6 days post op. Total swelling down leg

Bones, joints and muscles
1

The whole length of my leg is twice the size of my un op leg.I know it's early but it didn't think it would be the whole of My leg.I didn't have a drain so I'm worried.

2

Hi Angela,

There will be quite a bit of swelling for the first week or so.  Make sure that you keep you leg elevated as much as possible and apply ice packs several times a day.  This will help relieve swelling and discomfort. 

Wishing you the best as you continue to recover

3

I just realized that you said 'length', not size.  I'm guessing that you probably meant size?

4

Ooops, my fault.  I read it right the first time....Lol.

 

5

Hi Angela

Sorry to hear you are so swollen! I think swelling is to be expected considering what we all went through. Maybe you should phone the hospital where you had the op and ask what you could do to get the swelling down. I think I would do that and speak to the specialist or registrar and ask for advice. Good luck and hope it improves soon

6

Hi Angela. I'm sorry to hear about your swelling. I just had swelling on the upper thigh. I had the anterior THR. I would contact my physician. Though we are all different I would still call to be on the safe side. Good luck

7

Hi Angela

My leg was also swollen all the way to the foot. The swelling has been going down but it's still a bit swollen around my foot and ankle. I think this is quite common.

Sitting with your leg down makes it worse and excercise helps it to go down I think. I've not tried ice but others recommend that. (not sure where to put it if the whole leg is swollen)

Hope it improves soon.

Mike

8

This is super common and nothing to worry about. Use ice and you will get alot of relief. Put is everywhere you have , not just on the site but always on the site as well as any where else it is uncomfortable.. I have about ten bags.  Five in the freezer and five in use..The swelling  will go down and there is nothing to do but be patient.. it will work.. Move as you can which as you know is incredibly hard initially but gets better fast. .....wishing you speedy healing and sending you good wishes. and strength.  I am almost three weeks in and waked for forty minutes yesterday... no pain or swelling at all now... so have faith. 

9

Hey Libby

Great to hear you are walking so well. Me too and I'm only 12 days post op!! Keep up the good work

10

Hi Angela

My leg was like a tree trunk tight and hot. I had no pain though but had a blot clot and then a PE so if you are worried get checked immediately not trying to scare you but I didn't have the classic signs...

Julie

11

Hi Angela, as the others have said, swelling is pretty common. I had a very swollen leg, but after a few weeks it started to improve. Put your foot up when you are sitting, and put something cold on it.

You mentioned not having a drain, but I don't think that's unusual. If you are worried you could always ring the hospital. All the best, Judith

12

You have already had some good suggestions but I don't think anyone has mentioned putting one of those elasticated socks on. Cannot remember if anyone mentioned it but elevating your leg is helpful.

Cheers Richard

13

Thanks our for all your support and Advice . I'm probably panicking as I don't know what 'usual is' ! What a journey in our lives though! Home now today thank God so maybe I'll progress quicker.thanks again.

14

let us know if the seelling is responding to ice and elevation

15

I don't remember anyone in the hospital or myself having drain for the hip surgery I remember at the hospital quite a few of the patients that had their knees done had drains but they were taken out before they left the hospital

16

dear angela,

I hope the responses have eased your mind a little ...

 

Swelling and warmth around the scar are common after a hip replacement.

Mine started at groin and went down to ankle and was uncomfortable for weeks. However, this represents the normal process of healing and can last for several weeks to sometimes  even months .

Elevating your leg and icing might help.

You just had major invasive surgery where tissues were cut, handled and pulled around and can make fluid build up in the hours afterwards. This can stay or ebb and flow for days and even a couple of weeks. 

Also increased blood and lymph flow; healing happens because there is increased circulation bringing plentiful blood cells, plasma and lymph into the area to supply nutrition and oxygen - all needed for the creation of scar and normal tissue.

if you are in pain or have a fever, contact your doctor -

and you can always come here if you are concerned or just want to chat and get some support and feedback ..no better place to come ...

remember, you are not alone ..

be gentle with yourself

big warm hug

renee