Post CABG - Ankle swelling

[Haribocat]

Hi. Posting on behalf of my mum 2 weeks post triple bypass - including long leg vein for 2 of the grafts. Didn't get out of bed till day 5 due to temp pacing wires. Feet/ankles still quite swollen, can be pale and also hot + itchy. Is making sure keeps getting up and walking around house etc, but only been outside last two days due to appalling weather! any hints & tips please? How high should her feet be raised to assist?

[KazSumm]

Hi Haribocat

I had AVR 7 months ago.

My feet and ankles were very hot and swollen, my husband rolled up a spare duvet and placed it under the mattress which raised the bottom just high enough and because it was under the mattress my feet kept in that position where as if you were just using a pillow in the bed to raise them your feet roll off when your sleeping.the swelling went down really quickly and I kept it there for about 2weeks at the same time

My GP had prescribed diuretic.

Hope your Mum has a speedy recovery Kaz ❤️💕💖

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there, she should also still be wearing the support socks which wil help

[Haribocat in reply to skid112]

She's not had support socks at any point - none of the patients here had them.

[Allyboy1973]

The most important thing is to keep moving . I still get ankle swelling nearly 2 years down the line . I have an area that is totally numb just above my ankle bone. I think it's something that I just need to live with sometimes it's worse than others . But being mobile and active help .

[stevejb1810]

I had a triple CABG back in October. I was one of the fortunate ones who didn't have any swelling issues with the legs, but I did meet a few who did! So, talking with them the advice seems to be exercise (especially walking), diuretics are commonly prescribed so you'll likely ned to talk to the GP for that and in some instances as well raising the foot end of the bed (on blocks for example) will help as well. As for how long, that's a bit more difficult to answer - there is not set time, you just keep going until the issue goes away (hopefully).

Steve

[Zimmies]

Hi I had a quadruple bypass and it was drilled into to all the patients that you had to wear compression stockings continuously for 6 weeks post op. I would certainly ask the question of the hospital if your mum should have them. Regarding the swelling it took about 3 months before the swelling started to go down.

[Prada47]

Hi Haribocot

Compression Socks were a must after CABG for everyone on the ward !!!.

I was told to watch the temperature as it can be a sign of infection, wishing your mum well.

Regards

Frank W