Health
Related: About this forumHas anyone had Peripheral Artery Angioplasty & Stent Placement?
I see a doc next week for an ultrasound of my legs and think he may want to put stents in the arteries of my lower legs in the near future due to possible blockage.
Looking online, theres a 6 to 8 week recovery afterwards at home and lots of possible problems in the following couple years.
Im 74, many health issues, and live alone, Pretty much a hermit.
Any personal experiences?
Thanks
flying_wahini
(7,946 posts)The key to recovery is a good diet, plenty of vitamin C and getting up and Moving!
Walking Is key to recovery.
Stasis ulcers are a bitch to cure and In the absence of stints/surgery.... amputation is no fun.
The surgery will help a lot. Its not as bad as it sounds. Be brave and do it.
Keep your activity level UP and keep your legs elevated.
The longer you wait to do the harder it is to recover.
You can do this!
OhNo-Really
(3,991 posts)You need some help when you get home
Id take the nurses advice
Timewas
(2,277 posts)Actually not stents but had my right femoral artery opened and cleaned. The blockage was right at the hip crease and stents are not good for that position..recovery was not too bad depending on differences in people and their definition of recovery it was not 6 to 8 weeks more like a month or so and I was pretty much doing normal things....When they open and clean they put a patch on to close it back up which leaves the artery more open..
BUT everyone recovers at a different rate so just do as Dr advises
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Or were you hospitalized ?
My primary care doctor said I may be in the hospital a day or two.
Timewas
(2,277 posts)ICU room...this was a femoral artery and can be very dangerous if it springs a leak. I have also had both carotid arteries cleaned in the same manner one was 98% blocked and was causing vision problems
The River
(2,615 posts)back in 2001 at age 50. No stents, just artificial arteries from lower abdomen into both legs. Not a lot of fun but the results were great. I went from being unable to walk a block to riding my bike 100 miles at a time.
Only right for me but same results pretty much could not walk 100 feet without have to stop and catch up
mitch96
(14,594 posts)Another benefit is the blood flow is restored to ALL the vessels.. My father in law had it done and after the surgery could not leave his wife alone!!! She said it was like he got his "toy" back working again..
YMMV
If your blood vessels are clogged ask the doctor if the stents will clog up also and how long before that happens... Roto Router? Did they check your carotid arteries also? Ultrasound test quick and easy
m
The River
(2,615 posts)I have a few in my heart (RCA). I grew a new artery to bypass the stents. I seem to have great collateral artery development abilities.
"Exercise dramatically increases blood flow through the coronary arteries. The inner lining of the arteries responds to this "stress" much as it does to the stress of atherosclerosis, by stimulating collateral blood vessels to elongate, widen, and form new connections.".
https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/do-it-yourself-cardiac-bypass-surgery
patricia92243
(12,798 posts)and the sores on his feet completely healed - blood flow made the difference.
I HIGHLY recommend it.
kimbutgar
(23,114 posts)She was in the hospital for 6 days and Has been recovering g at home. She is doing better and has more energy and it almost back to normal. She has someone taking care of her who makes her walk everyday now. She is 70 years old. She was a smoker up until 2010
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Were there complications?
6 days seems long.
kimbutgar
(23,114 posts)left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)As am I.
I guess I have to have it done, but it scares me.