Anyone had an aortic bifemoral bypass or declined one?

[Astronomyrules]

I have just been diagnosed with extensive calcitic disease of the adominal aorta, forming a "near occlusion" just below the kidneys and need to decide whether or not to go for a aotic bifemoral by pass with bifemoral endartectomies. I think I understand the mechanics, just, but would love to hear peoples' experiences of the op and recovery or indeed how people living with the condition cope. Currently I experience much leg pain which severely restricts my daily activities. Any advice you can give would be apreciated.

[philipjr]

Good morning to you,I had a femoro-femoral iliac bypass, as I was suffering from intermittently claudication, and recurrent leg ulcers.

As a result of a district nurse wrongly diagnosing, a build up of serous fluid, following the initial operation, as an infection, I was rushed into hospital for an emergency operation.

That operation discovered no infection, but the consequence of this operation was that the graft site became infected.

I am now on antibiotics indefinitely, and the operation made little difference to the intermittent claudication, although it seems to have cleared up the ulcers, for now.

After the first operation, a HCA was sent to remove my catheter. It was ripped out, without the balloon being deflated, causing me unbelievable pain and swelling, which lasted a few weeks.

It was not successful, and I wished that I had never had it. I am sure that someone surgeons recommend operations, just for the practice.

The irony of my story is that my consultant said that I could lose my leg, if I didn't have the operation, but the infection of the graft site means that I still could.

Think very carefully about the likely results of the operation, and be critical of any assurances given.

[Astronomyrules in reply to philipjr]

I am so sorry to hear of the complications you suffered and thank you for sharing your experiences. I am finding it very difficult to know which decision to make for the best, but will bear your comments in mind. I hope your infection clears up and they can save your leg.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

As you may know I have had a quadruple bypass (mainly hereditary factors) and a BKA (due to diabetes causing PAD ). Knowing you suffer from FH (Familial Hypercholesterolaemia) I really feel for you.

I suspect I may still have my leg if I had been monitored better and been seen earlier. Personally I think you should go for it as I suspect both your legs are potentially at risk especially if a blockage occurs. Let is know what you decide...

[Astronomyrules in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael, thank you for your response you truly are the sage of the forum and you've had to cope with so much. I am quite confused, and think I need to ask a lot more questions of the medical team. The surgeon told me last week that I wasn't in danger of losing my legs, but logic would seem to dictate that, as you said, there is a real risk in the future. A future of even worse leg pain and less mobility is not a happy prospect either although they seem to think there is hope of some improvement if I push myself further through the pain barrier. I am trying to up my daily exercise. It will be a couple of months before I see the surgeon again.I will post an update with my decision. Best wishes for your continued recovery.

[saintv]

Hi Astronomyrules, I had an Aorta bi-femoral bypass graft surgery in July 2021 at St George's hospital in Tooting as I had a blockage in my femoral arteries.

The surgery and recovery went well however the claudication returned in October and after tests, there seemed to be a blockage in the graft on one side.

At the beginning of January 2021 I had an Angioplasty procedure where a covered stent was inserted into the graft in the groin on both sides.

Since then everything seems fine and I no longer have any claudication or problems walking.

I am pleased I had the surgery, as before it I could not walk too far without being in pain and it restricted my daily life.

I wish you all the very best with your decision.

Good luck

[Astronomyrules in reply to saintv]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with me and I'm pleased that you feel so positive about the final outcome. For the past 11 years I have faced increasing restrictions on my life and would dearly love to be free of the daily pain, though I force myself to do as much as I can bear. However, I am worried about ending up worse than before through some complication as the surgeon told me there was a high risk. Could you share with me some details about your recovery such as whether swollen feet/legs were a problem and if so how long it took to resolve?

[saintv]

My recovery was good as I didn't do too much for the first 6 weeks and I didn't have any swollen feet/legs.As it is major surgery, you just have to take it easy for the first couple of months and let the incision heal properly. The incision goes right across the stomach above the belly button and the only thing that remains is that it is still slightly swollen and I have no feeling between the bottom of the scar and above the belly button.

[Astronomyrules in reply to saintv]

Thank you for the additional information. I am very encouraged by your experience. I hope the scar settles soon. I remember that after my OHS it took almost a year for the last bit of swelling to go down and a long time, though I can't remember how long, for full sensation to return. Best wishes for the future.