Leg swelling

nearlybionic · 2. Mar 2009, 05:36

Hi
I am 1 week on from my THR, and am experiencing quite extensive leg and foot swelling. I know this happens but wondered if nayone knew how long this goes on for. It does go down slightly ovenight with rest, but in the evening it is awful to look at and feels very uncomfortable. It is so marked that it looks like 2 completely different legs!!
Any advice would be gratefully received.
NB

sueandted · 2. Mar 2009, 06:03

My ankle was really swollen when I had my plaster changed two weeks after my op , but it has gone down a lot now , I was told to keep it elevated when resting preferbly higher than my heart .
I would phone the ward you were on to ask advice , cus I'm probably telling you rubbish ! :roll:

elnafinn · 2. Mar 2009, 06:03

Hi there

I presume you are doing the obvious, like not standing for long periods of time (at the kitchen sink...) walking around too much ie not resting enough. Always when sitting have legs elevated.
Not sure if ice packs would help in this instance.

Remember to do the ankle pumps to get the circulation going when legs are elevated.

Hope it disappears soon,

Elna

elnafinn · 2. Mar 2009, 06:09

Hi again,

If the swelling is associated at all with pain or tenderness in the calf muscles or the swelling just seems over-excessive, and does not repond to elevation, get in contact with whoever you have been told to phone if you have any problems/queries.

Wishing you all the best
Elna

annalisa · 3. Mar 2009, 07:05

i would check it out with the nurse i have had both mine done and had quite a bit of swelling they just tell you to rest it up ice packs are good to its very early days its inportant to have a little move around but for the first month rest is the best thing annalisa xx

nearlybionic · 3. Mar 2009, 07:55

Hi
Thanks for your replies. My operation leg is still swollen and gets more so as day progresses. I am resting most of the time and it does go down a little overnight. I have read somewhere that it can swell for between 3-6 months! :shock: I hope not!
NB

elnafinn · 3. Mar 2009, 19:48

Were you supplied with compression stockings after the op to be worn for 6 weeks?

annalisa · 4. Mar 2009, 02:16

i only wore mine while i was in hospital you will get a lot of swelling in the first few weeks. annalisa x

nearlybionic · 4. Mar 2009, 03:30

Hi
I was looking forward to the lovely surgical stockings but alas I did not get any, not even in hospital. :? However, although I am still getting some swelling it is not as severe as at the weekend.
I have heard it can happen for quite a while after surgery though.

annalisa · 4. Mar 2009, 04:11

perhaps you need to wear one on the affected leg for a few hours a day i would have a word with your nurse annalisa x

elnafinn · 4. Mar 2009, 04:21

I was instructed to wear mine (on both legs)after a TKR for 6 weeks and also had to self inject Clexane for two weeks on returning home as a preventive for blood clots etc.

Every surgeon has different ideas though.

I am sorry to hear that you have chicken pox on top of everything else!

Keep smiling. All will be well!

Elna

colinone · 4. Mar 2009, 05:05

elnafinn wrote:

Hi there

I presume you are doing the obvious, like not standing for long periods of time (at the kitchen sink...) walking around too much ie not resting enough. Always when sitting have legs elevated.
Not sure if ice packs would help in this instance.

Remember to do the ankle pumps to get the circulation going when legs are elevated.

Hope it disappears soon,

Elna

I never met a woman who knew how not to overdo it, now when you have someone whos nearly bionic it must be harder. Now do as your told and get your feet up and plenty of rest. White stockings hey well they dont stay up every time you walk they fall down lol you would have to get garters or suspenders. Can you see yourself laying in bed in the hospital no i'm sorry forget that lol. I'm lucky not had that op yet hope i dont i'm scared of hospitals. But i know it can swell for quite a some time because my nan had it done. How is the pain doing i think the whole thing is amazing how you can be back on your feet so soon. but do take easy.
Colin

annalisa · 4. Mar 2009, 05:30

behave yourself colin what is it with men and suspenders lol annalisa x

elnafinn · 4. Mar 2009, 05:43

The stocking I was provided with (2 pairs even) were dark green and to the knee only - no suspenders needed.

Like the ones you wear on long haul flights

Some hospitals in Berkshire are trendy

Elna

nearlybionic · 4. Mar 2009, 06:26

You lot know how to cheer me up and make me chuckle!!

I saw my GP yesterday about the chicken pox, and asked him about the stockings and he said I could try flight socks. I am injecting Clexane each evening for 28 days post op.I had an awful vision of my in surgical stockings and suspenders, and a spotty chicken pox face!! Very attractive. I will try it out on my hubby when he comes home from work! (not)
The thing that I am trying to cope with today is my slippers which have streched a bit with the swelling and now I have 2 odd sized slippers. The right on normal , the left one would fit an elephants foot!!!
I am resting honestly Colin, I have no idea who took the washing out of the machine with their helping hand!!? :shock:

ritnew · 4. Mar 2009, 06:49

I am resting honestly Colin, I have no idea who took the washing out of the machine with their helping hand!!? :shock:[/quote]

You've had a visit from the fairies then NB they are very good at doing these little jobs. They cleaned my windows last week

Hope your feeling a little better today.

Take care and keep smiling,

Rita X

Leg swelling

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