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What's going on

By Anonymous November 28, 2010 - 12:39pm
 
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I had an arteriovenous fistula placed in my left groin area in April 2010 for exchange transfusions, I was sent home immediately with no physical therapy. My leg was swollen for about six months, I was using a wheelchair and decided to try walking on my own as I did so I felt more pain than ever. No that my leg has gone down my hips, knees and foot has been hurting really bad. is this normal? I've told my hematologist but nothing seems to be getting done. p0lease Help??!

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I read about the arteriovenous fistula surgical procedure ("AV fistula procedure"), and interestingly there is a condition called arteriovenous fistula (a person's artery leads to a vein, bypassing the capillaries, causing low blood supply to some tissues). The condition can be congenital (someone is born with this condition), or can be caused by an injury.

Having the surgical AV fistula procedure requires care to help avoid clots, infection and other complications. No, from what I read, pain is not common with this procedure.

I am unsure what you mean that "nothing seems to be getting done" with your doctor. Have you told your doctor that you are in pain, you are concerned, and need to be seen right away? Have you been seen for your symptoms? Do you have another doctor you can talk to, or go to the emergency room? I am unsure what your pain level is, why your doctor is unconcerned (you can ask this question), and why your leg would be swollen for 6 months. Do you have other medical conditions as well?

November 28, 2010 - 2:39pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

I have complained and had countless visits with my doctor and my problem is being ignored! I'm having a really hard time walking and the pain is uncontrollable. I do have a medical Condition called Sickle Cell Anemia and that can cause avascular necrosis but I have a mild case of it in my right hip. I had an x-ray done last month on both hips and their wasn't any signs of it on my left hip. I never had any pain until I had this fistula placed in. I really don't know what else to do!

December 12, 2010 - 8:30pm
(reply to roe2203)

If you have complained, have had countless visits with your doctor who is ignoring your problem...it sounds like the solution is to find another doctor who will not ignore your problems and symptoms.

Do you also have a family member or friend who can accompany you to your appointments, and act as a patient advocate? (By this, I mean help ask questions, clarify answers, write down information, etc.).

If your doctor is part of a larger practice, or practices in a hospital, you can call the Patient Advocate at the hospital to inquire about seeking help in communicating with your doctor (if you are unable to switch), or talk with a trusted nurse within the practice to ask for assistance in receiving treatment and relieving your pain.

December 12, 2010 - 9:49pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Alison Beaver)

Alison, forgive me for not responding sooner, I haven't been feeling well. Like I've mentioned before I have complain many many times and I'm basically not getting anywhere. I've been walking w/a limp and my left hip hurts so bad! I know with my condition(Sickle Cell Anemia) I can experience that kind of pain, but the pain has become so unbearable! As a matter of fact i do have an avascular necrosis in my right hip and I barely feel any pain with it. I had an x-ray done a few weeks ago and there was no sign of an necrosis. I turned 26 last week and I feel like my body is completely deteriorating and it makes me so sad. I meet with a new doctor on the 4th and I'm kind of excited yet it saddens me to think that i may not have my current doctor to care for me anymore. I've noticed a change in him and I don't know what else to do but to find someone else too treat me. I try really hard to talk too him about thing that are going on with my body and he doesn't give me the best advice. He just give's me this look and it causes arguments between us, I don't want to argue with my doctor because it makes me really uncomfortable! Honestly i don't really go to anyone for help, not even my friends. I've all-ways been that way. I did go to the E.R when my leg was swollen and had to be admitted to make sure I didn't have any clots, on the contrary I haven't been for my hip though and not sure I want to anymore. My pain level is about a 10 everyday and the ibuprofen isn't working anymore. I'm also taking a few other things and they're not working either. So What else should i do?

December 28, 2010 - 7:33pm
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