Post knee replacement - 09/09/2020

[ZippyAppletush]

Hi, I've been put on Rivaroxaban post surgery and have small blisters appearing round wound dressing (no idea if they are under the dressing; can't see). I was told they were due to pressure of moving around post surgery, and were harmless, but being curious and reading more, I've found they can be due to medication. Three more have appeared since returning home yesterday, 12/09, and I have just been given sterile dressings to put in place to prevent added infection.

Should I be more concerned? I have bruising in odd places...such as where my pant line lies on thighs when using bathroom, but other than that feeling very well post surgery.

Not one to freak out, just curious about all this. First major surgery since the mid 90's and 58 y/o female.

Thanks in advance of any and all comments. I'm already on HU for hypothyroidism.

[SpeedyH]

Hi there. I have no experience of this although I did read a research paper just after I started on anticoagulants about an elderly lady developing blisters on Rivaroxaban. I got the impression that this hypersensitivity was very rare, could happen with any anticoagulant and indeed other meds like Ibuprofen. Also the blisters were more widespread rather than around a specific wound site.

You might well develop tiny red spots, particularly on your torso. This is caused by tiny bleeds and isn’t a worry as long as there are not many of them. And as you have discovered, you may well bruise much more easily without an obvious knock. The bruise you mention might have been caused during your surgery, perhaps it was where you were given an injection for example.

I think you are right in not being too alarmed, but perhaps get another medical opinion, perhaps your GP, if it is usual to get blisters around a wound site?

[ZippyAppletush in reply to SpeedyH]

Hi SpeedyH and thank you SO much for your reply. Keeping fingers firmly crossed, I’ve had no further blisters, and checked my tum for spots...none there! Phew!

I have an appointment on 23/09 to remove the staples, so they can see the blistering then and can advise.

The bruising could also have been from a tourniquet? That word was mentioned during my stay. At least the bruises seem to have stopped spreading. No new ones today.

Again, thank you for replying, and hopefully no more surprises. I’m looking forward to the wound healing, the dressings coming off, and the bruises being a distant memory.

Best wishes!

[SpeedyH in reply to ZippyAppletush]

I had a big bruise on my tummy after having wisdom teeth out and when I asked about it the surgeon said it was where he had to stand on me to pull the teeth out... I’m guessing it was where they gave me a heparin injection, but at the back of my mind, I do still wonder! 😉🤣🤣🤣

[ZippyAppletush in reply to SpeedyH]

OMG! I have a 30 y/o with special needs (think 5 y/o in adult body) who is heading for dental surgery on wisdom tooth! 😱😂 I’ll go with your heparin option and hope for the best! Nightmare!

At least she’ll be none the wiser other than it will hurt for a while. The ice cream will help! 😂

[SpeedyH in reply to ZippyAppletush]

My son, likewise, is 22. If your daughter is having it done in hospital, you probably know that many hospitals have specialist learning disability nurses that will support you both at all appointments and on the day. Sometimes useful if you come up against issues around consent, you being there when she wakes up, getting her first on the list etc etc. 🙂

[ZippyAppletush in reply to SpeedyH]

Hello again and thank you for that info. My daughter is registered with a traffic light scheme at our district hospital but have been informed she will be sent to another District. I will get in touch with them in advance of the pre-op already booked. That will be a great help, if it's in place.

It's unfortunate I'm not able to mobilise myself for a few weeks after the surgery so I'm reliant on hubby. We don't always see eye to eye on timing, lol!

[Pontlottyn]

Bruising. Major side effect for me, I still have have bruising inside left knee. Changed to Abixaban quickly and now no side effects.

[ZippyAppletush in reply to Pontlottyn]

Hi Pontlottyn and thank you for your reply. How long since you had medication that bruises are still visible?

I seem to have settled down now; no more new bruising, but I’ll keep your option in mind for future. I’ll be needing the other knee doing sooner than later I’m sure.

[Pontlottyn in reply to ZippyAppletush]

Must be a couple of yers ago that I switched to Apixaban - the Riveraxaban obviously did not suit me, the bruises soon appeared but were, mostly, gone in a couple of months after medication change. The bruise inside left knee is still there but doesn't matter as I am a bloke and only wear the kilt once a year....

No pain, just unsightly

[ZippyAppletush in reply to Pontlottyn]

As you say, just once a year... Or it could be a talking point as an injury? 😉 Interesting how meds affect people though.