Clopidogrel and swollen arm

[Missimum]

Hi all, I had a non ST elevation MI with stent to a blocked circumflex artery in January. I’ve taken great comfort and lots of advice from reading the posts on this site but today have a question for the community. For the last week I’ve had a painful arm muscle and over the week quite a few bruises have appeared on that arm. Today there is a bit of swelling around the bruises, am wondering if it’s the clopidogrel and whether I need to speak to anyone about it. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Missimum. It could well be that you’ve taken a knock or even something less traumatic and the bruising and swelling is a result of that. I had lots of bruises when I was on anti platelet treatment but didn’t have swelling. I’d call the BHF nurses and see what they thing. I imagine it’s nothing to worry about but it might put your mind at rest. Hope t gets resolved soon.

[Missimum in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thanks NorthantsSteve, it so hard to know what to ignore and what to act on, thanks for advice

[shopman]

Whilst not a medical professional you could well have hit the nail on the head with your thought of the Clopidogrel being responsible but it may be in conjunction with other medication. You are best off seeking advice from your GP or Practice Nurse. If you think the situation is more urgent then you can always try 111 or attend a local Walk in Centre.

[Dolphin14]

I would suggest a phone call to someone.

[Missimum]

Thanks everyone, I’ll definitely follow it up if it doesn’t ease

[SteveyK]

Hi, yes get advice.

My experience shocked me also. I fell playing badminton about six months after heart attack and stent. The next day I looked like a 90 year old who had been mugged and had to give up playing for three weeks. Shocking bruises and colouring.

[Missimum in reply to SteveyK]

My problem is I don’t remember hitting or falling on the arm so am wondering if there is something else going on. Thanks for sharing experiences though and I think I’ll pop to the surgery tomorrow to check it out

[Flyerswife]

The bruising is pretty much a given - even if you didn't use to bruise before you took clopidogrel. I get lots of random bruising when I don't recall any injury. I'd be a little more concerned about any swelling, though even that could just be from a pulled muscle healing. I'd check with your GP, if/when you can get an appointment. It'll be manic tomorrow! (I've had a muscular painful arm/shoulder for a few weeks & decided it's the way I hold my mobile when texting or browsing the net! Lol) Good Luck!

[pippadee]

Hi missimum, have had lots of bruising since taking clopidogrel after having stents my cardiologist has now taking of medication after 6 months so i am now going to take Nattokinase and serrepeptase .

[Gjkas]

Hi there, i am not a Doctor, but when I was on Clopidogal both my legs and feet were really swollen and quite painful.Well as luck had it, I'd had an appointment with my Cardiologist and he told me not to take any more of them.As you must know, they are quite strong blood thinners and my Cardiologist told me that they should not be taken for more than 12 months anyway.But if i were you I would get advice from your G.P. JUST TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE.

.GOOD LUCK Gjkas.