I had bk surgery 3 weeks ago. I think I am retaining water in my legs. Why would this happen. Any advice would be appreciated.
Kind regards Gerwyn
Are you passing urine ok?
And are you on strong painkillers that tend to slow your system down.
I'm taking Gabapentin for neurological pain, and have had to drop the dose as they make me constipated, and also make me retain fluid, which ends up in my legs and ankles.
I found that raising my legs higher than my hips helps the kidneys to do their job better.
Like you I have spinal problems and this isn't easy.
What does your dr say?
Are you doing enough exercise? Walking as much as you can? If you are lying you'll retain water unless you're up and moving.
You can get water retention tablets if you live in England from the dr they are called Furosimeda - they cost something like 1€ 50c for a box. But i think I would get in touch with your dr first.
Thought this interesting http://hubpages.com/health/Why-Do-I-Have-Bladder-Retention-after-General-Anesthesia .....and it made me think of my op - I had water retention and think this link will answer why you have it. In fact if I remember when I woke from the anasthetic I couldn't wait to go to the loo. But no-one told me.... At the best of times I have water retention and can't get rid of it even with tablets. But think I would go to the dr first and read the article .. thought it quite good
The best thing is to elevate your kegs above your heart for now and call your doctor, you could be at risk fora bloodclot.
James is this for anyone who is retaining water. I have tried this but doesn't work....
Hi Laura.
I also am on (gav) I sometimes still have to consecrate to pass water. Also I am on mst morphine . I am in hospital as we speak but doctor really didn't seem bothered about it this morning. But now wen I press my legs my fingerprint stays indented. I will ask the night shift staff. I am walking around with a zimmer but not far. So I do a little often. I just feel I am not getting taken seriously so I just wanted some feedback before I bother them again.
King regards
Gerwyn
Hi Scott.
Yes I am doing little and often. I will try to elevate them now.
Hi James I will now. Thank you.
What surgery did you have? You didn't say.
Sorry Scott.
I had decomposition L4 L5 S1 both sides. Plusses there was a lot of scar tissue from the first decomposition opp L4 L5 S1 on the left side 18 months ago. They also hit the fluid sack and I had brain and spine fluid leaking so I had to be flat on my bk for 5 days.
Hi Gerwyn,
I've had three similar ops to you. Both L4/5 and L5/S1 decompressions. One in 07 and one in 2012. I've just, six weeks ago, had all these levels fused via an Anterior operation.
My first was very successful, back to all my sport etc but second wasn't successful which led to the fusion.
I also had the leak and was flat out for for 3 days.
After all three I've never had water retention. But I've walked a lot since day one after them all apart from 2012 when I wasn't allowed for 72 hours to walk but then did so.
Exercise, as you'll know is the key to a successful outcome. Try some swimming and gentle stretching.
Have you been referred to a Physio?
I am in rehab hospital now. I have physio twice a day mon- Fri I have still kept up with the program today . I am laying on my bed with my feet elevated. My legs have gone so big I can hardly bend my knee. I will call the nurse now and let you know the outcome.
Hi Scott.
They are going to monitor me through the night. Doctor will have a look in the morning.
Good. You're in the right place.
It's fluid if your skin stays indented when pressed, the morphine will slow your kidney function as well, they might give you some diuretics-- water tablets in the morning, sounds like you need them. Try not to worry too much, I'm seven weeks post surgery,,and having problems if I stay on my feet for too long.
Thanks Laura.
I do hope you improve and not like myself needed to have another opp. As least it's not nerve damage.
Oh, I have nerve damage. Can't feel my right foot/ankle/calf and my left thigh. Now can't feel the left hand side of my stomach due to my wound. Nerve pain ain't funny. Well, my kids find it funny when they can stick pins in my foot without me feeling it. 😂😂
I've had several ops Gerwyn, and been left with severe nerve damage, the one I'm recovering from now is not back related, thank goodness!
Oh no so sorry to hear this. I think once they start pulling our bk around it will never end.