Swollen legs

I had a hip replacement five weeks ago on the left hand side. My left leg is still swollen. I went to the GP and he was concerned it might be a blood clot and referred me to the local hospital. After a scan it was found I didn't have a blood clot. It does say in the literature that you can have severe swelling in the operated side leg for some time after the operation. I have always been prone to ankle swelling and feet swelling in hot weather or after a car journey. I think as long as you feel well you shouldn't worry. And the fact you're on blood thinners should prevent any blood clots. If you are worried, see your GP.

@Norny I kind of agree with @PJoanne that the causes might vary.

I think somehow arthritis and swollen limbs seem to go together in some way, and maybe others will agree or disagree. I don't recall having any swollen limbs before arthritis.

@Norny good to hear you've spoken to the hospital and you'll get the chance to talk to your nurse on Monday.

It is always worrying to wonder whether something is normal or not after surgery. I found my operated leg was swollen for some time, especially between my hip and knee. My other leg was swollen around my ankle and knee for some unknown reason. Eventually it all sorted itself out and I hope yours does. I didn't have compression socks but had the injections and aspirin which gave some comfort.

Good news that you are feeling well though. Take care.

@Norny I've had both hips replaced this year, the last was in May. I didn't shower after the first one till the clips came out, just washed every day . After the second op I didn't shower for the first week. I had a shower proof dressing on both times . Getting in and out of the bath to have a shower was scary even with an electric chair.

I didn't take it off apart from changing it once. I just showered and it stayed put. Very good adhesive but no pain to take it off. Do not let the wound get wet while it is still fresh. Don't overdo the exercise. Concentrate on healing. It takes 12 weeks to fully heal from the outside in. Exercise slowly and carefully till it doesn't hurt then you can be a bit more vigorous but it should still be controlled movements. Rest when you feel any pain like that. It is very early days and you've had a major operation. Take your medication regularly too. It makes a big difference to your recovery.

@Norny fascinating stuff for folks who might need it one day, do keep sharing. My goodness, that healing magic trick the body does is like totally amazing. Staples coming out Monday, thats incredible. Try not to bump into anything.

I know what you mean. I was longing for a shower, albeit scared to climb in and out of the bath, or slip whilst showering. But actually all went well. I had soluble stitches but my dressing was taken off at two weeks and I was told I could shower then.

I agree if you can go without your compression socks for at least part of the day you might feel better - fingers crossed.

I also understand the feeling fed up - we go through so much don't we? We're tired, learning to live again and getting over the surgery - hopefully you'll start to feel less fed up as you see you're making progress.

Take care.

Hi @Norny

I had to use my compression stockings for 6 weeks - awful things. I have had an electric foot spa for years as I suffer with swollen feet anyway and that 20 minutes in the mornings between changing the stockings was pure bliss and I would recommend to anyone.

My Physio told me that I should be raising my legs above my hips for at least 2 hours a day which I used to do after my afternoon session of physio.

With the shower, again I was told it was a bit no until after the staples were removed. The nurse had to put another dressing on after she had removed the staples due to a bit of weeping so it was 2 1/2-3 weeks before I could have one. It was bliss. However it was very difficult as we have a shower over bath so it took me about 20 minutes with steps and hand holds with very gingerly moving my poor leg to get into the bath to shower and again afterwards.

It never ceases to amaze me how different hospitals and surgeons treat their hip replacement patients!

Trish xx

I had my hip done seven weeks ago and my left leg is still swollen. I saw the surgeon last week for the six weekly check up. He said it is quite normal after a hip operation although not everyone experiences it (my friend didn't) and it will go eventually.