Post angioplasty severe pain in side

[LucyBoo21]

Hi everyone.

So I had my second angioplasty on Monday, the procedure went well from the cardiologists point of view and I have had another stent fitted right next to my first one - they are overlapping.

From my point of view however, when he went in my groin it really hurt - I've not had that before. Whilst in recovery I had a vasovagal attack, my BP went down to 78/40. I was kept in overnight as I continued to feel sick, lightheaded and my groin really hurt - it was agony.

My groin hurt for a couple of days but had eased by Wednesday evening. Then on Thursday I started to get pain in my right side low down. It's got progressively worse since, I can't lift my leg, I can't move without pain.

I went to A&E last night and they did a CT scan as they were worried about damage to my femoral artery but fortunately it was ok. They sent me home without an answer as to what's causing it - telling me to contact my GP. They were surprised when I said I was still in intense pain- as if because the test results came back clear the pain should've gone! They also left my line in, that was a nice treat for my husband to take out when we got home!

I emailed my cardiologists secretary last night, and she responded this morning saying it could be nerve irritation around the artery and he will see my tomorrow evening.

Has anyone experienced this? I also have achy/skin hurts to touch on my back, in particular around my lower back. Paracetamol gets rid of that but doesn't touch the other pain in my side.

Naturally I'm really anxious about this pain and am thinking why me again?! I seem to get all the unusual things and feel like I'm causing trouble. 😔

[Batheart]

Hello, I had my angioplasty a year and a half ago through my wrist. It wasn't too bad and I just had severe bruising and redness around my arm that subsided after 2-3 weeks. However, what you're going through sounds terrible. I can't offer any advise except I think you need kick up quite a fuss (shouting and demanding a proper Cardiologist take a look at you at A&E. I feel the Cardiologist would be the only to tell you what's actually wrong. If it's so painful, it could be a nerve that's been irritate, trapped or damaged during the procedure - but that's just guesswork. I really hope and pray your pain subsides and you get better very soon. Good luck and all the very best !

[LucyBoo21 in reply to Batheart]

Thank you for your kind reply. I've just seen my cardiologist and I've got femoral nerve irritation. Everything else was reassuring so I just need to rest, rest, rest and it should resolve in a week.

I had chest pain when I saw him, the ECG was fine though so again not to worry.

It's so hard not to worry!

[Batheart in reply to LucyBoo21]

Great stuff Lucy ! So my quacky guess turned out to be right !! Wow ! Must join the NHS now ! I'm really happy you're on the mend. God bless, take rest, rest and more rest and you'll be in the pink of health before you know it !

[Philry]

Sorry to hear that you are in such pain, but I am unsurprised at the attitude of NHS staff toward your pain, as that seems commonplace.I think surgeons who do this surgery should be required to go through the treatment themselves. I was told that I might experience some discomfort, which was an understatement, to say the least, it was pure agony.

It did subside quickly, so whether you have had some nerve damage.

You're doing all the right things by getting a consultant to review your situation, and don't be reticent about asking for more pain relief, and a definitive answer, as you should not be suffering at all.

I hope you get the answers that you want, and and make a swift recovery.

[LucyBoo21]

I'm now getting angina which was meant to stop after this procedure! I've been getting today when slowly walking and now with doing nothing.I can't help but worry, along with the pains in my side I feel awful. 😢

My cardiologist said it's normal while the stent is bedding in. I hope he's right!