Guest guest Posted March 13, 2003 Report Share Posted March 13, 2003 Hi everyone, The angiogram produced better results than expected. The four coronary arteries showed mild to moderate blockages, so no angioplasty required. The moderate one was fifty percent blockage, but after medical consultations, angioplasty was ruled out for various reasons. These blockages could not be causing any chest pain, so the conclusion is that the severe chest pain is being caused by costochondritis alone. The angiogram was done under full surgical preparatory procedures, with the addition of a narcotic injection for my severe chest and spinal pain to make me more comfortable. It went smoothly. Not so post-procedure when required to lie on the back perfectly still and right leg fully straight for six hours (head of bed could be raised slightly after four hours). A nurse did fifteen minute obs, checked the puncture wound site, and checked feeling and pulse in the feet. Then, after two hours, a weeping bleed devolped from the femoral artery (the puncture wound site) which could not be stopped after the nurse applied strong pressure for ten minutes. It was stopped eventually by placing a medical sandbag on the site for one and a half hours. This added two extra hours to lying still and straight. Very difficult, but given paracetomol/high codeine tablets periodically. At 2am the next morning in the hospital, I awoke with massive spinal and chest pain, so a summoned nurse gave me a high dosage of Oxycontin, which settled it, but not completely. Returned home with large, sore bruises in the groin and top of the leg and an instruction list that for the next two weeks: rest, no lifting or carrying of anything heavier than 2.5 kg, little walking or standing, and other things. Also an instruction list on caring for the badly bruised wound site and examining it twice a day for certain things which would require immediate medical attention. The next step is to bring forward, as a matter of urgency, my next rheumatologist's appointment (he will have the results of a nuclear bone scan of the spine and chest and a copy of the cardiologist's report). I believe he will consult with, or send me directly to, my pain management specialist (who will also have received copies of the reports), in order to try to come up with a pain management (containment) strategy. Whichever, the costochondritis, together with the again increasing spinal pain, is getting beyond my ability to cope or perform the simplest of functions. Regards, Gordon [Ed. Note: WOW Gordon, I'm surprised you're back on the forum again so quickly - I was just about to send an email to Lou inquiring about your status. I'm very sorry to hear there was nothing they could do for you however, and that your ordeal was essentially for naught. Hopefully, the nuclear bone scan will give them enough information to help with the pain. You have my sincere wishes for better days ahead. I can't believe they _still_ won't put you on the new biologic drugs! :-( Ron] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2003 Report Share Posted March 13, 2003 Welcome back Gordon. I was thinking about you alot. I'm so glad you didn't have to have anything more drastic done. Having to lie still like that and for so long is so rough. You take it very, very easy. Carol in Vancouver, Washington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2003 Report Share Posted March 13, 2003 I am SOO glad to see you back... and so soon!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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