what they did.
KK, Clinton Township, Michigan, USA, June 16, 2009
• Had brain aneurysm surgery in 2000 and four angiograms
in my right femoral artery. The third angiogram had caused too much scar
tissue and they had to re-cut
before giving the fourth. About 8 months ago, started feeling a weird sensation
(not pain, but a tightness or feeling in the artery) in right thigh. Can the
artery be clogged and the blood not going through?
Sheila M., Queen Creek, Arizona, USA, June 13, 2009
• I had angiogram last week 5-29 had angio-seal
following day had sharp pain that went down my leg and felt numb and
tingled could not walk or put pressure on my leg. Dr. told me to go to
ER, they
checked for aneurysm and it was clear and sent home with Percocet then
had continued pain all week and after a week black and blue all over
from groin area to knee why did it turn black and blue after one week?
and still
have pain do not want to go to ER if not necessary again can someone
help or have had this problem. My cardiologist is sending me to vascular
Doctor
on Monday....
LM, New York, USA, June 6, 2009
• I had a RT iliofemoral Endarterectomy & goretex
patch angioplasty done two weeks ago and a week prior to that an angiogram
which has been the source
of progressive lower back and left groin pain since the procedures. The incision
site seems to be doing well but the left groin was attempted to be used for the
dye injection and after failing attempts to insert the probe they resorted to
my left upper arm to inject the dye. i am concerned about the sharp grabbing
pain in my left groin at the failure injection site that travels around my left
hip and down my leg when i walk with my cane. The lower back pain is worse lying
and in the AM when I rise and goes from hip to hip if i flex my lower back. It
eases if i sit and when it is most severe in the AM I DO GET ADULL PAIN UP THE
LEFT HIP TO AND AROUND THE KIDNEY AREA. THIS SEEMS TO EASE OVER THE FIRST HOUR
OR I AM UP. any input would be appreciated.
Bill D., Somerville, Massachusetts, USA, June 6, 2009
• Had a femoral cardiac cath done on 5/25/09 what
a nightmare. I laid on the table with my privates exposed, the staff
while waiting for the cardiologist to arrive thought they would listen
to the
radio. So there I laid naked from waist down through the entire Brittany
song ( if you seek amy song which if you know the lyrics was so inappropriate)
It was humiliating for to lay there like that while 5 complete strangers
laughed and talked about going dancing and fav restaurants. When the
doc arrived the radio had been turned way down, it was at this point I
was
finally covered and the real nightmare began. I was given IV moderate
sedation which lasted until the doctor started the cath in my artery. It
hurt so
bad. The doc said I would only feel pressure..the pain was crazy bad.
I'm home now, and pain is radiating around to the back by my right kidney.
Groin is still very sore hip is sore. How long will this hurt? I will
never
go through another cath again! The entire thing was horribly painful
and humiliating.
Deb, Florida, USA, May 31, 2009
• to JBD
in Texas, blood in the urine is always a sign of a bladder infection
(or worse) and is NOT related to the catheterization or closure devices. Please
call your MD ASAP.
T.L., New York, USA, May 18, 2009
• Had femoral cath 2 days ago w/AngioSeal. Still
limp from pain in groin but seems to be abating. Only just began walking
this evening (any distance) but will stay conservative based on some
of the comments here. Was thinking that I was being a big baby when the
pain
was causing me to limp - my GP was thinking I'd be running in a day or
so. Think I will wait!
Mary L., New York, USA, May 16, 2009
• To all -- if you have had a procedure done via
the groin/femoral artery and have a suspicion of internal bleeding post-angiogram/angioplasty,
call your cardiologist ASAP. In a small percentage of cases, the arterial
access site doesn't heal and close up. Sometimes this bleeding goes backward
into
the retroperitoneal cavity and is difficult to diagnose in the recovery
room. It may be nothing, but better to be sure than not.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 16, 2009
• I had a cerebral angiogram done Friday 13 March
2009. Difficulties following this angiogram were minimal.
Friday - three
days ago - 8 May 2009 - a second angiogram was done using the same right
groin artery. This time I suffered right away with swelling at the back
of my tongue and throat tightening, extreme shortness of breath and greatest
difficulties trying to breathe, pain in the groin site and artery that
continues down the leg to the top of the knee, extreme eye and brain pain
immediately continuing through today, and severe back and kidney pain that
is worsening today. I also experienced a raised temperature of three and
a half degrees while in the recovery area Friday and have been chilling
and cannot get warm since. Temperature Saturday was four degrees higher
than normal and last night it was still two degrees higher. The arteries
on both sides of my neck and into my chest and abdomen are visibly swollen
and very sore. The left artery
is "stiff" feeling and there is much pain and soreness at the base of my spine/head
on the left side and on the right side the soreness in the artery continues through
into the brain. My left eye orbit is very swollen and sore with much pain from
the very moment the dye was injected to present. I have what to me feels like
'wet' lungs and difficulties in a odd type of a cough at times and wheezing with
burning lungs.The only thing I had before the angiogram Friday was good health
and a c-c fistula left side.At the hospital ONE nurse recognized these symptoms
and tried to get someone to help with them above her, but she was unsuccessful
with all of those who could have helped saying it is "just anxiety"! WRONG! why
would I be anxious? I was fine they just did not want to acknowledge that I was
in difficulties and it is their problem!I had the friend that took me for the
angiogram stop by on the way back at the primary care doctor. He saw and knew
I was in severe difficulties but told me to take the support supplements and
try to rest and keep him informed. Fine. He is gone for the weekend by the next
half hour. I have suffered greatly all Friday Saturday Sunday and continues today.
I know there is something very wrong connected to the angiogram. It seems with
the rash, fever, diarrhea and chilling with sore arteries and back pain with
all of it together and shortness of breath difficulties with such things that
it may be some form of vasculitis or something. I just do not want to do as the
reports from the various medical sites say with these symptoms and die from a
stupid procedure. I would rather die from the actual health concerns.
Please
if anyone can help with what this is and what I can do I really appreciate it.
And if I must try to obtain the medical "professionals" assistance What is it
that they WILL hear and how do I tell them what is happening so they are alarmed
and actually take me seriously?
The discharge instructions say if there is shortness
of breath and so forth well that was going on at the time and ignored so was
the pain and other difficulties they refused to acknowledge.
Thanks.
VL, Provo, Utah, USA, May 11, 2009
• I had a catheterization on March 30, 2009. For
the past three days have been having pain in the groin/abdomen area. I
am now bleeding with urination.
I do have frequent bladder infections, but this seems to be a lot more blood.
Could the angio seal be leaking and bleeding into my bladder?
JDB, Texas, USA, May 8, 2009
• I had a DES in Sept. 08 and a very short time
after I had pains in my chest and was puffing well on exertion. In Feb
this year I had another Angio procedure and although the blood was flowing
through the stent it appears an Aneurysm was also found. I went to the
Munich Heart Centre and asked advice (and they were excellent) and they
said they saw a lot of these aneurysms and mine was very low risk but
it needed monitoring. It is apparently caused by a reaction to the DES
or
to the drug which the stent elutes or to Plavix..more probably a combination
of the lot!! Interestingly he said the 'Angina' pain I was feeling was
not from my heart but from my Bowels...and after I took the advice of
changing the time in the day I took Plavix and did some detox treatment
and took
more exercise the pain in my chest has now gone and my breathing on exertion
is slowly improving. I was also told that the pain I would expect to
feel if something was wrong with my heart was as if a band was being tightened
across my chest....then head for the nearest emergency hospital!!My aneurysm
is being checked every once in a while but I am assured that the procedure
used to treat this (should it be necessary..if it gets bigger) has been
very successful. Another stent is inserted inside the first stent and
the
aneurysm disappears. (an aneurysm is caused when the stent does not imbed
itself into the artery wall properly...the drug which the stent elutes
which works to stop restenosis actually works against you).Apparently
the other treatment involves blocking off the artery with something similar
to a stent but not actually a stent and this is very high risk and I
was
advised not to have this done ever!Other things I should mention is that
I have a known sensitivity to some drugs and have a blood clotting problem(probably
genetic)and have a high cholesterol family problem.(also genetic).which
was unknown to me and probably caused the restenosis in the first place!!
Apart from being last in the queue for good genes I am happy and feel
good. I am 67...So exercise, eat properly, watch those bowels, take as
few pills
as you can get away with (I take Plavix and huge doses of Lipitor and
an aspirin a day) then forget your
heart...Hope his helps somebody!!
Rosemary P., Sussex, United Kingdom, May 8, 2009
• DW --
very sorry for your loss. This might have been what is known as a retroperitoneal
bleed, where bleeding happens at
the femoral site (could be due to a number of things) but the bleeding
happens interiorly, back into the abdominal cavity, and sometimes it is
not obvious to the eye. It's a serious complication and in some rare cases,
like
your relative's,
can lead to death. Dr.
John Coppola, in his interview with Angioplasty.Org,
discusses how this
led him (and others) to learn the radial approach where the wrist artery
is used. But there might be other reasons for the bleeding in your mother-in-law's
case -- strong anticoagulation is usually used during interventional
procedures -- these can cause bleeding as well.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 18, 2009
• I had a heart catheterization test which came out negative but a month
later I am having pain above the site area like pulling or needles and when moving,
walking faster, I feel like I need to press and hold it from moving. I had a
CT Scan to see if vein, etc. problems but it came out normal. What could this
me?
JT, Tennessee, USA, April 14, 2009
• My mother in law died recently from massive internal
bleeding following her stent procedure. She had the stent procedure done
on Friday early morning and was discharged Friday evening. Following
the procedure she vomited and her blood pressure dropped. Supposedly she
was
cleared for discharge though as her blood pressure remained stable for
several hours. Upon returning home she started to feel very nauseous
and have extreme back pain. When the doctor was called he said she was
fine.
At 1:00 AM she was rushed to the hospital due to difficulty breathing
and remaining in excruciating pain. Although they believed by Saturday
AM that
her bleeding had stopped too much damage had been done - kidney failure,
etc. She died Sunday evening. Does any of this make sense? There was
no bruising at the site so we do not believe the bleeding was caused by
that.
She had a history
of internal bleeding - does anyone have any info?
DW, New Jersey, USA, April 14, 2009
• Glen -- the bruising is known as a hematoma (very
common to postings on this Forum topic). It is caused by blood under
the skin. If it grows in size, definitely have it seen by the cardiologist.
Has
anyone at Mayo mentioned the transradial approach from the wrist??
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 27, 2009
• My husband had an angiogram done on 3/17/09 at
the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They were not able to unblock the 100%
blocked artery, but will try again in a couple weeks. However,that night
after they turned him, he had a blow out & after much pressure put on it & blood
pressure & heart rate dropped they were able to get everything back to
normal. We came home the next day, but now one week later there is a 3
inch long, skinny hardening along the site of the artery, near the injection
site. Also the bruising is approx. the size of a football, which is probably
normal. Should we be concerned & get
this long lump checked out?
Glen M., Minnesota, USA, March 25, 2009
• I had a femoral angiogram done on 03/17/09 in
edmonton, alberta. I am 50 yrs old and suffer from angina, my family history
has almost everyone dying
of heart attacks, after my procedure the nurses had problems stopping the bleeding,
after extended time used in applying pressure the bleeding stopped, twice while
on bed rest I started to bleed again. The bruising around my injection site
has increased in size and I still have a lot of pain, plus I still have
a large hard
lump at the site.
Stuart Affleck, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, March 20, 2009
• I had a heart catheterization in March 2008.
My genitofemoral nerve has been damaged - the pain has been excruciating
for one year. It has caused all sorts of other problems, but that was the
original problem. Instead of using a closure device as I had had other
times, they did compressions - but on the surgical table instead of a bead
after you lay flat for 6-10 hours. The steel table hurt my back as well.
Is it possible that that nerve could have been damaged
- "nicked" as they say - since it is right beside that femoral nerve that they
go in? Please Help me try to find a way to get my life back.
Peggy Patterson, Olathe, Kansas, USA, March 12, 2009
• I had an angiogram on July 13 2008. I was told
that in 2 hours I should get up to use the bathroom and in 4 hours I could
go home. 3 hours after the procedure I got a pain in my thigh that was
so bad it made me vomit violently. I never even got out of the parking
lot before I was rushed back into the ER. The first doctor told me straight
to my face he thought I wanted pain meds. and there was nothing wrong,
but the pain persisted. I was finally taken back and they did a sonogram
and told me I had a blood clot in my leg in the same place they did the
angiogram. For three days I was given blood thinners, shots in my stomach,
pills, and IV. the pain was so bad after three days I was sure I was dead.
At last a surgeon did a cat scan and found that I didn't have a blood clot
but a hematoma the size of my fist. At first I was so glad to rid of the
pain that is just indescribable that I thought it was over, of course I
was wrong. When the feeling in my leg started to come back 4 months later
I found I had another problem the nerves in my leg must be jumbled. I still
have severe pain and cramps in my leg and its caused me to loose my job
and ins. for my family. By the way I'm was only 30 and have 2 children
under 6, I also am out of money and options. was told there is NOTHING
I could do about it.
Gary F., Louisiana, USA, February 27, 2009
• 1 week ago I had an angiogram the entry was made
in my upper arm. I have now a bruise from my armpit to my wrist. The bruising
continued for 5 days. I just wondered if it was normal for the bruise to
extend so far below the entry site? It covers almost 1/2 of my forearm.
Seems to be subsiding now but still
is slightly swelled and sore.
Perry, Smoke-N-Guns, Cottonwood, Arizona, USA, February 26, 2009
• I had a heart cath done on Dec. 13, 2008 with
a stent in my main back artery (85% blocked). Everything was going
well with the procedure until they put in my Angio Seal and I felt
a horrible pain that brought tears to my eyes. As I laid in my bed for
4
hours
afterwards,
the nurses told me I was ok to move around. The next day they released
me still having this pain. On the 2nd day after surgery I began
feeling a pain in my groin, a burning sensation along with numbness in
my
right leg. I returned to my doctor 2 days later with a bruise from my
belly button, around my right side and down my inter thigh past my knee.
The
pain and
burning was so bad I couldn't walk. The nurse looked at it and
told
me to go home and put a heating pad on it and elevate my leg for 72
hours. On Jan 19, 2009 the doctor finally had an ultrasound done and told
me
that I had a very large hemorrhage and scheduled me for surgery the
next day.
When I arrived for my surgery the surgeon did another ultrasound
and said he didn't see it and refused to do the surgery. The surgeon
told
me that
the pain might go away in 2-3 days or 2-3 months. But gave me nothing
for the pain. And because of all this I have lost my job because
I am
unable to work a full week. I am out of money and don't know where
else to turn
for help. The doctors and nurses have made me feel almost as if
it is all
in my head.
Donna, Gladstone, Missouri, USA, February 7, 2009
• I had my initial catheterization in July of 2007
and received a stent for the discovered blockage. In June of 2008, I experienced
chest pains again,
and underwent another cath procedure. The good news was, I had no additional
blockage and the stent was clear. The bad news, when my doctor was removing
the catheter, I vaguely remember jerking my leg and him telling me to stay
still.
It was more sore at the entry site than I remember the original incision being,
which I kind of expected, given my movement, but now, in February 2009, my
groin still feels tender. It actually feels more like a pulled groin tendon.
It doesn't
impair my movement at all, it just hurt a little bit. Should I be worried about
this enough to go get it looked at? Will the minor pain go away in time? Thanks
in advance for your answers! BTW, I think my cardiologist rocks. It wasn't
his fault that I moved when I shouldn't have!
Jackie Hudson, Boulder, Colorado, USA, February 4, 2009
• Sounds like a hematoma. It's a bleeding complication
from the femoral puncture. It may be minor and go away. If the bruise gets
larger
or the pain continues, call your cardiologist.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 4, 2009
• I had an angiogram in the groin and about 6 hours
later upon rising, felt
a "pop" in the groin followed by intense pain. I went to the ER and had an ultrasound
to check for a pseudoaneurysm. Nothing was found. Six days later, I found black/purple
bruising around site and down 6 inches on the thigh. Now, my groin still hurts
and feels like I have packing in it and my entire leg gets discolored like I
have a circulation problem. What is going on?
Pam, Arizona, USA, February 4, 2009
• Kevin -- your mom had a serious bleeding complication
from the femoral puncture. Happens about 3% of the time. Maybe more. Any
further bleeding should be checked immediately.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 2, 2009
• my mom went in for her second stent and had problems
after the procedure. she bled a lot where the catheter was inserted. the
had to put a lot of pressure
on it for about 10 to 15 min. for the bleeding to stop. Her blood pressure
dropped fast and they had to put something in her i.v. to make her b.p.
go back up. she
stayed over night in the a.c.c. and blood pressure dropped again...75 over
15. they gave her a blood transfusion of two pints. she came home the following
day.
now, she has a hard egg shaped ball where the catheter was started. it has
grown some, and the doctor has not called her back. what could it be? and
should she
go to the emergency room? concerned son!
Kevin Snedecor, concerned son, Austin, Texas, USA, January 27, 2009
• Four months back my father suffered heart attack
and we did his coronary angiography. Since his angiography my father is
suffering from following problems - a) severe burning sensation in feet
(cannot put his shoes on due to pain) b) pains / severe pricking sensation
radiating from ankle to leg c) foot turning red at night d) pain invariably
worsens at night and he can't sleep. e) cannot walk due to pain f) Very
less sensation in feet
My father is diabetic patient and suffers from varicose
veins. Have done following diagnostics test - a) Nerve conduction test
(Electromyo graph) b) MRI scan c) Doppler test of right leg Doctors have
told following things - a) Diabetic neuropathy (peripheral) b) Lumbar stenosis
c) Peripheral arterial disease Taken following treatments - For Lumbar
stenosis: Traction for eight days, IFT, long wave and laser therapy. Result:
Pain that radiated from hip to leg reduced. For nerve pain: Since the foot
was looking red and looking swollen Dr put him on steroids for 4 days.
They said he might
have "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" or "Raynauds Syndrome" and discharged.
Steroids stopped and gabapentin is started. PAD: Dr has advised another angiography
of leg. But we are wary to do this as this might trigger another pain. Dr advised
to wear stockings for his varicose veins Before angiography his walking was limited
due to pain in legs, but after some rest he was able to walk again. But this
angiography has broken down something and Dr is not able to diagnose the burning
pain in his right feet. He has very less sensation and cannot even wear his shoes
as it pains. Can some one please help? Thanks.
Sumeet, Pune, India, January 26, 2009
• Pauline -- when you lay on your back for an extended
time, especially afterwards while the femoral puncture site heals, you
anbd many others experience back pain --it's one reason we are advocating
greater use of the radial artery in the wrist -- patients can sit up and
walk almost immediately after the procedure.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 17, 2009
• i had a heart attack in sept and had an angiogram
done and a stent put in . now january i had another angiogram done no stent
put in my question is
has anyone suffered back pain from this procedure?
Pauline Lawless, a mum, Dublin, Ireland, January 14, 2009
• My husband had an angiogram (no stenting) some
two months ago and all has progressed well but he occasionally experiences
slight spasms in the chest (midline and to the right) which only last
a few moments but can be quite unnerving. These spasms can occur at any
time
and are not particularly painful. Has anyone
had similar experiences?
G.D., Ballarat, Australia, January 8, 2009
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