Leg problem after heart bypass surgery.?

Question

My brother had a heart bypass surgery very recently. Thanks to God, he is ok. But after the surgery he faced problem in his left leg. As per his doctor the vein isn't taken from his leg. The vein is taken from his chest. His left leg is swelling a bit from day to day. He is trying to walk and do some exercise as per the direction from his phyisiotherapist. He can't stand using his left leg. He is trying to soak it using a solution of epsom salt and warm water. The feeling of the pain sometimes reduces when he change his direction of sitting. I appreciate your concern and would like to thank you in advance for your reply.His friend.

Answer 1

A vein in left leg is probably blocked. Blood clots can form in veins or arteries. An arteriogram or venogram will clear the matter. Bypass surgery is not a cure all. It`s only a palliative. The underlying conditions like diabetes hypertension must be kept under control. Smokers need no mercy if they don`t give up. Age is a factor that is irreversible. Cardiovascular surgeon will be of immense help.

Answer 2

Any insult to a body part can cause problems. I would say removing a vein from a limb would certainly be considered an insult. Like any other wound it needs time to heal, it may take longer than expected due to a decrease in blood flow to the leg. Many times the blood flow is not noticably affected and things heal just fine. But there is always the exception, keep the MD informed. If there is an increase in redness, swelling, area is hot to the touch, a fever is present, or if level of pain is increased
( ecspecially in the calf when pointing toes toward your face ).Remember pain, swelling and redness are all normal it is when there is a change or increase in these things that COULD mean something MAY be going on. Only an MD can make this decision, but symptoms shouldn't be ignored either.
PS
Did the Doc recommend the soak,always check with MD first even if it seems silly, I would guess that rest and elevation would be included between the excercise, check with the Doc or his nurse.

Answer 3

I am not in the medical field, however I have had an aortic valve replacement as of 6/05. I have been told this is "edema"; swelling caused after surgery; The best thing to do is avoid salty foods; report ANY and all conditions to your cardiologist; get up and move around at least once every hour. Yes, it may go away, or it may not. I was placed on life support during my surgery and woke up to my right leg looking twice the size of my left leg. Still isn't the same. And yes, it hurts to walk on that leg.

Answer 4

This may be a THROMBOPHLEBITIS OF THE DEEP VEINS.Symptoms and signs: Symptomatic patients with deep venous thrombosis may complain of a dull ache,tightness, or pain in the calf or leg especially when walking. Duplex ultrasonography is the most widely use diagnostic test in the initial evaluation of patients suspected of having this disorder.