Community Chat

[781Florist]

On May 15th I am having a procedure on my leg to (hopefully!) reduce or eliminate a calcification blockage of my artery.  They will go in to my upper thigh and open the artery and "roto-rooter" out the calcification.  There will be some type of animal skin "stent" or 

tubelike thing put in to create an open path for better blood flow.  

My question is, has anyone out there had a procedure like this?  The recovery time is said to be 6-8 weeks....no driving, and I will initially have a visiting nurse to check the wound for proper healing and infection prevention etc. etc.

I am not looking forward to the recovery pain, but I do realize that the payoff (walking again!) will be worth it.  I'm really not a big baby, but this for some reason has me anxious.  If anyone has experience with this sort of thing and can let me know about the recovery I would be grateful!  Thanks!

[Love my grandkids]

@781Florist No experience but I do wish you an uneventful recovery.  In medical terms 'uneventful" is a GOOD thing. Hope it all goes well, you get the help you need and have enough pain meds.

Maybe when you're up to it you'll give us an update.

Wishing you all the best.

[DSD2]

I have had several surgeries (including brain) but haven't experienced that type of surgery. But I want to wish you well and I will keep you in my prayers.

Surgical knowledge and  techniques have advanced so much and I am sure you will be in good hands. I understand that it is scary but it will be well worth it once it is over. 

Bless you and please, keep us posted!

[Iwantcoffee]

I have not had this procedure but would like to wish you the best during surgery and recovery. 

[chrystaltree]

I have not had it done but in my job, I reviewed hundreds of medical records in which this was done.  We actually called it a roto rooter procedure but the technical phrase is angioplasty.  You'll be fine!  It's a minimally invasive procedure.  You just have to get through the procedure and start your recovery.  And then you get your life back.  

[Terrywu]

Good luck and a speedy recovery.

[BlueFinch]

@781Florist Agree with @chrystaltree. I've known patients who had this surgery and did well.

Try to go into the surgery with positivity, realizing that continuing with compromised blood flow to your leg currently, needs to be addressed to enhance your quality of life, while preventing some serious complications. 

There are risks with all procedures, even minor ones. The doc will advise you of all potential problems and expected outcomes. You'll know what to observe for. The visiting nurse will monitor your progress closely and also provide ongoing teaching.

From what I've heard, the recovery pain is not that bad. It's the restriction of activities that becomes annoying, as you begin to feel better, wanting to do more. Just follow your treatment plan.

Keep focusing on 'walking again,' as the best motivator for moving forward with less fear. You've got this. You should do well.

Please keep us posted. And the best of luck and health.  

[Foxxee]

My father had it about 10 years ago when this procedure was fairly new.  It was to go down as far as his ankle.

They were only able to go about 4 inches below the knee.  A stent was placed in the artery.  10 years is a long time and this procedure might be perfected to go down the whole leg now.

He was discharged the next day and walking without much pain.   

I will say prayers for you that all goes well and this procedure will be very successful.  

[hckynutjohn]

@781Florist 

I had upper leg surgery many years ago. Got hit between the top of my hockey skate and the bottom of my shin pads by a puck. I was getting warmed up to Ref a game in my Adult Hockey League. Wasn't able to do that game. Only telling this part because you understand hockey and skating.

The injury had broken a blood vessel high up my right thigh. My doctor wanted to wait a month to see if my body would absorb the blood. Since it continued to bleed, which swelled my lower leg up to thigh size! I spent most of my time sitting with my leg elevated with ice packs on it.

Set up the surgery a week after that month. Went up my right thigh to tie of the problem blood vessel. Was a very long recovery considering my lifestyle of running and playing and Reffing hockey games.

From the night of my injury until skating again! It was 18 months of no running/skating, or any weight bearing type exercises. 

My injury certainly was not as serious as your Artery for sure. I wanted to let you know, since you asked if anyone had a surgery like this. While "not like yours", it was an upper leg surgery for a blood vessel bleeding, not a potential clotting calcification.

Being "anxious" is normal for most people prior to any serious medical procedure, moreso when they are invasive. I am the oddball in that respect. The doctor sets a date, I make sure to follow the pre-procedure, especially those that are the invasive type. Other than that I just view it as another life experience.

Want to send you my thoughts and best wishes for your upcoming surgery. Not much to say other than try to relax. 

hckynut 🥅🏒 🇺🇸

[brandiwine]

First of all please try not to worry.  My mom was one of the first to ever have this procedure done back in 1972!  She had blockages at the Y in her back that goes to both legs.  Since she had such a  severe situation, they decided to open her up by cutting through her diaphragm and all the way to her pub.c bone.  They tried the roto-rooter thing but it didn't work well and they ended up doing a bypass procedure using surgical tubing.  Not only was this a great success, it was the precursor for what you will have. It took her 7 weeks to be back working again.  I was in high school so I did all the cleaning, cooking, washing, and grocery shopping.

You will do really well.  Your leg will be very sore, but by having proper blood flow, you will lose the pain you've been in while trying to stand and walk.  Take care of yourself and please accept all the help people offer.  If you can, sit in the sun and let Mother Nature help to heal you.  I will be thinking of you on the 15th and I know this will be very successful.