Has Anyone Experienced This?

[jkn2kids]

I had a heart cath on Friday and woke up Sat with red,swollen and itchy feet.I called the cardio and he said go to the ER to make sure no cholesterol particles had broken off and traveled to my feet.At the hospital they gave me a ultrasound of my legs and an echo of my heart which both showed nothing we didn't already know about.They think it was some kind of allergy but are not sure.They recommended a foot ointment and said check back with my GP.As of today,my feet are still red and swollen.The itching seems to have disappeared but my feet look like they have been burned.Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

 

[hensylee]

I would bet you are allergic to something they gave you - or inserted. I can't recall if they put in dye for caths but lots of people are allergic to that dye they sometimes use in picture exams. I have been asked if I am allergic to the dye. Maybe you could get a list because you probably don't want to ever have whatever it was again.

 

[joanne6]

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry to hear that you have to go through something else. I can't imagine what it could be. Seems like an allergy would have been over more of the body but who knows? What does your doc plan to do? Benadryl, Claritin??
Keep us posted please.
Joanne

 

[hensylee]

my ex was allergic to many things. One day (eons ago) he got a penicillin shot, came home and his palms began itching. They told him to never have penicillin in any form after that. Itching in palms and soles is a sign of allergic reaction. At least it was back then.

 

[OldManEmu]

This sounds like an allergy to the contrast used. Some contrasts contain iodine this is usually what causes the allergic reaction. I have had an allergic reaction both times contrast has been used on me, once with a Cath and the second with a CT scan. Before my next CT scan next month I have been given some tables to take at intervals in the preceding 12 hours. My allergic reaction is a rash on the inner forearms and the back of the legs. The rash resolved its self with a day. I have attached a link that explains allergic reactions to contrast.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20021001/1229.html

 

[geebee]

I'm betting you reacted to the dye. I have had a few reactions from itching to SOB. I now always take prednisone before any test requiring contrast dye.

The other possibility is antibiotics. Were you given any prior to the procedure?

 

[jkn2kids]

I was given Valium and Benadryl before the test.I'm not sure what I was given during the procedure.My feet are still swollen and red as of Wednesday.I'm in Ocean City,Md on vacation so I must wait until I return home to check with my GP.She probably knows more than the ER doctors.As soon as I can get an answer,I'll pass it on.Thank you for your concern and possible answers to this mystery.

 

[Marguerite53]

strange that its' just the feet

strange that its' just the feet

Hi. I would think they would suggest you stay on some benedryl. I had a horrible and scary reaction to injected iodine (dye?) many years ago (some kind of bladder image work) and have since always proclaimed that I was allergic. THey can usually offer something else. I won't even let them use topical iodine. Why? I blew up like a puffer fish!

My husband was just this week bitten by a spider on his forearm. Bad news. Instant swelling, rash, hot and itchy. He's on antibiotics, it's so bad. While I doubt this is your problem, I know some people are very sensitive to bug bites. Any chance for spider bites or fleas? Or did they have your feet covered during a procedure to keep you warm and maybe the chemicals in the blanket (soap, disinfectant) are too strong for you??

As long as it is resolving, dissipating, and you are in touch with someone regarding it (who has put this reaction into your chart!!) I hope you don't have to worry too much.

So, from someone who used to sprinkle vinegar on her french fries while cruising down the boardwalk, take the family to Phillip's Crab house and enjoy Ocean City!! (I'm sure I wouldn't recognize it now -- it's been since the late 60's for me ) I grew up in Silver Spring.

Keep us posted!

Marguerite

 

[CCRN]

I agree with Rachel. Be sure and report this before you undergo any other testing.

 

[barbwil]

Good article...

Good article...

This sounds like an allergy to the contrast used. Some contrasts contain iodine this is usually what causes the allergic reaction. I have had an allergic reaction both times contrast has been used on me, once with a Cath and the second with a CT scan. Before my next CT scan next month I have been given some tables to take at intervals in the preceding 12 hours. My allergic reaction is a rash on the inner forearms and the back of the legs. The rash resolved its self with a day. I have attached a link that explains allergic reactions to contrast.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20021001/1229.html

Thank you for sending that article about contrast agents. When I had my heart cath. last July (before my mitral valve repair) the cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic had me take 2 Benadryl and 4 prednisone the night before and the same amount the next morning. That would put most people into a very sleepy state but I always feel like climbing the walls with Benadryl. When they were doing the cath. I could not keep my legs still (I already suffer from restless leg syndrome). They kept giving me more Versed even though I told them my legs would stop moving if they would put some valium in my IV.

I am always given a red alert bracelet in the hospital listing contrast dye and penicillin. This was the first time I was given this regimen of drugs. When I go for my cat scans (renal cell ca check-up) I always have the non-contrast but they admit that they are not as clear.

I had read previously that there are other dyes available but they are so expensive they hesitate using them. Glad to have this list you made available to us; I just printed the six pages.

God bless, Barb