Trying not to freak out!

[sportsmom24]

It has been a long time since I posted. Life seemed to be going good. My husband had his valve replaced about one and half years ago. He has a mechanical valve so he is on coumatin and some other medicine- but in general he is doing good. Back to work, golf etc.
This last week some strange things happend that we didn't connect to his heart or valve surgery- now I am nervous.
1. His eye swelled up(whole side of face) It went away and we assumed he got a bug bite
2. He has a rash on his stomache and legs- but so do I . We think it is because I switch detergents and both of us broke out
3. But now- I am really really nervous. His one leg is swollen and foot and brownish- doesn't hurt. His other leg is discolored but not swollen
4. He did have a virus and took some advil this week
He has a doctor's appt coming up- but as you can imigine I am worried- any thoughts

 

[Karlynn]

I would go see a doctor tomorrow, or even a trip to the ER tonight if you are very nervous.

It could be many things. By your description of his legs it sounds somewhat like cellulitis - which is an infection that travels fairly quickly through the circulation. Your mention of virus brought this to mind. A friend of our is very suseptable to cellulitis and has to watch for it any time he gets a virus or bacterial infection.

Is the swelling warmer than the rest of his body?

Asymetrical swelling such as that could be valve related, but I'd be more inclined to believe it was something else - that needs to get checked out.

Best wishes.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

To be on the safe side, he needs to be seen ASAP.

Call his PCP and tell them what is going on. You might also want to talk with whoever is managing his Coumadin to see if some or all of those effects could be related.

"When in Doubt, CHECK IT OUT !"

Best wishes,

'AL'

 

[Nancy]

Any rash on your husband's or your body needs to be checked out asap, especially if it is traveling or acting strangely.

I don't want to scare you, and it doesn't sound anything like what Joe had, but I'm going to mention it anyway because it will point up just how fast things can happen. After one of Joe's heart surgeries, he developed an itch in the middle of the night which then started looking like hives as the morning dawned. By the time I was able to connect with his doctor in the AM, he was having trouble walking, by the time we got to the doctor's office, he was in a wheel chair and was admitted directly into the hospital, by that evening, he had lost all function in his hands and every other joint in his body. His body totally seized up and they had a horrible time getting him out of the wheelchair. He was not able to urinate. He was transferred to the ICU within 24 hours, and it was determined that he had an extremely severe reaction called serum sickness which was from the Ancef which was used during surgery. Everyone said that it was the most severe reaction they had seen in 17 years. He had had Ancef before w/o any problems. He spent about 2 weeks in the hospital and still has residual damage to his feet.

So-o-o check out ALL rashes pronto.

 

[sportsmom24]

going to doctor tomorrow

going to doctor tomorrow

My husband has an appointment with his cardiolgy tomorrow so I am sure he will advise next steps. Will keep you posted. He also forgot to tell me he has a bump on the upper part of his leg like a bug bite. I am thinking infection too
He doesn't have any shortness of breath or anything like that- just a red swollen leg and rash.
thanks

 

[Susan BAV]

Will you be sure to keep us posted? This sounds like it could be serious. Will you be able to go with him to the doctor tomorrow? Or give him a list of things to describe to and ask of the doctor? Best wishes.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

I would be most inclined to beleive his INR is high. Especially if this was sudden, taking the Advil, etc. It can also be an infection. Bottom line...get in there ASAP. Take care and please let us know what the outcome is.

 

[Yaps]

Am thinking

Am thinking

of you and please let us know, it sure sounds like a reaction to something.. love Yaps

 

[sportsmom24]

Back from doctor- no definite answer yet

Back from doctor- no definite answer yet

Well hubby went to cardio doctor. He thought it was either a blood clot or infection in his leg. Took an ultrasound for the blood clot and sent him to other doctor for the infection. They put him on antibodics right away , but haven't heard back on ultrasound. They didn't seem too alarmed- so I guess we will be optimistic.
My husband is a little frustrated as he said "little things you wouldn't think about two years ago- you have to worry about now" And I told him yes, his life has changed- but there could have been worse alternatives!
Thanks for answering my posts- I know the patients here have a hard time- but it is emotionally hard on the spouses too.
Linda

 

[Nancy]

Sure is Linda!