One month after receiving a drug-eluting stent, facial swelling occurred?
Hello Doctor, my mother is 57 years old and had a successful drug-eluting stent placement in mid-December last year.
She has started to exercise gradually.
However, there are a few issues she mentioned that concern me.
1.
She experiences back pain after walking (we suspect this might be because she is not yet accustomed to the improved blood flow, as the previously blocked artery was quite significant, and the doctor mentioned that the blood flow in that artery is still less than half of normal).
2.
She has facial swelling (during her follow-up appointment, the doctor said her blood pressure and heart rate are normal, and it could be that she is still adjusting to the stent).
I would like to ask if you have any recommendations! Are these symptoms possibly due to her adjustment period? I apologize for the trouble, but I should accompany my mother to her follow-up appointment to ask these questions, but I live abroad, and she doesn't remember to ask me all her questions.
Thank you.
yī, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/01/28
Dr. Zhong Yuxun reply Cardiology
Hello, One user: Drug-eluting stents were officially launched worldwide (including Taiwan) in 2004, with a restenosis rate of less than 5%.
The two symptoms you described do not seem to be directly related to the stent.
It is recommended to discuss this further with your attending physician.
You may want to have a younger relative or friend accompany you to the follow-up appointment to explore if there are other underlying causes.
Dr.
Chung Yu-Chuan
Reply Date: 2005/01/28
More Info
After a stent placement, it is not uncommon for patients to experience various symptoms as their body adjusts to the changes in blood flow and vascular health. In your mother's case, the concerns regarding back pain and facial swelling are noteworthy and warrant further discussion.
1. Back Pain After Walking: It is possible that your mother's back pain after walking is related to her body adjusting to improved blood flow following the stent placement. When a major artery is blocked, the body adapts to that reduced blood flow, and once the blockage is removed, the sudden increase in blood flow can lead to discomfort in various areas, including the back. This discomfort may also be exacerbated by changes in physical activity levels; if she has recently started exercising more, her muscles may not yet be accustomed to the increased demand. It is important for her to gradually increase her activity level and to listen to her body. If the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult her healthcare provider to rule out any other underlying issues.
2. Facial Swelling: Facial swelling can occur for several reasons post-stent placement. While it is reassuring that her blood pressure and heart rate are normal, the swelling could be a result of fluid retention or a reaction to the medication she may be taking. Some patients experience edema (swelling due to fluid accumulation) as their body adjusts to the new blood flow dynamics. It is also possible that the swelling is unrelated to the stent itself and could be due to other factors such as dietary sodium intake, hormonal changes, or even allergies. Monitoring the swelling and discussing it with her healthcare provider during her next visit is advisable.
3. Recommendations:
- Follow-Up Appointment: It would be beneficial for you to accompany your mother to her follow-up appointment, if possible. This way, you can help her remember to ask all the questions and express her concerns to the doctor.
- Gradual Increase in Activity: Encourage her to continue her physical activity but to do so gradually. She should start with short walks and slowly increase the duration and intensity as tolerated.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on her symptoms. If the back pain becomes severe or if the facial swelling worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headaches), she should seek medical attention immediately.
- Dietary Considerations: Ensure that her diet is balanced and low in sodium to help manage any potential fluid retention. Staying hydrated is also important.
- Medication Review: If she is taking medications, it may be worth reviewing them with her doctor to see if any could be contributing to her symptoms.
In conclusion, while some discomfort and swelling can be part of the recovery process after stent placement, it is essential to keep an open line of communication with her healthcare provider. Regular follow-ups and monitoring her symptoms will help ensure that she is on the right track to recovery.
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