Update on me/angiogram/contrast

[jodaer]

A while back I wrote about how I had a blockage in my legs and would have to have an angiogram/plasty with contrast. My vascular doctor and nephrologist worked together and came up with they would hydrate me 4 hours before the procedure and 2 hours after, also the vascular would only use as much contrast as absolutely necessary. That was scheduled for March 20th.

But on March 13 at my regular appointment with my primary I was telling her about a couple of things that were going on. She said tell me more, then ordered an EKG and sent me to the ER. I was immediately taken back and had tests run, it seems I was having an MI. I went to the Cath lab where they put in a stent on an emergency basis. (no 4 hours hydration) They consulted about a bypass but based on my age and other issues they decided that was not the best option for me. So on Friday they took me back for more stents but had to cut it short as I was going into distress. Then on the next Monday I went back in for the last stent. I was in the hospital for 1 week.

I still had to get the leg done and also the aortoiliac artery done. Last Friday I went in for the 1st of those but not sure when I will get the next one done.

I had my labs done Monday and Wednesday I saw my nephrologist and the good news is my kidneys have improved some, not a great amount but some. My neph thinks it could be because of the better flow of blood. So. I just want to say that contrast might not damage your kidneys. just look at the whole picture.

Another thing. In all the time I never had chest pain, or any pain. Some heaviness, heart burn type, in chest and a discomfort around my neck and shoulders. I'm really lucky to be alive and I give thanks to my primary for that to see what was going on.

[Marvin8]

Great story. Great information! Congrats!!!!!

[arTistapple]

So happy for you. Needs must and all that. Interesting snippet from your nephew too. When I had a CT Scan I was given a beta blocker. I felt so well for 26 hours afterwards. Seemed to see the world in full technicolour and 3D. I think it was the beta blocker opening up my arteries temporarily. I can understand how your kidneys might be working better with the stents in place allowing more blood flow around your body. A good outcome.

[drmind]

Oh, wow, thank goodness for proficient primary doctors. It's a blessing. And, Thanks for sharing the contrast information.

[Dana66CKD]

Glad your alive and doing better. Good information you've offered for the rest of us. Take care 🙏

[whats]

Thanks for the interesting story and the info. Glad things came out well for you.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Wow Jodaer, what a journey. Glad they caught the MI. I hope everything else comes out ok.