I was recently hospitalized with an MI and received 2 stents placed in coronary artery. I was prescribed Plavix(to be taken for the rest of my life), Pravachol, Benazapril, Atenolol, Nitro, and also 325mg Aspirin daily. I was told I have too many platelets in my blood, thus the Plavix.
My BP still averages around 180/115 even with meds. I am 52 years old with a strong family history of cardiac problems. I was also told I have atheroschlerosis. I have been reading all the warnings on the internet concerning drug-coated stents and now some rather unsavory news about Plavix.  I am still short of breath quite frequently and get bruises easily. Just last week I moved a TV in my room. The next day I noticed a "nice" bruise on my upper arm and also a hard pea-sized lump at the site. The bruise is gradually fading but the lump remains. Could it be a clot?