After Stent wrist ache.

[Skittler]

After having a stent in my old bypass artery, via my wrist, I am getting pain and discomfort in my wrist. Is this normal, my doctor, who is excellent, says to treat it with ice and paracetamol. It is very uncomfortable, especially at night and keeps me awake.

I can't see my consultant till January unless I get a cancellation, as I am away when the follow-up clinic is.

[shopman]

I wouldn't say it is completely normal but could be due to bruising when they did the procedure. Did they have trouble controlling the bleeding when removing the wires? Was the pressure cuff reduced in small amounts in the time following? Did you have any discomfort at the time?

[Skittler in reply to shopman]

Hi Shopman,

There was no problem with bleeding after and yes, they reduced the TR Bands gradually. It's probably due to the bruising, as my forearm went a lovely colour the next day. I saw a consultant and he was happy with it, saying it happens, he tested my arteries and they were fine. I didn't have any discomfort after, not till the next day, but the wrist pain started about four days after. My doc has looked at it and checked me over, she was also happy with it and said it does happen, especially in tall people with long limbs.

[shopman in reply to Skittler]

I would keep a close eye on it and if any changes for the worse the straight back to see your GP - she can always refer you to someone else if need be.

[Skittler in reply to shopman]

She has contacted my consultant, as have I, so waiting to hear from him. After open heart surgery, this isn't a worry really, just want to see if others have had the same. I have seen quite a lot on some groups that have had it. I'm giving feedback to my cardiology ward, as they are going through a lot of big changes, as to what they should be telling patients to expect. They now do a group talk before the pre-op, with slide show and a lot more. As I am a frequent visitor, for some reason, they have asked me to help out.

[scottish1 in reply to Skittler]

I have had 2 angiograms through different wrists and both were horrendous after the procedure. The first one apparently blocked one of the arteries that feed the hand, unbelievable pain and took weeks to feel a bit better. The second time the doctor tightened the band too much and my hand was turning black by the time I was back in the ward. The nurses took some pressure out but I had pain for months. GP said it looked ok but my wrist now has a distinct dip in it and I am convinced he damaged my wrist. If it feels wrong get it checked.

[Skittler in reply to scottish1]

That doesn't sound at all good. My wrist is uncomfortable when I lie down or lift something awkwardly. My doc thinks it just inflamed and will settle down quite quickly. I have had it checked a few times now and as the bruising goes it seems to get a little easier.