What Causes Blood Clots And Pneumonia After Stent Placement?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jul 2016

Question: A friend of my husband's from college recently had a heart attack and the dr's said he had what they call the widow maker blockage? They operated and only put in a stent. That was 6 weeks ago. We are hearing of his progress via email from his wife. Early after the heart surgery he was having issues in
his leg and his toes were turning purple. I don't know if any devices where inserted into his groin or leg area for this to occur. Then he was told he had blood clots and also pneumonia. He was having trouble breathing so he was on a ventilator for several weeks and then was given a tracheotomy. He was moved out of the hospital to a rehab type hospital. Now his drs want to put in a voice box so that
he can "exercise" his vocal cords. I believe he still may have the pneumonia. Also he has trouble sleeping. I don't know why he can't be given something to help him sleep. It seems that after 6 weeks he should be doing better than he currently is. I don't think he is able to walk with assistance as he's
so weak. I would certainly appreciate any advice on how his treatment should proceed.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He is getting optimum treatment and should continue

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to health care magic. Its sad to hear about the complications of the heart attack and its procedure's complications but the patient is lucky enough to manage it in the widow making period.. As far as I've read the details you have provided,the patient is getting the maximum possible treatment. The vocal cords need to be active and should get that exercise so you should go for it. And your patient cannot get meducations for putting him sleep because then there would be a risk of respiratory depression and that may be fatal for the patient. And the weakness issue will persist and with time and good dietary intake he will be able to walk properly but expecting him to walk and act normal woukd be too early as he has got through a lot. So i would recommend you to continue the treatment and management done by the hospital as it is in patient's benefit. Hope your are satisfied. Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj