Very Swollen

Posted , 9 users are following.

Had left THR 28th Jan & although the op went well I have been discharged & now recovering at home.

I am so swollen even my good leg so a lot of this is down to mobility & poor circulation. I keep doing my exercises but am very tired &am not very mobile. I wonder if others are experiencing these symptoms, I live in Berkshire UK

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Karen, have you tried elevating the leg? I would put my operated leg on a pillow while in bed and it really helped (the limb needs to be higher than your heart). I also had ice packs, they helped the really sore bits (my knee mostly).

    Hope you feel better soon,

    Jennifer, UK

    • Posted

      Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your reply. Have had leg up since coming home but doesn't seem to help. My operated leg feels so heavy so hopefully will improve quickly.

      Thank you for your help XX

    • Posted

      Hi Jennifer, Thanks for the advice. Yes I have my feet elevated but I find it very difficult to get into bed as my leg is like lead. It's ok when someone is around to put my leg up other than that it's a struggle. I read somewhere not to put the leg on a puffe & wonder if anyone else has suggestions

      Thank You for your support

      Karen Berkshire UK

       

    • Posted

      Hi Karen I used to sit with my legs up on sofa and also getting in bed I used to shimmy myself onto bed and lift my leg into position I thought lead feeling would never end it does take a few weeks but it does go eventually keep doing the excersises and rest as much as Yu can and make sure Yu take pain killers before Yu go to bed to relax Yu I promise it gets easier x Gina
  • Posted

    You have to realise it's only just over a week, I was like you it hurts so much, the swelling takes a while because you have to realise that there is a lot of nerves inside that have to heal but eventually it is all worth the pain and recuperation. I am 15 weeks and mine is taking bit longer because I had a torn muscle in hip caused by op but I don't need crutches or anything now, sleeping still a bit up and down am having physio referred by my doc so hopefully few weeks all pain will be gone, but it's nothing to wat I suffered before. X Yu will be fine but take all help you are offered and take your medication
    • Posted

      Hi Georgina ,

      Yes doing pretty much all of this so hopefully will all be good soon.

      Thanks for your advice

       

  • Posted

    Hi Karen

    it's early days- I had swelling in both legs for several weeks but it has now gone!  Walking is good and putting your feet up in bed. Do your exercises and it'll soon be a thing of the past.  Good luck Cathie

  • Posted

    Hi Karen, swelling is natural, I wasn't aware of it and was also concerned. I had my op 23/1/15 and my leg didn't swell for the first few days then it started and I thought it was going to burst. It was only my operated leg, not the other one, its due to the trauma to your body from the op. My foot is not swollen today and you need to sit with your foot up. Word of warning, I noticed yesterday my foot is all bruised round both sides of foot, I went to hospital yesterday for a wound check and they said this is quite normal and due to the op. As long as you haven't got sharp stabbing pains which could indicate a possible blood clot.

    You must expect to be tired and immobile at first, but it will pass, give yourself time (as long as it takes) and you will come out the other side, each day will get better. Its early days and a big op.

  • Posted

    Karen put a rolled towel under operated knee and pillow under foot wen Yu in bed this helps, until you get medical socks off it will be a struggle but it does get easier x
  • Posted

    Yes, especially the leg and foot.  Yes ice everything that hurts or that is swollen.  And btw......the blood thinner that they give u (warfarin) for the operation....and for a while after also causes swelling....Chk it out with your visiting nurse!
  • Posted

    Another tip as well as the advice you have already been given is to get some baby lotion.  If you skin feel tight on your legs and your ankles, put some baby lotion on them it eases the feeling of tightness and makes them feel softer.  UYou may also get some skinning round your ankles and it will also help with this.
  • Posted

    Hi Karen, I was very swollen as well low sodium diet and elevate your legs very helpful. lots of water keep doing exercises and elevate after . Good luck

    Jackie

  • Posted

    I'm 4 days post THR on my left hip and I didn't know about the swelling either! Bit of a shock today to find that my normal looking leg now resembles a Swiss roll!! I've found that elevating the leg works too (I was sitting in a chair too much) and that the exercises and walking helped. I know how you feel, I keep getting down at how ugly it looks and hate the tight feeling but I'm sure it will only get better so keep smiling and keep trying. Xx
  • Posted

    Thanks for all your support. Will keep you posted. XX

     

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