First post - leg swelling after harvesting

[CABGman]

Had a quadruple bypass six months ago. Feel great and back in the gym, but the lower left leg still swollen and with numbness. Just wondering if the swelling will ever go down. Read some reports that it can still be around after 2 years! Anybody had similar problems?

[thetidders]

Hi, it’s not unusual, I had a triple bypass last April & the left lower leg just above the ankle still swells up by the end of the day. I wear light compression or flight socks & keep my leg up on a foot stool when I can & that helps. It has improved over time & it is still numb where the vein was harvested from in the same area. I was told not to worry as it can take a long time. Jean

[CABGman in reply to thetidders]

Thanks Jean. I need to start wearing the socks more. I guess it's about letting time pass and hoping it subsides.

[thetidders in reply to CABGman]

I was a reluctant wearer of them, I must admit, especially when we had such a hot summer but they have helped. Just be careful they are not too tight for you especially at the elasticated top. Jean

[Phil-52]

Hi CABGman, I had a quad almost three years ago now and it took a couple of years until my socks stopped leaving a great dent in my ankles. I could put pressure on my shins with my fingers and it would leave finger shaped indents. It gradually stopped and now it all seem fine.

[CABGman in reply to Phil-52]

Thanks Phil-52. You give me hope that there will be an end to it - eventually!

[stevejb1810]

I'm some 15 months post a triple CABG and I still have numbness in the lower left leg (where the vessels were harvested). It's getting better, but very slowly. Fortunately, it's not something that causes me any inconvenience. I had some slight swelling early on after the op but nothing of note for a long time now. Having said that, I do wear knee length compression socks (in preference to standard socks) most of the time which I think, help (I find them more comfortable as they do not 'strangle' my calves and leave deep indentations in them). I started doing this based on something the surgical registrar said - they wear compression socks in surgery because they are on their feet so much of the time).

So, its purely anecdotal, but perhaps worth a try.

[CABGman]

I am out and about quite a lot on my feet so this is definitely worth a try. Have to source some compression socks that actually look like socks! Thanks for your experience and advice.