Post Catherter

I had a Cath done 5 days ago. I was extremely careful after returning home. I have had this pain in the lower stomach are just above where the insertion site was, a sharp pain, that comes when coughing or just moving my leg. I feel the same way today in that area as I did when I came home. Last night I noticed that there seems to be puffyness at that area (not at the insertion site, but at the stomach above the site). It is not hard, it is soft. My spouse just had a stint put in 3 months ago and he says he never felt any sharp pains or anything like that. Is this something I should be concerned about? My Cardiologist is out of town and I called a Cardiologist on call and he said wait and see my regular one.
Please help as I don't know if this is normal or not.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Coleena,

Thanks for the post.

Your symptoms are suggestive of a rectus sheath hematoma -- which means a bruise or blood pocket in the muscle of your abdominal wall.  Other possibilities exist, but this is a common finding.

I would recommend that you see one of your doctor's partners or your internist.  Most hematomas need no therapy, but on occasion  they do require further evaluation.

Hope that helps.