Archived Postings from 2010 on This Page (123):
To Pat from Minneapolis -- Thank you for
a bit of encouragement that this post-catheterization nerve pain might
still get better with time. My heart cath was on 9-15-10 and since then
no one has been able to help with the resulting pain- all diagnostics
have come back normal. My main concern after finding that an angio seal
was used, is that I have autoimmune disease and was told many years ago
never to have collagen put in! I've been praying they would find that
to be the culprit, thinking it could then be removed and pressure on
the nerve would go away. No one can confirm the angio seal as the problem,
tho, so I guess I'll start taking the nerve meds and hope things get
better like they eventually did for Pat... The stabbing pains in my groin,
the burning and nagging in my leg, and even pain referred into my right
pelvic area are all going on four months
now!
Four Months And Counting, Denver, Colorado, USA, December 29, 2010
Deb C and Pocatello -- check out the various
other posts in this topic. Nerve pain after a femoral cath is a known complication.
It can happen if the femoral nerve gets pinched during the needle stick or
catheter manipulation -- or sometimes during the manual compression of the
artery, or even by the vascular closure device that is sometime used to seal
the wound. Nerve trauma can take day, weeks, even months to resolve. And
in some cases, it remains a problem. There are, of course, other possible
causes for the pain, as well. If this persists, you should definitely make
the cardiologist who performed the cath aware of it. A neurologist may be
able to run a test on the nerve to see if it's working correctly.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 29, 2010
My wife had a femoral angiogram one week
ago. The post-op pain was normal. Two days ago she complained of pain
radiating toward the groin/upper thigh, and radiated around the back
and in the buttocks. She rested and the pain went away a day later. Tonight,
the same pain returned. I am concerned about the possibility of a blood
clot, or possibly some kind of nerve damage.
femoral site pain in Pocatello, Pocatello, Idaho, USA, December 24,
2010
My dad had a heart cath about a month ago.
He has had terrible pain in his right leg and foot since. He is having
a hard time walking. the Dr has done an ABI but that is all that has
been done. Any suggestions what might have cause the pain and what he
can do to get rid of it.
Deb C, Wichita, Kansas, USA, December 20, 2010
23 male- had a angioseal device put in
my leg and i didn't get any card or brochure about it. came to and it
was there. it feels like i was kicked in the groin. the dr said no lifting
for 24 hr. I'm now on my third day of recovery and my groin still sore.
I guess everything is fine with the seal, because there is no bruising.
can i resume daily work? i have planed a ski trip for next week and i
an wondering if i should cancel.
DEMO, Virginia, Beach, Virginia, USA, December 17, 2010
Wanted to let you know that to my surprise
the day of the heart cath the doctor did indeed do radial!
So my recovery was quick and the only discomfort I had was a little
soreness in my
right forearm. After the fourth day it was fine. I cannot
thank you
all enough
for getting the word out about this.
Jeanne K, the nerve damage was very
painful. It started before I ever was able to get up from the many
hours of laying in the hospital bed after the heart cath. The pain was
so bad
that it actually broke through morphine and dilaudid and percocets.
It is a pain that is severe and if there was pain past a number 10, it
would
be. I have been under the care of neurologists and pain doctors and
they put me on what I call a cocktail of drugs to keep the pain at a
level
I could tolerate until the break-through pain comes. That is pain that
breaks through the medicine and so I was given another even stronger
pain pill for that. I have had deep injections to the nerve root in
my spine and countless trigger injections of lidocaine and steroids.
Today
I have a limp and loss of muscle in my right leg. I am hoping to start
physical therapy next year.
Tammy, Arizona, USA, December 9, 2010
I have had 2 "cath" procedures. The 1st
ended in heart surgery. I was sooo devastated and depressed for 3 years
because of all the pain and having to have my poor husband wait on me
(even wiping my but after "BM's". One yr.
ago I had another "Cath" afterwards I cussed and screamed as a nurse pushed down
on the site. I know why it was done but did I really have to hurt that DAMN bad?
Why won't they give you a pain med Before that takes place. Now I find out 1
yr. later 2010 that a NEW doc. Wants to see for himself and so now I gotta do
it again. When does this sh__ cease? I just feel as if saying is it worth the
trouble heart cath, surgery, heart cath, surgery, should I, should I not? I feel
as if I have no choice and I know children r out there worse off than me but
I have to deal myself right now. I have feelings
too.
Selita, Arkansas, USA, December 8, 2010
Pain from Ashland -- you certainly have
experienced one of the more serious complications from a femoral cath!
We're so sorry, but we are glad that you were in a hosptal when the pseudoaneurysm
"blew". A quick thought might be that you've suffered some
trauma to the femoral (or other) nerve which runs parallel and close
to the femoral
artery. This may wear off, but this may take months or more. Some
users of this Forum have found that a neurologist may be of help in these
cases.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 5, 2010
I had an angiogram in 4/09 2 days later I
complained of pain in my groin and down my leg. I was referred to the ER
and told to have an ultrasound to look for a pseudoaneurysm. After 2 weeks
and 3 ultrasounds I was admitted to the hospital
for pain control & observation. The drs were going to do surgery to clean up
a little infection and let it heal from the inside out but on the morning of
the surgery my femoral artery blew due to a pseudoaneurysm which went undetected.
They stabilized me and I was lifeflighted to the nearest major hospital where
I spent 9 days and received a 4" graft to repair artery. Within the last
year I have had an occlusion in my superficial femoral artery that they opened
with
an angioplasty but this did not keep it open so I had another procedure where
they placed a stent. I am now dealing with extreme pain in my groin area
that radiates down my leg, on major pain medications and have even tried
a dorsal
column stimulator but nothing is helping with the pain. There is narrowing
near my stent but the drs feel this is not causing the pain. Has anyone ever
had similar
issue or ideas that could help, or know of a good dr in WI or MN that may
be helpful??
Pain after femoral artery repair due to pseudoaneurysm rupture, Ashland, Wisconsin,
USA,
November 30, 2010
Angiogram from Yakima -- don't see how --
the catheter travels up through the arteries. Only thing we can imagine
is that somehow you got bruised being moved from the gurney onto the
cath lab table?? And Stan from Phoenix -- don't think a clot in your
lungs would cause pain in your left side -- possibly a breathing problem
would be the symptom. And you're right that a clot would most likely
goes downward. What kind of pain are you having and exactly where?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 30, 2010
Is it possible to have a rib bruised from
an angiogram?
angiogram, Yakima, Washington, USA, November 29, 2010
I had an angiogram two days ago, and have
had no issues with the insertion site. However, i am beginning to feel
some pain in my left side, which i fear is a potential floating clot
that found its way into my lung. Knowing blood flow goes into my lower
extremities through the femoral from the insertion site, it seems unlikely
that a clot could go from my hip all the way through the arteries and
back up to the lungs, so i wanted to get your opinion.
Stan from Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, November 21, 2010
FP in North Carolina -- The iodine in contrast
dye can cause kidney problems -- it's known as Contrast Induced Nephropathy
(CIN)
-- it
is the
third most common cause of hospital acquired renal failure, according
to Dr.
Donald Baim's textbook on Cardiac Catheterization. There are
a number of techniques used with patients who have renal dysfunction or elevated
creatinine levels prior to catheterization, including hydration, diluting
the contrast, and limiting the volume of contrast used during the procedure. (Note
to FP -- the email address you indicated on your form was not valid -- if
you get a chance to, please correct it. Thanks.)
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 20, 2010
My husband had an elevated creatinine and then an angiogram and developed
ESRD. He is on dialysis 3 times a week now for the rest of his life. I understand
the dye in the angiogram can cause this. Does anyone know?
FP, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, November 19, 2010
Had a angiogram through the groin on Monday.
No blockages but it is Thursday night and I am still having trouble getting
up & down and walking from the pain in the punctured area and under the
site. I went back to the Dr. yesterday & he
said he thought it was a hematoma & would work itself out and the pain would
go away. I am miserable, not sleeping well, and feeling a little nauseous. I
don't know what to do to feel better and the surgeon didn't seem very concerned.
Any suggestions?
Dee Dee, Houston, Texas, USA, November 11, 2010
Tammy, can you explain your nerve damage in 2008?
I'm curious if it is
similar to mine.
Jeanne K., Old Lyme, Connecticut, USA, November 10, 2010
Tammy -- Glad our web site is helping spread
the word. Every radial cardiologist we've spoken with discusses the fact
that patients who have had the procedure via the groin/leg artery and subsequently
had it done through the wrist/radial approach would never go back. The
procedure is spreading in the U.S. We just attended the "Radial
Summit" in Boston to an overflow crowd. The approach
your cardiologists are discussing sounds like the "brachial" approach
(pronounced "brake-eel") through the brachial artery in the elbow.
This is not the same as the radial approach. As with all procedures, the
skill and experience of the operator is a big factor, and one can find
arguments for and against each approach. We see that you are writing from
Arizona. If you use our Radial
Hospital Locator, you will see hospitals that practice the
radial approach. You can also read our interview with Dr.
Mehrdad Saririan who is located in Phoenix. Perhaps this may
be of some assistance. Please let The Forum know how things turn out.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 10, 2010
I first heard about Radial Access here right after
I had nerve damage from a heart cath in 2008. I am having another cath
on friday. I have requested the radial access and the best I was offered
by two different Cardiologists was through my upper right arm. I am wondering
if you could let me know more about this entry point. Thank you.
Tammy, Arizona, USA, November 10, 2010
Jeanne -- Thanks for writing in and we apologize
for the delay in replying to your earlier
post. (We're
a volunteer section of Angioplasty.Org and a bit behind.) We're glad that
the embolization procedure worked -- it's one of the many interventions
made possible since the concept of working within the arteries became a reality
three decades ago. Unfortunately, there are still complications, although
uncommon, and nerve trauma can be one, especially in the femoral/groin arterial
access. If you read through this topic (you can also search for words, using
"Control-F") you'll see a number of other patients with similar
complaints. Nerve trauma may resolve in weeks or months. Yours has been two
years. We would suggest what some other patients have done -- consult a neurologist
to test if in fact you have nerve damage -- and to get any possible treatment
or therapy, if it is. And let us know the outcome.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 10, 2010
Will you post a question about complications
from a catheterization through the groin that was done to embolize a bleed,
even though it was not done for a heart-related issue? This forum is the
first thing I've read where I feel like people are experiencing what I
am experiencing.
Jeanne T., Old Lyme, Connecticut, USA, November 9, 2010
i had the heart cath and since then i's been
a living hell i keep trying to tell these so called doctors what's happening
they don't want to listen their not god why don't they listen to their
patients if you ask me they have some kind of god complex when i had hernia
surgery i told the doctor to put the catheter in me after i fell asleep
he told me i did not need one but when i woke up then he wanted to put
one in me that was very painful why cant the person sue these so called
doctors?
Shot, Grand Prairie, Texas, USA, November 5, 2010
Patty from Little Rock -- hope the pain and
swelling goes away soon. As for your other question -- that's beyond the
scope of our site, but maybe some readers have comments.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 5, 2010
Closure was by manual compression. Yesterday,
11/1, I had a hard ridge about 2 inches long (round, but smaller
than a straw) develop between and above the insertions sites. Drs nurse
said apply heat. today is the same. by the way is mild chest pain normal,
last
only a few seconds to a minute/ I am still confused how the atrial
arrhythmia is caused by seizure disorder I developed after ruptured brain
aneurysm
and clipping via craniotomy. How will an ablation correct arrhythmia
if it is caused by my brain?
Patty, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, November 2, 2010
Patty from Little Rock -- the big concern post-cath
is bleeding complications. Hematomas are a minor complication and not
uncommon. However, if you feel the hematoma is spreading or you are feeling
odd,
faint, etc., see your cardiologist right away. But normally, hematomas
can take a while to resolve. How were the punctures closed? By manual
pressure, or did they use a vascular closure device, like Angioseal?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 30, 2010
I had ep study on Wednesday. Two venous
punctures on left and right groin. I had 2 large hematomas on the right
as soon as cath was removed. I the two rt hematomas bled 3 times after
I was in recovery, and a small one occurred on the left. After 14 hours
I was released. Thurs.(yesterday the rt. groin was the color of an
eggplant and was a little larger than 1 1/2 times size of my hand. Today
it is
twice as large as yesterday and has spread in several places that are
almost to the back of my thigh. i am not in excruciating pain, just
uncomfortable unless I stand or walk. But, today I have had very sharp
burning pains
in areas of my leg well below the hematoma site, and this evening a
mild constant burning. that is pretty constant. I called dr. on call
and he
says all is usual stuff. Is this just common following the procedure
Cath puncture site looks ok.
Patty, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, October 30, 2010
After almost six months my pain has disappeared!
No doctor or physical therapist was able to provide complete relief but
time seemed to do the trick.
One morning I woke up and found I could roll over without pain, after a few
more weeks the groin and muscle pain gradually got better. Then I did
some too strenuous
walking and the pain increased. After going back to the Dr extremely frustrated
the pain all of a sudden disappeared after a few days. I've been ecstatic ever
since but still wish something could have been done to make it heal faster.
The medical community was not very helpful and didn't seem to understand
just how
frustrating the situation was for me. Now I need to get my act together and
exercise and eat healthier
Pat, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, October 24, 2010
Peggy from Tennessee -- we're most sorry for
your loss. We obviously cannot comment on whether any medical procedure was
necessary -- every case is different. We are assuming the cardiologists did
an angiogram to assess her clinical need and see if they could do anything.
A torn artery is a complication (it's called a dissection) of any catheter-based
procedure, although it's certainly not common. It is often resolved by inflating
a balloon while the dissection heals or placing a stent.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 21, 2010
My mom, 59 years old, went to the doctor for
shortness of breath on September 27, 2010. They said she was suffering
from congestive heart failure. Two days later they did an angiogram. Tore
an artery. Lost her for 21 min. Were able to bring her back. She woke up
two days later. They said she would probably need a heart transplant. Said
she could go home with a defibrillator vest and later they would insert
a defibrillator in her chest once her heart got stronger. She was suppose
to go home October 6, 2010. She died early that morning. Is this normal?
Did they contribute to her death? Was the angiogram necessary? Please
help.
Peggy, Tennessee, USA, October 15, 2010
Bety from Florida -- have you contacted the
interventional cardiologist who did the angioplasty? If not, you should let
him/her know about this complication. Bleeding from the femoral (groin) artery
should be resolved before a patient is discharged -- unless it's minor "oozing".
But follow-up with the cardiologist. Many of these "minor" complications
never get reported back, because they are dealt with in the ER and not by
the doctors who were involved in the angioplasty.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 15, 2010
on 9/29/10 i had angioplasty and LS stent placed
through right groin.11 days later, pain, fever 101F and swelling at incision
site sent me to ER on 10/10/10. A
sonogram showed small bleeding from femoral closure and they sent me home with
Keflex 500mg every 8h,ice bag to the groin and Tylenol.The swelling is reduced
but with every move the swelling goes back to the size of a tangerine.The pain
it's OK if I do not move but starts with every tentative to move. I feel frustrated
by not being able to do anything and I do not know if it's normal to bleed
from artery and be sent home unsupervised. Anyone out there had similar
problem? Please
let me know if I am safe.
Bety, Riverview, Florida, USA, October 14, 2010
Deej from North Carolina -- check out our related
topic on "Vascular
Closure Devices" -- of which AngioSeal is one. The AngioSeal
contains bovine collagen, which you may be allergic to. But you also may
be having a reaction to one or more medications that you are taking. Also,
since you have plaque in your femoral artery, check out our Transradial
Access Center, in case you need a cath in the future.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, Octob er 10, 2010
I had heart cath on 9/27/10 through right femoral
artery. Dr said femoral artery had a lot of plaque buildup so it was hard
to get in. The heart cath was performed, no blockage found, Angio Seal
was used for closure. I was released from hospital 3 hours later. On Day
0: I was heavily drugged and vomiting, heavy bruising, hard to walk. Day
1: Migraine from hell, a lot of vomiting, more bruising, hurt to walk.
Day 2: went to work but in moderate pain, lightheadedness, nausea, hard
to walk. Day 3: Woke at 2:30am w/excruciating whole leg pain on right side,
vomiting, headache - went to ER. Ultrasound negative for blood clot, they
injected 6 units of morphine, sent me home. Day 4: itchy rash on left leg
(groin area), mild leg pain, mild headache, walking better, deep bruising.
Day 5: itchy rash
spread to all of stomach, chest, both/hips & legs (hip to knee), right leg pain
(moderate), headache (moderate), little appetite, no fever, same bruising, twinge-ing
pain at procedural site. Is this normal or an allergic reaction to the Angio
seal? I've left message with my cardiologist but guess it doesn't rank a phone
call
back. Help me please!
Deej, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, October 2, 2010
I had a heart attack in 2000 which led to a 4
bypass. Since then I have had 3 other attacks which have led to 3 angioplasty
with stents. This last angioplasty
was the worse I have ever experienced. My question is has anyone ever experienced
numb arms during the procedure.
Little Mom, Bakersfield, California, USA, October 1, 2010
In 2008, in an emergency situation, I had
a catheter inserted in my right groin to successfully repair a bleed
in my liver. Within a day I noticed that my right side of my body, from
just below my ribs to my knee felt numb --rather as if I had had Novocain
that was wearing off. That feeling continues. The best way to describe
it is that the leg feels heavy and tight. Does this sound like nerve
damage from the catheter insertion? I've lived with it just fine. I am
52. But in the last few weeks, sometimes after or during my 50-minute
walk I
feel kind of a "pop" in my front thigh and then it hurts, as if I'm being stuck
with a hot poker. In a couple of days it returns to usual (heavy and tight).
It is making me hesitant to take my usual walks. Has anyone experienced similar
sensations?
Jeanne T., Old Lyme, Connecticut, USA, September 27, 2010
Further angioplasty procedure, Kent, United Kingdom,
August 1, 2010 Hi I am due to go to hospital to have angiogram and have
been told that depending on what they find may do the stent there and then
- is this the case - to say i am worried is putting it mildly - been reading
about problems arising from this - worried about the pain and discomfort
- is there any crumb of comfort
out there?
Chrissy, United Kingdom, September 19, 2010
In April 2010 I had pulmonary vein ablation for Paroxysmal AF. CT in June
revealed stenosis of left lower pulmonary vein. Attempt to stent the vein was
unsuccessful due to small opening. The day after the attempted dilation I developed
gastric outlet obstruction, was readmitted, and had stomach evacuated via NG
tube. After 4 days endoscopy revealed gastric ulcers (some from NG tube) but
no obstruction. Any ideas re why I was obstructed? Anesthesia &/or damage to
vagal plexus was speculated. Now being treated for ulcers. Don't know prognosis
of vein stenosis.
Jimbo, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, USA, August 31, 2010
I had my catheterization performed & stent
inserted 4 days ago and have mother-of-all bruises on my thigh also.
I just wonder if there
is anything I can do to help the swelling in it go down. I've been keeping
it elevated - is
that all I can do?
Laffnjan, Fresno, California, USA, August 26, 2010
Evan from Houston -- sounds like a bleeding
complication from the access site. It may have been what is called
a retroperoteneal bleed -- where the needle puncture used for the catheter
in the groin (femoral) artery goes through the back wall. This is hard
to diagnose, but is very critical (as you have described). It sometimes
does not get seen or noticed until the patient is home -- and then
it
becomes very dangerous, even life-threatening. This is just a guess.
If you want more information, you should be able to find out from the
cardiologist who did the diagnostic. It is a known, although not common,
complication of any catheter-based procedure done through the femoral
artery (the most common method) -- about 1% or less for serious ones.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, August 20, 2010
Forty days after an MI, I went to the hospital
for my Angiogram. I felt lucky to have not one but two honored Attendings.
Both Baylor profs. My plaque-ing
was diffuse. So the cath was withdrawn & a clamp placed on my groin. The Drs
left the room, and a nurse was cleaning up. I began to feel peacefully drunk.
Really
quite pleasant. Then the nurse looked at me for some reason & said "Oh My God!" I
wondered why and looked at my monitor which was making a kind of beep and noticing
it read 0 0 & 0. I wasn't stressed about it at all. All the Drs came back in & started
slapping me and talking to me. I was given 4 units of blood (Clamp leaked) and
a shot of dopamine. My heart rate went from 0 to 240 & my vision went orange.
Like when you close your eyes & look at the sun. NOW I WAS STRESSED! They gave
me something to lower my pulse.Then a smaller dose dopamine. After 3 more times
of this, It was either 0 or 240. No intermediate.They gave up. The best they
could
do with my BP, was 28 over 18.I went to CCU for 6 days & slowly my BP was high
enough to go home. My leg was twice it's normal size & black. I have never
gotten a straight answer about WHY, my pulse went from 0 to 240.
What happened here?
Evan Marks, Houston, Texas, USA, August 18, 2010
had a cardiac cath on 8/3 ever since I
have a lot of pain in that leg. It s very hard to go up steps and walk
any distance.My family Dr thinks they injured a nerve. Cardiologist
started me on medication for nerve pain. I have to try to go back to
work next
week, do not know how it will go , I am a nurse. will this go away?
I have no experience with nerve injury.
rnac07, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA, August 12, 2010
Further to my procedure & post to this
site earlier this month,
i have had my procedure on the 30th July, that went in through
the groin & it was a
success this time. One artery stented & 2 opened by ballooning. I was kept in
hospital overnight as a precautionary & all was fine, was released from St Thomas's
hospital @ 11-00 the next morning. As usual the treatment was excellent, the
nursing was excellent, I was fussed over like a lord. I have been home now for
a day & so far I have no problems, slight bruising around the puncture site but
that is expected due to the pressure the nurses have to administer to stop the
bleeding. my leg is aching a bit but not too much to stop me doing anything although
i
have been told to take it easy& not to do any lifting for a couple of days.
All seems good. If anyone is worried
please contact me through this site.
further angioplasty procedure, Kent, United Kingdom, August 1, 2010
BuckeyeGuy and Rose -- Black
and blue areas after a femoral catheter-based procedure is performed
is known as a hematoma -- blood leaks under the skin from the access
site in the groin and is seen as a large bruise. It is not uncommon and
usually goes away in a few weeks as the blood is absorbed into the body.
But if the bruising moves or increases in size, it may be a sign of continuing
leakage and should be called to your cardiologist's attention ASAP. In
your case, Rose, you experienced a serious bleeding complication, so
the hematoma would be large. However, there's no reason not to consult
about this with the interventional cardiologist or radiologist who did
the angiogram to make sure everything is okay -- after what you've gone
through, piece
of mind would be welcome, we're sure.
And Pat in Minnesota -- have you consulted a neurologist??
Some posters in this topic report that this has had some benefit. What
may have happened is that the femoral nerve (which lies along side of
the femoral artery) may have gotten "nicked" or traumatized during the
procedure. This may be something that will wear off (in months or more)
-- it also may be something a neurologist can test for and treat. Good
luck and post any follow-up.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 31, 2010
Rose -
You need to get back in to see your doc asap. Is your leg "black and blue" from
bruising? It could be that your are not getting sufficient blood flow,
hence your doc needs to know asap!
Some closure devices can fail or be incorrectly deployed and can cause
the artery to become blocked. If that is your case, albeit rare, it needs
fixed. Hope this helps.
BuckeyeGuy, Columbus, Ohio, USA, July 29, 2010
I'm 62, had a mild heart attack in early May. An angiogram & angioplasty
were performed & two stents were inserted to open the blockage. My groin incision
healed well with little bruising but groin, pelvic & adductor muscle pain ensued.
After finally being referred to a physical therapist there was some improvement
but not enough. After more than 2 months, I still have trouble getting in & out
of the car, going up or down steps, rolling over in bed, getting up after sitting
for a long time & pain & aching if I walk or stand on my feet too long. These
post don't seem to indicate much success in alleviating the pain & regaining
normal function. At a time when I should be exercising more & eating healthy,
I'm frustrated because I can't exercise & have been eating a lot of junk because
of the depressed feelings & frustration.
Has anyone had successful treatment?
Pat, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 25, 2010
Had arteriogram done
on June 24, 2010. This was done because of very painful leg cramps 3 or
4 times nightly. Veins were
removed from left leg in 1998 for a triple bypass surgery.Had ultrasound
before arteriogram which showed 80% blockage on left leg and 50% on right
leg. The physician said he would do the arteriogram and possibly stint
[stent]. After procedure was done i hemorrhaged for quite some time and
had to lie on back for 25 hrs. Quite painful. Anyway no stint [stent]
was done and leg is still very black and blue 3 1/2 wks later. Has anyone
else
had this problem? I am frightened to have anything else done. What should
be done next? Please
advise.
Rose P., Springfield, Ohio, USA, July 19, 2010
Mick H from the UK -- thank you so so much for
writing in your positive experiences. As anyone can see, most of the posters
in these Forums are writing in about not so positive experiences. We become
sort of a "complaint department" -- but that's important! Because unfortunately,
these issues and complications are not aired enough. Even if complications
are minor, they're not minor to those who experience them. But the complications
are small in percentage. You're actually not just "lucky" to
have had positive outcomes, you're the norm. Data show that around 90%
of patients
having femoral catheter-based procedures have no complications at all.
And those having wrist angios have even less. Although, as you note, there
are a very few challenging cases where the wrist limits what can be done
and the groin approach is necessary.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 16, 2010
Reading this forum, it seems that i have been
lucky, in total i have had
10 angiograms & angioplasties, 3 have been radial through the wrist & 7 through
the iliac arteries through the groin area. i have never had any problems that
some people have suffered. 7 have been on the femoral artery down both legs.
3 have been to the heart. I had a angioplasty through the wrist to fit 2 stents
on Wednesday 14th July 2010, was on the table for over 2hrs & they couldn't budge
the blockage, even tried the Laser which didn't work so now i have got to go
back in 3 weeks (because they said that i have had the limit of radio-active
contrast
dye allowed) & they will be going in through the groin area this time as they
said through the wrist they are limited as to what they can do & have more options
through the groin. Hopefully they will succeed this time as the alternative will
be a by-pass operation. I have nothing but praise for the doctors & nurses who
have performed these procedures plus the aftercare is second to none. My Latest
angioplasty was done in St Thomas's hospital in London & was treated excellently,
i couldn't fault anything that was done to me.
Mick H, Kent, United Kingdom, July 16, 2010
Jaye -- it's called a retroperitoneal hematoma
and is a serious complication seen in a small percentage of femoral catheter-based
procedures (less than 1 in a 100). You're fortunate that it was caught
in the hospital and dealt with. Untreated, this complication can cause
extensive bleeding and can even be fatal.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 16, 2010
Had a heart cath done on 7/12/10. The first time
wasn't successful and they entered again in the left femoral artery. A
short time later, blood pressure
dropped, CT scan was performed and there was bleeding into the abdominal cavity.
Thoracic surgeon was called in to repair the laceration and I received three
pints of blood. I was discharged today 07/14/10 and now along with my stomach
my left legs is swollen and of course there is the bruising. Is this a rare
thing to have happen?
Jaye1974, Robinson, Illinois, USA, July 14, 2010
Nanadonna -- that's a new one on us. What type
of plug was used. Do you remember? Because most "plugs" are collagen-based
and are resorbed into the body within 6 months. Check out our Forum
Topic on Vascular
Closure Devices.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 13, 2010
Had a cardiac cath done 8 years ago. No complications.
A plug was used and today that plug fell out. Is this a problem. I have
no pain just a little
red at the site.
Nanadonna, Florida, USA, July 12, 2010
GG from Oklahoma -- it's called a hematoma --
if it continues spreading and growing in size, let your cardiologist know,
just to rule out internal bleeding. A hematoma is a minor and not uncommon
complication in femoral catheter-based procedures. And Lisa from
Denver-- read our response from June
7.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 9, 2010
I had a femoral angiogram on June 30, 2010. There
was no problem bleeding and no pain upon walking upon discharge a few hours
later after laying with my
right leg straight and no movement. As the days go by and it is July 4, 2010
the bruising is started to show up everywhere. The puncture site has no bruising
with very little swelling and slight tenderness at this point. I read on the
internet about bruising being caused by gravity, that bruising goes down the
inner thigh. Why is this happening? The bruise is very black in color and seemingly
spreading in different direction about one inch on each side from the from
the puncture site. I called my cardiologist and he seemed very nonchalant
and stated
that I was in a minor percentage of patients that this happens to and it would
go away in a few days. I am not easily frightened, but was not confident with
his answer. Is there anyone out there that has experienced this type of bruising
and if so what was the outcome. Should I be worried?
G G Archambo, Coweta, Oklahoma, USA, July 4, 2010
I underwent a left and right heart cath in late
January 2010. No complications from the procedure and fortunately they
were able to rule out PH and document the status of my valvular disease.
The "Angio-Seal" closure device was used (I was not informed or consented
before the procedure)and I did not have any post-op complications but in
the past month I have developed recurrent numbness and tingling in the
lateral aspect of my right thigh radiating down to just below my knee;
symptoms seem consistent with Meralgia Paresthetica. Are there documented
reports
of MP as a complication of cardiac cath. Thank you
Lisa, Denver, Colorado, USA, July 4, 2010
I had couple of DES stents inserted last month in emergency Angioplasty.
I had no issues at Cath insertion site then. After a month they inserted one
more DES (leftover from last time) . However, this time there is a big bruise
/ discoloration etc. at the insertion site. hope it gets better soon. many sites
say that it is not that uncommon, & it goes away. keep fingers crossed!
Chacha, New Jersey, USA, July 1, 2010
I had angioplasty 3 weeks ago now I have pain
under my right ribs and discomfort breathing and some times back pain
is that normal I take plavix neospirin and statin as prescribed. I walk
and
do modest exercise is this normal?
Najim, San Francisco, California, USA, July 1, 2010
Judy from Maryland -- our sympathies to you and
your family. The mortality rate for coronary angiograms is low, 1 in 1,000
-- but it does happen. The contrast dye used in angiography definitely
affects the kidneys -- and patients with impaired kidneys get specialized
treatments to minimize any adverse effects, diluted dye, increased hydration,
etc. But yours is a complex issue and impossible to generalize about without
direct knowledge of the specific clinical situation. We hope you are able
to get answers that you feel explain this tragic event. Please let the
Forum know anything you find out.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 1, 2010
my mother 60 years old past away 7 days after
she had a angiogram, she had high blood pressure for 15 years and one
kidney was extra small she had a stent placed in the kidney about 2 years
ago.
after the angiogram her blood pressure went totally out of control and
the doctors started to give her insulin shots!! she was never a diabetic!
on the 4th day in the hospital she told the doctor she was having a lot
of shortness of breath, the next day she was on full life support, we
were told she had total kidney failure. we are not sure what went wrong
but
if not for the angiogram she would be here today.
judy, upper marlboro, Maryland, USA, June 29, 2010
Cecy -- read our response
from June 7.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 29, 2010
I am a 30 yr old female and i had a cath angiogram
done on 6/22/2010. Dr. went through my right groin. Good news no blockage.
But it has been seven days after the angiogram and i have so much pain
from about my right pelvic area all the way up to right under my right
breast bone. it hurts to walk or to get up from sitting or laying down.
i cant lay on my right side b/c of the pain is this normal i really don't
want to go back to the dr
Cecy, Lubbock, Texas, USA, June 29, 2010
Concrete Man -- it's very hard to believe that
you are walking around with a 22 inch catheter in your blood vessels. Is
there perhaps some missing information here??
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 28, 2010
I had a angio 4 months ago during surgery the
catheter broke off and went inside me won't show up on a X-ray the catheter
is about 22 inches long. Has this happen to anyone else? And how can
I find it?
concrete man, Dublin, California, USA, June 28, 2010
Betsy -- glad to hear you're doing well post-angioplasty.
Your daughter is correct to question -- bruising is definitely a side
effect of Plavix-aspirin, especially in certain patients. You might want
to bring
this to the attention
of the
doctor who
did the angioplasty -- perhaps a dose adjustment is
in order -- but whatever you do, don't stop taking or change your meds
without discussing it first with your
doctor.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 27, 2010
I'm 90 years old and had groin angioplasty to
open an artery in lower left leg. This was done in February. Everything
went fine. Over the past 2 weeks I've noticed bruise marks on my right
inner arm and one on the inner right thigh, as if the blood vessel walls
were weak in these areas. My daughter questioned me about these areas
being hit and they have not. I'm on baby aspirin and Plavix. Has anyone
else
had bruisings show up 3-4 months after angioplasty?
Betsy, San Antonio, Texas, USA, June 24, 2010
I had my angiogram on August 22, 2009, with one
stent placed. Recently I am experiencing groin pain at the femoral puncture
site which radiates down
my leg. Should I be concerned?
Rita K., Wisconsin, USA, June 17, 2010
My husband had this procedure done and they sent
him home and told him he was fine. Within hours he was back in the emergency
room and they found out he was bleeding internally from where the Dr. cut
his artery in error. He was in the hospital for a week and will be home
for almost 6 weeks.
Jane, Binghamton, New York, USA, June 14, 2010
Hazel and other readers who have questions about
Angio-seal or other vascular closure devices, check out our Forum Topic
on Vascular
Closure Devices.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 14, 2010
Hello, on May 5th 2010 I had angio to check out
mesenteric stenosis. This was my 15th angio due to a vascular disease.
Angio seal was used. I believe this was the first one I have had. On
May 24 at another facility it was noted I had bruit, then after ultra sound
told iliac stenosis. It is not stenosis due to my disease (Fibromuscular
Dysplasia), but doctor felt it was due to angio seal. Follow up with
the
doc who did angio he also heard bruit and had other docs results. The
plan is to evaluate in three months with ultra sound. But today I am having
some shooting pains and feeling of numbing foot. Would this be symptoms
of stenosis? Are there any serious complications that can arise from
this?
Thank
you for your input.
Hazel, Santa Rosa, California, USA, June 9, 2010
Abnormal ECG -- check out the Forum Topic on Heart
Attacks. If you had a heart attack and your heart suffered
some damage, even if it was minor, your ECG will most likely not be 100%
"normal". This does not necessarily mean you should be worried. But stay
in touch with your cardiologist, get regular check ups and try to do whatever
you can to minimize your risk profile (stop smoking, diet, exercise, and
any meds your doctor has prescribed).
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 9, 2010
Hi, I am 38 years and had an heart attack a month
ago. After an angioplasty, I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was having
palpitation for last two weeks but not anymore. So as a precaution my
GP asked me to do an ECG. Yesterday I did an ECG and found it was not normal.
When I discussed with my family doctor, she compared the ECG with the
one
I had taken on the day I was discharged from the hospital.(i.e. a month
ago) The doctor came to the conclusion that both the the ECGs are identical
so that nothing to worry. She was telling me that my heart is never going
to be perfect after the the heart attack so as a result ECG will also
not be normal. my question is, can this be true? Does this indicate some
problem
which I should be concerned? also I remember the doctors at the hospital
were saying my ECG was not normal but they let me go home. They didn't
give me
any explanation at that time. Thanks.
Abnormal ECG after an heart attack, Wakaputa Plc, Sheffield, England, June
9,
2010
Bethsha211 from Texas -- an aneurysm normally
would show up as a large and spreading purplish bruise. A clot is internal
and would result in significant pain, etc. Did you have a femoral closure
device, such as an Angio-seal used? If so, check out the related Forum
Topic on Vascular
Closure Devices.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 9, 2010
I had an angiogram in femoral artery of right
leg 2 weeks ago. I was very swollen, but now the swelling is minimal.
Now that the swelling has receded I can feel a very hard knot about the
size
of a grape close to where the incision was made. My doctor said over
the phone that it was normal and would go away in a few weeks. How can
he possibly
know that it is not a blood clot or aneurysm
caused by the procedure ?
bethsha211, Austin, Texas, USA, June 8, 2010
A general reply to our readers -- one set of complications
after a femoral catheter-based procedure, whether diagnostic (catheterization)
or therapeutic (balloon angioplasty or stent) has to do with
the arterial access site, which is usually the right or sometimes the
left groin. (Access site complications from the transradial wrist
approach are very rare.) These femoral access-site complications are
sometimes bleeding complications, injuries to the artery, or sometimes
a nerve gets traumatized and leg pain
ensures.
These types of
complications sometimes get reported; sometimes not. The best estimate
is 3-6% of patients have some sort of access-site complications. Some cardiologists
feel it is higher -- but still it is not a massive number. We emphasize
this, because as one reads this Forum, one gets the feeling that catheter-based
procedures are very risky. But posters to this Forum are a distilled subset
of patients -- mainly those who have had problems. The vast majority of
patients having caths have no significant adverse effects.
However,
complications do occur, as in any medical procedure; sometimes they are
minor, but sometimes not. Patients
who experience
these complications hopefully can find some answers here. We would also
hope that these patients find some answers from their cardiologists or
physicians. It is hard to believe that a sudden onset of leg pain or pain
around the access site immediately following a catheter-based procedure
is not related in some way to the procedure. It is important for the cardiologists
doing these procedures to be made aware of any complications, such as the
ones posted here. Perhaps this feedback will move them to change some aspect
of their craft, and lead to improved outcomes.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 7, 2010
Hi, I had a Cardiac Catheterization around November
of 2009, the pain is getting less slowly, but hopefully it will go away
altogether, not sure. I have lessened my activity and notice that when
I do the regular number of things, I feel it,
but not as bad
Cynthia, Dearborn, Michigan, USA, June 2, 2010
I am 31 and had 4 stents put in after a 100%
blockage in the LAD caused a heart attack two weeks ago. No family history
of heart disease or attacks and have good cholesterol levels (most likely
born with it). I had the stents put in via my right groin area. After the
procedure, I still have moderate pains in my chest. I am nervous and anxious
that I'm having another attack. My cardiologists say not to worry, but
I can't help it. Is this normal after stenting? And how long might this
last?
Kaylie, Pennsylvania, USA, May 29, 2010
hi I am 8 months post op with heart cath. I have
swelling in right leg and pain that runs from ankle of right leg all the
way up into my chest. While i was on the table the doc performing heart
cath said aw ohh. I asked for months following procedure about swelling
in leg and pain and the doc kept telling me it was nothing and then one
day I went in in so much pain with leg swelling and asked him what's wrong
with my leg, the doc actually blamed my uterus and then started blaming
pc. I cant get any answers. I have gone to emergency room because doc did
not do follow up even though my artery blew out following procedure. This
all started with panic attacks. I used to be able to walk everyday with
husband, now i am lucky to make it to mailbox. I am only 38, I was 37 at
time of procedure. Can anyone answer questions. I am so depressed now because
I am limited in my daily activities. This web site has helped some in knowing
that I am not the only one suffering these problems. I am set to have another
procedure threw pain management doc to try and relieve lower back and leg
pain. She is putting a balloon in hip. I think I am to young for all of
this. can anyone help
me. thanks
Stormi, Dunnellon, Florida, USA, May 25, 2010
My husband had a heart catheterization done a
week ago, right femoral, now he is experiencing severe, sharp pains on
his right side. He said it really hurts when he takes deep breathes or
tries
get up when he is lying down. What
are possible causes for his pain?
Mrs. Al, Hinesville, Georgia, USA, May 19, 2010
Kris -- a number of femoral patients report experiencing
back pain, mainly because of the extended period
of having to lie still afterwards to allow the arterial puncture
to heal. Vascular
closure
devices, like the StarClose, were invented in part
to shorten
this time period.
(I'll note that patients done from the wrist,
-- a.k.a. the transradial approach -- experience none of this since they
are able to
sit
up and
walk immediately after the procedure.) Don't
know about the abdominal cramping. You also might want to check out our
Forum
Topic
on "Vascular
Closure Devices".
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, May 18, 2010
I am 62, had an angiogram and stent placement
3 days ago with the StarClose on the femoral artery. I am having
lower abdominal cramping with lower
back aching, Is this normal?
Kris W, Portland, Oregon, USA, May 17, 2010
Hi,I wish to see how Rufus
Clifford got on (see
post below) with his surgery. I would appreciate if you could email Rufus
and give him my email address and see if he is willing to correspond with
me as to how he got on post surgery and
recovery .
"Had MRI neurography done in CA by Dr. Aaron Filler.
Found two nerves trapped and others inflamed. Did surgery Oct 7th and
found abnormal tissue and
scar tissue said came from whatever they put in me. It was the angio-seal
device. Doing better now still recovering. If interested I can give Dr.
Filler's info
for others suffering from this problem. I pray this surgery will restore
some type of a normal life again.Rufus Clifford, Shelbyville, Tennessee,
USA, October
17, 2007 "
Regards.
Anon, Europe, May 16, 2010
My 22 year old Son had a Pseudoaneurysm on the
femoral artery ,after a pulmonary vein Isolation procedure for Atrial
Fibrilation.This was in january. Still has a hematoma in the groin and
severe pain and depression
from all the trauma.The Cardiologist sent us to the hospital when my
son came in complaining of pain and neck back and head pain so severe he
was
vomiting and had a migraine.he was walking like an old man.The E- R Doctor
ordered every test except the ultrasound,which should have been the first
test.Sent my son home on pain meds and Valium. Suffered all weekend till
wednesday the next week he saw his primary care doctor who ordered the
right tests.The ultrasound did detect a pseudoaneurysm and so they ended
up doing a thrombin injection to close the femoral artery bleed and well
the rest has to heal on its own we are told.The hematoma still isn't
gone yet and on neuropathic meds for pain.They don't help,just knock him
out.Calling
back for new ideas to help him.Except the heart doctor threw me out of
the office because I was interfering in his medical care.I was just watching
my sons back.Which
should have been his job from the start.
Dolores L., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, May 13, 2010
Kelly -- impossible to tell from here what happened.
A warm sensation is normal. An intense burning isn't. You may have had
a hypersensitivity reaction to the contrast dye. The IR not mentioning
it just means he/she didn't mention it -- it doesn't mean anything's
being hidden.
Did you ask?? -- this is a question
that you need to
be proactive
about
and ask
the
interventional radiologist. You're
right in that if you do have a hypersensitivity to contrast
dye, you'd want to know that for the future.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, May 9, 2010
I am a 47 year old female. On Friday, May 7,
2010 I had an Arteriogram for a tangle of vessels in my foot. The procedure
was going well till they gave me the contrast dye. I felt warmth to the
knee, but from the knee to the tips of my toes it was an intense burning
pain. Moments after the burn left, my left leg, the one that had the injection
and cath, began to spasm (charlie horse). I began to scream in pain. I
began to sob it was so bad! They upped my meds and one of the attendants
began to massage the calf and foot to stop the spasm. I asked the nurse
later how many people get these and her response was "I have never seen
one, ever" and she was in the room with me. Is this a reaction to the Dye?
Would it mean I have a blockage in the artery? The IR never brought up
the subject again when he came in to talk to me after the procedure. Does
he have to record this in my medical records? I hope he does so that I
can have record of it. I would think not mentioning it means they are hiding
something. I just need to know if it was a reaction to the dye. I am fine
today, aside from a tight calf muscle. Please respond asap.
:)
Kelly, San Diego, California, USA, May 9, 2010
Gavin -- as you can read from the other posts
on this and the related topics, leg pain following an interventional
procedure done from the groin (femoral) artery is not unknown. Sometimes
the femoral
nerve is traumatized during the catheter insertion, and sometimes this
goes away after several weeks. But given that you are experiencing both
swelling and pain, our advice is that it couldn't hurt to visit your
interventional cardiologist for a look-see
--
and
to verify
there's no other problem.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, May 7, 2010
My name is Gavin i am 54 and had drug eluting
stents fitted the last one on March the 4th this year. Since then i have
been experiencing constant right leg pain from the groin to my foot.
it is worse at night and the lower leg is swollen can you advise me as
to
what this is (i.e., could this be a blood
clot?).
Gavin W Hewson, A&E Medical services, United Kingdom, May 7, 2010
It has been almost 1 year since I had my cath
done through the groin area. No blockages were found. Since then I feel
pain in the groin and through the
thigh. I occasionally walk as though I'm dragging my leg. Sometimes I feel
a tingling, burning sensation. After lifting my leg will hurt. I went to
my family
physician about this 5 months ago and I was told I had a lateral tear - look
for signs of a hernia. (Bulging). That never happened. This past weekend has
gotten worse, whenever I start my menstruation, the pain in the groin intensifies.
I believe this was the result of the cath.
A. McCann, Columbus, Ohio, USA, May 4, 2010
I had a heart cath. It was very painful at cath
site during procedure. I had 2 incisions in my groin and they used a
starclose clip to close artery, and 5 or 6 needle injections. It's been
5 months
now I am still having pain around incision site (burning, stinging, pulling
pain)
my back pain has been worse. I have had a steroid injection in my back
and several tests done. no conclusion yet. My Cardiologist blew me off
when I explained my pain and never explained why my procedure was painful
and
why I had 2 incisions instead of 1.Yes I am PISSED.
Lee, Douglas, Georgia, USA, April 30, 2010
TO SHARON M OF OKLAHOMA I
had a 4 way bypass done 7 months ago and still have major problems from
heart pump put in left leg femoral artery. I have have
the same "Charlie Horse" pains to this day. I still walk with a cane to make
sure I don't fall. I had a "EMG" done and was told I have "Femoral Nerve Damage".
I go through everything you posted to a tee everyday of the week. The sorry thing
about it is the doctor that did it didn't have the common courtesy to say he
was sorry for what happened. I have been to multiple doctors and never get a
answer of how to treat it. I have had 7 spinal injections to numb the whole left
leg to stop the pain and that doesn't work either. I am a "PISSED OFF PERSON"" the
same as you are. Good luck in the future. If you do find a cure i would like
to know. Here is my email for you or anyone else that wants to know what i have
to live with. flippinlmATcomcastDOTnet
David B., Maine, USA, April 28, 2010
i had femoral cardiac cath 3/31/10. Have been
having R foot pain involving 1st 2nd and 3rd toes and burning on ambulation.
relieved by lying down . Also R leg gets fatigued or heavy walking short
distances.my arterial and venous Dopplers were neg. my r leg and foot
have not been the same since. Any thoughts or advice
will be appreciated.
HS, Amityville, New York, USA, April 28, 2010
Mona -- have you contacted the cardiologist who
did your angiogram? You should let him/her/them know about your complaint.
Sounds like the bruises are a hematoma, something which should resolve
on its
own --
but
they should
check it out to make sure it's not something else, and also to give you
some relief!
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 23, 2010
i am a 36 yr old mother of 4. had a heart cath
done 8 days ago. have bruising in both groin areas. they went in both
sides. was very painful thru it all. thank GOD HE brought me thru it. my
legs
do not feel normal even when i walk. bad bruising and swelling on one
side. the other side only has bruising going down my leg. have not slept
much
since the procedure. feels like something is wrong. do not walk normal
yet. Still in a lot of pain. they released me with no meds thank GOD.
have tried taking tylenol but has not helped. has caused severe pain even
when
i eat or drink anything. hoping to feel better soon and hope all others
will
feel well soon also.
Mona, Ohio, USA, April 20, 2010
I blacked out while jogging with my dogs and went
to the ER and subsequently had an angiogram due to severe aortic valve
stenosis, calcification and insufficiency.
I am scheduled for aortic valve replacement in a few weeks. I had severe pain
during the entire procedure which took 2 hrs because the doctors had to perform
the catheterization from both sides of the groin because of access problems.
After the procedure I had severe back pain probably from tightening my body
due to the pain in my right groin. I had bruising and a small hematoma
developed
under the wound. After reading your comments I will wait for the lump to dissipate
but discuss with my cardiologist at my next appointment. Thanks for your valuable
comments.
Eric K, Rancho Cordova, California, USA, April 15, 2010
B, my mother had a heart cath done in Dec 2009.
Since then she has constant pain from site of injection (groin) to knee.
She has been to many doctors and is looking into go to Mayo since her doctors
have found no answer. Many of you on this forum have pain but I don't see
anyone commenting on being pain free now. Has anyone found the answer?
Please include email address.
W, Orlando, Florida, USA, April 11, 2010
Read our comments from
February 26.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 10, 2010
I had an angiogram on the right side (femoral)
on March 6th.To date, some 6 weeks later I still have shooting pain at
the site & struggle to walk without leaning on something, limping of having
assistance. I'm an otherwise normal 37 yr old female. I do take immuno-suppressives
for Crohn's disease. Has anyone
else
experienced this?
KM, Dublin Ireland, April
9, 2010
Last week I had an angiogram. First they tried
going in through my right wrist. Unfortunately, my radial artery was small
and it became very painful but
they gave more pain relief & persevered till they found they could not negotiate
my elbow. They then moved to the femoral artery in my groin and this procedure
went very smoothly with no after effects. However, on day four my entire right
arm began to ache -enough to prevent sleep. After nasty things like blood clots
were ruled out I was given antibiotics (just in case) and pain relief. Now I
want to know how i can best get rid of this ache. Do I take pain relief & just
use my arm as normal or continue resting it to better calm the grumpy nerves?
Problem with option 2 is being right handed i'm very restricted in what i can
do.
Jan J, Private citizen, New Zealand, April 5, 2010
My husband had a heart attack Oct. 24, 2009.
In the emergency room they went in thru the right groin and placed a stent.
When they brought him to his room he was screaming and crying, he was in
so much pain. He told me it felt like he had a million charlie horses in
his right leg from the knee up to his thigh area and below his knee to
his feet felt like they were numb. Like they had been asleep and were trying
to wake up (like pins sticking in them) occasionally he would have a stabbing
pain in his calf. He could not stand for 3 days and our doctor wanted to
send him home. GO FIGURE!!! It is going on six months now and he still
has problems with not only his right leg, but also his left leg. He can't
walk very far without his legs getting so weak he nearly falls. He still
has the numbness and sharp pains. His right leg, when he sits for 30 min.
or so, turns blood red and gets freezing cold. We have been to two neurologists
now, finally had the EMG or whatever they call the test that shows nerve
damage. He has damage to the femoral nerve. He is diabetic 2, but never
had problems with his feet for legs before this. Will this ever get better,
can someone HELP US!!!
SHOULD WE SUE?
Sharon M., Mustang, Oklahoma, USA, April 5, 2010
Last year my dad done catheterization but now he is ok and can walk easily.
There is no pain and no difficulty in walking.
Mohammad salim khan, saidu teaching hospital, swat Pakistan, swat Pakhtoon
khawa Pakistan, April 1, 2010
Hello,I had a Cardio Catheterization -- think
it is the same as angiogram in November 2009. Had pain all along the
right side even my temple and top of my foot. Some of this is gone,but
I still
have pain in my groin, top of thigh, buttock, right side. Yesterday,
my cardiologist said that he thinks I am having hip problems but I told
him
I had no pain in the groin before. His staff did an ultrasound of my
groin, I left with a major headache from the pressure she used on the ultrasound.
I don't think this is ever going to go away.
Cynthia, Dearborn, Michigan, USA, Thursday, April 1, 2010
3 weeks ago I had an angiogram,for possible blocked
kidney artey.Done by Interventional Radiologist. The procedure itself was
not too bad. The arteries were clear. Went home feeling great that all
went well. I was fine until I got up next day, sudden extreme pain, husband
called cath lab, as instructed, told to apply pressure and call 911. Had
a large thick solid mass, inside right high at top of leg, but slightly
lower than insertion site. They did Ultrasound, which was read by 3 radiologist,
including one who did procedure. They all said was hematoma and not coming
from artery and Angio Seal was in place.It started abating,like others
here, I turned dark purple from groin to knee, with blood dispersing through
tissue. It is lighter now. I still have one swollen spot approx. 2 in by
4 inches long along side the groin, not much pain there.?? No bruising.Dr
said normal swelling and would go away. I feel a slight swelling/knot where
seal is,he said it would gradually be absorbed into body. Was not given
much counseling.How long till I feel safe that this seal won't pop? It
makes me uncomfortable,also in a mental way thinking what might happen.
Also,anyone else have radiologist do
this?
Cherie , Prescott Valley, Arizona, USA, March 31, 2010
I had a cerberal angiography on saturday (today
is tuesday) my ankle is quite swollen with intense pain in walking. Otherwise
there is no pain anywhere else. What could be the reason. Is it due to
excessive walking after the procedure or a complication of the angiography
itself. Has anybody experienced the same
problem? What is the treatment?
Anshum, India, March 10, 2010
Julia -- if by a "needle into the vein" you mean
an angiogram, we'd only wonder why. Has she any symptoms of coronary artery
disease? There are usually a few other tests that are done first, like
a stress echo, or a nuclear stress echo or CT Angiogram that are non-invasive.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, March 9, 2010
A distant friend was put on Prednisone at Christmas
to relieve a hacking cough she had which I think was part of the flu. But
although it relieved it
after the cough stopped she was left on the meds and has been kept on them ever
since. It made her hyper active and she recently went to the doctor who put her
on the meds and is told she has high blood pressure and tests were suggested.
Well, she went and is now told the outer wall of her heart is sweating and are
referring her to further tests with a needle inserted into her vein to check
her heart. She has had so many problems this past year which has been a very
bad time. Daughter diagnosed with cancer, death of husband just before
Christmas
and a whole series of stuff in between. I've been looking at this thread and
just wondering whether or not to send her a link to it. I don't want to frighten
her but on the other hand if it all goes wrong as everything else has this past
year I will feel bad that I didn't. I just wondered what others here would do
and
will check back later.
Julia C., London, United Kingdom, March 1, 2010
I had two stents put in using the right groin
as access site. They stitched the opening and put a glue like substance
all over the groin area and dressing. Had to lay flat on my back for
2 hours. Was able to go home same day after much testing. My groin area
now
is very sore and swollen a little bit. Got the glue off 4 days after
with hot water in shower because thought this was irritating my skin? The
pain
has just gotten worse in the groin area. Is this normal?
Linda, Retired, Donna, Texas, USA, February 28, 2010
To Stbc and many others on this thread -- your
complaints of pain in the leg where catheter access was performed are
not isolated, as you can read. One of the complications of the femoral
access site is nerve trauma -- the femoral nerve lies parallel to the femoral
artery and sometimes it gets "nicked" or traumatized in some way. Sometimes
this resolves itself, alothough it can take a long time -- and sometimes
it doesn't. This (and bleeding complications, such as your retroperitoneal
bleed) is but one of the reasons that some cardiologists in the U.S. are
starting to look seriously at a technique used far more frequently in Europe
-- the radial approach where
the wrist artery is used instead of the groin (femoral) artery. Virtually
no bleeding complications. We urge all patients who are scheduled for an
angiogram or angioplasty to
inquire
whether their hospital has someone who uses this technique (you can also
look in our Radial
Hospital Locator).
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 26, 2010
I am a 48 yo female in good physical condition,
ran a marathon in October. I had an angiogram because of chest pain and
arrhythmias (10+ PVC per minute) in December. A week later the insertion
site and right flank were painful and I called the phys. office who directed
me to the ER. A CT and ultrasound revealed a blood clot in my femoral vein
and retroperitoneal bleed and I was admitted for 6 days and put on coumadin.
I have been back to the ER and admitted again (to the same hospital) for
right flank pain, dizziness and nausea but told that there is no internal
bleeding and no hematoma. I have had multiple CT's and told
they are all "clear". So why the flank pain that increases with the INR? I would
be happy with ANY explanation, but I'm not getting one.
stbc, Indiana, USA, February 25, 2010
Reading these posts I'm very reassured that I'm
not alone. I had an angioplasty last Monday (Feb 22) and have sharp and
constant pain radiating up from the right groin. I keep wondering if it's
a coincidental burst appendix! Seeing family
doc tomorrow (Thursday).
Anne A, Canberra, Australia, February 23, 2010
Had cerebral angiogram in Apr 09.No abnormalities
detected.On removing sheath,got horrific nerve pain down right leg(right
femoral access)1 hour later-right
sided weakness to face, arm, trunk,leg,foot & toes.CT scan normal,no stroke.
Subsequently I could not walk (only shuffle)or use my hand.Neck muscles tightened
and had
nausea & choking sensation. Given anaphylactic meds.Then discharged and told
that I would be fine in 2 weeks! that I possibly had a reaction to the contrast
medium.Up
to jan 2010, have spasm & "iron bar" sensation down arm and leg, neck tightness & nausea
with significant weight loss.Up to the time of this procedure I was a healthy
lively 45 yr self employed nurse.Am now a semi invalid,cannot work, or do anything
physical.Am slowly improving 20% with chiropractor.Have had independent MRI-
normal. Reasessment-neurologically intact. Going for nerve conductivity studies
(my call !).My own belief is-not a TIA for this duration-that the femoral nerve
was damaged,I "roared" at the time with pain & my head shot forward,was on a "head
ring".In my view procedures require ongoing audit &review!The leg pain on table
not recorded in med file! Always get medical notes. Question
your care
Mary (Reaching out to other Folk), n/a-personal entry, Dublin, Ireland, February
18, 2010
I HAVE A VERY CLOSE FRIEND THAT HAD A 2 STENTS PUT IN AN ARTERY ABOUT
A MONTH AGO. YESTERDAY HE HAS HAD EXTREME PAIN IN HIS (NON DOMINATE) ARM, WRIST
AND HAND. aNY IDEAS 7 WHAT SHOULD HE DO OTHER THAB TAKE PAIN KILLERS.
Bob Schnupp, retired, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, February
12,
2010
I had initial stent in 2005 (Feb) and subsequent
angiogram following heart attack in 2008. From the onset I experienced
pain in right femoral artery and still having problems, sometimes numbness
down leg but mostly dull achy pain at the site. I'm sure it was caused
by the insert needle initially and the pain was unbearable when I had
to have a second angiogram. I am dreading ever having to have another which
may be inevitable as I do have two narrowed arteries which may or may
not
deteriorate. What to do about femoral pain? although it is worrying at
times I feel inclined to just let it be and put up with it. Has anyone
had
any luck getting rid of it? Doctor just 'ums and ahhs...
Julie Fairweather, methodist church circuit, north yorkshire, UK, February
12,
2010
I had a heart cath 6/2005 with stent placement.
the procedure went well. no pain, discomfort or bleeding. in June 2009
I had 4 stents placed (all at 1 time) in my right leg. I experienced severe
pain in my thigh low back pain and numbness on my right side. prior to
the 4 stents placed in my right leg I had no problems except heaviness
in my right calf. The surgeon has done nothing, the cardiologist states
it's a pinched nerve in my neck. I believe the surgeon hit the nerve. I
cant even sit down or drive for more that an hour without my right leg
going numb. The stent placement failed and now the entire artery is occluded
from the groin to the knee. I am on 900 mg of neurontin/day. plus other
meds. It seems no one wants to address the issue with. How long should
this last. It has been over
6 months.
Nikki, Dover, Delaware, USA, February 11, 2010
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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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
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