Archived Postings from 2011 on This Page (69):
Ms. Amy -- If this condition doesn't improve, you should definitely discuss this with his doctor, the one who did the procedure. It may be that the circulation in his lower leg has been compromised in some way. And let the Forum know what the result is. You can also read more about angioplasty in the leg in our topic on peripheral angioplasty.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 29, 2011 |
|
My dad had the stent surgery on his right leg one week ago, his right foot is extremely swollen, and has been the same, no change. What can we do to get his foot back to normal, besides keeping his leg up high.
Ms. Amy, Freer, Texas, USA, December 24, 2011
Stephen Q from South Carolina -- our advice is the same as to Chris: you might want to consult a neurologist and/or a vascular surgeon.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 24, 2011 |
i have a similar situation that Chris, Reading PA writes. I had chest pains and went to the ER. all checked out and i was given muscle relaxants. i followed up on my own with the heart Dr and he recommended a nuclear stress test. that lead to a heart cath. well - this was done in 2001 - and to this day, its getting worse. constant pain in the groin area radiating down to my foot. its unbearable sometimes, and i can't walk or be as physical as i would like to. come to find out - it was just stress i had. the nuclear test was false-positive. The heart Dr Burke was diagnosed with throat cancer two weeks prior him giving me surgery. he left practice two months after my surgery. I wonder if there is a surgery to correct / remove scar tissue. i also had the Angio seal.
Stephen Q., Chapin, South Carolina, USA, December 17, 2011
Gigi from California -- when you say he is on a balloon, I think you mean a "balloon pump" (or an intra-aortic balloon pump or IABP). It is difficult to say from a distance why his BP is so low, but a weak heart would be one reason. It may be that the recent heart attack damaged his heart muscle. How long after he got to the hospital ER did they do the angioplasty? If it was pretty quickly, it may be that his heart can recover function.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 10, 2011 |
My brother just had angioplasty after having a heart attack. He had bypass surgery 13 yrs ago. They stented 2 arteries. He has a balloon and they are trying to ween him off of that but his blood pressure is too low. Why is his blood pressure so low? Is his heart too weak to pump blood? Will it recover at all? He is only 56.
Gigi, California, USA, December 10, 2011
Joe in Calgary -- unfortunately, you have read many posts with very similar problems. It may be that the femoral artery was traumatized during the cath -- sometimes it can take months for this to resolve. You may want to consult a vascular surgeon or neurologist about this. You should definitely bring this to the attention of the cardiologist who did the angiogram. Estimates for this type of problem are very sketchy, because many people don't report this to their cardiologists who in turn don't report it to any central database. Our best guess is 3% or so, but it may be higher. This is why we try to promote use of the radial or wrist artery which doesn't have this complication.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 9, 2011 |
My dad had an angiogram with catheterization through the femoral artery in July of 2011 and began experiencing severe groin pain extending down his leg shortly afterwards. It has now been more than four months with no improvement. I have read several posts on this site describing similar experiences. Can anyone tell me how common this is? More importantly, how long does the condition typically take to resolve itself and is there anything that can be done in the meantime to alleviate the pain?
Joe in Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, November 27, 2011
Eugene -- You are describing a not uncommon complication from femoral angiography. The hematoma should fade over the next few weeks. The only thing to be concerned about is if the hematoma gets larger, or if you begin to feel tired, faint, etc. which may mean the bleeding has not been stopped.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 26, 2011 |
It has been two weeks since I had an angioplasty and 2 stents placed in my coronary artery. I had a very large "bruise" area caused by the hematoma. Now some of it is clearing up, but there is still a large reddish-purple area that extends behind my knee, and it doesn't seem to be fading, or only slightly. I have no swelling or pain, though if I press the area it feels somewhat painful and sensitive. Should I feel concerned? I have an appointment with a cardiologist in a week and a half, but I still wonder about the hematoma. Any advice, anyone?
Eugene D., Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA, November 18, 2011
Rijuta -- not sure that there's any connection. Possibly a dermatologst could help here.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 17, 2011 |
I had last catheterization and stent put in 7 years ago. Everything was fine except I had scar tissue developed at the femoral site. I had that tendency so did not worry. But now that area is sore and painful to touch. What could be wrong? can scar tissue get infected after such a long time?
Rijuta, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, November 13, 2011
Nancy from Texas -- It's hard to imagine that you still have a hematoma from 6 months ago. We would suggest discussing this with the cardiologist who did the cath. This is rare to our knowledge. It may be that you are experiencing the effects of nerve trauma, but hard to say. You may also want to visit a neurologist.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 13, 2011 |
I had a heart cath done 6 months ago and I kept hurting in my groin ... at times it was so painful to even walk ...I then had a CT scan and ultra sound done this week to find out I have a hematoma 7cc big from where my heart cath was done I'm wondering now what my next step will be to get out of pain...
Nancy, Bonham, Texas, USA, November 9, 2011
Judim from Pennsylvania -- Sounds like you had a retroperitoneal bleed. This happens when the needle puncture used to introduce the catheter into the femoral (groin) artery unfortunately also goes through the back of the femoral artery and blood escapes into the retroperitoneal cavity in the abdomen. It's not that your hip got injured, but it's possible that the femoral nerve, which lies alongside the femoral artery, got nicked or traumtized. We assume you have discussed this with the cardiologist who did the cath (if not, you should). You may want to consult a neurologist to determine if it's the femoral nerve.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 9, 2011 |
Over 1 yr. ago I had a heart cath. I have no problems w/my heart. However, I ended up in ICU w/internal bleeding. From that day to now, I have had pain in my groin & hip. I never had pain in my hip prior to this & and MRI showed that I have tendonitis. Is it possible that my hip got injured during a heart cath? This has been going on for more than a year and I ended up quitting my job over it. My job required standing for 7-10 hours per day and I ended up limping every day. Any help would be appreciated.
judim1017, Uniontown, Pennsylvania, USA, November 2, 2011
A general response to all posters here -- if you have ANY complication after an angiogram or angioplasty done from the femoral (groin) artery, call the cardiologist who did the procedure and let him/her know about this issue. You may wind up in the Emergency Dept. or at your family doctor, but the cardiologist needs to know about this issue -- if not to be able to help you, to understand that his/her procedure has resulted in a complication. The rate of complications with the femoral approach is usually quoted at 3-4%, but many cardiologists we speak to believe it is higher because many go unreported. We have championed the radial approach (through the wrist) as a new and safer way to do these procedures in many patients. However, the femoral approach is safe as well, but there are complications, as can be seen in this topic, which now has almost 800 postings.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 1, 2011 |
I had cardiogram on a Thursday morning and Friday morning left on a 3 day road trip. After about 3 hours I had an excruciating pain at the incision site so we pulled over and I got out and I was very faint/light headed and then my vision went blurred. I chewed two low dose aspirin and lay down in the car and it passed in 5 minutes and we took a hotel for the night and I was fine. Does anyone know what it was that happened to me? Should I be concerned?
Marlene, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 23, 2011
I had an angiogram a week ago and there's swelling and very sharp pain at the cath site which is the femoral area my right leg is feeling pain as well and it increases as each day goes by I'm not sure is this a cause for alarm or is there anything i can take or a cream i can use. I'm a 56 yr. old man.
gettinthruit, Bronx, New York, USA, October 20, 2011
the angioplasty and stent in my coronary artery saved my life on Sept. 1, but my leg still tingles and the hematoma lingers. The bruising is almost gone but I have sharp pain down my leg on occasion and 'charley-horse" pains in a couple of places in my upper leg. I had hip replacement surgery in this leg several years ago and wonder if this is a factor. My PCP assures me that this will clear up but it has been about six weeks and nothing is different. Any ideas to lessen the pain, the burning sensation or the sensitive-to-the-touch problems? Does it ever "go away"?
Doreen, Punta Gorda, Florida, USA, October 10, 2011
Had my angiogram 10/5/11, everything went fine and no blockages. The next day, in the afternoon, I became extremely nauseated and vomited, went to bed and stayed. No appetite and have been nauseated every day since, everything I eat or drink brings on the nausea and I have to appetite. My incision looks fine, but I am so sick and I have been sleeping a lot. Should I be concerned?
Jackie, Milan, Illinois, USA, October 8, 2011
on 9/19 I had an angioplasty done to replace a stent that was inserted in Jan. 2011 in my left leg. Was told it had "fractured". Procedure was uneventful until that evening I experienced tremendous pain in the foot, the next day they went back in to "clear up blood clots". Pain subsided but they then put me on heparin & Coumadin & kept me for observation. Suddenly, the pain returned in my left foot, it hurt worse than when I went in! On 9/23 I was finally discharged, still in pain & can hardly walk, my foot is numb even though it hurts & feels like it's throbbing. Now I need frequent blood work to control the meds I am now on. Was this an surgical error or a "could happen & did" instance? I've read through the posts & can't find a situation similar to mine.
Limping & Hurting, New Jersey, USA, September 26, 2011
Naeem in Canada -- hematoma is a known complication
of femoral (groin) catheter-based procedures. Depending on the size of the
hematoma, it my be painful. If you look through the other reader comments,
you'll find several men who have posted about scrotal hematomas. It is not
common. The normal published figures of ALL complications from femoral caths
are around 6%. While many cardiologists we have spoken to think that 6% is
probably low, 25% is a figure we have never seen quoted in any of the literature.
Make sure that the hematoma does not get larger, or that you are not experiencing
any other symptoms of weakness, low blood pressure, etc. If you do, get medical
care ASAP because you want to make sure the bleeding has been stopped.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 26, 2011
just underwent the angiogram procedure in a Emergency situation. My belly
is blue black. Internal bleeding under the surface of the skin took place and
now my genitals are the size of a tennis ball. It is very very painful. I was
released from the Trillium Hospital with an explanation that the body will absorb
back the blood. In the meantime it is excruciating painful and I am taking tylenol
for it. I was also told 25 % 0f the patient suffer this. I am not sure.How long
before I feel normal? Unable to walk,drive or do anything.Does anyone know if
this is correct or I just had a lousy cardiologist who performed this procedure?
Naeem, Missisauga, Ontario, Canada, September 25,
2011
Bob -- sorry for your difficulty. You were
right to ask if it could be done via the arm (actually wrist -- it's called
the transradial approach). And yes, not all cardiologists do this, although
we at Angioplasty.Org are evangelists for this approach. Patients should
definitely check out our
section on Radial Access and specifically (for the
U.S. anyway) our Radial
Hospital Locator to find a hospital where radial
is practiced. -- And RS in Las Vegas -- if you read over others' comments,
you'll see that your husband's experience is not uncommon. If the catheter
access site is healing then he's going in the right direction. Remember,
most posts here are patients with complications -- and while very important,
it's important to note that 9 out of 10 femoral angiograms have few if any
complications.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 25, 2011
hi on sept had aniogram at waikato hospt
new zealand imiogram, no medical problem found.after 7 days leg black
round to bum, down to knee, pain real bad , cant walk far...on discharge
complained enterd on my form average bruising. I asked why not use
arm for entry was told depends on surgeon my doctor managing
at moment
maniai
Bob, patient, waikato, New Zealand, September 21, 2011
My husband had angioplasty thru the groin
for a blockage in his right leg. About 2 days following surgery it
swelled but does not hurt. Today he has
a rash on his left leg below the knee and it doesn't hurt either. Should any
of this be a cause for concern. His wound at the groin seems to be progressing
very well. Blockage was cleared and very good pulse achieved. Very high strung
person who sees every problem as a major catastrophe. Need some reassurance
on this matter.
RS, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 20, 2011
J. Paine in Arkansas -- your mother experienced
an unfortunate complication (not common) of femoral catheterization -- vascular
damage caused at the access site. You should be able to search "Vascular
Complications After Femoral Catheterization" and get more info, but this
is a known issue and sometimes when this unfortunately occurs, a vascular
surgeon is called in to repair the artery or, in this case, place a stent
which is a "non-surgical" fix.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 20, 2011
My mother had a heart catheterization done
on 7-5-11. Her dr stated everything looked fine, except some narrowing
of her artery in her right LAD. Two days later I had to take her to
the ER, there was a large knot in the incision spot, and lots of bruising.
Four days later she seen her primary care dr, and she said all was
good.
The following day the incision spot began to bleed. The dr called in
antibiotics for treatment. A week and a half later she seen her cardio
dr, she had severe pain in her leg and couldn't walk long distances.
The dr scheduled an MRA, an angiogram was performed a week later. The
radiologist had to put 2 stents in her femoral artery due to the damage
from the heart cath. Is this common? I have researched and am not finding
much information on this so any information
is greatly appreciated.
J. Paine, Conway, Arkansas, USA, September 18, 2011
Just had an angiogram through the groin.
The procedure was uneventful but post op was just awful. Apart from a
big black hematoma, my bladder was just
bursting and radiating pains back through my kidneys. I don't understand why
I couldn't have had a catheter to relieve the pressure before I needed adrenalin
to bring me back from a fade out. When the duty fours of lying flat eventually
passed I could get up and relieve myself and suddenly felt so much better.
Surely there is a better way.
Bob, Sydney, Australia, September 17, 2011
Bessie -- Sound like you may be experiencing
an allergic reaction to the contrast dye (contains iodine). Let us know the
outcome.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 17, 2011
I'm itches and little tiny places are getting
swollen and red and its on my arms legs and different places,what causes
this after my heart cath was done Sept 13th at Hospital,hopefully its
just allergies I called my PG doctor and nurse was sending out a drug
for the
allergic reactions but I never got it,they forgot me,or they thought
about it,and maybe should call the doctor that did it,that is what I'm
going
to do in the morning,I may even go up to his office and show him these
places
on my body,and let him tell what it is. I do not know,unless I picked
up bed bugs at that darn hospital. I will keep you posted,oh nothing
hurts
it was a successful heart cath so far,its been two days now. I was
up in three
hours going home,yes a Angio-seal was inserted. No problem with any legs
or pain or swelling just this places like mosquito bites coming up. started
after I took the dressing off and out a bandage there,started itching
right there,and then I took bandage off Band-Aid has rubber in it, so
figured
it was causing itching.but not,still is, even i use oxygen where the
nasal part
goes over my top lip caused it to itch and swell. Do not know what you
call all this weird.
Bessie, Cleveland, Texas, USA , September
15,
2011
Had an angiogram on 9/8/2011. Have had angiograms, angioplasties, and stents previously, no problem. While in recovery and eating a sandwich I had severe stomach cramping on right side for about 3 minutes. It really took my breath away and couldn't even inform the nurse. Later when the nurse did a routine check i told her about it and she summoned the doctor. My lower right abdomen is extremely sore to the touch. He surmised a serotoma? [hematoma?] but although it has been 2 days it is still extremely sore and no sign of bruising. Is there something else it could be?
Scarse48, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, September 10, 2011
I had three stents put in my left leg 3 months ago via angioplasty. However I am still experiencing some pain in the leg and groin. I was wondering if this was normal after such a procedure?
Pat, Mt. Pearl, Newfoundland, Canada, September 4, 2011
I had two coronary stents and one angioplasty via femoral approach in 2007. When the doc pulled the suture to close the vascular sealing device I experienced a severe acute pain at the seal site and down my leg. I didn't associate the pain with femoral nerve damage at the time. Ever since, I have had a chronic low level pain down my right leg and into my foot. My 2nd and 3rd toes are splayed apart. I am quite confident that my femoral nerve was traumatised when the doc pulled the suture to close the device. The pain is manageable, but I think it is also permanent since it has not diminished in 4 years.
vbc, Upstate, New York, USA, September 3, 2011
my husband just had a heart cath yesterday,and when they stood him up he almost passed out. Thinking this is normal we continued to get him dressed. As he was loaded into our car he complained of pain in the groin area. As he got home the pain continued. Nothing brought comfort. Called his doctor,basically he told me what it was and that he would have to do ultra-sound in the morning. They said it was a pseudoaneurysm. then they told me this is very normal. I disagreed,i have had 3 done and know of hundreds who have never had a problem. I think it should be mandatory to let every patient know that this is a possibility. Not just to cover it in there could be bleeding. The nerve can be affected and great pain. Some still in pain months later. Several trips back to the cardiologist and more procedures all at your expense. my husband's heart cath was done at 8;30 he was home by 1pm.They sat him up at 11;20 to eat his lunch. what happened to laying flat for several hours?
Rita from Indiana, Huntingburg, Indiana, USA, August 30, 2011
I had an angiogram done 2 days ago. Afterward I find that I cannot walk more than 75ft. with my leg turning in2 a total charley horse from my groin down including all my calf. Once I stop walking it takes about 10 minutes 2 disappear after resting but comes back immediately when I walk. Can u help me with an explanation???
J.D.Davis, Phoenix Arizona, USA, August 27, 2011
Had cath May 5th and it is Aug. 3rd today. I developed what was called a hematoma. This was after a week or so of bruising from groin to below knee. It is a large lump (size of an egg) and I have had some pain coming from this site. There is now no discoloration but some burning pain. The doctor told me it could take weeks to go away but it is now approx three months and it isn't going down or getting better as far as I can tell. Can anyone advise my next step since the doctor keeps saying it will take time to heal.
Bob, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, August 2, 2011
in Sept. 09 i had a knee replacement with a nerve block. cath in the groin, the med ball started to leak that night. the nurse on duty removed the cath with a pull from the left and then a pull from the right then finally got ti out with one more tug. need i tell you how much pain i have been in ever since? almost 2 years later i still have weakness and pain and not from the replacement all from the nerve block. question, will i ever get back to normal and why can no one be held responsible? stuck in a new way of life
new way of life, Rockwell, North Carolina, USA, July 22, 2011
I had a radial cardiac-cath performed about 2 weeks ago. There were no blockages found, and I didn't have any bruising or pain on my wrist after it was performed, but ever since I have had the procedure, I can only sleep on my back. If I sleep on my side or stomach, my arm goes numb from the shoulder all the way down to my fingertips. Sometimes the numbness is also in my chest right above my breast, leading all the way over to near my heart. Two days after the procedure I woke up at night and my body was hard jerking on the side I had the procedure done on, starting at the top of my arm all the way down my right side along the major vein line, then moving across to my left side. My stomach squeezed really tight. It was like I was having a seizure, but I was fully conscious and could speak fine. It went away on its own after about 20 minutes, but I never had anything like that happen in my life; it was very scary. My arm is also not as strong as it was; it feels weak off and on. I was told there weren't any complications to be expected after doing a radial procedure, especially if nothing was found and no stints were placed, but I have had these problems since.
scaredandconfused, Hampton Roads, Virginia, USA, July 16, 2011
My father is 73 and underwent an Angiogram on May 2,2011. Before the Angiogram, he used to walk at least 5 - 6 kms a day. A couple of weeks before he started having difficulty in moving about. He says he feels very weak in the hips and if he takes rests there is no problem. He underwent a Doppler test a week back which stated that everything is good. He is now wondering what might be the problem and there has not been much advise from the doctors. He is longing to get back to his habits of early walk and now feels pathetic of not being able to. Is this normal? I want to ease his fears. Can anyone please respond.
Sajiv, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, July 16, 2011
I recently had an angiogram which was done by going through my left arm artery next to my elbow. As soon as I came out of recovery my arm was swollen and I had numbness and tingling in my left hand along with severe pain in hand and arm. Doctor did nothing for 10 days. I finally went to ER where I was admitted and had surgery that same day. They opened my arm and said artery was fine and just made room for the swelling around my nerves. After being in hospital for two more days, I still have sever pain and swelling in arm and hand with no feeling in part of hand and thumb and first two fingers. He says he doesn't know what it is and could take several months for it to get better and that I might not get 100% better. I am trying to get a second opinion and have notified the hospital about what has taken place along with how unprofessional he was. I was basically accused of just wanting a buzz. I am in pain because of him and all I want is for the pain to go away. I am thinking about getting an attorney. Has anyone else experienced this problem with their arm and hand after this kind of surgery? Please help, Thanks! (by the way, this was done at a learning hospital)
pain and numbness after angiogram, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, July 13, 2011
Just had a heart cath yesterday-no blockages found. But have now developed severe burning pain to the right side of the puncture where Angio-Seal was used. The thigh and part of the buttocks are extremely sore despite no discoloration visible. MD office says to watch for a hematoma,but nothing visible,just searing pain. Had a heart cath also in 2003 with the sandbag routine after-no such pains. What is different?Sure would like some answers-this is very disturbing in addition to the pain.
Helen, Boiling Springs, South Carolina, USA, May 21, 2011
My fiance had his 6th angiogram 12/09.Rt after procedure he was in horrific pain,since it was his 6th he knew what was normal&what wasn't. RN said he would be fine n sent us home.4days later went to ER,ER Dr admitted him said he had a hematoma & needed surgery. Next AM vascular surgeon arrived told us he had a fistula&was releasing him w 5mg of Percocet. We were furious!After numerous calls to the cardiologist,vascular surgeon &2 other ER's we found a neurosurgeon who did exploratory nerve surgery to look at femoral nerve. The nerve was fine but surgery left him w a staph infection. This resulted in massive scar tissue & more pain than ever. We've contacted many Institutions &none will help,say there is nothing that can be done. In Sept2010 another neurosurgeon implanted a Medtronics device in his abdomen w 4 leads down his right leg,this helps a bit but he still feels like a knife is stabbing him constantly. He's now on 30mgRoxicode,75mgFentanyl,600mgLyrica+all his heart meds & the stimulator. Pain Management says a nerve block is not an option because Plavix cant be stopped. He is ready to shoot his leg off!We R desperate4help.Has anyone ever heard of this or has any suggestions. We will Travel ANYWHR 4help!
SufferingInSI, Staten Island, New York, USA, May 14, 2011
Elaine -- If you read through this topic, you'll
find a number of reports of "tingling". Sometimes the femoral nerve experiences
some trauma, either from catheter movement or even from the manual compression.
If the nerve had been "cut", you'd have no feeling. Hopefully this will ease
and disappear with time. The purple color, if it was a relatively large area,
signifies a hematoma, considered
a "minor complication" of a femoral catheter procedure. It
means there was bleeding under the skin at the access site, hence the
black-and-blue
bruising. If
there was bleeding, the nurse may have needed to use somewhat longer
manual compression which, in turn, may have had something to do with
the after-pain
you are feeling. If you are still experiencing swelling, etc. three weeks
after the cath, you should
question the doctor again. Also read our response to Jersey Girl from
April 22 below. Again, stories like yours are why we at Angioplasty.Org
have
been promoting wider use of the
radial (wrist) site for angiograms and angioplasty.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 24, 2011
I had a heart cath done 3 weeks ago there
were no blockages but the day of the cath when I was still on the table
and the were applying pressure I told them my leg hurt they pulled back
the cover and my leg was purple the nurse seemed the be concerned. Could
this be why My leg and foot is still swollen and tingles all the time
could they have cut my nerve? This has been a horrible procedure and
I will never have this done again. I am depressed to the point I hate
to look at my own leg and foot. The dr. didn't even get me numb I felt
him cut my skin. He said he really doesn't have an answer for the swelling,
can you please
help?
Elaine, Felicity, Ohio, USA, April 23, 2011
Jersey Girl -- if you read down through the
posts, you'll find a number of others who have experienced hematomas as
well. It's called a "minor complication" but, as you are
aware, it's not minor if it's yours! The usual prognosis is that a
hematoma
resolves in a
week or more, depending on location, size, etc. However, if you are
having severe pain or if the hematoma is growing in size, you should
see the
cardiologist who did the angiogram. Also to make him/her aware of the
complication,
We believe, and this opinion has been supported by a number of cardiologists
we speak to, that these types of complications are significantly more
common than reported -- primarily because they never get reported.
You may talk
to your G.P., or even to the ER in the hospital, but the feedback never
gets
to the interventional cardiologist who performed the angio. By the
way, cases like yours are why Angioplasty.Org has been in the forefront
of
promoting Radial Access in the U.S.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 22, 2011
I had a my Cath done April 11, 2011- found out that I have cardiovascular
spasms and am being treated with medicine. That's the good news, bad news is
that I have a hematoma on my site, that hurts but the leg pain that I have has
now gone all the way to my calf! I work in an office and sitting makes it worse
by the end of the day I can barely walk! I am off work and told to rest for a
couple of days, when will this get better??
Jersey Girl, Burlington, New Jersey, USA, April 22, 2011
I had Angioplasty on March 14, 2011 by
Dr Mustafa Muhammad M at Saint Francis Medial Center, Hamilton, NJ.
After angioplasty
I have severe leg pain and back pain. Due to leg and back pain I had
one more test of Vascular test
today on April 12, 2011.
Suresh A., Ewing, New Jersey, USA, April 12, 2011
Doris in Pennsylvania
-- the hematoma is caused by bleeding under the skin, usually it's not great,
but it's a big bruise.
It should go away in a few weeks, which it has been. Do you still have
the black and blue? Also, you didn;t say whether there was any intervention,
such as angioplasty or stent placed in your leg. As for the pain and
edema, what does your Vascular Surgeon say? If you're not
satisfied
with
the answers,
you
might
want to
get a second
opinion.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, March 25, 2011
I had a cardiac cath and stent placement on March 1st 2011 for PAD. It
was an emergency c-cath b/c my leg was numb, blue and cold to touch b/c of a
blockage. I got a hematoma. The nurse kneaded the hematoma to ''break it up''.
I begged her to stop. It was SO painful. It caused me to black and blue from
my abdomen, down entire leg. I'm now left w/ foot edema and severe pain in the
ankle foot. I can hardly walk and am not getting any decent answers from the
Vascular Surgeon. I don't know what to do and am afraid.
Doris A. J., Reading, Pennsylvania, USA, March 24, 2011
Had a cath over a year ago. From the day
it was completed had pain in my leg and groin area. Been to several
doctors and had all follow up tests, told everything from hernia to infection,
to epidimitis all the way to maybe just needing massage therapy. 18
months
later still having pain in my groin that comes and goes. Can exercise
for an hour no pain or can lay face down in bed and nearly jump out
of my skin from pain. Still trying to figure it out.
George, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA, March 21, 2011
I did end up going back to my cardiologist,
who sent me into the hospital for the ultrasound. It was VERY painful
for then to do, and she said there were
a couple "branches" and it was a hematoma. They told me to watch it, and take
it easy. Also, as you said, the told me to watch for it it were to pulsate,
swell, become more painful, or get larger. They did give me some pain meds
after the
ultrasound, observed me for a little while, then sent me home. Thank you all
for
such great advice, and I'm so glad nothing serious has happened.
Chelsea E., Graettinger, Iowa, USA, February 15, 2011
Hey Chelsea, I had the heart stents put
in through my right (groin) femoral artery and both times ended up
with hematomas. All they are is an accumulation of blood under the skin
which
(If it is a hematoma) will reabsorb into the skin after looking horribly
'bruised' (Deep Purple, red, or even blackish), but it does reabsorb
into your body in several weeks and as it gets smaller, the less sore
it will remain. WHEN TO WORRY: If it is constantly (or quickly) getting
bigger, or if it has a pulse of its own. NOT the pulse on the femoral
artery- That is NORMAL! But on the blood clot/hematoma itself, if it
has a PULSE (the blood clot/hematoma itself)then that could indicate
that (the clot) has NOT Closed/ Sealed off from the artery itself,
(which means it will get bigger and bigger and continue to bleed under
the skin),
and THAT is when you need to GO TO THE NEAREST ER for an ULTRASOUND
EXAM, which will SHOW FOR CERTAIN that it is a hematoma (harmless Bruising/
Collection of blood), OR that it is a blood clot or other problem that
needs to be repaired. THE KEY IS DOES THE COLLECTION OF BLOOD UNDER
THE
SKIN HAVE A PULSE OF ITS OWN! Never use your thumb to check for ANY
pulse, It has one!
Arnold, Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier, Binghamton,
New York, USA,
February
15, 2011
To read about the underreporting of adverse
events (including a death) at one university medical center involved
in vascular closure device trials,go
to: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm212552.htm.
Or request more details through the Freedom of Information Act: http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/FOI/default.htm
RN, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA, February 15, 2011
Hm.. a hematoma, that doesn't sound very
nice. Well, as of right now, it is about 8 inches long, and 2 inches
wide at the
widest point. Deep purple, with red lines going through it in various
places. It first showed up the day after, and continued to spread to
where it is
now. The actual thing does hurt, but rather, I'm getting the worst pain
where there is hardly any discoloration. It's a bit difficult to explain,
and I
could be over-worried, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Chelsea E., Graettinger, Iowa, USA, February 12, 2011
Chelsea
-- It's actually the opposite of a clot. Read through the posts on this
topic and you'll see many references
to similar observations.
You
probably
have
a hematoma, caused by blood under the skin -- it's the same process that
causes a bruise,only it's larger. It's not uncommon after a femoral (groin)
cath, but if it grows or spreads much (meaning the bleeding is ongoing),
or gets more painful, call the cardiologist (you can also ask him/her
about the meaning
of the
prolapsed
valve -- but
that also is most likely not something to be concerned about).
The hematoma should go away, but it may take days or even weeks to completely
disappear. Glad your cath was negative.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 12, 2011
I'm 19, and have been going through many tests due to the assumption that
I had lupus, which I recently found out that I don't. I did an echo, which was
abnormal, a stress/resting test, also abnormal, and just last Monday I did my
coronary angiogram, which the results were normal, they said something about
a prolapsed valve, but I can hardly remember what about it. This morning I've
started to feel a different pain, in addition to the constant one I figured was
normal. The pain is sharp, and sudden, but goes away. The groin site also looks
a little gruesome, at least to me. I have the small dark bruise that you would
expect from where they went in, but I also have a long, dark, and yet painless
bruise on my right thigh, as well as some very, very painful yellow bruising
at the crease between my groin and leg, I've tried applying pressure to see if
there was a clot, but it feels ok, aside from the intense pain. I still can't
squat down, and can't stay walking for long, can't stay sitting for long, or
in the same position for long due to the nagging pain. Is this normal?
Chelsea E., Graettinger, Iowa, USA, February 12, 2011
I made an appointment with vascular surgeon
again. There's no bruising and with all the fluid I think this might be more
a seroma than hematoma. cardiologist that was supposed to perform the procedure
is considered to be one of the best. When I present concerns that's all they
tell me. He apparently is the head of cardiology or something in toledo.
NEVER GO TO A MEDICAL COLLEGEHE wasn't even the one to do the procedure,
it was a resident who did it while he watched. they ask you to sign a release
and on the back(you aren't even shown that there is a back page)there is
small print that you give the students the right to operate. its bs and they
messed me up. used pressure to seal the other artery after cath removal later
that night. I asked not to let a student do it and was told" it will be ok" and
was left with a 1st year med student holding pressure on my artery while
the dr left to get coffee at 3am. the pressure bag on the iv bag was uneven
caused the bag to burst(4th time that night). scary to get sprayed while
a student is holding my artery. he almost let go. I had to hold his hand
down on my artery
because he kept letting up. when dr came in he said again"you'll be ok" I'm
mad
Ryan, Toledo, Ohio, USA, February 12, 2011
Ryan in Toledo --
a hematoma (dark black-and-blue bruising and swelling) can take several weeks
to disappear, especially if
it's a large one. Have you been in touch recently with the cardiologist
who did the angiogram? He/she might be able to give you more specific information
and it would be useful for the person who did the procedure to know exactly
your outcome. Arterial access site complications are a complication of
catheterization
at the femoral site and yours
was significant,
requiring
surgical repair. (We are cross-posting this to our Forum Topic
on "Vascular
Closure Devices", of which Angio-seal is one.)
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, February 12, 2011
I had angiogram 3 weeks ago to test for
RAS. Had the lining of my artery torn and pressed together while applying
angioseal. realized i had no pulse in
my feet in recovery. went back in and had angiogram on other leg. Dr. realized
he couldn't repair it that way so he called vascular surgeons. had the damaged
lining removed and then they put a "sheath" over the artery so it would not herniate.now
i have a 6" incision in my groin and spent a week in the hospital when there
was nothing wrong with me to begin with. 2 weeks after i was still in bad pain.
mostly on bed rest still. saw the surgeon because i was worried it may be infected.
he poked around a bit and opened the wound in one spot. told me it was not infected
but gave me antibiotics as precautionary. wound was still leaking fluid and blood
next day as well as my penis was swollen. went to er and they said it was a hematoma
after they did an ultrasound. said penis swelling would be normal in this situation.
now its two days after the er visit and my penis and scrotum are both swollen.
still have to change dressings frequently due to leakage. all done at medical
college. is
this right to still be leaking and swelling weeks after?
Ryan, Toledo, Ohio, USA, February 11, 2011
i just experienced the worst pain of my
life during a cardio cath in my right groin. Despite SCREAMING for the
doctor
to stop I had heart and blood pressure issues. Ten days later and I can
still hardly walk. The cardiologist blamed it
on me having a "panic attack" on the table I spent the next 3 days in the
hospital on morphine to control the pain - then was sent home with no pain
meds. Have
refused to speak to the cardiologist. Have an appointment with a new doctor
tomorrow.
I thought I was alone. The doctors seemed to be trying to make me believe
it was my fault.
rosieposie1918, Rockville, Maryland, USA, February 7, 2011
Texas
-- You are welcome -- Not every hospital does radial access, by the way,
and certainly not every hospital is listed
on our
locator, although many are.
You might want to check out our
interview with Dr. Sanjay Patel who practices
in Houston and who has run training courses for other cardiologists in the
Houston
area.
He or his office might be able to give you a referral.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, January 29, 2011
Thank you for your reply. I checked out
the Radial Hospital Locator site but I did not find on the list the Houston
Methodist
hospital or either of my two Neuro Surgeons who do the follow-up on my
cerebral aneurysm. However, this procedure is certainly something I will
discuss with
them. Logical thinking tells me there is no connection between the femoral
entry and the multi problems that incurred just after but that doesn't
allay the panic I feel when I even think about it. The pain that I felt
during
that angio. was right there with the pain
of the brain bleed.
Texas, Port Arthur, Texas, USA, January 29, 2011
Dear Texas --
What you are describing (black discoloration around stomache, pain, etc.)
was most likely a hematoma, blood
leaking under the skin -- same thing that happens when you get bruised,
although in your case, it seems it was a large hematoma. This is a known
complication from heart caths done from the femoral (groin/thigh) approach,
although
it's
not a high percentage. The pain you felt may or may not be related. There
is another approach, where angiograms can be done from the wrist -- called
the radial approach.
Bleeding complications are virtually eliminated, although not every patient
is a candidate
-- also you need to find a physician who is experienced with this approach
because, while it's used in Europe at least half the time (80-90% in France)
it's only done around 5% of the time in the U.S. Check out Angioplasty.Org's Radial
Hospital Locator. And read D from Maryland's comment just below
yours.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, January 29, 2011
I had a heart cath...during the procedure
I was screaming in pain...The Dr. finished the procedure and left the
room...the nurse said that she had seen
grown men in such pain and you could hear them screaming across the hall. I went
home and two nights later I awoke seeing silver lights flashing in the room.
The next morning I could not walk....I went to the Dr. office and was told that
further testing had to be done...later he said all tests were normal.. The next
day my whole stomach area was black...this discoloring slowly wrapped around
my hip..After another trip to the heart Doctor I was told this was just bruising
and to be expected. About a week later I had to have my eyes checked...The Ophthalmologist
insisted that I see an Neurologist that day...It was then confirmed that I had
suffered a light stroke. Due to a cerebral aneurysm bleed I have since had two
angiograms with no problem but I am still so scared that I am hesitant to have
the follow-up angiogram the Neurologist insists upon. My question is....Is there
a procedure that serves the same purpose as the angiogram?
Texas, Port Arthur, Texas, USA, January 28, 2011
My 87y/o mom is in rehab now - had a femoral
angio procedure WITHOUT a closure device and developed a pseudoaneurysm
eight hours later and required emergency surgery followed by ICU. She
later developed MRSA infection in the wound and required another surgery.
She now has two or more months of therapy and wound care in front of
her - The bill for the first surgery alone was over 16K - - A previous
radial cath was done WITH the Angioseal - and no complications!
D, Maryland, USA, January 24, 2011
Chris -- the femoral nerve lies right alongside
the femoral artery. Sometimes during a femoral cath, the nerve can be traumatized.
If you read through this topics and its archives, you'll see a number of
posts similar to yours, unfortunately. Sometimes the nerve recovers, sometimes
not. Specialists to consult on this would be a vascular surgeon, to see if
indeed it is scar tissue causing the problem, or a neurologist to test the
nerves in your leg. Your problem may have nothing to do with the Angio-seal
-- hard to say -- but the intense pain you felt certainly was signaling something!
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, January 23, 2011
I had a catheterization done
in Dec 2003. hours after procedure when 1st allowed to get up, experienced
severe
pain,
worse than my broken back & labor without pain medication @ site where
catheter was put in. an angio seal was used. nurse unwilling to do anything
because "she never had any patients experience severe pain after procedure
before." Tests were done for blood clots & other problems. negative.
My GP diagnosed nerves in area being aggravated. For past 7 years I have
lived with pain that prevents me from riding my exercise bike, running,
or any other movement that flakes the nerves. Rehab doctors surmise it
is caused by scar tissue. In past year pain has become more frequent.
I live with constant
back, hip, & shoulder pain, the last thing I needed was a procedure that causes
me more pain. Speculation is that if an angio seal was not used I would not have
the scarring and pain. I am not keen on having someone digging around my femoral
artery. Has there been any successful procedures to correct/remove the scar tissue
that is causing pain?
Chris, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA, US, January 14, 2011
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