TKR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I had TKR 4 weeks ago and the white stockings are driving me mad. How long did you all keep them on for?

Thanks Mary

2

I never wore them beyond the hospital, I just iced mine and the swelling was gone by 3 weeks..I am 6 weeks out.

3

Hi Mary,

The torture stockings come in all sorts of colours.  Mine were a dark slate grey colour (I think...But then I'm colour blind, they could have been yellow).

As far as I'm aware, It's 6 weeks you have to keep them on for.  Yes you did read that right...SIX weeks!  They're horrible and I was very glad when I could consign them to the bin.  However, I did afford myself the luxury of removing them for a half hour each day, and that feeling of relief was sheer extacy. 

4

Hi Mary 

ive been told 6 weeks by my surgeon ..

Hows it going after 4 weeks ??? 

5

Six weeks - to the minute.  Count yourself lucky, I had to wear them through one of our hottest Summers!

They are dreadful to wear, but the alternative is far, far worse.

Unfortunately, will be back in them end of March for knee number two.

Lynn 8 months post op

6

Good Luck Lynn

7

I've had a hip replacement and a TKR and never worn the dreaded stockings... My surgeon doesn't believe you need them 😊

8

Thanks.  Very kind of you.

Pigging awful operation.

9

Thanks John

Starting to see light at end of tunnel. Never had so much pain tho!! How are you?

10

Hope the second goes well. At least you know what to expect, although I'm not sure thats good

11

The recommendation by surgeon and physio that you should wear them 6 weeks to avoid DVT xx

12

Hi Mary,

 

I wore mine continuously for two weeks, but I was also in a straight leg brace for that time as I had a patella realignment, lateral release and arthroscopy. After I was able to ditch the brace (oh the ecstasy!) my surgeon said I only needed to wear my stocking when I went to bed or when I was sitting for long periods. Stopped using it completely at around 5 weeks.

At 13 weeks I'm still icing about 3-4 times per day (after my multiple exercise sessions).

13

Hello Mary

I had green compression stockings they were thigh high. I wore them for six weeks and hated them but when i stopped the swelling got worse. At 10 weeks i still wear them when my leg feels swollen and heavy and it does provide relief.

14

I wore them years ago, but the recent replacements I didn't have to wear them. Thank goodness.

15

should i be icing still? I stopped weeks ago

TKR 13 weeks 1 day

16

At least 6 - 8 weeks. I flying next week and will be using them on the flight

17

My surgeon is fanatical about them and insists on six weeks, but because I was so active and with much moaning from me, he gave in at four weeks and off they came.  It was the highlight of the year!  Some surgeons don't use them, some use injections, there seems to be so many different views on what is best. I think perhaps they are the safest option for the first few weeks, but six weeks seems like eternity when you are wearing them!

18

It rather seems that there is divided opinion here between surgeons. Over here in Spain, I don't know anyone who has had to wear them, but EVERYONE does have to use heparin (or similar) injections every day to thin the blood, which to my mind is a much better solution!  OK, it burns a bit when you liquid goes in, but then that's it for the day . . I feel really sorry for those who have to wear the stockings. It sounds horrific  and e on top of all the other pain we have to put up with!.  And how on earth do you bend the knee with thigh high support stockings on?  However, if it does stop DVT and you aren't having the injections, it does seem to be rather important . . . 

19

As I previously replied I haven't had to wear the stockings for either of my surgeries but for my TKR I did have the daily injections for two weeks 

20

Hi I'm 15wks now and never wore them. My surgeon said provided i kept moving my toes etc i didnt need them. No problems