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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Heart Catherization
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
Heart Catherization
by sophie, Jun 15, 2000 12:00AM
On February 24th I underwent a heart Catherization. I did not have a blockage but the Dr was able to make a diganosis of Cardiomyopathy. Shortly after returning to the hospital room following the heart cath I had a bleed from the femoral artery. The nurses worked hard on my leg to stop it. I immediately began having pain in my leg. A month or so after the procedure my cardiologist said I had an inflammation in the femoral artery that was pressing against a nerve causing the pain. It has been almost four months and I am still having this pain in my right leg. My internist made the same diagnosis a few months later and even did x-rays to make sure. I take 2 Celebrex each day for inflammation. Is this a normal side effect from a heart cath? Sometimes my leg feels like it is on fire. My doctor doesn't seem to be to concerned but this problem is controlling my life. I can't do any of the things I normally do. Should I go to another doctor? Have you ever heard of this problem from a heart cath and if so how much longer should it last? I am getting desperate for some relief. I appreciate any insight you can offer?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Jun 15, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Irene,
No, it is not a common complication to have an inflammation of the artery following catheterization. It is especially unusual to continue to have pain 4 months later. I would even wonder if it is related to the procedure at all? Perhaps your internist would recommend seeing a neurologist to make sure there is not some type of nerve problem.
No, it is not a common complication to have an inflammation of the artery following catheterization. It is especially unusual to continue to have pain 4 months later. I would even wonder if it is related to the procedure at all? Perhaps your internist would recommend seeing a neurologist to make sure there is not some type of nerve problem.
Member Comments (2)
by Susan M., Jun 15, 2000 12:00AM
Hi Irene! I had a heart cath about 18 months ago to help diagnosis time for surgery for a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. I was also a "bleeder" only it happened in the operating or cath room. Several people literally jumped on me to stop the bleeding. The result was a huge hematoma from my knee to up in my lower abdomen. I couldn't walk for a few days, and it was sore and ugly for a long, long time. However, there was no real extended pain, just soreness, and no infection. Sounds like you need to get someone to take another look, although some things can take a long time to heal and some infections a long time to clear up. Good luck!
