Neurodiversity information for parents and young people
Important information
You must have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours following your procedure. This includes staying with you overnight.
For the first 24 to 48 hours you must:
- rest and avoid strenuous activity
- avoid heavy lifting or prolonged standing until cleared by your doctor. (You can walk short distances).
- avoid driving until cleared by your doctor.
How to aid your recovery at home
To aid your recovery, follow these steps.
Looking after the incision (cut) site
Monitor the site. Keep an eye on the area where the catheter was inserted (typically the groin or arm). Look for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth or discharge [and then do what?]
Keep it dry. if you have a dressing over the site, keep it clean and dry. You can shower, but avoid soaking the area in water for at least 48 hours. [What does this mean in practice?]
Pain relief
It is usual to experience some discomfort or bruising at the incision site.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as paracetamol, can help with mild pain.
If we have prescribed you with stronger pain relief, take it as directed.
If the pain becomes severe, or you notice swelling or excessive bruising, contact your medical team [what does this mean in practice? phone them? what if it's out of office hours?].
When to seek urgent medical help
Go to your nearest emergency department (A&E) if you experience any of the following.
- Increased redness, swelling, discharge, excessive bleeding or continuous swelling at the insertion site.
- Numbness, tingling, swelling or change of colour in your leg or foot that does not improve with rest.
- Severe pain in your leg, especially if it is not relieved by painkillers.
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat or dizziness.
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection [what are these signs?]
Medicines
Important
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
It is important that your doctor has this information, to avoid potential drug interactions (reactions between 2 or more drugs).
Dual antiplatelet therapy
If we have inserted a stent, we will put you onto dual antiplatelet therapy: aspirin and clopidogrel.
Take these exactly as directed. Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
We will discharge you home with a 1 month supply. If you were not on this medicine before the procedure, we will ask you to book an appointment with your GP to get a repeat prescription.
You will remain on dual therapy until you see your vascular consultant at the follow-up clinic.
Other medicines
If you have other prescribed medicines, for example for blood pressure or cholesterol, continue taking them as usual unless your doctor tells you not to.
Follow-up appointments
Telephone clinic
We will give you a follow-up appointment in the Interventional Radiology Telephone Clinic. This will take place 48 hours after your discharge from hospital.
Duplex scan
This will take place within 1 week after your discharge if you experience any procedural complications or if we inserted a new stent.
It will take place within 2 weeks after discharge if you already had a stent before your procedure. We will continue to monitor your stent afterwards [what does this mean? when and how?]
In-person appointment
We will give you a follow-up with your referring vascular consultant 6 weeks after your procedure. During this appointment, they will assess your recovery and check for any complications.
Ongoing care
Depending on your recovery, we may offer you further imaging or additional treatments to monitor the success of the angioplasty.
Lifestyle and health
Follow these steps to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular problems.
Healthy diet
Follow a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt) to help manage your condition and prevent further artery blockages.
Regular exercise
Regular physical activity, as recommended by your doctor, is important for maintaining healthy circulation. Start with short walks and gradually increase as you get stronger.
Smoking
Quitting smoking can significantly improve your vascular health.
Weight management
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of further cardiovascular problems.
More information
[Add links for advice on the lifestyle and health topics?]
Contact information
Interventional Radiology department, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Telephone: