Very Swollen

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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